Key takeaways
- International business degrees focus on preparing students with the skills and knowledge required to run, manage, and profit from international trade.
- With an international business degree, you can expect to develop some core skills such as cross-cultural communication, international human resource management, and international trade laws.
- You can opt for numerous specializations within the international business degree, including areas like global marketing, supply chain management, digital business or e-commerce.
- You can explore various colleges for international business, such as Florida International University and Temple University.
- International business degree jobs include roles in nonprofit organizations, government agencies, private corporations, and startups.
- Reputable colleges like Arizona State University, Liberty University, and FIU offer accredited online programs in international business.
- Online programs are affordable, flexible, and ideal for working professionals or students in remote locations.
From foreign investments to a global workforce to technological advancements crossing borders, globalization has brought significant changes in the business landscape. Thanks to a growing cross-cultural and globally diverse marketplace, international business has quickly become a popular and specialized field. So, if you find yourself at the center of it a
ll, leaning towards pursuing an international business degree in college, then consider yourself on the right track.
In essence, international business degrees and college majors tend to teach students the basics of business and trade in a global or international context. It focuses on various aspects, such as cross-cultural management and global marketing. In addition to this, students learn about the various challenges and opportunities in international business, such as cross-border financial management and trade taxes and laws.
However, the international business field is full of depth and technicalities that can only be explored by stepping into it and immersing yourself. Therefore, to help you decide whether this college major is the right pick for you, here is the complete guide.
What does an international business degree entail?
To begin with, an international business degree is focused on training and teaching students in such a way that they become eligible to work in global, international, or foreign organizations. Furthermore, it covers important and foundational business concepts such as finance, marketing, and human resources – all in the global context. In addition to this, the coursework typically involves a blend of core business principles, cultural insights, and global economic frameworks, emphasizing international trade, finance, marketing, and management. You may learn through various teaching strategies including book-based learning, hands-on practical learning, or a combination of both.
Furthermore, this degree may be ideal for different types of students, particularly those who:
- Wish to work abroad
- Want to develop entrepreneurial capabilities in a global context
- Want to develop future-proof skills
- Have a knack for technology
- Have a pre-existing business acumen
- Wish to work in culturally diverse organizations
So, this interesting field of study and work is packed with so much to uncover. To get started, here is everything an international business degree entails.
Types of international business degrees
There are multiple types of degrees. However, the following are the most common ones you should know about:
Associate degree
An associate degree is a 2-year program that focuses on foundational knowledge and information about international business.
Bachelor’s degree
A bachelor’s degree in international business is a 4-year-long program that is much more in-depth and prepares students for entry-level and mid-level jobs.
Masters degree
Next, typically after getting an undergrad degree, professionals may c
hoose to pursue a master’s degree in international business for professional growth.
Coursework and program details
Moving on, you must also explore the various types of program coursework and curriculum provided by different colleges. Ultimately, the program coursework is the most important thing. It outlines what you will be studying and how. Additionally, the coursework also sometimes discloses which of the faculty members will be teaching the course. This can help you significantly in understanding the quality of education you will receive.
Furthermore, choosing a college major is an integral part of the entire journey. You must select the right college major to be able to fully cherish your time in college or prepare for a satisfactory career ahead.
Therefore, the coursework and program details are essential. So, to help you understand what an international business degree entails and what are you most likely to study during your 4-year program, here is a list of most commonly offered core courses and electives you may be able to enroll in:
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Areas of specializations
Exploring key areas of specialization and specific focus areas will allow you to plan your college journey more aptly. Ideally, there are several areas of specialization within international business, allowing students with different career goals to find something of their liking.
In addition to this, having flexible specialization options is also great for developing diverse skills that can be applied in various professional capacities. However, keep in mind that different colleges offer different areas of specialization. Yet, there are some common ones that will be available at every institute, which include:
Global marketing
Due to an increase in globalization and overlapping dynamic markets, it is becoming increasingly important to blend in different cultures, approaches, global differences, and opportunities for effective marketing. This specialization involves various marketing processes such as market research, customer surveys, branding, advertising, PR, and so on.
Supply chain management
All businesses deal with the flow of goods and materials that are needed to create the end product or service. On an international level, the movement and flow of these goods is significantly different and require specialized skills to be managed successfully. From understanding the cross-border movement of goods to ensuring global access to your goods and services, SCM is one of the most intense parts of international business.
International finance
If you are interested in the monetary aspects of business, then international finance is going to be a whole new exciting world for you. It looks into the monetary transactions and financial operations in international businesses.
Cross-cultural management
Within the cross-cultural management specialization, you will be taught the special skill to manage and navigate challenges brought by an expanding and globalized workforce. As globalization is increasing, so is workplace diversity. Diversity provides many strategic benefits for businesses, while also posing managerial challenges at the workplace. Therefore, this specialization looks into cultural diversity in a business and utilizes diversity for the business’s maximum benefit.
Digital business and e-commerce
Since e-commerce, digital or online businesses are all the rage these days, you will find the digital business specialization very interesting. In particular, this specialization focuses on exploring the technologies and strategies to create, manage, and make an online business profitable.
International human resources management
Managing human capital in a global context is extremely different from mainstream HRM practices. In the global context, many additional factors such as cultural differences, language barriers, and ethical management come into play. Moreover, IHRM plays a critical role in ensuring that a multinational organization’s workforce operates effectively and cohesively in diverse environments.
What are the ideal colleges for international business majors?
Now that you are aware of what a degree in international business is all about, let’s look at some of the best colleges for international business:
University of Texas at Austin (McCombs School of Business) – Austin, TX
The international business majors at the McCombs School of Business provide a globally-applicable and research-backed learning experience to students. Moreover, the college is known for its top-tier accreditations and facilities for students that ensure high standards of education. With this program, expect yourself to develop skills like creativity, adaptability, and flexibility.
Florida International University (College of Business) – Miami, FL
You can opt for the bachelor’s in business administration with a major in international business at the Florida international University. Firstly, this program is known for its practical teaching method that prepares students for real-life work applications. Furthermore, the program is available both online and on-campus to cater to different types of students.
University of Denver (Daniels College of Business) – Denver, CO
Among, the various aspects of international business, social sciences plays an imperative role. The University of Denver offers an international business major through its Daniels College of Business. So, the program teaches core business concepts in relation to international trade. Moreover, it explores the depths of global marketplaces and their complexities.
Temple University (Fox School of Business) – Philadelphia, PA
For those interested in international human resource management, Temple University’s program is the perfect pick. It is a comprehensive program that requires the completion of over 124 credit hours. Moreover, its coursework focuses on important concepts related to global workforce management and trading. Lastly, you can choose from a variety of concentrations, including entrepreneurship and economics.
How to choose colleges for an international business degree?
Your strong analytical skills and critical thinking capabilities will truly pay off when you will find yourself in a worthy institute. Therefore, selecting the ideal college for a degree in international business is a crucial step in ensuring not only a good college life but also promising outcomes and career prospects.
So, you must make this choice with careful consideration and thought process. To help you narrow down the search for the best college for international degrees, here are the most important factors to consider:
College and program reputation
Your first priority should be colleges with a good business school. College accreditations are an excellent way of assessing the quality of education. Also, you can explore the college alumni to further understand what the college may be like.
Faculty expertise
Faculty members including lecturers and professors can really influence the overall learning experience and outcomes. Therefore, make sure you choose a college that houses qualified and experienced faculty members that can guide you through the subject.
Program curriculum and coursework
As discussed earlier as well, program coursework refers to the core courses and electives, and other parts of the degree such as the capstone project. Explore these features in order to understand the teaching method of the college and whether it aligns with your career goals.
Campus location and facilities
For a degree in international business, it is best to go for colleges that are closer to economic hubs and trade centers. Moreover, colleges should have good facilities such as access to academic resources, partnerships with global firms, and so on.
Can I get an online degree in international business?
Online degrees are now much more popular than ever before, especially since the pandemic hit and made everything go virtual. Online degrees, also sometimes referred to as distance learning or virtual education, are an excellent choice for many people.
Firstly, online degrees bridge the educational gap that exists for people who reside in remote or rural areas or states with less developed academic landscapes. Secondly, online education has opened many gates for adult students who are already working and in the middle of a professional career but wish to continue their education. Lastly, online degrees have proved to be much more convenient and affordable, all the while offering the same features as on-campus programs.
So, when it comes to getting an online degree in international business, the answer is yes. You can get this degree online. However, you must make sure that the online institute or program that you choose must be accredited.
Colleges with an online degree in international business
So, here is a quick list of the best colleges that offer online degrees in international business:
- Southern New Hampshire University
- Arizona State University Online
- Florida International University Online
- Liberty University
What can I do with an international business degree?
So, a huge concern most students have is what their career outlook be like with a particular college major. Therefore, if you have this question about studying at the top colleges for international business, here is what you must know.
International business is particularly all things related to cross-border and global trade of products and services. It involves all the business processes such as finance and marketing, but in a much wider and broader context. Therefore, the intricacies change as the geographical scope of a business changes.
As a result, you can expect a particular type and kind of international business degree jobs. Firstly, these are most likely going to be in larger firms that are doing some kind of trading with another country. Secondly, firms with job opportunities for international business college majors tend to have a much more global workforce. Lastly, the career will require you to have a deep understanding of globalization and the global marketplace.
International business degree jobs
Here is a list of entry level to mid-level jobs you may be eligible for with a degree in international business.
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International business degree career paths
So, after graduating from the top colleges for international business degrees, you will be pleased to discover some promising career paths and directions you may opt for. While the pay scale and job types may vary, here is a list of broad categories of the career paths you may explore:
- Global workforce management
- Non-profit organizations
- Government agencies
- Policy making and advisory
- Entrepreneurship
- Financial consultancy or advisory
- Economist
- Corporate social responsibility
Get an international business degree!
In conclusion, an international business degree is seemingly a sound career choice for different types of people. Whether you wish to be an entrepreneur or work for a global organization, this college major can help you land diverse career opportunities.
Furthermore, it equips the students with important concepts and skills that can be applied to various jobs and in various industries. For example, managing a global workforce requires strong leadership skills and a knack for cross-cultural communication. With an IB degree, this combination of leadership and management is very much possible.
In addition to this, there is an excellent variety of colleges with international business majors. These are high-ranking and reputable colleges with generous acceptance rates. Moreover, the list of the top colleges for international business degrees includes Arizona State University and Florida International University. Lastly, you can also explore online degrees in international business to enjoy the flexibility and convenience.