Two years ago, West Chester University’s Office of Institutional Research began surveying its contacts at some of the region’s largest employers, peppering them with questions regarding the prospect of International Business as a major.

The university, at that time, only offered it as a minor.

The survey’s respondents – employees of companies such as QVC, Vanguard, GlaxoSmithKline, DuPont, and the Computer Sciences Corporation – found it hard to believe that WCU did not confer degrees in International Business.

“A lot of them were surprised that we didn’t have it,” said Matthew Shea, an Associate Professor of Management in the College of Business and Public Affairs. “The overwhelming majority, something like 92 percent, said that, in some form or another, International Business is a part of their careers.”

WCU then polled its student body to gauge interest.

“A lot of students said they would’ve pursued International Business if it were a major when they enrolled,” said Shea.

Like any great college that prepares its students for the real world, WCU took inventory of what employers are demanding, listened to its most important asset, and responded with action.

With the new fall semester, WCU is debuting its newest major: International Business.

WCU joins Clarion and Indiana University of Pennsylvania as the only other schools in the Pennsylvania State System of Higher Education to have programs accredited by the Association to Advance Collegiate Schools of Business.

“And that makes us the only PASSHE school on eastern side of the state,” said Shea. “We’re hoping the program grows fairly quickly.”

The 1989 graduate of Unionville High School – who holds degrees from Connecticut College, Pittsburgh, and Temple, the latter where he earned his Ph.D. – is helping to coordinate and promote International Business at WCU.

“What sets us apart is that we’re not like traditional business schools,” Shea said. “Our program is interdisciplinary in nature. Because of that, we didn’t have to create any new courses. Students majoring in International Business can take courses in political science, geography, economics, finance, foreign language, etc., and it counts toward their degree.

“We believe this will make our students even more qualified when they graduate.”