Global Business Exchange Programs

Incoming Exchange Students: Pre-Arrival Guide

Introduction to The Robert H. Smith School of Business

The Smith School of Business is a recognized leader in management education and research, with a particular focus on the role of technology in business today. The school's academic programs provide an in-depth education in fundamental business disciplines, such as entrepreneurship, finance, management and marketing, integrated with cross-functional concentrations such as e-service, e-commerce, telecommunications, financial engineering, supply chain management, and global knowledge management. Because of the forward-looking research projects, executive education, and corporate partner programs, the school is an invaluable resource for businesses, government, and over 30,000 alumni worldwide

The Smith School was one of the first business schools in the country to introduce cross-functional MBA concentrations that promote the breadth and depth of skills needed by managers today. The list of elective e-business courses - including supply chain management, electronic commerce, financial engineering, technology management, and global knowledge management - is one of the most extensive offered by top business schools. With more than 47 courses related to e-business and 40 percent of degree requirements set aside for elective courses, students can create a personal program of study to meet their unique interests and career goals.

The School has completed the expansion project designed to nearly double the available space, adding new classrooms, career services facilities, computer labs, and high-tech research and teaching centers.

The School also recently launched the Netcentricity Business Laboratory, a one-of-a-kind facility where students can explore the convergence of e-commerce, financial trading, and supply chain management within a seamless distributed environment. The lab, deployed with partners Sun Microsystems, Oracle, TIBCO Software, Cisco Systems, and EDS, makes possible first-hand experience for today's networked business practices.

Finally, Smith provides a benefit that few schools can match: living and learning in one of the most dynamic high-tech areas in the country, the Washington, D.C./Northern Virginia/Baltimore techway. The region is the telecom capital of the world, rich with start-ups, info-tech and bio-tech ventures, and international trade. Smith school partnerships with organizations here offer cross-fertilization of experience and understanding of real-world business challenges.