International Business

As the global economy continues to expand, the demand for international business education is higher than ever and expected to increase in the foreseeable future. Language difficulties and cultural differences make international business both challenging and rewarding. Survival of many U.S. companies is dependent on the ability to expand into new markets. Multinational enterprises need people who are sensitive and knowledgeable about cultural differences and able to learn the needs and wants of their international customers. Multinational companies operate production facilities in numerous foreign countries, so business students need to learn about the underlying economic, political, and social trends of foreign nations.

For a complete list of degree requirements, visit the Bachelor of Science in Business program page »

International Business Concentration (24 credit hours)

This concentration prepares the student to be familiar with the international business environment and allows emphasis in a particular geographic locale. The student can choose between Europe, Asia, Africa, or Latin America as an area of emphasis.

In addition to the concentration courses listed below (total of 24 cr. hrs.) the student must also:

1. Take one of the following courses:
   • POLS-Y 109 Introduction to International Politics
   • POLS-Y 107 Introduction to Comparative Politics
2. Choose a specific region of emphasis:
   • Europe, Latin America, Asia, or Africa
3. Take the first two years (14 cr. hrs.) of a foreign language:
   • European Emphasis: French, German, or Spanish
   • Latin America Emphasis: Spanish
   • Asian Emphasis: Japanese or Chinese
   • African Emphasis: French

Required Courses

Required electives

Select two (six credit hours) 300/400 level BUS or ECON courses outside International Business. Cannot be satisfied by internship, Professional practice, or BUS-M 300.

POLS–Y 107 Introduction to Comparative Politics (3 cr.)
Explores similarities and differences between political institutions and processes in political systems around the world. Usually covers Britain, Germany, Russia, China, Mexico, Nigeria, and Egypt.

POLS–Y 109 Introduction to International Politics (3 cr.)
Causes of war, nature and attributes of the state, imperialism, international law, national sovereignty, arbitration, adjudication, international organizations, major international issues.

BUS–D 300 International Business Administration (3 cr.)
Foreign environment for overseas operations; U.S. government policies and programs for international business; international economic policies; and management decisions and their implementation in international marketing, management, and finance.

BUS–F 494 International Finance. (3 cr.)
Financial management of foreign operations of the firm. Financial constraints of the international environment and their effect on standard concepts of financial management. Study of international currency flows, forward cover, and international banking practices.

ECON–E 333 International Economics (3 cr.)
Forces determining international trade, finance, and commercial policy under changing world conditions; theory of international trade, monetary standards, tariff policy, trade controls.

POLS–Y 376 International Political Economy (3 cr.)
Study of how the international political system determines the nature of international economic relations. Focus is on the following: (1) trade and monetary regimes, (2) the role of multinational corporations; (3) global action, (4) relations between wealthy countries, and (5) relations between wealthy and poor countries.

A majority of jobs in international business involve sales and marketing – in a traditional employee role, on contract, or as an entrepreneur. Many jobs in international business are U.S. based and deal with a representative in another country who will interact between you and your end consumers.

An international business career is pursued by professionals who intend to specialize in global marketing and undertake ongoing education in the socio-economic and political factors which affect it. You may be required to travel internationally and put in unusual or long hours, since your market will probably be in a different time zone.

The International Trade Administration provides assistance and advice to exporters in the U.S. Job titles can include international trade specialist, international economist, economist, and import compliance specialist. Other positions include international banking officers or cultural advisers.