IB No. rises rankings and prominence
Bryant’s International Business program rises in rankings and prominence
Oct 21, 2021, by Staff Writer
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SMITHFIELD, RI – Bryant University’s International Business (IB) program has climbed steadily in prominence and enrollments, which have nearly tripled since the program was founded in 2004. Most recently, this hallmark program was ranked No. 20 in the U.S. News & World Report 2022 College Rankings.

More U.S. News & World Report 2022 rankings here.

According to the U.S. News & World Report editors, this national ranking is based solely on peer assessment surveys, and only programs accredited by AACSB (Association to Advance Collegiate Schools of Business) are considered. 

"Our International Business program has grown to be recognized nationally and internationally for its excellence, rigor, and research at the highest level, as well as for our commitment to student success."

This is the third time in the last four years the program has been ranked nationally, rising five places since its last appearance in 2019, in a field of some of the most prestigious and well-known universities in the country including Georgetown, New York University, University of Pennsylvania, and University of Southern California. IB is also among the top programs recognized in the College Factual 2022 rankings at No. 11 nationally.

Based on US Department of Education Federal College Scorecard earnings data for the most recent cohorts, Bryant IB graduates rank in the top 10% for median earnings compared to graduates from similar programs nationally. They earn a 37% earnings premium compared to the median salary for graduates in that field of study.

These national rankings reflect the commitment of Bryant’s dedicated faculty and staff and the talent of our students,” said Associate Provost Wendy Samter, Ph.D. “Congratulations to Dean Annavarjula, Professor Saslawski, and our world-class faculty on this outstanding accomplishment.”

The ascent in the rankings for International Business is particularly meaningful to Bryant’s College of Business Dean Madan Annavarjula, Ph.D., who came to Bryant in 2006 to lead the curricular design, development and administration of the IB program, and became Dean of the College of Business 10 years later. “It is an honor to be recognized by our distinguished peers as one of the best in the country. Our International Business program has grown to be recognized nationally and internationally for its excellence, rigor, and research at the highest level, as well as for our commitment to student success,” says Annavarjula.

“These rankings are a clear measure of Bryant’s commitment to a global education that prepares students for future success anywhere in the world.”

“This recognition is a testament to the hard work and dedication of our world-class faculty, led by Program Director Jacqueline Saslawski, J.D., who are preparing students to solve the world’s most complex challenges working with colleagues around the world."

Saslawski sees the positive rankings news as important external validation of the program’s rigor and value. “Not everything is global, but in business, everything is global,” she says. “These rankings are a clear measure of Bryant’s commitment to a global education that prepares students for future success anywhere in the world.”

Talented students, successful graduates, excellent outcomes

The interdisciplinary program attracts some of the most accomplished students and scholars and from around the world who benefit from the interdisciplinary curriculum, an intensive language component, immersive experiential opportunities such as the senior capstone practicum, as well as rich study abroad programs.

One graduate who has exceled with the skills and experience gained as a Bryant IB major is Samantha Merwin '12 of West Caldwell, NJ. After graduation, Merwin secured a position as Regulatory Portfolio Compliance Analyst/Associate at Black Rock in New York City and quickly ascended to top leadership positions. She currently serves as Head of ETF Markets Advocacy for the multinational investment management firm and the world's largest asset manager, with just over $9 trillion in assets under management as of July 2021.

What sets the Bryant program apart from others around the country?

  • International functional concentrations. The IB program is one of the few in the country offering concentrations in Accounting, Information Systems and Analytics, Entrepreneurship, Finance, Global Supply Chain Management, and Marketing.

  • Real, hands-on global experience. Required study abroad and a set of global internships enable students to deepen their international perspective while immersing themselves in a new culture and language.

  • World-class faculty with global backgrounds. Inspiring international faculty from around the world are experts in their fields and combine the latest theory with direct experience in the business world.

  • Language Proficiency. Students learn a second language and demonstrate intermediate level proficiency in the language as a graduation requirement in the program.

  • International Consulting Projects. Students are assigned to real life companies on international Business Consulting projects in their final year. The College of Business and the John H. Chafee Center for International Business partner with regional and global companies for the intensive capstone practicum for seniors, who work analyze and propose solutions for their real-time business challenges.

To learn more about the International Business program at Bryant University, visit https://admission.bryant.edu/academics/courses-of-study/international-business

More about Bryant University

For 159 years, Bryant University has been at the forefront of delivering an exceptional education that anticipates the future and prepares students to be innovative leaders of character in a changing world. Bryant delivers a uniquely integrated business, liberal arts and health sciences education that inspires students to excel. With approximately 3,700 graduate and undergraduate students from 38 states and 49 countries, Bryant is recognized as a leader in international education and regularly receives top rankings from U.S. News and World Report, Bloomberg Businessweek, Forbes, and Barron's. Visit www.Bryant.edu.

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