Frequently Asked Questions
What is IBH?
IBH stands for Interdisciplinary Business Honors, a living-learning program in the Honors College at the University of Maryland, College Park. IBH explores the future of work and how business connects across disciplines.
How long is the IBH program?
The IBH program is two years, freshman and sophomore year.
How many students are in IBH?
IBH enrolls approximately 60-70 students each year, for a total of about 125 students in the program.
What are some of the benefits of joining IBH?
IBH offers many benefits: a small supportive community; the opportunity to live with students you are taking classes with; unique courses offered only for IBH students; support from the faculty & staff program leadership; and special opportunities for Honors College students.
Admissions & Enrollment
How do I apply to join the IBH program?
IBH is a living-learning program housed within the University of Maryland’s Honors College. First-year applicants to UMD are automatically considered for invitation to the Honors College when they submit a complete undergraduate application by the early action deadline of November 1 and are admitted to UMD. There is no separate application for the Honors College. After students are invited to the Honors College, they are asked which living-learning programs capture their interest. At that point in the process students are able to express their preference for joining the IBH program. Even if you are unsure about attending the University of Maryland, you should still submit your preference form; submitting this form does not commit you to UMD.
I was invited to join IBH, how do I accept the invitation?
Students have until the May 1 enrollment confirmation deadline to decide if they will attend the University of Maryland and participate in IBH.
Do I need to attend an Honors orientation?
No, you are not required to attend an Honors orientation; however, it is recommended so you can connect with IBH faculty, staff, and other students. Many students identify a fellow IBH student to room with during an Honors College summer orientation session.
Living
What is a living-learning program?
Honors College living-learning programs foster learning inside and outside of the classroom, and they create a supportive, close-knit community for students.
Where do IBH students live?
IBHers live in Prince Frederick Hall. Prince Frederick is located in the North Hill community, and is just steps away from Van Munching Hall, the home of Maryland’s business school, and the South Campus Dining Hall.
Prince Frederick Hall includes traditional-style double rooms with shared hall bathrooms and 4-person semi-suites with bathrooms. Each floor includes a study lounge and social lounge, and the first floor features two large multipurpose rooms that host program courses and events.
Prince Frederick Hall is a full Honors College building. In addition to IBH, it is home to two additional Honors College living-learning programs: the Advanced Cybersecurity for Students (ACES) program, and the Design Cultures & Creativity (DCC) program.
Are IBH students required to live on campus?
IBH requires students to live in Prince Frederick Hall during their first year. IBHers are encouraged to stay in the building for the second year as well.
Can incoming students submit a roommate request?
Yes, IBH students are welcome to request to room with another student in the IBH Program. Roommate requests are submitted through the Department of Resident Life. Requests to room with a student not in the IBH Program are typically not approved, but students are welcome to contact program leadership at ibh@umd.edu with any questions.
Learning
What is the IBH curriculum like?
The IBH curriculum is four semesters and includes 5 courses. You will take one IBH course per semester during your first two years at UMD plus complete one elective or experiential learning opportunity such as an internship or study abroad. The program begins with HBUS100: The Future of Work, followed by HBUS105: The Future of Analytics in your first year.
Do students have to major in business in order to participate in IBH?
IBH is open to all majors, making it interdisciplinary! Approximately half of the students in the first cohort are majoring in business.
Do IBH courses count for General Education requirements?
Program leadership is in the process of submitting IBH courses to the campus General Education committees in order to have them approved for General Education credits. HBUS100, the first course in the IBH curriculum, has been approved for both Scholarship in Practice Distributive Studies credit and I-Series credit.
Do students earn a credential when they complete IBH?
Yes, students who successfully complete the IBH program receive an Honors College citation on their academic transcript. IBHers typically receive their citation in the fall of their third year, after completing the IBH requirements in the spring of their second year.
Can students participate in both IBH and QUEST?
IBHers are eligible–and encouraged–to apply for the QUEST Program during the Spring Semester of their freshman year. QUEST, which stands for Quality Enhancement Systems and Teams, is a three-year program for UMD undergraduates studying business, engineering, and/or science.
Can students participate in both IBH and Smith Business Leadership Fellows?
No, students cannot participate in both IBH and Smith Business Fellows as of Fall 2023.
Still have questions? Contact us at ibh@umd.edu.