Overview
This is an interdisciplinary undergraduate degree program designed for aspiring leaders to explore the challenges of leadership in free-market societies. The degree provides an undergraduate with a strong foundation in liberal arts education, as well as the critical tools to make informed leadership decisions, whether in the private or public sectors. Students explore the science—and art—of leadership through theoretical and practical exercises.
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Program at a Glance
Degree
Bachelor of Science in Business and Government Leadership
Courses
The degree consists of 45 credits of required coursework, including 12 credits at the Adam Smith Center, 6 credits in the College of Business, 6 credits in the Economics Department, and 6 credits in the School of Communications. The degree also features 15 credits of elective courses from various departments.
We are currently accepting applications.
*All students who are or will soon be high school graduates or transfer students
All students who are or will soon be high school graduates or transfer students:
- Allow 20-30 minutes to complete your application. You can save your application and come back to it later.
- There is a non-refundable application fee of $30.
- Make sure to have your high school and previous college information readily available. You can also upload your residency documents.
- To begin your application, you must create a user account. To do so, please click on “ Begin your Application” and then select the “Create User Account” link.
- If you already have an account and user login, proceed directly to your application at “ Begin your Application.”
We are currently accepting applications
*All students who are or will soon be high school graduates or transfer students, click here
All students who are or will soon be high school graduates or transfer students:
- Allow 20-30 minutes to complete your application. You can save your application and come back to it later.
- There is a non-refundable application fee of $30.
- Make sure to have your high school and previous college information readily available. You can also upload your residency documents.
- To begin your application, you must create a user account. To do so, please click on “ Begin your Application” and then select the “Create User Account” link.
- If you already have an account and user login, proceed directly to your application at “ Begin your Application.”
*Existing FIU students looking to switch major, click here
Existing FIU students looking to switch major:
- Email us at freedom@fiu.edu to speak to an advisor with more details
Leadership Starts Here!
The Adam Smith Center strives to prepare students to think critically, communicate effectively, and lead with an understanding of economic and individual freedoms.
Key Benefits
Interdisciplinary Learning
Gain insights from the fields of management science, public policy, politics, communications, business, and economics, among other areas.
Real-World Application
Apply knowledge to solve practical challenges.
Leadership Development
Build skills to lead in business, government, and beyond.
Strategic Decision-Making
Learn to make informed, impactful leadership choices.
Career Readiness
Be equipped for roles in corporate, public, and nonprofit sectors.
Courses
45 credits of required coursework, including:
- 12 credits at the Adam Smith Center
- 6 credits in the College of Business
- 6 credits in the Economics Department, and 6 credits in the School of Communications
- 15 credits of elective courses from the following departments (with ASC academic advisor approval): economics, management, communications, entrepreneurship, politics, public policy, international relations, finance, or other applicable departments.
A student may also supplement the degree with an optional Micro-Credential (such as the Micro-Credential in Leadership Agility offered through FIU’s Center for Leadership), where the student earns a digital badge that can be displayed on a resume or digital portfolio.
Adam Smith Center Core Requirements
• ISS3124 – Foundational Principles for Leaders in Free Market Societies
Foundational Principles for Leaders in Free Market Societies
Adam Smith Center core course examining foundational Western economic and political philosophies, including those of Adam Smith, and their relevance to leadership in the United States. Compares prominent economic and political philosophies and explores their implications for American institutions and American leadership.
• ISS3129 – Political Leadership in the United States
Political Leadership in the United States
Adam Smith Center core course introducing the foundational principles of the United States’ political system and providing an overview of selected free market political and leadership challenges. The Congress, the Presidency and the Federal Judiciary will be examined, as well as key stakeholders including the media, lobbyists, and special interest groups. Significant contemporary challenges facing leaders in the United States will be discussed.
• ISS4362 – Quantitative and Qualitative Data Analysis for Leaders
Quantitative and Qualitative Data Analysis for Leaders
Adam Smith Center core course that introduces data analysis tools for leadership in organizations. Students engage in collecting and organizing both quantitative and qualitative data for analysis and presentation.
• ISS4950 – Leadership Capstone
Leadership Capstone
Adam Smith Center leadership capstone under the supervision of an Adam Smith Faculty Advisor, addressing an organizational challenge while applying the skills and theories from the degree program. (Repeatable)
Courses
45 credits of required coursework, including:
- 12 credits at the Adam Smith Center
- 6 credits in the College of Business
- 6 credits in the Economics Department, and 6 credits in the School of Communications
- 15 credits of elective courses from the following departments (with ASC academic advisor approval): economics, management, communications, entrepreneurship, politics, public policy, international relations, finance, or other applicable departments.
A student may also supplement the degree with an optional Micro-Credential (such as the Micro-Credential in Leadership Agility offered through FIU’s Center for Leadership), where the student earns a digital badge that can be displayed on a resume or digital portfolio.
Adam Smith Center Core Requirements
• ISS3124 – Foundational Principles for Leaders in Free Market Societies
Foundational Principles for Leaders in Free Market Societies
Adam Smith Center core course examining foundational Western economic and political philosophies, including those of Adam Smith, and their relevance to leadership in the United States. Compares prominent economic and political philosophies and explores their implications for American institutions and American leadership.
• ISS3129 – Political Leadership in the United States
Political Leadership in the United States
Adam Smith Center core course introducing the foundational principles of the United States’ political system and providing an overview of selected free market political and leadership challenges. The Congress, the Presidency and the Federal Judiciary will be examined, as well as key stakeholders including the media, lobbyists, and special interest groups. Significant contemporary challenges facing leaders in the United States will be discussed.
• ISS4362 – Quantitative and Qualitative Data Analysis for Leaders
Quantitative and Qualitative Data Analysis for Leaders
Adam Smith Center core course that introduces data analysis tools for leadership in organizations. Students engage in collecting and organizing both quantitative and qualitative data for analysis and presentation.
• ISS4950 – Leadership Capstone
Leadership Capstone
Adam Smith Center leadership capstone under the supervision of an Adam Smith Faculty Advisor, addressing an organizational challenge while applying the skills and theories from the degree program. (Repeatable)
Undergraduate Degree Map
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Careers in Business and Government
Every thriving business and government agency depends on effective leadership, leaders who understand both strategic management and public policy. The Bachelor of Science in Business and Government Leadership prepares students to become those leaders by combining the best of business education with a deep understanding of governance, economics, and ethical decision-making in free-market societies.
There are many career opportunities for graduates of this program, including roles in corporate leadership, consulting, government service, and the nonprofit sector. Students develop essential skills in management, policy analysis, communication, and strategic planning, skills that are in demand across industries.
Corporate Leadership and Management
- Operations Manager
- Project Manager
- Business Development Manager
- Management Consultant
- Leadership Development Coordinator
- Strategy Consultant
- Leadership Development Consultant
- Business Analyst
- Strategy Consultant
Government and Policy
- Policy Analyst
- Policy Consultant
- Public Affairs Specialist
- Legislative Assistant
- Government Relations Manager
- Lobbyist or Policy Advocate
Nonprofit Sector
- Nonprofit Executive Director
- Program Manager
- Community Outreach Coordinator
Future Pathways
These future pathways build upon work experience and further advanced degrees:
- Chief Executive Roles (in the government or private sectors)
- Senior Policy Advisor
- Political Campaign Strategist
- Director of Strategic Initiatives
Apply Now!
Ready to take the next step?
Applications are now open. Click the button below to apply.
Should you have any questions, please email freedom@fiu.edu.
