Interdisciplinary Science and Business
The science method has been responsible for some of the greatest technological innovations in history. Companies that embrace science have a competitive advantage. But it’s essential to understand that science isn’t only about innovation. It’s about understanding the world around us, and the way people use products or services.
While scientists are typically absorbed in their work and are focused on expanding the boundaries of knowledge, it takes an entrepreneur to make that discovery into the form of a product or service that benefits society. This requires a different set capabilities, such as scepticism, and an increased focus on the material. While science can be driven by curiosity, intuition and prior knowledge, it’s crucial to incorporate scepticism as well as techniques such as internal and external peer review, random control trials and the like to prevent blind optimism.
It’s not just about making money It’s also about making decisions that will benefit customers, employees, and shareholders over the long run. The challenge is creating an environment that is supportive of both aspects, and recognizes their interconnectedness.
A major in Interdisciplinary Science and Business is an exceptional opportunity to create an integrated framework that combines these two areas of expertise to ensure that you are prepared for a successful career in any related field to business. The interdisciplinary degree is offered jointly by Penn State Behrend’s School of Science and the Black School of Business, and it is one of only a few business-science undergraduate programs offered across the country. You can customize your degree by choosing a specific block of courses on either the science or business side of the equation which best meets your needs.