International business involves many different services that cross national borders, including trading goods, licensing, franchising, and manufacturing in foreign countries. Professionals who work in international business seek to understand these services and their impact on domestic and foreign institutions.
An international business degree at the master's level can lead to diverse careers. Graduates may work as market research analysts, financial examiners, and accountants. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), business and financial professionals earn a median annual salary of $72,250. The BLS projects jobs for these professionals to grow 5% between 2019 and 2029.
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Master's in International Business Students Q and A
What can you do with an international business degree?
Professionals with an international business degree can pursue jobs that involve global operations. Earning this degree prepares students to understand the world marketplace and anticipate its uncertainties.
Is an international business degree worth it?
International business degree-holders develop valuable skills such as cross-cultural communication, networking, and adaptive thinking. These skills help professionals pursue international business degree jobs.
What is the difference between international and domestic business?
International business focuses on economic exchanges that occur across national borders while domestic business occurs within a single country's boundaries.
Can you get an international business degree online?
Yes. Many schools offer online degrees in international business. Online learning often enables working students to earn their degree while continuing their career.
Why Get a Degree in International Business?
Learners who enroll in an on-campus or online international business program gain the skills and knowledge to pursue a career in the field. Careers in international business allow professionals to interact with high-level stakeholders from around the world. Students develop advanced communication skills and familiarity with different cultures.
A master's degree in international business particularly helps students enter higher-paying jobs. For example, the BLS reports that financial advisors with a master's degree and certification can increase career advancement opportunities.
Learners who pursue a degree in international business online can often reduce their education expenses since online enrollees do not incur campus-related expenses such as parking or room and board.
How Much Does an International Business Degree Cost?
Many factors impact the cost of a degree in international business, including the school's location and program type. Students who reside in the same state as their school often receive reduced tuition rates.
Earning an online degree in international business can also help students save money since they do not need to commute to campus. Many online programs run asynchronously, enabling learners to complete their degree while continuing their careers.
Many international business programs require students to complete an internship. Depending on the location, internships can increase travel expenses. International business programs often allow students to study abroad. Prospective enrollees should factor in costs for obtaining a passport and other international travel necessities.
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How Much Do International Business Majors Make?
International business encompasses a variety of activities that occur in the global market. This includes international marketing, financial analysis, and sales. Professionals must demonstrate the ability to think globally and should possess sensitivity to cultural differences. They should also possess strong interpersonal communication and emotional intelligence skills.
Salaries in international business careers vary. According to the BLS, personal financial advisors earn the highest median annual salary at $89,330. These professionals help people manage and plan their future finances. Management analysts earn the second-highest median annual salary at $87,660. These professionals help organizations improve operations.
Graduates with a degree in international business can also work as market research analysts. These professionals examine domestic and global markets, including potential product and service sales. They earn a median salary of $65,810 per year.
Courses in International Business
An international business degree prepares students to engage in global business relationships. Enrollees learn how to effectively analyze global markets, understand political economies, and develop an openness to cultural differences. Many master's degrees in international business programs allow students to specialize in particular areas, such as international marketing, banking, and global operations.
Students typically complete an internship or capstone project to fulfill program requirements. Many programs offer enrollees the option of interning in another country. With an internship abroad, students increase the possibility of career placement and advancement. Many international business programs feature capstones that focus on applied case studies.
See below for common courses in an online degree in international business.
Global Marketing Management
Students examine trends and brands in global marketing in this class. Enrollees study global marketing management tools needed to understand and develop marketing strategies. Through case study discussions, students develop managerial decision-making skills and tactics for future business collaborations. The course also emphasizes the influence and presence of foreign markets.International Financial Markets
The course covers the fundamentals of international financial markets and how they relate to each other. Students often learn trends in global financial markets and their impact on technology and regulation. Enrollees also examine international trade and transactions.Managing Cultural Differences
Students learn how to navigate cultural differences and how culture impacts business relations. International business requires knowledge of various cultures and how to manage potential conflict to increase organizational effectiveness. The course prepares students to manage diverse teams and overseas assignments.
Certifications and Licensure for International Business
Gaining certification and licensure demonstrates professionals' understanding and experience in a particular field. Obtaining these qualifications can help international business professionals advance in their career or specialize in an interest area. See below for some certifications and licenses available to international business professionals.
CITP demonstrates an advanced knowledge of trade operations and ethical international trade practices. Professionals at any level can apply for certification, including new graduates looking to break into the field. To gain certification, professionals take courses and work at least one year in the field.
Obtaining this certification demonstrates expertise in both financial accounting and strategic business management. Prior to becoming a CMA, professionals must complete a bachelor's in finance or business, work consecutively for two years, and pass an exam.
Many employers look for project-based skills. Obtaining a PMP certification shows project management experience and leadership. Professionals seeking PMP certification need a four-year degree and 36 months of experience leading projects. They must also complete 35 hours of project management training.
Scholarships for International Business
Scholarships help students pay for their degree and do not require repayment. Depending on their background, career interests, and geographic location, learners may qualify for various scholarships. Many scholarship programs choose recipients based on financial need. See below for three scholarships open to students pursuing a master's degree in international business.
Scholarships for International Business
| Scholarship |
Amount |
Who Can Apply |
Robert McNeill Need-Based International Business Scholarship |
$3,000 |
Students interested in international business may apply. Applicants must attend a school with membership to the IES Abroad Consortium. They must also submit a bio and brief statement of interest in the field. |
AfterCollege Business Student Scholarship |
$500 |
Students enrolled in a business program may apply. Business programs include economics, international relations, and political science. Applicants need a minimum 3.0 GPA and must submit a personal statement. |
Love Your Career Scholarship |
$1,000 |
JonesTshirts.com awards this scholarship twice annually to learners studying any subject, including international business, at a U.S. college or university. Applicants must submit proof of enrollment and an essay containing 1,000-3,000 words outlining how they plan to pursue a career they love. |
Online Master's in International Business Programs
#1 Online Master’s In International Business
Florida International University
- Miami, FL
- 4 years
- Online + Campus
Learners at Florida International University can enroll in a variety of top-ranked academic programs, including an online international business master's program. The Miami-based institution's student population includes 39,863 distance learners. Degree-seekers balancing academics with personal or professional obligations can take advantage of online programs' flexible scheduling options.
The master of international business's curriculum emphasizes career skills and field-specific knowledge. Specialized electives allow students to customize the program based on their goals and interests. The flexible master's program emphasizes industry knowledge. Graduates can transition to an international business career or advance their current career in the field after earning their master's degree. Master's students can leverage the institution's career services and alumni network to access professional opportunities.
Learners enrolled in the school's master's programs can access support services including career advising and financial aid counseling. The school supports online learners through affordable tuition rates and institutional funding. Additional funding options for graduate-level learners include private scholarships and institutional fellowships.
Percent Online Enrollment
68%
Percentage of all students who are enrolled online.
Accreditation
Yes
Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges
#2 Online Master’s In International Business
Arizona State University
- Scottsdale, AZ
- 4 years
- Online + Campus
Scottsdale-based Arizona State University provides academic programs for online and on-campus degree-seekers. Graduates of the institution's online master's program in international affairs and leadership can pursue a variety of positions in international business.
The rigorous curriculum, combined with academic and career advising, prepares enrollees for international business careers. Learners with personal or professional obligations often benefit from the online international business program's flexible scheduling options. Degree-seekers enrolled full time typically require 1-2 years to complete their master's program.
Students with financial need can submit the FAFSA to apply for federal grants, loans, and work-study programs. To help cover the cost of their education, 52% of enrollees take out student loans. Additionally, the institution reports that 86% of learners pay for their degree using financial aid.
Arizona State University Numbers:
Total Programs: 131
Number of Online Programs: 126
Online Master's Programs: 48
Number of Online Students: 44,167
Religious Affiliation: Non-affiliated
Transfer Credits Toward Degree: No
Percent Online Enrollment
98%
Percentage of all students who are enrolled online.
Accreditation
Yes
Higher Learning Commission
#3 Online Master’s In International Business
University of North Carolina at Greensboro
- Greensboro, NC
- 4 years
- Online + Campus
Distance learners at the University of North Carolina at Greensboro can pursue a variety of respected degrees, including a master's in international business. While many of the institution's students pursue their degree on campus, 10,282 students attend online classes. Online programs' flexible scheduling options can make it easier for busy learners to complete degree requirements.
While enrolled in the master's in international business program, degree-seekers complete a rigorous curriculum comprising core and advanced coursework. Specialized electives allow master's students to customize the program based on their goals and interests. The curriculum prioritizes flexibility and industry-relevant knowledge. After earning the master's degree in international business, graduates can apply for positions in the field or advance their current business career. The institution offers career services, which can benefit current master's students and alumni.
Learners pursuing a master's degree from the school can access support services including career advising and financial aid counseling. Online learners at the institution pay affordable tuition rates. Degree-seekers often apply for scholarships and fellowships to reduce out-of-pocket expenses.
Percent Online Enrollment
51%
Percentage of all students who are enrolled online.
Accreditation
Yes
Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges
#4 Online Master’s In International Business
Colorado State University Global Campus
- Aurora, CO
- 4 years
- Online
Degree-seekers can enroll in Colorado State University Global Campus's graduate programs online. The public institution's online master's programs are ideal for busy learners. The flexible master's degree in international management prepares students for a variety of opportunities in international business.
Master's students begin the online program by completing core coursework in international business. The curriculum also includes advanced courses covering in-depth international management topics. Master's students can take advantage of faculty mentorship and hands-on learning opportunities.
After finishing the international business program, master's degree-holders often qualify for raises and promotions. The institution's career counselors help master's students prepare to secure professional roles after graduation.
The school's online graduate programs cost an average of $408 per credit. As an accredited institution, degree-seekers can qualify for federal financial aid programs. Learners can research funding options including grants, fellowships, and employer-sponsored tuition plans.
Retention Rate
Not provided
Percent Online Enrollment
Not provided
Accreditation
Yes
Higher Learning Commission
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