Business, Organizations and Society (BA)
Program Description
The Business, Organizations and Society (BOS) program offers a deep understanding of how businesses shape and are shaped by the societies in which they are embedded. Students will be provided with tools to analyze business decisions and outcomes from multiple perspectives (i.e., social, political, economic), emphasizing the role and responsibilities of business and organizations in society. The major equips students with a broad methodological grounding and competence in business fundamentals. Students will learn to be effective organizational and global leaders through strategic thinking, practical experience, analytical, and quantitative skills, in conjunction with a focus on teamwork, communications, innovation, and creativity.
The BOS curriculum equips students with the essential tools to succeed in global organizations and the perspective to apply those tools thoughtfully and effectively. It is grounded on a range of offerings designed to inculcate entrepreneurial thinking, tolerance, creativity, data-driven analysis, and principle-based decision-making. The BOS major will produce well-rounded students with the skills and mindset needed to understand the broader societal role of business and to contribute meaningfully to the transformation of global economies. Upon completing the program, students will demonstrate mastery of social science theories and approaches for acquiring knowledge, alongside a solid understanding of core business functions and practices. They will be able to apply ethical reasoning to complex social, political, and business challenges and collaborate effectively on project-based work that simulates real-world strategic decisions and communication. BOS students will also analyze how markets and state systems evolve, drawing on key historical and cultural developments, and use quantitative reasoning and data analysis to interpret market trends and make data-informed forecasts. Finally, the curriculum emphasizes the principles of building effective organizations, with students learning to contribute meaningfully in team environments as both leaders and collaborators.
Students in the BOS major graduate as excellent strategists with advanced written and oral communication skills. They develop a solid foundation in social science frameworks, tools, and applications, as well as aptitude in quantitative reasoning (e.g., math, statistics), familiarity with technologies on the frontiers of knowledge creation (e.g., computer programming, artificial intelligence), professional competence in the core functions of business, and the capacity to create innovative solutions to complex problems.
Foundations of Social Science
Foundations of Social Science (FSS) has four components that focus on (1) intellectual traditions in the social sciences (Social, Political, and Economic Theory: SPET), (2) global development in historical perspective (Social, Political, and Economic History: SPEH), (3) quantitative reasoning and numeracy, and (4) gateway courses into the majors.
Students come to NYUAD with a great diversity of backgrounds in terms of their grasp of societal and economic development and globalization, with a vision that is often narrowed by regional foci of high school curricula. FSS is designed to broaden and amplify students’ understandings of the world and global processes. Required and elective courses in each of the majors will be able to build on this foundation, thereby fostering intellectual growth.
Beyond their role in the programs, Foundations of Social Science courses are open to all students and will deliver high value to any student curious about the development of societies and social thought; the substance and skills students learn in these courses will be applicable across the liberal arts spectrum. They are designed to foster informed world citizenship.
Study Away
BOS students can apply to study away for up to two semesters, during which they are encouraged to take business electives that add depth and breadth to the major. To access these electives, students must plan to complete all the prerequisites before going abroad. The study away pathway can be found on the NYUAD Student Portal. Students with questions should contact the Office of Global Education.
Admissions
New York University's Office of Undergraduate Admissions supports the application process for all undergraduate programs at NYU. For additional information about undergraduate admissions, including application requirements, see How to Apply.