The development of cross-cultural understanding and communication is necessary for them to successfully compete in and reap the benefits of a global society. The curriculum is organized around core courses, an externship, and elective courses. The externship is a twenty hour per week experiential learning opportunity which integrates the student into the American business community. In the immediate area, there are six Fortune 500 companies and five of The 100 Best Companies to Work For in America. Students take two academic courses during each term and complete a three term externship.
Students typically receive a stipend for their externship.
The program of study involves eight courses that may be completed in one year. This graduate certificate program is designed for students whose undergraduate degrees have been earned at foreign colleges and universities. International students have the option of residing on campus with other international students or with primarily American students. Also, they may arrange to live off-campus. Birmingham-Southern College is a collegiate liberal arts institution founded in 1856.