B.A. Business Economics (BE) Curriculum & Course List
The Business Economics major equips students with the analytical and practical skills needed to understand how businesses, governments, and individuals make decisions in environments shaped by limited resources. By combining economic theory with real-world business applications, students build a strong foundation in economics, finance, and global business practices. Students explore areas such as international trade, finance, and economic strategy while developing the ability to evaluate complex economic issues across borders. Graduates are prepared to make informed decisions and contribute effectively in both public and private sector organizations.
Courses in the Business Economics major fit into five concentration areas:
- Management
- Marketing
- Entrepreneurial Business
- Finance
- Economics
Below is the curriculum structure and course list for the Business Economics major.
Course Structure
All Business Economics students will be required to take the following courses:
- Analytical Reading and Composition I
- Analytical Reading and Composition II
- Fundamentals of Mathematics IÂ
- Statistics I
- Principles of Management OR Principles of Economics
- Elementary Japanese 1AÂ
- Elementary Japanese 1B
Further Japanese courses are optional. Based on mathematics test score, Fundamentals of Mathematics I may be skipped.
Full Course List
Business Economics
Agricultural Economics and Management
In this course, students will explore key concepts related to agricultural economics and management. The course introduces major issues affecting agricultural industries, markets, and business operations.
Concentration Areas: Management, Economics
Blockchain and Business Application
This course provides a comprehensive understanding of Blockchain technology for Digital Business and IT Business specializations. It covers scientific, technological, legal, political, and social aspects, including future implications. The curriculum explores consensus protocols, anonymity, security issues, and potential attacks. Students will implement real-world Blockchain applications and study the technology's state-of-the-art characteristics and its future, including threats and solutions from quantum technologies.
Concentration Areas: Finance, Economics
Business Planning
This course provides a comprehensive understanding of Blockchain technology for Digital Business and IT Business specializations. It covers scientific, technological, legal, political, and social aspects, including future implications. The curriculum explores consensus protocols, anonymity, security issues, and potential attacks. Students will implement real-world Blockchain applications and study the technology's state-of-the-art characteristics and its future, including threats and solutions from quantum technologies.
Concentration Areas: Management, Entrepreneurial Business
Corporate Finance
This course provides students the fundamentals principles of corporate finance. Students will learn major financial issues commonly faced by corporate decision-makers. The first part of the course will discuss the financial statements fundamentals, time value of money, valuation and capital budgeting decision. The second part of the course will cover the capital market, risk and return analysis, theories of capital structure and dividend policy as well as the short term financial management implementation.
Concentration Areas: Management, Marketing, Entrepreneurial Business, Finance, Economics
Corporate Strategy
In this course, students will examine managerial decision-making within corporations, business units, and other organizational settings. The course focuses on the skills and perspectives needed to diagnose complex business problems and develop effective, realistic solutions. Students will analyze issues related to both managerial effectiveness and operational efficiency, with emphasis on aligning individual actions with broader organizational objectives.
Concentration Areas: Management, Entrepreneurial Business, Finance
Cross-Culture Management
In this course, students will examine management practices across different cultural contexts. The course introduces key concepts related to communication, leadership, and organizational behavior in international environments.
Concentration Areas:Â Management, Entrepreneurial Business
Customer Analytics and AI
In this course, students will examine how artificial intelligence (AI) is transforming business operations in today’s data-driven economy. The course introduces core AI concepts and explores their applications across a range of business functions. Students will analyze how AI and data analytics can be combined to generate insights into consumer behavior, improve efficiency, and support decision-making. Real-world case studies will be used to examine current trends, opportunities, and challenges in AI adoption across industries.
Concentration Areas: Marketing
Consumer Behavior
In this course, students will explore factors that influence consumer decision-making and purchasing behavior. The course introduces major concepts related to consumer psychology and marketing strategy.
Concentration Areas: Marketing
Cyber Security and Business
In this course, students will examine the relationship between cybersecurity and modern business operations. The course introduces key issues related to digital security, risk management, and information protection.
Concentration Areas: Finance
Development Economics
Concentration Areas: Economics
Digital Banking and Fintech
In this course, students will develop a comprehensive understanding of digital banking and financial technology. The course covers topics including electronic banking systems, financial technologies, and the impact of big data on the modern economy. Students will also examine the applications of artificial intelligence in fintech, as well as key technologies such as data mining, cloud computing, and blockchain.
Concentration Areas: Finance, Economics
Digital Business Strategies
In this course, students will explore strategies used by businesses in digital environments. The course introduces key concepts related to digital transformation, online business models, and technology-driven innovation.
Concentration Areas: Marketing, Entrepreneurial Business
Digital Marketing and E-Commerce
This course covers five key modules for mastering digital marketing. Students will delve into digital marketing fundamentals, learn advanced methods for evaluating marketing channel performance based on the referenced academic research, and understand profitability through customer lifetime value (CLV) analysis using spreadsheets. The curriculum also includes business model definitions informed by another cited publication, and explores various customer segmentation techniques using clustering algorithms.
Concentration Areas: Marketing
Digital Marketing Research
This course covers five key modules for mastering digital marketing. Students will delve into digital marketing fundamentals, learn advanced methods for evaluating marketing channel performance based on the referenced academic research, and understand profitability through customer lifetime value (CLV) analysis using spreadsheets. The curriculum also includes business model definitions informed by another cited publication, and explores various customer segmentation techniques using clustering algorithms.
Concentration Areas: Marketing
Econometrics for Business Analytics
In this course, students will develop fundamental econometric tools and analytical skills for examining economic relationships using real-world data. Topics include descriptive statistics, probability, hypothesis testing, regression analysis, model diagnostics, and causal inference. Students will learn techniques for identifying and addressing issues such as heteroskedasticity, autocorrelation, and multicollinearity, while also exploring instrumental variable estimation. Practical applications and data analysis exercises will reinforce the use of econometric methods in economic research.
Concentration Areas: Finance, Economics
Entrepeneurial Strategies
In this course, students will examine the foundations of entrepreneurship and business innovation. The course is designed for students interested in launching new ventures or pursuing careers in startup support, business development, or innovation management. Topics include ideation, business analysis, business model presentation, proof of concept, and entrepreneurial finance.
Concentration Areas: Entrepreneurial Business
Entrepeneurial Strategy Practicum
In this practicum, students will apply entrepreneurial concepts and strategies to practical business situations. The practicum emphasizes problem-solving, project development, and experiential learning.
Concentration Areas: Entrepreneurial Business
Financial Accounting
This course provides the accounting fundamentals governing preparation of financial statements. It discusses the accrual accounting concepts, transactions analysis and the recording process. The first part of specific topics includes cash, receivables, inventories and long-term assets. The second part covers liabilities and equities. The statement of cash flow and financial statement analysis topics are also covered in the third part. Overall, the whole accounting cycle is discussed so that students will acquire knowledge of the preparation, proper reporting and analysis of financial statements.
Concentration Areas: Management, Marketing, Entrepreneurial Business, Finance, Economics
Foundations of Python
In this course, students will develop foundational knowledge of Python programming. The course introduces basic programming concepts, coding practices, and problem-solving techniques.
Concentration Areas: Entrepreneurial Business
Gender in Business
In this course, students will examine gender-related issues in business and the workplace from multiple perspectives. Topics include gender and leadership, workplace relationships, career development, and regional differences in professional advancement. Students will analyze international case studies and compare business practices across different cultural and organizational contexts. Discussions will incorporate examples from the United States, Japan, the United Kingdom, and other countries.
Concentration Areas: Management
Global Supply Chain Management
In this course, students will examine supply chain management in manufacturing and retailing firms. Topics include process flow analysis, Just-in-Time systems, total quality management, and inventory management. The course also explores how firms design cross-border supply chains to improve competitiveness and resilience. Through discussions and case studies of companies such as Toyota, Seven-Eleven, Zara, Uniqlo, and IKEA, students will analyze contemporary supply chain strategies and digital transformation initiatives.
Concentration Areas: Management
Health Care Management and Economics
In this course, students will apply basic economics and management concepts to the analysis of healthcare markets and health policy. The course examines health systems with a focus on policy, finance, and organizational structure. Students will explore topics such as health financing, policy objectives, and the economic impact of different financing mechanisms. The course also analyzes the organization of health services and competition among providers, insurers, and pharmaceutical companies.
Concentration Areas: Management, Economics
Hospitality Management and Strategy
In this course, students will examine strategic management and business policy in the tourism and hospitality sector. The course covers industries such as hotels, restaurants, travel agencies, and event management, with emphasis on achieving and sustaining competitive advantage. Students will compare leadership and management approaches and develop strategies for managing human, financial, and physical resources. The course also explores how organizations respond to changing business environments, emerging opportunities, and competitive challenges.
Concentration Areas: Management, Marketing
Human Resource Management
In this course, students will examine key concepts and practices in human resource management. The course introduces topics related to recruitment, employee development, and organizational management.
Concentration Areas: Management, Marketing, Entrepreneurial Business, Finance
Innovation and Value Creation for Entrepreneurs
In this course, students will develop key entrepreneurial skills, including analytical thinking, active learning, complex problem-solving, critical thinking, and creativity. The course introduces the Value Creation Wheel (VCW), an innovation methodology used to support decision-making and practical problem-solving. Students will learn how the VCW integrates different analytical tools to address complex challenges and generate effective solutions. The course also examines the concept of value creation through the efficient use of resources to achieve meaningful outcomes for organizations and stakeholders.
Concentration Areas: Management, Entrepreneurial Business, Finance
Innovation Management
In this course, students will explore the processes and strategies involved in innovation management. The course introduces approaches to creativity, organizational change, and business innovation.
Concentration Areas: Management, Entrepreneurial Business
International Business
In this course, students will examine how globalization has transformed economic and business activities through the increasing integration of national markets and global interdependence. The course combines perspectives from management and international economics to develop an understanding of business operations in a global environment. Students will analyze key management and business issues relevant to international business and consider decision-making from the perspective of managers operating in the global economy.
Concentration Areas: Management
International Finance
In this upper-level undergraduate course, students will examine the fundamental concepts and practical applications of international finance. Topics include international monetary systems, exchange rates, global financial markets, and financial policy in the international economy. Class discussions and analysis will be based primarily on the work of Paul R. Krugman, Maurice Obstfeld, and Marc Melitz.
Concentration Areas: Finance, Economics
International Trade
In this course, students will examine major issues in international trade, trade policy, and open monetary economies from both theoretical and empirical perspectives. Topics include comparative advantage, modern trade patterns, traditional and contemporary trade theories, and the role of the World Trade Organization. Students will also explore balance-of-payments accounting and the relationship between national income and trade balance in open economies.
Concentration Areas: Finance, Economics
Introduction to Computer Networking
In this course, students will examine the fundamentals of computer networking and communication systems. The course introduces key concepts related to network structures, protocols, and data transmission.
Concentration Areas: Entrepreneurial Business
Investments
In this course, students will examine the fundamentals of investment analysis and portfolio management. The course introduces financial assets, asset pricing models, market efficiency, and technical analysis. Students will also explore bond and equity valuation, fundamental and financial statement analysis, and financial derivatives. The final part of the course focuses on portfolio performance evaluation and investment policy.
Concentration Areas: Finance, Economics
Japanese Corporations and the Global Economy
In this course, students will examine international business strategies with particular focus on the development and challenges of Japanese multinational corporations. The course explores globalization, Japanese corporate culture, the political economy of Japan, and business development in East Asia. Through research, presentations, and case studies, students will analyze Japanese firms and evaluate contemporary business issues reported in the media. Japanese business practices and management approaches will also be examined from a comparative perspective.
Concentration Areas: Management
Leadership, Creativity and Organizational Renewal
In this course, students will explore the relationship between leadership, creativity, and organizational change. The course introduces key concepts related to innovation, problem-solving, and organizational renewal.
Concentration Areas: Entrepreneurial Business
Macroeconomics
In this course, students will examine major macroeconomic variables such as national income, unemployment, inflation, investment, and interest rates. The course explores long-run economic behavior, the determinants of economic growth, and models of short-run economic fluctuations. Students will also analyze macroeconomic policy and contemporary economic issues using macroeconomic data and theory.
Concentration Areas: Finance, Economics
Managerial Accounting
For many organizations, a proper cost management depends on the accurate of cost information. Therefore, a well-designed cost accounting system can avoid costly mistakes in the decision-making process. This course provides students the principles of managerial accounting. The first part of the course will discuss the fundamentals of management accounting, job order costing, process costing, activity based costing and cost-volume-profit (CVP) analysis. The second part of the course will cover the incremental analysis, pricing decisions, budget analysis, standard costing, balanced scorecard and capital investments.
Concentration Areas: Management, Finance
Marketing Modeling
In this course, students will examine analytical approaches used in marketing research and decision-making. The course introduces models and methods used to analyze marketing data and consumer trends.
Concentration Areas: Marketing
Marketing Strategy
Concentration Areas: Marketing, Entrepreneurial Business
Mathematics for Business and Economics II
In this course, students will develop the mathematical knowledge and techniques necessary for the study of social science. The course focuses on fundamental mathematical concepts and their practical application to real-world problems. Students will strengthen both their theoretical understanding and quantitative problem-solving skills in preparation for further undergraduate and graduate study.
Concentration Areas: Management, Marketing, Entrepreneurial Business, Finance, Economics
Microeconomics
In this course, students will examine the fundamental concepts and analytical tools of microeconomic theory and their application to business and public policy issues. Topics include demand and supply, consumer behavior, firm theory, markets and welfare, general equilibrium, strategic behavior, information economics, and market failure. Students will develop the ability to apply microeconomic models and concepts to real-world economic problems.
Concentration Areas: Finance, Economics
Mobile Technologies, IoT, and Business Apps
In this course, students will explore the role of mobile technologies, the Internet of Things (IoT), and business applications in modern organizations. The course introduces key concepts related to digital connectivity and technological innovation.
Concentration Areas: Marketing, Entrepreneurial Business
Money and Banking
In this course, students will examine the structure and functions of financial institutions and markets. The course provides an overview of the international financial system, central banking, and monetary policy. Students will also explore the operation of stock, bond, and mortgage markets through theoretical and practical analysis.
Concentration Areas: Finance, Economics
Neuro Marketing
In this course, students will develop foundational knowledge of neuromarketing, including its core concepts, methods, and analytical tools. The course explores the use of neuroscience techniques in the study of consumer behavior and marketing decision-making. Students will also critically examine the ethical and practical implications of neuromarketing in contemporary business contexts.
Concentration Areas: Marketing
Neuro Marketing Project
In this course, students will engage in a project-based exploration of neuromarketing and its practical applications in marketing research. Students will work in teams to design, conduct, and present neuromarketing research projects addressing real-world marketing challenges. The course also emphasizes advanced analytical approaches, project-based learning, and ethical considerations in neuromarketing research. Students will complete an individual final report summarizing their research findings and insights.
Concentration Areas: Marketing
Operations and Service Management
In this course, students will examine the management of operations and services in both private and public organizations. The course focuses on the efficient use of organizational resources and the growing role of data-driven decision-making in business operations. Students will learn practical tools and methods used in operations and service management, with emphasis on data analysis and information technology applications. Most classes are conducted in computer labs, providing hands-on experience with data science techniques in business contexts.
Concentration Areas: Management
Organizational Behavior
In this course, students will examine the foundations of organizational behavior and the factors that influence human behavior in organizations. The course explores topics such as perception, personality, motivation, learning, group dynamics, conflict, leadership, and organizational culture. Students will also analyze the role of organizational behavior in performance improvement, organizational change, and development.
Concentration Areas: Management
Organizational Psychology
In this course, students will examine the application of psychological principles and theories to organizational settings. Topics include job analysis, recruitment and selection, performance appraisal, motivation, employee attitudes, communication, leadership, power, and organizational culture. Through case studies and research-based discussion, students will explore how organizational psychology supports evidence-based decision-making in business and management.
Concentration Areas: Management
Principles of Marketing
In this course, students will examine the fundamental principles and practices of marketing. The course introduces key concepts related to consumer markets, marketing strategy, and business communication.
Concentration Areas: Management, Marketing, Entrepreneurial Business
Research Methods and Data Analysis in Business
In this course, students will develop an understanding of research methods and data analysis in business contexts. The course introduces approaches to data collection, interpretation, and business research.
Concentration Areas: Marketing, Entrepreneurial Business
Service Management and Strategy
In this course, students will examine service management, continuous improvement, and digital transformation in service industries. The course introduces fundamental frameworks for service design, focusing on the relationship between target customers, service concepts, and delivery processes. Students will analyze service management practices through case studies and video materials featuring Japanese companies. The course concludes with group presentations on contemporary service management and digital transformation initiatives.
Concentration Areas: Management
Social Business in Japan
In this course, students will examine the theory and practice of social business, with particular attention to organizations pursuing social, ethical, and environmental objectives. The course explores Japanese social businesses as case studies to analyze their strategies, operations, and social impact. Students will also examine consumer responses to socially oriented products and services in Japan.
Concentration Areas: Management, Entrepreneurial Business
Social Media and Business
In this course, students will examine the digital marketing landscape and the strategies firms use to operate effectively in online environments. The course explores digital marketing, social media, user-generated content, and the impact of social media on traditional marketing practices. Students will analyze how online content spreads, how businesses use social media platforms for marketing, and how return on investment (ROI) can be measured in digital campaigns.
Concentration Areas: Marketing
Start-up Funding and VC Strategies
In this course, students will examine major funding options available to startups and new ventures, including crowdfunding, angel investment, incubators and accelerators, and venture capital. The course explores investor expectations, business planning, and effective pitching strategies used to secure financing. Students will develop practical skills in preparing startup plans, designing funding strategies, and creating persuasive investment pitches. The course also emphasizes the development of professional documents and presentations required for fundraising and venture development.
Concentration Areas: Entrepreneurial Business, Finance, Economics
Statistics II
In this course, students will further develop statistical knowledge and analytical skills. The course introduces intermediate statistical methods and their applications in research and data analysis.
Concentration Areas: Finance, Economics
Strategic Brand Management
In this course, students will examine strategies used to develop and manage brands in competitive markets. The course introduces key concepts related to brand identity, positioning, and consumer perception.
Concentration Areas: Marketing
Sustainability Economics and Policy
In this course, students will explore economic and policy issues related to sustainability. The course introduces key concepts concerning environmental challenges, economic development, and public policy.
Concentration Areas: Management, Economics
Sustainability Leadership
In this course, students will examine leadership approaches related to sustainability and organizational responsibility. The course introduces key concepts related to ethical leadership, sustainable development, and social impact.
Concentration Areas: Management
Workshop for Strategic Management
In this workshop, students will engage with practical issues related to strategic management and organizational decision-making. The workshop emphasizes applied learning, discussion, and strategic analysis.
Concentration Areas: Management, Entrepreneurial Business
Workshop for Sustainability Management
In this workshop, students will explore practical approaches to sustainability management in organizational settings. The workshop emphasizes applied learning and discussion of sustainability-related challenges and strategies.
Concentration Areas: Management, Entrepreneurial Business
In addition, BE students may take select Digital Business & Innovation (DBI) major courses
Liberal Arts Courses
Business and Social Impact
This course examines the role of businesses in creating social and sustainable impact. Students learn about the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), corporate social responsibility, and social business initiatives. The course also explores case studies of businesses addressing social and economic challenges.
Food Value Chain and Sustainability
This course examines sustainability issues within the global food value chain. Students learn about the roles of producers, businesses, consumers, and other stakeholders in building sustainable food systems. The course explores challenges related to food supply, food security, and responsible production through theories and case studies.
Fundamentals of Mathematics
This course introduces the mathematical foundations used in business, economics, and digital innovation. Students learn topics such as equations, inequalities, graphing, systems of equations, exponents, polynomials, and functions. The course also develops problem-solving and analytical skills through mathematical applications.
Introduction to Informatics and Computing
This course introduces the fundamentals of informatics and computing for students interested in digital business and technology. Students learn about computer hardware and software, networks, cybersecurity, blockchain, web development, and programming concepts. The course also explores topics such as algorithms, computational theory, and introductory quantum computing.
Concentration Areas: Entrepreneurial Business
Introduction to Social Psychology
This course introduces the basic theories and research methods of social psychology from a sociological perspective. Students examine how social structures influence individual behavior and how individuals shape groups and society. The course also explores social interaction, group dynamics, and the relationship between society and human behavior.
Introduction to Sociology
This course introduces the sociological perspective and the study of human behavior, social relationships, and society. Students examine how social structures, institutions, and historical processes influence individual lives and opportunities. The course also explores topics such as social class, gender, race, economic systems, and political systems.
Labor Laws and Work Life
This course introduces the basic principles of labor law and workplace relations. Students examine topics such as employment rights, working conditions, labor policies, and workplace regulations. The course also explores contemporary issues related to work environments and work-life balance.
Leadership in Management
This course introduces the principles and practices of leadership in organizational management. Students examine leadership styles, decision-making, communication, and team management within business environments. The course also explores strategies for effective leadership and organizational development.
Concentration Areas: Management
Principles of Economics
This course introduces the fundamental concepts of microeconomics and macroeconomics. Students examine topics such as demand and supply, market equilibrium, competition, game theory, economic growth, unemployment, and international trade. The course also explores monetary and fiscal policy and their roles in the broader economy.
Principles of Management
This course introduces the fundamental principles of management and organizational behavior. Students examine topics such as planning, decision-making, leadership, organizational structure, and team management. The course also explores how managers coordinate resources and strategies to achieve organizational goals.
Statistics I
This course introduces the fundamental concepts and methods of statistics. Students learn descriptive and inferential statistics, data collection methods, and techniques for analyzing and interpreting data. The course also develops skills for evaluating statistical information and supporting data-driven decision-making.
Sustainable Society
Mathematics for Business and Economics I
This course introduces the basic theories and principles of sustainability from environmental, social, and economic perspectives. Students examine how sustainability influences societies, businesses, and global development. The course also explores the role of businesses in addressing sustainability challenges through case studies and current issues.
Japanese Courses
Elementary Japanese 1A
This course explores the very basics of Japanese, covering hiragana and katakana and equipping students with some basic grammatical knowledge.
This course is mandatory for students without prior Japanese ability.
Elementary Japanese 1B
A continuation of the previous course, equipping students with basic grammatical and linguistical knowledge of the Japanese language. This course aims to reach the JLPT N5 level.
This course is mandatory for students without prior Japanese ability.
Elementary Japanese 2A
This course aims to build upon the basic foundations of Japanese that students have gained, introducing new forms and structures.
Elementary Japanese 2B
Similar to the the 2A course, this course aims to build upon the basic foundations of Japanese that students have gained, introducing new forms and structures. Students will reach the JLPT N4 level by the end of this course.
Intermediate Japanese 1
This course instils students with the Japanese they need to complete daily interactions. Students will be able to have basic conversations and express their circumstances and feelings in Japanese. Students will also build upon their knowledge of grammar, vocabulary and kanji.
Intermediate Japanese 2
Similar to the previous course, this course pushes students farther with the Japanese they need to complete daily interactions. Students will be able to have basic conversations and express their circumstances and feelings in Japanese. Students will also build upon their knowledge of grammar, vocabulary and kanji. By the end of this course, students will be prepared to take the JLPT N3 examination.
Advanced Japanese 1
This course will begin to develop students into fluent, confident users of Japanese. Building upon reading, writing, listening and speaking skills, students will gain the knowledge necessary to thrive in the Japanese workplace.
Advanced Japanese 2
Similar to the previous course, this course aims to fine-tune the Japanese ability of the student for use in a range of situations, including the workplace. This course will prepare students for the JLPT N2 examination, which is considered a strong standard when applying for Japanese companies.
Upper-Advanced Japanese
This course will usher students towards comprehensive fluency in the Japanese language. Students completing this course will be able to thrive in a range of fields: academia, the workplace, and wider Japanese society.
Business Japanese
In the final course of the TIU Japanese program, students will perfect their ability to use culturally appropriate forms in the world of Japanese business. This course will prepare students to sit the most challenging Japanese language examination: the JLPT N1.
Academic Literacy Courses
Analytical Reading and Composition I
In this course, students develop and practice skills in critical thinking, finding and evaluating sources, summarizing texts, and leading discussions before learning the process of writing an academic essay.
Analytical Reading and Composition II
In this course, following on from the first course, students continue develop and practice skills in critical thinking, finding and evaluating sources, summarizing texts, and leading discussions before refining their ability of academic writing.
Course lists and availability are subject to change without prior notice.