USC - World Bachelors in Business? Worth It? Advice?

Colleges and Universities A-Z University of Southern California
1

Hello CCers!

I was just wondering if anyone has any advice or stats about the World of Bachelors Business (WBB) program at USC, which is also in conjunction with The Hong Kong University of Science and Technology, as well as the University of Bocconi in Milan, Italy. (You study for a year at each university, and then for the fourth year, you choose which university and its focus fits you best. You graduate with 3 degrees, a degree from each university! :slight_smile: More info here: http://wbb.usc.edu/)

This program seems such an awesome, once-in-a-lifetime experience! I want to study something in business, and the idea of studying abroad sounds very attractive to me because I want that global, hands-on experience that will allow me to have a worldly mindset. At the same time, I want to make sure the business education I’m getting is worth the time and money I’m investing in it. I’m planning on applying to WBB, and I know it’s very selective to get in, but I do have some major concerns and questions about the program itself (since it’s relatively new).

  1. What kinds of jobs do students typically work at after they graduate? How is the job placement for graduates of this program? Are businesses looking to recruit students from this program? (Is this attractive to businesses that are looking to hire?)
  2. Is the global experience worth the money (all the college debt)? If I realize that I can't afford WBB, will I still be able to attend USC if I get in? Will I still have the option of going to USC if I don't get into WBB?
  3. How does this program compare with UPENN's Huntsman program, for example? I know Wharton and Huntsman is well established and for Huntsman, in particular, you study in the area of the target language you choose to study.

I’ve already done all the research I can, and I thank you in advance for any advice or thoughts! Your comments are greatly appreciated! :slight_smile:

2

You may be better off posting this on the USC board. I know about Huntsman at Penn but I never heard of this program (but I’m on the east coast). It does sound interesting though.

3

Hi Hellograduate,

I am a member of the first cohort of this degree program and think I can help you out.

  1. From what I can tell there is a definite leaning toward banking professions, although the program itself doesn’t specialize too much so it’s really open for you to choose. Maybe it’s because I’m in the first class, but it has been really nice for getting interviews with firms because it’s such an interesting degree choice and employers love the global aspect. The vast majority of us secured junior year internships.

  2. The program is a lot cheaper than attending USC by itself - you pay the tuitions of UST and Bocconi while you are there, which are much lower. The final year is a standardized rate (still about half of USC). Half of the students in the program are awarded financial aid on top of that incentive. I would say it’s definitely worth it! Yes, you can still attend USC - it’s a separate admission. A rejection from WBB doesn’t mean a rejection from Marshall.

  3. It’s hard to compare WBB to Huntsman because they are vastly different. I think that purely from a ranking perspective UPenn wins out, but I truly think WBB is setting the stage for a new generation of business education, and we all are very excited to be at the beginning of it.