Special Programs at Lehigh
By: Trevor Verdonik
Lehigh University is well-known for its strong academic programs in engineering and business and is often ranked as one of the best in these respective fields. Notably, Lehigh was once the number one school for accounting and earned the number eight position for its graduate engineering programs. Of course, an important tradition at Lehigh University is the ease with which students may cross between majors or change schools with almost no red tape. This means that there is plenty of room to try different programs at Lehigh as well as the opportunity to change your mind with minor or even no consequences! Of course, if you are happy with your current academic program and find something else you enjoy, you could do both! However, sometimes this doesn’t work out and you could be forced to choose between two or more things you love. What should you do? What can you do? At Lehigh, we have a solution to such a problem.
Various departments have come together to offer interdisciplinary or other special educational programs which offer students a greater breadth of education than a traditional degree program. Lehigh offers many of these programs for just about every combination one can imagine, ranging from full-on degree programs to exceptional out of classroom experiences. No matter what they are, all offer a unique and exciting academic experience. There are tons of excellent programs avail¬able to Lehigh students, but here are just a few:
Integrated Business and Engineering (IBE)
The IBE honors program at Lehigh is a rigorous 4-year or 5-year academic program, after which stu¬dents receive a BS in Integrated Business and Engineering with a concentration in a business or engineering major of their choice. Many students also choose to earn a second degree within their field of concentration. The IBE program emphasizes the rela¬tionship between these two fields and fo¬cuses on the process of providing engineering solutions based on business needs. It is an intensive program which involves a freshman workshop and capstone project along with an internship experience. Students graduating with a degree from the IBE program find that their experience puts them a step ahead of the competition, offering skills which prove invaluable in the business world. I highly recommend considering the IBE program if you are interested in both business and engineering. Entrance to the IBE program is granted following an application process. Students may either be accepted to the IBE program on acceptance to Lehigh University, or they may apply during the spring semester of their first year. For more information on the IBE program, visit the IBE website at: http://www.lehigh.edu/~inibep/
Integrated Degree in Engineering, Arts, and Sciences (IDEAS)
IDEAS is an honors program at Lehigh which offers students a way to combine engineering and the liberal arts. This unique combination offers students the opportunity to study a broad variety of academic subjects which link engineering with the world around them. The IDEAS program has been described as Lehigh’s method of creating the “modern Renaissance thinker.” At the completion of the program a BS Degree, Integrated Degree in Engineering, Arts, and Sciences is awarded. To enter this program, one must be accepted concurrently with their acceptance to Lehigh University, or they may apply during the spring semester of their first year. For more information on the IDEAS program, visit the IDEAS website at: http://www.lehigh.edu/~inideas/semester of their first year. For more information on the IDEAS program, visit the IDEAS website at: http://www.lehigh.edu/~inideas/
Computer Science and Business (CSB)
The CSB program is a joint program, whose title speaks for itself. The program requires students to complete a full business core curriculum and a full computer sciences core curriculum. In addition, students select a concentration from within the fields of business or computer science. The CSB program focuses on the relationship between business and their informational needs. From this, CSB students learn how to develop and implement computer systems which best fit the needs of businesses. At the completion of the program, a joint degree is awarded in Computer Science and Business. For more information on the CSB program, visit the CSB website at: http://www3.lehigh.edu/engineering/academics/csbug2.asp
Innovation and Leadership Residency (ILR)
Innovation and Leadership Residency is a program designed to engage and immerse students in the world of entrepreneurship and business creation. This is no ordinary experience, as students get the opportunity to work with local entrepreneurs and take their ideas from the drawing board to the board room. All of this culminating in becoming part of funding pitches to real venture capitalists! As a resident of ILR you will gain firsthand experience in starting and growing a business, expand your mindset through immersion with real entrepreneurs, join a great network of innovative leaders and entrepreneurs, and learn how all the pieces of a business interact. For more information about the ILR program, visit their website: http://www.lehigh.edu/~inilr/index.html
Leadership Programs
There are three major leadership programs at Lehigh: a Leadership Minor, the National Society of Leadership and Success, and the Network of Leaders. The Leadership Minor is an integrated program that
There are three major leadership programs at Lehigh: a Leadership Minor, the National Society of Leadership and Success, and the Network of Leaders.
helps students build leadership skills that will set them apart in the workforce. Leadership Development, one of the minor’s core courses, brings in CEOs and business leaders from many companies to share their experi¬ence with students. The course is truly a great opportunity for anyone interested in business leadership. For more information, visit the Lehigh website, or for more information on the National Society of Leadership and Success, visit: http://www.lehigh.edu/~innsls/National_Society_of_Leadership_and_Success/Welcome.html.
Entrepreneurship Programs
From business plan competitions to academic minors to real world experiences you will find a superb selection of entrepreneurial experiences available at Lehigh. If you are interested in integrating entrepreneurship into your academic curriculum, and earning credits in the process, the Dexter F. Baker Institute for Entrepreneurship, Creativity, and Innovation, run by Todd Watkins, offers an incredible array of opportunities. For example, you can take the entrepreneurship minor or become part of the Integrated Product Development (IPD) program. To find out more about entrepreneurship programs, visit the Dexter F. Baker Institute’s website, http://www.lehigh.edu/~inentin/index.html.
There are also clubs available to students who may be more interested in satisfying their interests in entrepreneurship separately from academics. For example the student-run Entrepreneurship Club offers a chance to work with local entrepreneurs. For information about the entrepreneurship club, contact David Gritz (email deg312@lehigh.edu).
Global Citizenship
The Global Citizenship Program is a cross-disciplinary The Global Citizenship Program is a cross-disciplinary certificate program which focuses on the theme of “citizenship within today’s global world.” This program is perfect for those interested in experiencing the ways in which cultures and people’s interact to create the modern world. Amongst other events, international travel in a first year trip and a study abroad are required. The program involves significant time and effort, but is well worth it. Global Citizenship looks to allow students a wide degree of flexibility and works individually with students to ensure that they complete the certificate program on schedule while maintaining the integrity of other academics. To join the Global Citizenship Program, students must apply shortly after they are accepted to Lehigh and cannot transfer in at a later time. This does not prevent students interested in Global Citizenship from becoming involved with related clubs and programs. For more information on the Global Citizenship program, visit the Global Citizenship website: www.lehigh.edu/~ingc
