Integrated Business and Humanities (IBH)

Business for Humanity

Help transform the world around you

An IBH professor, talking with students sitting around a table with laptops.

The Integrated Business and Humanities (IBH) program is designed to produce Canada’s next generation of business leaders.

As an IBH student you are exposed to a variety of learning opportunities via coursework and co-curricular activities, with an emphasis on responsible leadership and management tactics for our changing global economy. The program also encourages community engagement and sustainable business practices.

With skills you gain from McMaster’s Faculties of Business and Humanities, you will truly be equipped to create valuable and lasting change, both locally and internationally.

What skills will you develop?

Alongside fostering strong business expertise demanded by corporations today, the IBH program develops sharp critical thinking skills that enhance your personal and ethical values. You also become more aware and understanding of various emotions and cultures which aids you in transforming communities at home and abroad.

How will you build those skills?

IBH has a uniquely integrated, interdisciplinary curriculum that weaves together the core pillars of the program; leadership and community engagement, through creatively designed courses and activities.

 

Inside The Classroom

Unique Teaching Style

The IBH program incorporates both blended learning and team-taught classes, offering a varied and interdisciplinary perspective on major issues. This enables you to integrate and apply skills developed in both Commerce and Humanities courses into your future endeavours.

Live Cases in Class

The majority of in-class casework follows a “live” format; exploring current issues faced by various organizations, industries and governments.

 

Outside The Classroom

Commerce Internship Program

The 12-16 month paid internship includes opportunities to work at businesses, non-profit organizations and social enterprises, providing practical experience in your area of interest.

Community Engagement Consulting

By completing class field studies in partnership with local businesses, non-profit organizations and social enterprises, you gain an understanding of real-world issues while also making a difference by giving back to the community.

Global Experiences

By learning in a setting far outside your comfort zone, you view challenges in a new way and prepare for success in today’s global economy.

IBH Global Business Experience

You will be exposed to unique business and social enterprises in a developing nation; during which you learn, observe, and take part in community building in a non-intrusive manner.

Student Exchange

Studying abroad offers an unparalleled opportunity for immersion in another culture and to learn from a global perspective.

Extracurricular Activities

Getting involved in a variety of student and faculty run activities, such as the DeGroote Commerce Society and the DeGroote 24-Hour Case Competition, promotes professional growth, develops leadership, and creates a platform for you to actively engage in the community.

 

The Fine Print

Admission Requirements

Courses:

  • English (ENG4U)
  • Calculus and Vectors (MCV4U)
  • Four other Grade 12 U/M level courses

IBH Is a Direct Entry Program: Students Enter Directly in Their First Year

Anticipated Admission Average: 88-92%

Number of Students Accepted: 60

Application Deadline: January 15, 2024.

Supplemental Application Deadline: February 1, 2024.

Supporting Documentation Deadline: April 1, 2024. Submit new, available grades immediately as available.

English proficiency (if applicable): April 1, 2024.

View the IBH Supplemental Application Here.

All applicants are required to complete a recorded interview using a video platform.

 

For more information about the IBH program please look at the Future McMaster Website.

 

Scholarships

The IBH program offers scholarships to incoming students, more information can be found here. The Office of the Registrar can provide information about other McMaster scholarships, bursaries, and financial aid.

First-Year Courses

  • Leadership Development
  • Leadership Coaching 1
  • Introduction to Language and Society
  • Introduction to Peace Studies for IBH
  • Introductory Macroeconomics
  • Introductory Microeconomics
  • Financial Accounting
  • Perspectives on Canadian Business
  • IBH in the Community
  • Fundamentals of Ethics
  • Insight and Inquiry: Questions to Change the World

Note: IBH students are able to take a variety of elective courses from across McMaster in their upper years.

Future Careers

The skills that you develop in the IBH program allow you to pursue a variety of potential careers in the corporate sector, non-profit organizations and social enterprises. Some examples of future careers include, but are not limited to:

  • Financial Analyst
  • Human Rights Diplomat
  • Management Consultant
  • Organizational Change Manager
  • Management Strategist
  • Operations Officer
  • Entrepreneur/Social Entrepreneur
  • Sustainability Officer