Program Spotlight: Purdue’s Integrated Business & Engineering Program
Photo Courtesy of Purdue’s Integrated Business & Engineering Program
Standing at the forefront of interdisciplinary education, the Mitchell E. Daniels, Jr. The School of Business at Purdue University is not just a nationally acclaimed institution, but a powerhouse of innovation and excellence in the realm of business education. The Integrated Business and Engineering (IBE) program, in collaboration with Purdue's College of Engineering, empowers graduates with the unique ability to make informed business decisions rooted in technology, engineering, and math. By offering specialized courses in Data Analytics, Financial Engineering, and Operations & Supply Chain Management, the program ensures students have a well-rounded education with 60% of their classes in business and 40% in engineering.
At Purdue's Business School, key leaders like Dean Dilip Chhajed, Program Director Ryan Case, and Professor David Michael Randich have played pivotal roles in shaping the curriculum and equipping students with the skills necessary to thrive in today's business world.
The IBE program is built on four foundational pillars that are critical to transformative learning and student success:
Experiential Learning and Corporate Partnerships: Experiential Learning and Corporate Partnerships where students experience how business works through “Serious Games” that simulates the business environment as well as engage in real-world projects with corporate partners and faculty through EPICS and VIP programs.
Annual Hackathon: This vibrant event brings IBE students face-to-face with real-time challenges, sponsored by industry leaders. Under the mentorship of professionals, students engage in a high-stakes environment that tests their ingenuity and technical understanding, encouraging a mindset of innovation and rapid adaptation—qualities invaluable in today's fast-paced industries.
IBE Living Learning Community: Participation in this community goes beyond the classroom, fostering stronger connections and collaborative spirit among students. It underscores the importance of a shared learning journey, where mutual support and combined efforts lead to greater engagement, academic persistence, and a unified approach to tackling professional challenges.
Powerful Alumni Network: The program's robust alumni network acts as a bridge to the broader industry, offering mentorship, career guidance, and real-world curriculum insights. These connections not only open doors to professional opportunities but also equip students with the skills that are most in demand in the workforce.
Together, these four pillars create a comprehensive framework for the IBE program, shaping students into adaptable, forward-thinking leaders poised to excel in the global market.
Since Fall 2022, Market Game's Intro to Business Game has been a valuable complement to Purdue’s IBE program, allowing first-year students to bridge theory and practice through an interactive and engaging business simulation. This experiential learning enables students to adopt a systems thinking approach to understand how the core functions of business—such as marketing, finance, and operations—integrate to achieve strategic objectives. By assuming managerial roles within these interconnected departments and grappling with decisions that carry uncertain outcomes, they begin to cultivate essential skills including business acumen, critical thinking, and collaboration. This holistic understanding and practical experience prepare them for real-world business challenges.
At Purdue's Business School, key leaders like Dean Dilip Chhajed, Program Director Ryan Case, and Professor David Michael Randich have played pivotal roles in shaping the curriculum and equipping students with the skills necessary to thrive in today's business world.