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What is International Business?

International business is the field that allows for commerce between nations, it is the understanding of laws and practices, as well as customs, that facilitates trade. Individuals in the field of international business play a role in the development of business relations between companies separated by country, learn the laws that govern these companies, work toward accommodating and easing the transition into new markets for growing companies, and spearhead campaigns to introduce goods into new markets with respect to cultural and social norms within a given society.

Career Summary

MEDIAN SALARY

$125,470

PERCENT ABOVE NATIONAL
INCOME AVERAGE

70.46%

TOTAL SECTOR EMPLOYMENT

1,693,430

Degree Median Salary vs Adjacent Degree Types

Source: BLS, US Census, and IPEDS

2024 Best International Business Degree

The University of Chicago is one of the world's great intellectual destinations with faculty and students worldwide, extending its global programs and overseas centers. With over 150 centers and institutes that encourage innovations enriching human lives, it is a site for discoveries and breakthroughs.

A global University offering hundreds of initiatives, programs, and partnerships in over 48 nations and on every continent, UChicago's offers a pioneering International Business MBA. It is a program for students who aim to expand their leadership to a global setting with a flexible and customizable curriculum. Students are engaged in micro-and macroeconomic topics and institutions and governments' role as agents of the economy. Students will also study with international business faculty, consult with governmental agencies and companies around the world.

Acceptance Rate

6.17

Student to Faculty Ratio

5:1

A private Ivy League research university rich in culture and history, the University of Pennsylvania is one of America's top-performing universities. It offers an educational system grounded on liberal arts and sciences, with four undergraduate and 12 graduate schools consistently ranking top among the nation.

The Huntsman Program in International Studies is a unique four-year jointly administered coordinated dual degree program in the liberal arts, language, and business—preparing individuals to become future global leaders in today's dynamic and interconnected world. One of the most advantageous features of the program is the learning community of freshmen as they live together in UPenn's Kings Court/English College House. They can develop a sense of community between students from diverse backgrounds and grow in an environment that develops their intercultural and linguistic skills. Graduates of the four-year program receive two degrees: a Bachelor of Science in Economics from Wharton and a BA in International Studies from the College of Arts & Sciences.

Acceptance Rate

7.66

Student to Faculty Ratio

6:1

Ever since its founding Duke University has been through several transformations. It started as a small preparatory school for men in Randolph County, North Carolina, called the Union Institute Academy. Today, it is a renowned private university with ten colleges and twelve institutes and centers offering superior liberal education.

Duke University's Fuqua School of Business comprises an international community of students and faculty that strive together to achieve Duke's educational mission. It offers a 21-month global executive MBA program that helps individuals build business acumen and a diverse global network without interrupting their careers. With a core business foundation informed by global awareness, the program courses combine experimental learning and classroom work. Students can explore how institutions and market dynamics steer the world economy and adapt their leadership style to diverse cultural contexts.

Acceptance Rate

7.6

Student to Faculty Ratio

6:1

More than just a private Jesuit research university in Washington, D.C., Georgetown University is an institution that values its 450-year-old legacy of Jesuit education – a world-class learning experience focused on educating the whole person through exposure to various cultures and beliefs. Coinciding with America's birth, the university is the nation's oldest Catholic and Jesuit institution of higher education.

Georgetown University's Walsh School of Foreign Service and McDonough School of Business recognize the need for a program where working professionals can broaden their perspectives and advance their careers without compromising it. The MA in International Business and Policy degree was made with that need in mind. Study the frameworks and mechanisms that drive business and international relations and explore the concepts in contemporary global issues under the oldest and most highly regarded foreign service school in the world. The one-year interdisciplinary program is carried in six one-week modules and two four-week online courses over 12 months.

Acceptance Rate

14.36

Student to Faculty Ratio

11:1

An internationally recognized university, Northwestern University is one of the four top 10 US universities ranking in the top 20 in each of the five graduate education categories. Northwestern University alumni and faculty are Nobel Prizes and Pulitzer; MacArthur Genius Grants; Grammy, Tony, Emmy, and Academy Awards recipients.

Northwestern's Kellogg School of Management is a global Business school that has been the leading school transforming business education with a state-of-the-art facility, enabling new collaboration and innovative learning levels. The international business competition is quickly evolving and requires discipline-based frameworks that can adapt to the dynamic market. Kellogg School's International Business major provides rigorous and comprehensive training in international fields of study, including finance, accounting, marketing, management strategy, and organization management. The major is under Kellogg’s Evening & Weekend MBA Program.

Acceptance Rate

9.05

Student to Faculty Ratio

6:1

The University of Southern California is prominent as the state's oldest private research university. It is a global centre for technology, arts, and international business with a faculty composed of recipients of Nobel laureates, Guggenheim Award, Pulitzer Prize, MacArthur "Genius" Award, the National Humanities Medal, the National Medal of the Arts, and the National Medal of Technology and Innovation.

Established in 1978, the IBEAR MBA program is USC Marshall School of Business' premier one-year, full-time international MBA program that is experiential-learning based with a focus on both curricular and co-curricular learning. It is flexible, and professionals can continue with their careers while pursuing a specialization that speaks to the career outcomes they seek while undergoing the program or adding certificate programs in several areas of specialization. Before graduation, students are required to take 56 units spread over six terms– 17 units of required, 21 units of core, and 18 units of elective courses. 

Acceptance Rate

11.42

Student to Faculty Ratio

9:1

Tufts University is an outstanding nationally recognized institution that has operated since 1852—with the mission to create a student-centred education and an innovative institution that seeks to make a dent in society and the world. The university encompasses four campuses, with six libraries, and has both local and international students.

A global student body, Tufts' Fletcher School, combines cutting-edge, interdisciplinary, theory and practice-based curriculum and world-class faculty to create a hub where world-changers are modelled. Looking at business with an international lens, the Master of International Business (MIB) program by Fletcher School combines foundational business skills with contextual knowledge of the driving forces behind international affairs and global business. It is a unique hybrid business/international affairs degree with flexible electives, comprehensive core subjects, and two study fields. To earn their MIB degree, students must complete core and regional courses, elective courses, and two areas of study, submit a faculty-approved capstone project, and participate in a ten-week professional development program.

Acceptance Rate

14.95

Student to Faculty Ratio

9:1

The University of Virginia was established in 1891 by an American Founding Father, Thomas Jefferson. Today, it is a nationally renowned institution for higher education with twelve schools in Charlottesville and a College at Wise in Southwest Virginia. 

UV's Darden School of Business presents a Full-Time MBA program that grooms competent leaders who leverage a purpose-driven education into professional development. The economist ranked the program No. 1 for the best business education experience in the U.S. for nine consecutive years. College seniors and fifth-year master's degree students are eligible to apply for the program. The program spans two years—during the student's first year, they are immersed in a rigorous, cased-based study of Darden's core curriculum. By the start of their second year, they attend consulting projects, live-action cases and global immersions. Darden offers partial and full-tuition scholarships for students in need of financial aid, including the Batten Scholars Program. 

Acceptance Rate

23.94

Student to Faculty Ratio

15:1

Andrew Carnegie, a self-educated immigrant from Scotland, turned to successful entrepreneur, industrialist, and at one point was the richest man in the world— is the founder of the Carnegie Mellon University. Award-winning faculty and alumni, hands-on learning, cutting-edge brain science, and a whole community who puts their heart in the work, Carnegie Mellon University is truly one of its kind.

Tepper School of Business, under CMU, believes that the solution to cultural business challenges lies in world-class business education. The Global Economics MBA program International Business, Finance, Non-profit Studies, Managerial Economics, and Political Economy. The curriculum will give students insight into the extensive variation in economic environments faced by businesses around the world; studying issues like economic indicators and forecasting, economic growth, business cycles, employment and unemployment, monetary policy and interest rates, inflation and deflation, foreign exchange rates, international trade, and capital flows, and impact of fiscal policy.

Acceptance Rate

15.44

Student to Faculty Ratio

10:1

A constituent of the Association of American Universities, Tulane University is one of just 62 top-ranked research institutions. They offer degrees in architecture, business, law, liberal arts, medicine, public health and tropical medicine, the sciences and engineering, and social work with more than ten schools and colleges. 

Tulane's Full-time MBA is designed to be a portal to global business. Offered by the Freeman School and ranked as one of the top schools for entrepreneurship worldwide, the innovative curriculum introduces a Global Leadership Module unique only to Freeman. Students gain an international perspective on business and give them the edge in a highly competitive job market. Students acquire real-world experience, develop critical skill sets, build a robust network, utilize Tulane centers and institutes, and become part of a community that will support them throughout their careers. The program spans two years, consisting of four semesters with integrated international travel that allows students to select from seven different specializations.

Acceptance Rate

12.87

Student to Faculty Ratio

8:1

Northeastern University is a growing global research and educational institution that boasts its extraordinary resilience, capacity for reinvention, and commitment to excellence. NU promotes equality, affirmative action, diversity, and social justice, creating a diverse and inclusive community located in Boston, Massachusetts.

The Master of Science in International Business offered by the D'Amore-McKim School of Business is accredited by the Association to Advance Collegiate Schools of Business International (AACSB) and meets F-1 international student status requirements. It is designed for globally-focused individuals looking for a career in international business. The multidisciplinary curriculum comprises seven graduate business courses and two courses from either sociology or political science with an opportunity to study a 10-day three-credit course abroad. Students can select a full-time or part-time commitment with the duration of one to two years in the program.

Acceptance Rate

18.05

Student to Faculty Ratio

14:1

Established in 1842 by the Order of Saint Augustine, Villanova University got its name after St. Thomas of Villanova—his teachings and legacy inspire Villanova's mission of seeking wisdom, love, and justice. Today, it is recognized as the only Augustinian Catholic university in the nation, ranking 53rd by U.S. News & World Report Best Colleges National Universities category in 2021.

The Villanova School of Business offers an International Business major and minor where students develop the capability to think globally while acting locally and learning new markets' potential and risks. Interested applicants must take note to take International Business (IB) co-major with a primary major. Co-major requirements include completing the business curriculum and core curriculum, meeting the primary major needs plus the one compulsory IB course, and three IB elective courses from no less than two different disciplines. To earn a minor, students must complete the business curriculum, core curriculum, major and IB course requirements, and two IB electives from at least two separate disciplines.

Acceptance Rate

28.24

Student to Faculty Ratio

11:1

Instituted in 1948 by the American Jewish community, Brandeis University started as a nonsectarian research university open for diverse and talented faculty and students. Today, it is regarded as a global research university for higher education located in the beautiful city of Waltham, Massachusetts.  

The Brandeis education—a vigorous exploration in critical analysis, creativity, and self-expression—is deeply integrated into every university program, for instance, the Master of Arts in International Economics and Finance (MA) program at Brandeis International Business School. It is a top-tier program that develops the students' strong analytical and quantitative skills inside the classroom and practical learning experiences with business firms, supporting their personal development with an inclusive, multicultural environment and leading to numerous career options. It also offers five program options, a two-year full-length MA, a one-year accelerated MA, a five-year BA/MA, a two-year dual degree MSBA/MA degree, and a part-time MA and accelerated MA for three to four years and two to three years, respectively.

Acceptance Rate

29.9

Student to Faculty Ratio

10:1

New York University or NYU is one of the largest private research universities in the nation, with over 50,000 students and 19 schools and colleges. It is a premier global university that features top-ranked academic programs and accepts fewer than one-in-five undergraduates. 

As one of the first business schools launched in America, NYU Stern became a leading institution for innovative undergraduate business education. The International Business Exchange (IBEX) Program is NYU Stern's approach to a program that allows students to focus on their business education and experience all international study benefits. Courses can be approved for Stern elective credit, non-Stern elective credit, or in a few cases, towards fulfilling degree requirements. Students can establish and expand their network by connecting to IBEX Alumni in numerous career fields worldwide.

Acceptance Rate

16.2

Student to Faculty Ratio

9:1

Lehigh University is considered one of the best research universities in America, with over 110 undergraduate degree programs and majors, more than twenty interdisciplinary programs spanning multiple colleges, and 250 study abroad programs in 74 countries. It is located in the vibrant city of Bethlehem with more than 150 years of tradition for excellence.

LU provides a 12-credit International Business Certificate program and a part-time FLEX MBA program with a concentration in International Business. The IB certificate program encompasses a blend of courses associated with international business and management, courses designed to expand students' knowledge and cultural competencies, and study abroad training. For qualified students, financial aid will be available to help cover the cost of participating in an immersive global program. The FLEX MBA program explores comprehensive issues associated with multinational and international companies, including risk, marketing, opportunity, and legal matters. It consists of 9 credits and can be completed on-campus and or online.

Acceptance Rate

32.1

Student to Faculty Ratio

9:1

Arts & Sciences, Engineering, and the Freeman College of Management are three nationally-recognized colleges under Bucknell University. It is a private institution with a system influenced by liberal 0arts that have been around for more than 170 years.  

The Freeman College of Management offers seven highly innovative management majors. The Global Management major is where students are taught organizational strategies and obtain the cultural awareness required to succeed in the modern interconnected world. Courses in GLBM will stimulate students to the shifting institutional landscape, the increasingly intricate flows of goods, capital, talent, and the international differences that affect organizational and managerial success. BSBA students, during their sophomore year, in addition to the BSBA core curriculum, will select a major among the Freeman College of Management departments and will accomplish its requirements.

Acceptance Rate

34.23

Student to Faculty Ratio

9:1

Pepperdine University is a private Christian University known for its scenic beauty and values-centered academe where students are reinforced for lives of purpose, service, and leadership. It comprises five schools and colleges, Seaver College, School of Law, Graziadio School of Business and Management, Graduate School of Education and Psychology, and School of Public Policy.

The Graziadio School of Business is one of the few five percent of business schools worldwide to be certified by the Association to Advance Collegiate Schools of Business (AACSB) and the Western Association of Schools and Colleges (WSCUC), an academic body in the U.S. certifying institutional eligibility for federal funding in various programs, including student access to federal financial aid. The MS in Global Business (MSGB) offered by the Graziadio School of Business prepares students for a globally-minded and ethically conscious career in business, expanding their understanding of complex international economies and emerging markets and comprehending global economic nuances, and exploring cultures.

Acceptance Rate

31.72

Student to Faculty Ratio

14:1

The University of Texas at Austin places among the 40 best universities worldwide and is home to nearly 51,000 diverse students. It offers one of the nation's best educational programs and consists of 18 schools and colleges. 

To gain a successful career in the global economy, individuals must have comprehensive knowledge about the U.S and international economy's global aspects and specific practical skills. That is why the Red McCombs School of Business offers a Bachelor of Business Administration International Business major that targets these concerns and train competent professionals for the rapidly changing world of business. Students must complete a 42-credit statewide core curriculum with an acceptable grade point average. 

Acceptance Rate

31.82

Student to Faculty Ratio

N.A

In 1925, a group of citizens built an institution due to the demands of the land; South Florida was at its peak, and the need for higher education was on the rise. Less than a century later, the institution evolved to what is known as the University of Miami. The private research university has grown into a global university with over 17,000 students worldwide, comprising 11 schools and colleges with more than 180 majors and programs.

The Miami Herbert Business School provides a dynamic Global Executive MBA curriculum that delivers an integrated global business perspective by integrating cross-functional perspectives in team-taught modules. It emphasizes practical learning and case studies through global immersion business experiences. The program is a blend of on-campus weekend sessions and distance learning, making it convenient for students to earn their MBA regardless of where they work or live. It is the perfect 17-month program of choice for small business owners, established professionals, and family business executives with an undergraduate degree in any discipline learning new skills to advance their career or expand their network.

Acceptance Rate

27.13

Student to Faculty Ratio

12:1

Denison University is a leading private liberal arts institution in the United States, with an enrollment of over 9,000 undergraduate and graduate students, both local and international. It was established in 1831, making it one of the oldest colleges instituted in the old Northwest Territory. 

In today's society, all trade and business are linked to the global economy. Global Commerce at DU is a study to understand why human societies participate in trade the way they do and how it can be improved. The program curriculum merges liberal arts courses with a co-curricular, internship, and study abroad experiences. Students gain communication, language, critical thinking skills, and workplace skills such as reading financial reports, networking, working in teams, and pitching ideas.  They are trained in Denison to become successful leaders at global companies, non-profit organizations, local businesses, and start-ups—whether in domestic or international settings.

Acceptance Rate

29.39

Student to Faculty Ratio

9:1

The University of Maryland is a nationally-recognized institution, ranking 22nd in the U.S. News & World Report last year. It is a global public university composed of 12 schools and colleges, offers more than 200 degree-granting programs, and is located just outside Washington, D.C.— home to more than 41,000 students, 14,000 dedicated faculty, and staff pursuit of bold ideas, discovery, and new knowledge every day. 

UM's International Business major responds to the global interest in international economic systems and their multicultural characteristics, providing a program and an opportunity for students to apply a specified upper-level foreign language course towards the specialization's requirements. Students are given options with a unique "Plus 1" program where they can save money on tuition, have faster degree completion (earn a specialty master's degree in one year or less), and acquire priority consideration for merit-based financial awards for your master's program – everything without submitting GMAT/ GRE test scores or paying any application fees.

Acceptance Rate

44.18

Student to Faculty Ratio

18:1

Licensed by Georgia's state in 1785, the University of Georgia is one of the nation's oldest public research institutions. It is the state's leading university encompassing 17 schools and colleges with a student body of over 38,000 students and 332,000 alumni living around the world.

UGA offers an International Business co-major in conjunction with other Terry College majors (Accounting, Economics, Management, Management Information Systems, Marketing, and Real Estate) that gives individuals a competitive edge in the global job market by teaching them the significance of cultural diversity and educating them on international business developments. The topics include International business environment, International strategic management, International elective topics, International immersion, and Foreign language. UGA also offers few certificate programs concentrated on encouraging international awareness and learning. 

Acceptance Rate

45.3

Student to Faculty Ratio

17:1

Dickinson College's mission is to provide useful, innovative, and interdisciplinary education in the liberal arts and sciences. The premier four-year residential liberal-arts institution boasts its 144-acre campus located in Carlisle (the most livable city according to Forbes), as well as their distinguished off-campus study programs extending to 24 countries on six continents. 

As a global education leader, Dickinson offers an International Business and Management major cultivating creative and critical-thinking capabilities that call for leadership, teamwork, collaboration, and intercultural awareness. The curriculum comprises 15 courses and a noncredit field experience/internship and requires a core competence in mathematics. As early as their first year, students can utilize Career Center resources to explore opportunities and potential career paths, identify opportunities to meet their interests, and connect with alumni. 

Acceptance Rate

40.06

Student to Faculty Ratio

9:1

With an enrollment of over 27,000 undergraduate and graduate students representing 139 countries worldwide, George Washington University is the largest university in the District of Columbia. It has three campuses and ten schools and colleges that offer one of the best programs in America. 

Providing students with the conceptual framework and analytical tools required to comprehend the international financial, economic and political environment, GWU's School of Business offers an International Business concentration that provides an edge for graduates in the field of business. Students understand international business from three interconnected perspectives: international marketing, international corporate strategy, and international economics and finance. Program graduates are eligible for entry-level international business positions, such as international banks, multinational corporations, and governmental agencies.

Acceptance Rate

40.84

Student to Faculty Ratio

13:1

Binghamton is a world-class university and is the number one public university in the state of New York. It is made up of six schools and offers more than 130 academic and 1,000 study abroad programs. 

The best public university in the Northwest only offers the best programs, including their four-semester MBA, designed for students with diverse backgrounds and professional experiences, providing them with the necessary skills to forge ahead as leaders in the global business environment. Students are subjected to core courses and work in task-oriented teams during the first year, drawing upon the experience and skills. The selection of elective coursework only starts during the second year giving them time to explore career options and craft their desired curriculum to obtain the skill sets required for a successful career in their chosen industry. A career-related internship is required before graduation.

Acceptance Rate

40.53

Student to Faculty Ratio

19:1

Education Requirements in International Business

There are a variety of degrees offered, with varying specializations, but all focus on the process of doing business in a foreign country, either through operation or cooperation. Those seeking an associate's degree will typically do so in order expand their knowledge base and assist in their current business or job. Higher levels of education will offer more opportunities, including foreign job placement or multinational managerial positions. Some schools will encourage studying abroad for a year in order to acclimate the potential graduate with foreign environments.

The goal of an international business program is to make one understand cultural differences and to work through obstacles presented by those differences in order to successfully market goods or services. As such a variety of courses will be taken in order to introduce the student to the problems he or she will be tackling in college.

These courses may include:

  • International Marketing
  • Financial Accounting
  • Principles of Importing and Exporting
  • International Economics
  • A Second Language

How Many Years Does It Take to Obtain a College Degree in International Business?

The length of time it takes to earn a college degree in international business depends on the program you enroll in, the school, and the number of credits you take at a given time. For a full-time student attending class onsite or online, a student can expect to earn an international business degree in:

  • Certificate: Both graduate and undergraduate certificate programs are designed to be completed in less than a year, in most cases.
  • Associates Degree: An associate degree in international business can be completed in 2 years.
  • Bachelor Degree: The bachelor degree program in international business is constructed to be a 4-year program.
  • Master Degree: The masters degree track in international business is an additional 1-2 years beyond the traditional bachelor degree program.
  • Doctorate Degree: A doctorate degree is a 1-3 program beyond a masters degree dependent on whether the programs are taken end-to-end or concurrently.

Top International Business Degrees

Students looking to maximize their time and resources will benefit greatly from the list of degrees and certifications we have compiled.  To learn more about a specific degree in IB or related field of study, simply connect with schools within this portal with a simple request.

Certificate Programs in International Business

A certificate program in international business is an entry-point for students to learn the basics about working overseas.  Many certificate programs are between 18-21 credits and focus on the business essentials and no general education courses.  The essentials of a certificate program may include classes such as:

  • Management Principles
  • International Relations
  • Global Industries & Business Operations
  • Export and Import Management Strategies
  • International Market Integration
  • Trade Agreements
  • Contemporary Issues in International Business
Associate Degrees in International Business

An associate degree program in international business offers students general education courses and core business classes in this two-year program.  An associate degree involves students in integrative thinking with philosophy, communications, psychology, and sociology type courses plus deeper core business programs than a certificate program offers.   Whether in class or online, students working towards an associate degree will learn business principles of law, ethics, accounting, communications, and statistics.  Coupling these classes with decision making skills, students will be better equipped to evaluate and synthesize new information from a business context.

Bachelor’s Degrees in International Business

The most popular and widely accepted international business degree is the bachelor degree.  The three most well-known bachelor degrees in the business community are:

  1. BSIB – Bachelor of Science in International Business: The BSIB emphasizes export and import policies of companies along with trade controls and banking regulations.
  2. BBA – Bachelor of Business Administration: The Bachelor of Business Administration degree is the most common degree to prepare students for international finance, trade, and business.
  3. BSBA – Bachelor of Science in Business Administration – The BSBA focuses on global diversity coupled with business principles of marketing, law, management, and communication.

The bachelor degree program offers students a dynamic platform to take advantage of a variety of opportunities in international business.  Roles will vary from student to student within private organizations, public companies, and non-profit entities around the globe.  Likewise, the variation in job functions for a business major range from analyst to human resources to marketing manager.  The opportunities for a career in international business will depend on your experience and passion coupled with the industry and sector in which you are employed.

Specialty degrees in the bachelor degree track are very common.  If you know the area of study you wish to pursue after graduation, it can help a great deal to specialize in a particular field during college.  This will provide more precise information about a business discipline and help you land a job during or after college as you launch your career.  Examples of specialties within the bachelor degree in business include tracks such as:

Master Degrees in International Business

A master’s degree in international business is commonly known as an MBA or Master of Business Administration.  An MBA is a highly-respected degree in the business community reflecting the focus and commitment to hone your craft in a specific business trade.  As a highly transferrable business degree, an MBA will take students one to two years to complete depending on the program and number of credits taken.

Additionally, the lesser-known Master’s Degree in International Management (MIM) degree focuses on international issues for business professionals poised to tackle global issues while contributing to government agencies and corporations.  Both MBA and MIM programs are designed to provide students with core courses, specialization courses, and a capstone course as part of the program.  Upper level core courses as part of the master degree program in international business include the following types of classes:

  • Business Essentials
  • Leadership
  • Innovation
  • Business Information Systems
  • Business Performance
  • Marketing for Competitiveness
  • Accounting for Management Decision Making
  • Global Business Applications & Case Studies
  • Sustainable Business Theories and Practice
  • Managerial Finance
Doctorate Degrees in International Business

A doctorate degree in business is known as a DBA or Doctor of Business Administration or a PhD in Management.  Candidates considering this academic track are often focused on growing a career in research, teaching, and consulting roles.  Many schools will require applicants to the DBA program to have substantive work experience plus evident skills learned while in a master’s degree program.  Like an MBA program, students in the DBA program will select an area of specialty offered by the school to help prepare them for opportunities after graduation.  Doctorate degrees in international business include the following areas of specialty:

  • Energy Management
  • Accounting
  • Finance
  • Entrepreneurship
  • Global Supply Management
  • Healthcare Management
  • Human Resources
  • Homeland Security
  • Leadership
  • Marketing
  • Project Management

What is International Business Degree About?

The crux of an international business degree is about learning to successfully do business in a foreign country to meet business quantifiable objectives. These objectives may be a combination of monetary objectives, market share, global exposure, human capital, employment, stock price, political benefits, and long-term growth stratagem. The core skills any student will need to learn as it relates to international business include awareness, communication, and data.

In terms of awareness, professionals working with other business professionals must have an acute awareness of other cultures. They must also be keenly in tune with national news, powerful figures, and trade policies. Lastly, an awareness of international politics tie together the key components of awareness to help businesses achieve lasting success overseas.

With any business relationship or transaction, timely and effective communication is essential. When working with international partners in business, professionals must be clear about objectives, trustworthy, and persuasive. Business professionals must learn networking and public speaking as they take greater degrees of responsibilities in an organization. The final pieces of communication include a high degree of diplomacy skills and negotiating know-how.

The final piece of the core skills required for an international business major to navigate the multi-varied business landscape resides in data. Graduates must wade through data to assess unstructured and complex data in order to accurately assess viability and risk of a deal or project.

What Jobs Exist for International Business Majors?

A student earning a college degree in international business will be uniquely equipped to navigate the ever-evolving business landscape as it relates to domestic and international concerns.  Students earning an international business degree will help support the following business objectives of a company:

  1. Coordination of human resources including labor, services, and intellectual capital
  2. Organize materials for projects and jobs overseas
  3. Navigate cultural norms from region to region
  4. Establish solid relationships with business partners residing outside the country
  5. Adopting management and leadership methodology relevant to a foreign environment
  6. Skills and knowledge to competently work for international divisions of corporations based in the United States
  7. Knowledge to work for and with international government agencies
  8. Political intelligence to help establish an international presence
  9. Business moxie to help improve trade relations
  10. Academic heft to launch a career in international banking, commercial banking, and investment banking
Largest Employers of International Business Majors
  1. Government Agencies – examples include the US Department of Treasury, the US Department of Commerce, and the US Department of State.
  2. International Banks – samples like Export-Import Bank, International Finance Corporation, Barclays Capital, World Bank, and HSBC.
  3. Foreign Companies Operating in the United States – companies like BP, Shell, Honda, Toyota, ING, Nestle, AXA Group, Food Lion, and BASF.
  4. Multinational Organizations – examples include Goldman Sachs, Disney, Hilton, Viacom, Coca-Cola, Roche, Accenture, and Cisco.
  5. Nonprofit Organizations – global companies include Amnesty International, The Carter Center, CLASP, Doctor to Doctor, Hearing Concern, Operation Smile, Project Hope, and Servas.
Schools Other Students Requested Information From:

Employment Opportunities in Business

Individuals seeking a career in international business will typically work within large corporations with operations in multiple countries, or cooperative agreements with foreign companies. International business students tend to focus on a country or region during their education, and as such are typically, but not necessarily, limited to the area of their expertise. Individuals will need to be able to navigate corporate environments, and it is often necessary to understand such environments for foreign branches or partners in order to avoid missteps and properly engage in their duties. Knowledge of a regions language, though not absolutely required, provides a large advantage for potential employees.

Job Growth & Career Outlook for IB Majors

Career growth in international business is expected to grow over the next decade as the lines the separate countries continue to blur economically, and burgeoning economies will seek out new markets and partners. As a result qualified individuals will most likely to be able to find work related to their studies, assuming they can demonstrate competency. International can be lucrative, especially in the emerging global economy. Graduates pursuing a career in international business can expect $60,000 per year depending on education and specialization, but have the potential to earn more based on success and experience. Those interested in a degree in international business may also be interested in business administration, international marketing and international finance.

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