Academic Departments
Business, Government and Society
Traversing today's complicated regulatory, political, legal, and ethical landscape requires leadership skill and societal awareness. Our faculty empowers future business leaders to understand and master these principles.
Why study BGS?
Business is not conducted in a controlled laboratory. Today's global marketplace is filled with subtle shades of right and wrong, legal complexity, and political turmoil. We examine that environment through research and industry collaboration and help our students gain mastery of their future in this dynamic world.
Programs of study
International Business
The Business, Government & Society Department offers two undergraduate majors in International Business and two undergraduate minors. The minors are available to undergraduate students from across the campus.
Business & Public Policy
Open to all UT students, this minor will help you understand the impact of political processes on business, how to manage stakeholder relationships, and more. Students complete an intense curriculum of political science, business, law, economics, international business, and public relations.
Washington Campus Program
We offer a special section of GOV 312L in conjunction with UT’s Government Department, including five days in Washington, DC, with the Washington Campus Program. Students hear from and interact with leaders from every sector of the Washington power circle. The class has four sessions in Austin with Business, Government & Society Professor Adam Cobb.
Graduate programs
Prepare for a changing world of business and increase the value of your MBA with a concentration in ethics and corporate social responsibility, or public and governmental affairs.
Department news
America’s Political House Can Become Less Divided
America’s Political House Can Become Less Divided
Faculty research shows that a variety of social science interventions can make Democrats and Republicans feel less ire toward each other — at least for a while
Democrat Investment Effect Spooks Corporate Raiders
Democrat Investment Effect Spooks Corporate Raiders
A study from Timothy Werner found that having Democratic lawmakers as shareholders discourages financial activists from targeting a company
In China, Property Rights Take Wrong Turn
In China, Property Rights Take Wrong Turn
Protecting property rights fueled an economic boom; eroding them risks long-term damage, says new study by Kishore Gawande
Ethics Unwrapped
A video series for instructors and students that highlights the science of behavioral ethics, values, and ethical leadership through case studies, interviews, and storytelling. With 130+ videos, 80+ cases, plus teaching notes, Ethics Unwrapped is used in 1,500+ campuses worldwide. Watch now.
Faculty and Research
Faculty researchers at Texas McCombs are experts in their respective fields and are featured regularly in various publications. Learn more about our instructors, their work, and what their findings might mean for what is to come.
Affiliated Centers and Initiatives
Global Sustainability Leadership Institute
Global Sustainability Leadership Institute
The GSLI, in partnership with the Moody College of Communication, is dedicated to addressing critical sustainability challenges of the 21st century through research, education, and industry collaboration.
Center for Global Business
Center for Global Business
This faculty-led center advances global business acumen and engagement through outstanding teaching, research, outreach, and experiential learning that stretches international understanding.
Center for Leadership and Ethics
Center for Leadership and Ethics
The Center for Leadership and Ethics is changing how future leaders learn, grow, and lead through life-changing educational experiences and transformative research insights.
Center for Business, Technology & Law
Center for Business, Technology & Law
The Center's faculty, affiliated students, and corporate sponsors build an equitable, ethical, and sustainable framework for expanding digital innovation in human society.
Contact Us
The business, government, and society office is located in CBA 5.202 in the main McCombs Building (2110 Speedway) and is open 9:00 AM - 4:00 PM, Monday - Friday.