Majors

• Majors
• Minors

AUBG offers the following majors:

Business Administration

The Business Administration major provides the foundation for students who want to work for small and medium-sized enterprises, multinational corporations, start their own business, pursue professional qualifications, or go onto graduate study. Students have the opportunity to specialize in accounting, finance, marketing, or management. Our top students have the opportunity to pursue a senior thesis or a senior project. Entrepreneurially minded students have the opportunity to form a limited liability company and present a business plan to potential investors. Students interested in pursuing a career in marketing can complement the Business Administration major with a minor in Integrated Marketing Communications. Entrepreneurially minded students can complement the Business Administration major with a minor in Entrepreneurship.

The Business Administration curriculum is designed to enable all graduates to meet the following skill and competency-based student outcomes:

• read, analyze and make recommendations based upon organizational research;
• use systematic, proactive, progressive and creative problem-solving strategies;
• use and manage information and technology effectively;
• develop and use effective leadership skills;
• understand and respond to the interpersonal and group issues that influence productivity, satisfaction and quality in the workplace;
• be committed to ethical principles, high standards of professional conduct, personal and professional excellence and lifelong learning;
• develop and use successful team development and decision-making strategies;
• develop competencies for effectively integrating the functional areas of business;
• analyze and manage the processes of designing, producing and distributing products and services;
• use quantitative and qualitative procedures for organizing, understanding and presenting data to aid decision-making;
• acquire the analytical skills necessary to make effective and efficient business decisions;
• develop and apply strategic management concepts in a socially acceptable manner;
• analyze and understand the firm’s internal and external business environments;
• understand and respond positively to global, political, economic and legal and regulatory aspects of business.

Our graduates have been hired by large international companies such as Anheuser-Busch InBev, Citigroup, Colgate-Palmolive, Credit Suisse, Deloitte, Google, ING, KPMG, Kraft, Nestle, Phillips, Price-Waterhouse-Coopers, and Procter & Gamble. Others have achieved success in smaller-sized companies or with their own businesses. Still others have completed graduate degree programs in prestigious American and European universities.

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Computer Science

The Computer Science program is focused on helping students gain the necessary skills requisite to being productive leaders in the computing and related industries. As such, our graduates are expected to be highly competent, well-qualified computer professionals, having a broad training in software development, as well as being well prepared for graduate study.

The Computer Science program seeks to work in close cooperation with the computing industry, as well as with other universities and alumni, to provide a modern Computer Science curriculum. The cooperative environment will be evidenced, for example, by the creation of partnerships with regional and international universities and institutions and a seminar series with speakers drawn from both academia and industry.

The Computer Science curriculum is designed according to ACM/IEEE recommendations. It enables students to meet the following skill or competency-based student outcomes and show mastery of computer science knowledge and skills:

• demonstrate an understanding of and ability to apply current theories, models, techniques and technologies that provide a basis for problem solving;
• work as an effective individual and as part of a team to develop and deliver quality software;
• communicate effectively both orally and in writing;
• be aware of key ethical issues affecting computer science and the responsibilities of computer science professionals;
• learn new theories, models, techniques and technologies as they emerge and appreciate the necessity of such continuing professional development.

Some of our graduates have gone on and successfully completed postgraduate degree programs in prestigious universities in the USA and Europe such as Stanford University, MIT and Johns Hopkins University in the USA, and Oxford University and University College, London in the UK. Others have joined international companies such as Microsoft, Google, IBM, Hewlett-Packard, and Accenture. Still others have established their own successful software development companies such as Telerik, Melon, EastiSoft, MammothDB and Transmetrics.

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Economics

The program in Economics provides both the theoretical foundation and the practical empirical tools necessary to function as an economist in today's complex economic world. These theories and tools are analyzed both within the institutional structure of developed market economies and in their specific applications to developing and non-market economies.

Although the fields of specialization of the Economics Major are not formally specified, one can identify three broad topics: macroeconomics, microeconomics and empirical (data) analysis.

The Economics curriculum is designed to enable all graduates to meet the following skill or competency-based student outcomes:

• analyze social phenomena in the context of their interrelationships with economic outcomes;
• use appropriate graphical or statistical analysis to demonstrate the effects of changes in significant variables to economic outcomes;
• analyze and predict the effect of changes in economic variables on related variables within the context of a coherent interrelated economic model;
• analyze how the markets function, how they allocate real and financial resources, and when they may fail to function properly;
• explain in written and in oral form the reasoning and application of economic analysis to social or political issues.

The Economics program trains students not only for advanced education in graduate and professional schools and also prepares students for immediate entry into business and government careers in which economic insight and analytical ability are valued.

Some of our graduates have gone on to successfully complete postgraduate degree programs at prestigious universities at the United States and Western Europe, including Cornell University, Duke University, Harvard University, the London School of Economics, the University of California at Berkeley, the University of Michigan and Yale University. Others have joined international companies and institutions such as Bank Austria Creditanstalt AG, Barclays Capital, BNP PARIBAS, BTC/Vivatel, the Bulgarian National Bank, Citigroup, Deloitte & Touche, the European Central Bank, General Electric, Kraft Foods, Morgan Stanley, PricewaterhouseCoopers and the World Bank.

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European Studies

Whether a manager, a financial analyst, a political scientist, an economist, or a lawyer, whether you live in Europe or outside it, you will function in an environment where the norms, rules, and laws of the European Union (EU) impact policies, regulate transactions, and consolidate individuals’ rights.

While many talk about the EU, few have control over a field that is in perpetual movement, changing and adjusting to internal and external challenges. The major in European Studies aims to make you more competitive on the job market by providing pragmatically grounded knowledge, transferable skills and solid conceptual foundations. Through the variety of its course offerings, the European Studies Major also aims to introduce you to the atmosphere and spirit of Europe. 

The European Studies curriculum is designed to enable all graduates to acquire the following conceptual and skills-based student outcomes:

• understand the complexity of current European affairs and acquire analytical skills to examine them from an interdisciplinary perspective;
• master the conceptual framework necessary for analyzing government affairs, electoral systems, party politics, public policies and political culture across Europe;
• understand both the EU’s role in the international arena and how EU policies, laws, and institutions affect national policy-making, the economic environment, and European citizens;
• examine EU policies through specific case studies within the framework of EU law, including primary and secondary legislation;
• acquire skills to critically evaluate sources of data or information and achieve mastery of the management of bibliographic material and official databases;
• pursue independent research through a range of methodologies and methods of social science research;
• articulate, in both oral and written forms, coherent arguments drawing upon academic literature, media, non-governmental and governmental/EU sources;
• demonstrate proficiency in an EU official language other than English (Spanish, German, French).

Over the years, alumni have gone on to graduate and postgraduate studies, joined the ranks of young trainees in the EU institutions in Brussels, become full-time EU technocrats, entered governmental structures and NGOs, or become journalists covering EU affairs either in Brussels or in their respective countries. These alumni have appreciated the quality of education this major provides, preparing them for further academic studies and/or job demands.

Graduates of the European Studies program have completed graduate and postgraduate programs in European Politics and related fields at prestigious universities such as Cambridge University, the College of Europe, the London School of Economics and Political Science, King’s College, Oxford University, Sciences Politiques (Paris) and Stanford University. The major also offers the opportunity of a one semester Erasmus exchange to European universities such as Bordeaux, Grenoble, Jaggelonian (Poland), Leiden (Netherlands), Limerick (Ireland) and Pecs (Hungary).

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History and Civilizations

The study of History and Civilizations seeks a deeper understanding of humanity through the study of the past. History and Civilizations is a framework for the analysis of trends, institutions and motivations that shape the world. Students learn to think with rigor, to write with clarity and precision, to organize and assess evidence, to evaluate problems and to interpret complex events.

The major in History and Civilizations at AUBG provides students with analytical tools useful for all aspects of decision-making and research in academia, government, law, journalism, business and other careers. The program offers a general program of study with a focus on course offerings in Europe and a sub-concentration in Southeastern Europe.

The program is intended to provide core historical research and reading skills. Key outcomes of the program for all graduates include:

• the ability to place existing national historical education in a larger context;
• a broad contextual knowledge of history, provided by some knowledge of the distribution areas and of a historical issue of significant contemporary importance;
• an awareness of contemporary theories and methods in the field of history;
• the ability to critically read and analyze primary materials;
• the development of very strong writing skills;
• the development of oral communication skills through discussion seminars and oral presentations;
• the ability to plan, conduct and write an original historical research project.

Graduates of the program have gone on to work for regional businesses and non-governmental organizations. The majority go on to graduate degree programs in History in the United States and Western Europe; recent graduates have gone on to doctoral work at the Central European University, Columbia University, the University of Illinois, the University of Maryland, the University of Michigan and the University of Pittsburgh.

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Information Systems

The major in Information Systems is designed to train professionals who are competent to solve problems in a huge and growing area of computer-based information systems and services. The major provides a broad understanding of the role played by modern computer and communication technologies in every area of human activities. It trains students to analyze problems and to provide solutions, using up-to-date information technologies.

A student will benefit from this program as either a stand-alone major or as a second major – or from some of the courses offered that complement the student’s main stream of education.

The curriculum of Information Systems major is designed to enable students to reach the following skill or competency–based outcomes:

• provide knowledge about existing computer languages, development environments and technologies;
• develop skills to specify, implement, and monitor the development of an information system;
• create an understanding of the role of information as a strategic resource as well as the specific problems in its management;
• develop skills to better utilize the positive effects of implementing computer-based information technologies while avoiding negative results and possible conflicts between people and technology;
• provide knowledge about models, measurements, and optimization techniques;
• develop effective communication skills by creating and implementing information systems solutions.

Typical employment positions for our graduates are: data and network analysts; system analysts; information systems developers, designers, or quality assurance experts; web designers; database designers; system and database administrators.

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Journalism and Mass Communication

The Journalism and Mass Communication faculty is committed to an academic and professional program that encompasses the knowledge and skills necessary to succeed in 21st century media. The program will emphasize critical thinking, research, writing, and visual communication skills within an ethical framework across all media and professional disciplines.

The JMC faculty recognizes that media throughout the world are changing. New information technologies, media convergence, cross-cultural perspectives and new economic realities are shifting the ways we communicate. At the same time, the principles of journalism and mass communication remain essential to a democratic society. Accuracy and balance in reporting, upholding high ethical standards and a commitment to serving the interests of the public are central to our aims. 

The core required courses are the foundation of the program. They provide the theoretical, historical, ethical and cultural background that underlies journalism and mass communication today. The elective courses, presented in two tracks, focus on the skills needed to function in global media. The internship, either professional or academic, further enhances the acquired concepts and skills, as does participation in extracurricular activities on campus (i.e., magazine, online news websites, 24/7 radio station).

JMC students are encouraged to enroll in other courses to expand their cultural and disciplinary perspectives , and  also to major or minor in a separate discipline. This opportunity to shape a multi-disciplinary course of study within the liberal arts tradition is an invitation for students to enrich their knowledge base in preparation for further inquiry, research and understanding.

Upon graduation, students are prepared to pursue a range of careers in a variety of fields ranging from media organizations, advertising and public relations agencies, design studios, production houses, and others or continue their education with graduate studies at leading universities around the world.

Theoretical Student Learning Outcomes (core courses):

• understand the history, function, and development of journalism and mass communication in society;
• analyze global media issues and functions;
• develop media and visual communication literacy and awaken creativity;
• integrate liberal arts knowledge in research, study and professional activity;
• understand the role of advertising and public relations;
• apply principles of media law, policies  and ethics.

Professional Student Learning Outcomes (elective courses):

• master research methods by learning to evaluate and use documents from a variety of sources;
• learn interviewing techniques and critical thinking and analytical skills;
• learn to write, report and edit content for print and online media platforms;
• learn to respond creatively to challenges and apply principles of design in shaping communications;
• learn to use software programs to design, produce and communicate effectively;
• develop presentation and public speaking skills.

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Literature (Secondary Major)*

The Literature Major is a rigorous, critical, academic program that pairs close textual analysis and theoretical perspectives. Students who major in Literature will engage with a wide variety of texts in order to develop skills in close reading and textual analysis.  They will also develop an understanding of literary history, genre conventions  and modern practices in literary theory and research. 

Literature majors will learn to develop, support, and articulate complex arguments about texts and to present those arguments and insights in a well-crafted, articulate, and responsive manner.  The Literature Major also promotes the development of a sense of literary, cultural and social history across multiple nations, ethnicities and eras.

The Literature Major is designed to enable all graduates to meet the following outcomes:

• demonstrate an understanding of major works of British, American and World literatures.
• demonstrate an understanding of the ways in which meaning is created and crafted in literary works.
• develop close reading skills and an understanding of literary and rhetorical conventions.
• produce logically developed, rhetorically coherent, thoroughly researched papers that are both convincing and creative.
• demonstrate literary knowledge, both theoretical and practical, necessary to flourish in liberal arts professions and/or future graduate studies.

Literature majors will thus be well-prepared for careers in such areas as writing, publishing, public relations, library sciences and teaching; for graduate programs in the liberal arts; and for professional programs leading to the study of law.

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Mathematics

The Mathematics major is based on a variety of courses in pure and applied mathematics. Students who complete the major will acquire a broad background in the fundamental branches of classical and modern analysis, algebra and discrete structures, differential equations and applications, probability theory, and both theoretical and applied statistics. The major will provide an invaluable opportunity for students interested in developing significant mathematical skills through a selection of advanced courses that will introduce them to some modern lines of contemporary mathematics and its applications to other sciences. The major prepares students for professional careers or advanced academic work not only in mathematics but also in many mathematics-intensive areas, including quantitative finance, actuary science, economics, computer science, natural sciences and many more.

The Mathematics curriculum is designed to enable all graduates to achieve the following skill or competency-based student outcomes:

• articulate basic and advanced mathematical information accurately and effectively;
• learn classical and modern mathematical theories, models and techniques;
• show mastery of basic and specialized mathematical knowledge and skills;
• create models of real phenomena and analyze them using a broad background of methods from classical and modern analysis, algebra, discrete mathematics, probability theory and theoretical and applied statistics;
• work as an effective individual and as a part of a team on problems and projects requiring specific mathematical knowledge;
• gain abilities to abstract essential information, make correct logical deductions, read, understand and construct solutions for multiple-step problems from various areas of pure and applied mathematics.

Some of our graduates have gone on to successfully complete postgraduate degree programs in prestigious universities in the United States, including Cornell University, Duke University, the Johns Hopkins University, Northwestern University, the University of Maryland, the University of Pittsburgh  and Vanderbilt University. Some have participated in prestigious international summer schools, research conferences, and workshops such as the Weizmann Institute of Science in Rehevot, Israel, the Abdus Salam International Centre for Theoretical Physics in Trieste, Italy.

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Political Science and International Relations

Globalization, liberalization, migration, regionalization, integration, revolution, digitalization, climate change, demographic change, interdependence… We may hear these words and may find it difficult to make sense of them. Yet, they affect us. 

In our world of continuous change, we need to understand the forces and actors that affect how we think, how we work, how we live and how we live with others. The major in Political Science and International Relations prepares and encourages you to recognize, analyze, evaluate the role of major actors, structures and processes in our world.

A more developed understanding of the world allows you, the citizen, to choose and advocate better public policies on the local, national, and global levels. It allows you, the person, to approach problems from other viewpoints and develop different solutions that others may not see.

The POS program seeks to help you achieve the following learning outcomes over the course of your studies:

• understand political processes and institutions at the local, national, regional and global levels;
• appreciate other viewpoints, cultures and identities;
• consider the ethical implications of political issues, institutions and processes;
• research political issues and policy problems using appropriate methodologies;
• identify relevant information gathered from reliable sources;
• communicate clearly in a variety of formats;
• interact with others effectively to organize and complete projects.

The Political Science and International Relations major is traditionally considered excellent training for careers in government and diplomatic service, law, international organizations, non-governmental organizations, and businesses that work with the public sector as well as for further education in graduate programs.

Graduates of the Political Science and International Relations program have gone on to complete graduate programs in Politics and other fields at prestigious universities such as the College of Europe, Harvard University, the London School of Economics and Political Science, Oxford University, Princeton University, Stanford University, and the University of Pennsylvania. Graduates have gone on to careers in European and North American universities, non-governmental organizations, national ministries, European Union institutions, corporations and private companies.

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Psychology* 

The Psychology major program will help you understand human behaviour and mental processes and allow you to better understand how people think, act, and feel – in other words, everything that people do. The first priority of the Psychology major is to equip dual-major students with specific skills and knowledge directly applicable to professional contexts across the most popular majors at AUBG.  

The Psychology major provides both the theoretical foundation and the practical empirical knowledge and tools necessary to understand and critically evaluate psychology research and their applications.

The Psychology curriculum is designed to help you achieve the following goals:

• Possess a general knowledge of psychology, the various fields of psychological study, and the role of psychology in contemporary society.
• Understand both quantitative and qualitative research methods, as well as the tools to do statistical analysis to report the results of psychological experiments.
• Possess basic knowledge of developmental psychology, psychopathology and mental illness, and human personality that influence behavior.
• Possess a general knowledge of how physiological processes influence psychology and behavior.
• Possess knowledge of organizational psychology, such as leadership, employee performance, team building, and human resources and compensation issues.
• Possess knowledge of and applied skills to do community-level research and to design social interventions, including the skills to evaluate social programs and the impact of social context on human behavior.
• Students are given the opportunity to clearly define an advanced, self-directed research topic or area of interest and be able to explore this topic thoroughly in both written and presentation formats.

The Psychology program trains students to thinking critically and apply psychology methods and knowledge to professional settings, such as business administration, economics, journalism, and media communications. These include understanding and predicting organizational behavior, leadership and team-building, conducting focus groups, interviewing skills and text analysis, community engagement, social change, and understanding human behavior in social contexts, and personality and psychopathology.

A Psychology degree is one that is increasingly valued by employers who value the analytical and reasoning skills it gives you. A secondary priority is placed on developing research skills to prepare students wishing to pursue graduate degrees in psychology.

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Self-designed major (Secondary Major)*

As a liberal arts institution, AUBG supports and encourages students to develop and utilize their knowledge across areas of study and the Self-Designed Major (SDM) is designed to allow this by fostering a broader understanding of academic knowledge and methodologies.  This degree offers students an opportunity for a unique, intensive educational and research experience through a self-designed program. Examples of interdisciplinary fields for an SDM might include:

• 20th-Century Cultural Studies
• Ancient Studies
• Business Communications and Public Relations
• Eastern European Studies
• Early Modern Studies
• Environmental Policy
• Film Studies
• Medieval and Renaissance Studies
• Modern Languages and Culture in the Global Environment
• Performing and Visual Arts
• Political Communication
• Social Sciences
• Theatre and Film
• Visual Communications
• Women’s Studies

The Self-Designed Major is available only as a second major.

This SDM major is offered for students with exceptional motivation, vision and creativity.  In consultation with faculty members, the student creates a unique plan of study that is not part of the current AUBG curriculum and that bridges two or more content areas (other than two primary major areas) and is not a subcomponent of one major or minor discipline.  The result is an interdisciplinary degree that focuses on integrated learning in multiple areas with sufficient depth to conduct research across fields of knowledge.

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* Secondary majors are those that are accredited in the United States and result in an American diploma only.