An international business degree equips you with the necessary tools to succeed in a globalized business environment. Through comprehensive coursework and exposure to diverse subjects, you gain the skills and knowledge required to navigate the complexities of international markets, cross-cultural management, and global business strategy.
With the convenience and flexibility of online learning, earning an international business degree is more accessible than ever. Enrolling in an online program allows you to work from the comfort of your home and at your own pace. Additionally, selecting distance learning typically results in cost savings compared to in-person programs.
If you’re interested in pursuing an international business degree, here’s what you need to know about what you can expect to learn, what careers this degree can qualify you for, and what the best international business degree online programs are.
What Will I Learn in an International Business Degree Program?
An international business degree program encompasses a wide range of subjects beyond the traditional business curriculum. While fundamental areas like accounting and finance are covered, the program also delves into specialized topics that prepare students for the complexities of global business environments.
Here are some key subjects you can expect to encounter:
- Cross-cultural management: Understanding and navigating diverse cultural norms, values, and business practices is crucial in international business. This subject equips students with the knowledge to manage multicultural teams and effectively establish successful business relationships worldwide.
- Global business strategy: In an increasingly interconnected world, formulating effective business strategies that account for global markets is essential. Students in international business degree programs can expect to learn how to analyze international markets, identify opportunities, and develop strategies to gain a competitive advantage in diverse business landscapes.
- International marketing: International marketing goes beyond domestic boundaries and requires an understanding of cultural nuances, consumer behavior, and global marketing trends. This subject teaches students how to adapt marketing strategies to different cultures and target international audiences effectively.
- International trade and finance: Students studying this subject will gain an understanding of the intricacies of global trade, as well as import-export regulations, international finance, and foreign exchange markets. They will gain insights into the economic aspects of international business and develop skills to navigate the complexities of cross-border transactions.
- Global supply chain management: Managing the flow of goods and services across international borders involves intricate logistics and coordination. This subject focuses on optimizing supply chains, understanding global distribution networks, and addressing international logistics and operations challenges.
Many international business programs also give students the opportunity to participate in an international internship. These study abroad programs allow students to gain practical experience and learn more about how international businesses work in the real world.
Of course, these are just a few of the common subjects included in international business programs. For more information about specific courses you’ll be taking, review your program’s curriculum.
What Can I Do with an International Business Degree?
Earning an international business degree can open doors to a variety of exciting career opportunities.
As businesses continue to expand globally, professionals with a solid understanding of international markets and cultures are in high demand. Not only will this degree prepare you for these opportunities, but since these programs cover a wide range of fundamental business topics, you’ll also likely qualify for positions at domestic businesses.
Here are some potential career paths you can pursue with an international business degree:
Supply chain manager
In a globalized economy, efficient supply chain management is crucial for businesses to thrive. As a supply chain manager, you would oversee the movement of goods, manage vendor relationships, optimize logistics processes, and ensure seamless operations across international borders.
Similarly, an international business degree will prepare you for work as a logistician or purchasing manager, both of which are similar to supply chain managers and often have the same responsibilities.
According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), the median annual wage for these professionals was $77,030 in May 2021.
Business development manager
Business development managers play a pivotal role in identifying and creating new business opportunities in foreign markets. They conduct market research, establish strategic partnerships, negotiate contracts, and implement market entry strategies to expand the organization’s global footprint. Ultimately, these managers are responsible for ensuring an organization’s continued growth.
The BLS states that professionals in management occupations earned an average annual salary of $102,450 in May 2021.
Compliance officer
As companies engage in international transactions, compliance with local and international regulations becomes paramount. Compliance officers ensure that organizations adhere to legal and ethical standards, manage risk, and navigate complex international legal frameworks.
According to Indeed, the average salary for compliance officers in the United States is $70,259.
External auditor
External auditors evaluate the financial records of companies to ensure compliance with accounting standards and regulations. With an international business degree, you can specialize in auditing multinational corporations, assessing their global financial operations, and identifying potential risks.
External auditors make an average of $57,890 as of 2023, according to Salary.com.
Foreign exchange trader
Foreign exchange traders capitalize on fluctuations in currency values to generate profits for financial institutions or themselves. With a strong foundation in international finance and a deep understanding of global markets, you can pursue a career as a foreign exchange trader, making informed decisions to buy and sell currencies.
According to Indeed, foreign exchange traders in the United States make an average of $93,848 per year.
Whether you aspire to work in multinational corporations, start your own international business venture, or contribute to the growth of global economies, an online international business degree can provide the knowledge and credentials needed to thrive in the dynamic field of international business.
Our Research
This list features some of the country’s best online international business degree programs. Each school featured is a nonprofit, accredited institution, either public or private, with a high standard of academic quality for post-secondary institutions.
We evaluated each school’s program on tuition costs, admission, retention and graduation rates, faculty, and reputation. Then, we calculated the Intelligent Score on a scale of 0 to 100. Read more about our ranking methodology.
Next, we compared this comprehensive list of the best online international business degree programs to a list of aggregated college rankings from reputable publications, such as U.S. News & World Report, to simplify a student’s college search. We pored through these rankings so students don’t have to.
The 50 Best Online International Business Degree Programs
