**Check back for Summer 2025 Information **
At the Wisconsin School of Business, we understand the power of collaboration to move the world forward. We draw from the immense intellectual and cultural resources of the University of Wisconsin-Madison, infusing invaluable research to our premium learning platform. Our students are inspired to excel in and out of the classroom, becoming a part of a powerful community of innovators who have the confidence and inspiration to continually progress through their lives and careers.
Program Overview
As a member of the Wisconsin School of Business Thematic VISP Program, you will be able to enroll in courses at a leading US business school. Participants will have access to challenging and forward-thinking classes on topics that change each summer. Students from any major are welcome to apply.
Student Support
From the time you apply to the end of your stay, the VISP staff will be there to assist you. As a VISP participant you have full access to all academic and student support services, such as libraries, computer labs, clubs, and sports facilities; the opportunity to participate in VISP sponsored social and cultural events; and upon completion you will receive an official UW-Madison transcript. The Wisconsin School of Business will also provide guidance and assistance during your participation.
Program Eligibility
Participants must meet the VISP eligibility criteria for admission into this program, with the exception of the language proficiency score. This Thematic Track requires a minimum 95 TOEFL (TOEFL iBT test at home allowed); a minimum of a 6.5 IELTS; OR a minimum 125 on the Duolingo English Test.
This Thematic Track admits students at the Undergraduate and graduate-level. No background in business is required.
Available Terms
Program available in the summer term only. Students interested in taking courses in the Wisconsin School of Business during the fall or spring semesters must apply through the Traditional VISP track instead.
Program Dates
Mid-July to mid-August, 2025
Academics & Past Course Examples
Course offerings change regularly, so please check back in January to find 2025 offerings. These are examples of past courses offered as part of this program.
Finance, Investment and Banking (FINANCE) 300: Introduction to Finance, 3 credits
Concepts and techniques in corporate finance and investments. Topics include the financial environment, securities markets, financial markets, financial statements and analysis, working capital management, capital budgeting, cost of capital, dividend policy, asset valuation, investments, decision-making under uncertainty, mergers, options, and futures.
Management and Human Resources (M H R) 310: Challenges & Solutions in Business Sustainability, 3 credits
Provides central knowledge and skills to tackle challenges at the intersection of business and sustainability. Analysis of the causes of sustainability challenges as relating to business and study of frameworks and measurement systems for incorporating sustainability into corporate decision-making and business analysis.
Management & Human Resources (M H R) 412: Management Consulting, 3 credits
Offers an understanding of fundamental principles, methods, and tools used in management consulting and develop skills to diagnose the functioning of an organization, problem solving, and to design and implement interventions to enhance individual, group, and organizational effectiveness. Open to students from any academic area of study–no background in business is required.
Marketing (MKT) 355: Marketing in the Digital Age, 3 credits
A foundational understanding of digital marketing channels and how successful marketing campaigns use the numerous online and mobile platforms. Fundamentals of digital marketing including internet marketing strategies, user-generated content, search engine optimization, website design and management, inbound marketing, email marketing, social media campaigns, mobile apps, content strategy and paid search advertising.
Risk Management & Insurance 300: Principles of Risk Management, 3 credits
Nature of risk, principal techniques of risk management, including insurance markets, and the bases for decision-making in managing risk effectively.
Cost of Attendance
Estimated cost of attendance information is available on the VISP website. Scholarships may be available. Please contact the VISP advisors for more information.
Application Instructions
Submit your VISP application and in your essay please include: “I am applying for the Business VISP track.”
Questions? Please contact the VISP coordinators.