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International business degrees prepare students for career opportunities in marketing, finance, accounting, healthcare, human resources and information technology. Graduates gain insight into how global economies interact and how business works in worldwide markets.
This article overviews key components of earning an international business degree, including common admission requirements, curriculum content and coursework.
International business encompasses a wide range of careers focused on global trade, from import/export operations to global marketing and beyond Pursuing an international business degree can set you up for success in this fast-paced, dynamic field
But with so many program options, which degrees are best to gain relevant skills while advancing your career? This guide covers the primary international business degrees available and what each provides.
Associate Degree in International Business
An Associate Degree in International Business is typically a 2-year program at community colleges or technical schools. It offers a quick and affordable entry point to start an international business career.
These programs cover basics like:
- International marketing
- Global supply chain logistics
- Importing and exporting
- International finance and accounting
- International law and trade agreements
Graduates gain foundational knowledge to qualify for roles like
- Export/import clerks
- Logistics coordinators
- Business development assistants
- Accounting clerks
While limited compared to more advanced degrees, an Associate Degree allows jumping into global business fundamentals quickly at a lower cost. It’s best for those seeking entry-level operational positions.
Bachelor’s Degree in International Business
A Bachelor’s Degree is the standard credential for most international business careers. Programs typically take 4 years to complete at colleges and universities.
Core topics include:
- International economics
- Global operations and supply chain management
- Cross-cultural management
- International marketing and market entry strategies
- Global financial systems
- Import/export processes
- International law and trade pacts
In addition to classroom learning, many programs provide or require international experiences such as:
- Study abroad semesters
- Foreign language training
- Internships at multinational companies
These experiences help students expand cultural awareness and global business acumen.
With a bachelor’s degree, graduates are qualified for positions like:
- Business development managers
- International account managers
- Global marketing specialists
- Logistics analysts
- Trade compliance officers
A bachelor’s degree in international business provides well-rounded training for mid-level careers. It’s the minimum required for most corporate roles involving global business strategy and operations.
Master’s Degree in International Business
A Master’s Degree in International Business takes learning to the next level for upper-level career advancement. Programs typically require 1-2 years of full-time study.
Coursework dives deeper into topics like:
- Global financial systems
- International law and trade
- Global HR management
- Political risk analysis
- International marketing strategies
- Global supply chain optimization
In addition to classroom instruction, many master’s programs provide experiential learning through:
- Consulting projects with real companies
- Business case competitions
- Facilitated business trips and seminars abroad
With a master’s degree, graduates are prepared for higher roles like:
- International marketing directors
- Global operations managers
- International finance managers
- Global business development directors
- Import/export managers
A master’s degree positions graduates for leadership roles directing international business strategy. It signals deep expertise making complex global decisions.
MBA in International Business
The MBA (Master of Business Administration) is a common alternative to a specialized master’s degree. Top MBA programs offer concentrations in international business.
MBAs provide broader training in areas like finance, leadership, accounting, data analytics, marketing and operations. International business MBA concentrations build specialized global skills atop this core business foundation.
Course highlights may include:
- International finance and banking
- Global marketing and market entry
- International law and trade
- Global supply chain optimization
- Cross-cultural management
- International consulting projects
MBA schedules are flexible. Programs take 1-2 years full-time or longer for part-time students.
The MBA qualification opens senior leadership paths like:
- Chief international officer
- Global marketing vice president
- Head of international business development
- Global supply chain director
- Regional managers of global organizations
The MBA gives graduates the knowledge breadth and leadership polish to direct international business units or entire global organizations.
PhD in International Business
A PhD in International Business is the highest academic credential in the field. Programs take roughly 5-7 years to complete involving intensive research.
Doctoral training prepares graduates for careers in:
- International business research and consulting
- University instruction
- High-level policy analysis for global organizations like WTO and World Bank
PHD students master qualitative and quantitative methods to produce new business insights through rigorous data analysis and modeling. Core training areas include:
- Advanced analytical methods
- International business theory
- Global strategy research
- Cross-cultural management research
- Global supply chain research
- International financial systems research
Graduating PhDs are equipped to generate influential academic insights advancing international business knowledge. Their expertise makes them highly sought after by top consultancies, universities, and global policy groups.
Which International Business Degree Is Right For You?
With so many options, deciding which degree to pursue depends on your career goals and aspirations in the international business field.
Ask yourself:
- What level of work do you want to do? Entry-level tactical or executive strategic?
- How much time can you dedicate to earning your degree?
- Can you afford tuition and study time for higher degrees?
- How much knowledge depth do you need for your desired career path?
An associate degree provides a quick start, while an MBA or PhD leads to the highest positions. Evaluate programs carefully to choose the best degree for where you want your international business career to go.
What Can You Do With an International Business Degree?
An international business degree can lead to careers in business, management, banking, human resources and more. Undergraduate degrees lead to entry-level positions, while graduate degrees prepare students for managerial and executive roles, including:
- Business analyst
- Corporate investment banker
- Product manager
- Human resources manager
- Management consultant
- Trade specialist
- Import/export coordinator
- Operations manager
- Economist
Job requirements and duties vary depending on the company, organization and country. Additional certifications demonstrate proficiency in international business skills or foreign languages and may increase job prospects.
Business and Economic Statistics
In this course, students evaluate how to use statistics in managerial decision making. Students survey statistical techniques, such as probability theory and hypothesis testing, and explore technique selection, problem formulation and interpreting results.
Professional organizations help broaden your network, expand your skills and build a targeted résumé. International business students and professionals can join professional organizations to access tools and resources.
Is an INTERNATIONAL BUSINESS degree worth it?
What are the different types of international business degrees?
There are three basic types of international business degrees. These types are categorized by level. A bachelor’s degree is the lowest level degree, and a doctorate degree is the highest level degree. Although you may be able to get an associate’s degree in international business from some schools, these degrees are not widely available.
What are the different types of international business programs?
Some programs allow students to focus their studies on foreign markets. International business programs vary by institution. Some schools offer dedicated international business bachelor’s degree programs, while others feature international business as a specialization or concentration within a broader business administration bachelor’s program.
Where can I get an international business degree?
Most people earn their international business degree from an accredited business school or a college or university with a comprehensive business program. Both campus-based and online programs (or some combination of the two) can be found at many schools.
What is an international business degree?
At the bachelor’s level, an international business degree covers fundamental business concepts, principles and practices, including global marketing, trade operations and finance policies. Students explore the influence of political systems, language and culture on conducting business.
