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The modern world offers a wealth of opportunities when it comes to running a business. While local businesses are integral in every society, operating one often transcends borders, especially at a time when almost everything is digital.
Students who wish to advance their careers may want to consider earning a master in international business program. This online program allows them to explore opportunities to launch new products in a global scale and overcome real-world business challenges. This will equip them with the knowledge and skills necessary in the business sector.
Some of the learning areas students are expected to develop include business management, strategic management, international management, international marketing, international relations, supply chain management, and so much more.
Students are expected to gain a better understanding of international economics to predict how the global markets shape the bottom line, all the while being able to effectively communicate the value of an organization to a diverse market.
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The Lowdown
While most of the master’s in international business programs are offered on-campus, many of the universities and business schools offer the degree online. This gives working adults a more convenient option when it comes to pursuing advanced higher education.
Most online programs in international business provide students with flexible schedule options, which often means they can complete the coursework and earn the degree at their own pace. Graduates of international business degree programs have diverse and lucrative career paths to choose from. Some of them become data scientists, sales executives, supply chain managers, and business development managers.
Methodology
As a specialized business degree, International Business Master’s programs open the door for students to take on the challenge of careers in global business environments. They are rewarding, but it is important that students choose the universities that let them maximize their learning experience and give them the best chance for success.
The programs included in this list have been selected based on the following categories:
- Offered by reputable universities or institutions that have regional accreditation
- Features 100% online or hybrid class formats at the very least, letting students maximize their time balance between coursework and their current professional commitments
- Features a curriculum that adequately addresses the learning needs of students seeking careers in global business, which would include the fundamentals in business degrees, as well as course content specific to international business contexts
- Offered by universities that feature a range of financial aid options, on top of any special discounts that may be offered to students from certain special sectors.
Check out our Methodology page and learn more about our ranking process.
20 Best Masters in International Business Online
University of Florida
Online Master of International Business
The University of Florida has an online Master of International Business for students who wish to gain a global business perspective anytime and anywhere. This distance learning master’s program can be completed in one year and is ideal for business majors or minors with its internationally focused core curriculum.
- This international business online program requires zero campus visits, but students need to participate in a one-week Global Immersion experience trip.
- As a pre-experience program, this degree is intended for those with little or no professional work experience.
- The curriculum is composed of 30 credits, 14 of which are for core courses, and 16 are allocated for electives.
What Makes This Program Unique:
This online international business program provides students with an enriching experience in the form of the Global Immersion Experience course. This includes a one-week international trip. There are three options that students can choose from, namely the Spring Break trip during early March, the Spring “Extended” that falls in early May, or the Fall Break, which happens in mid-October.
Did You Know?
Students who want to diversify their skills with a strong business foundation may want to take advantage of the dual-degree option. This allows them to share a total of 9 credits between both graduate and professional programs, which shortens the duration of the degree program.
Texas A&M University-Corpus Christi
MBA with a Concentration in International Business
The master of business administration offered by Texas A&M University-Corpus Christi has a concentration in international business. The MBA with a Concentration in International Business is designed for students who want to gain a deeper understanding of international trade and excel in global business practices. This program covers subjects such as international trade, cultural differences, and strategic decision-making.
- As an online MBA program, this degree is designed for working professionals who need the flexibility to work around their schedules and advance their business careers.
- Students will be able to complete this AACSB-accredited master’s program in as little as 12 months.
- The curriculum focuses on equipping students with specialized international business knowledge and skills integral to advanced administrative and management roles that will help them excel in business on a global level.
- Students may choose among four concentration courses, including Multinational Finance, Multinational Management, International Economics, and Multinational Management and Marketing in the International Environment.
What Makes This Program Unique:
The curriculum of this International Business master’s degree is structured in a way that students will gain the business core foundation along with specialized courses to help them build on their understanding of issues surrounding global trade.
Did You Know?
The AACSB International Association to Advance Collegiate Schools of Business – has accredited the College of Business at Texas A&M University-Corpus Christi. This makes the TAMU-CC College of Business one of the most credible and top international business schools in the country, as it is one of only 182 business schools globally that hold dual accreditation in business and accounting degree programs.
University of Alabama
MA in Management, concentration in Global Business
For students looking to advance their leadership and management career in the international scene, the Master of Arts in Management with a concentration in Global Business at the University of Alabama is an ideal choice. Students are given the opportunity to explore topics such as human resources, finance, import and export strategies, and business ethics.
- The Global Business concentration focuses on studying the ever-changing landscape of management and operations of the global business.
- Students will learn how to effectively and inclusively lead diverse teams, develop talent, and advance resources and practices.
- They will also gain a better understanding of how globalization has changed the modern world, equipping them with ample knowledge on key areas to help them succeed in the global market.
- Some of the skills they will gain include critical thinking, data analysis, and project management.
What Makes This Program Unique:
This program prepares students to attain organizational leadership roles by teaching them effective ways to approach management issues from a global mindset. Students do not need to be required to complete a thesis, but they may choose two electives to strengthen their international business foundation. This includes Managerial Economics, Effective Negotiations, and Advanced Marketing Analysis.
Did You Know?
The online master’s in management at the University of Alabama is accredited by AACSB. This serves as a benchmark of quality widely sought in most international business schools.
University of Colorado Denver
MS in International Business
The University of Colorado Denver, a public research university, offers the Master of Science in International Business, a program designed for careers in today’s highly globalized business landscape, preparing students with fundamentals in International Business, skills in digital globalization, and cross-cultural agility.
The MS in International Business comprises 30 credit hours, with possible additional credits required for pre-requisites that students must take.
There are available options for both full-time and part-time enrollment options, and students can choose online and evening classes.
The program features specialization areas in Digital Globalization, Global Supply Chain, and Global Cross-Cultural Studies.
What Makes This Program Unique:
CU Denver offers a Dual Degree option, where students can combine MBA programs with Business School Master of Science programs, which include the MS in Accounting, Business Analytics, Global Energy Management, International Business, Finance and Risk Management, and more.
Did You Know?
The CU Denver Business School also offers a wide range of degree programs aside from the MS in International Business, which includes the Executive MBA, the 100% online MS in Global Energy Management, and the One-Year MBA, among others.
American University
MS in International Relations and Business
American University, a private, non-profit university based in Washington, DC, offers an online Master of Science in International Relations and Business, a program designed to prepare students to work with the complexities of international business conducted across borders and cultural contexts.
- The program is a joint degree that is developed by the American University’s Kogod School of Business and the School of International Service.
- The program contains 36 credit hours in total and has a completion time of around 18 months. It also concludes with a Capstone Project.
The program curriculum covers fundamentals in international business and public policy applied to a global scale. It includes courses in business and public policy, negotiation and communication, management, innovation, and entrepreneurship, and more.
What Makes This Program Unique:
On top of online classes, the degree features an in-person immersion experience that lets students gain global exposure. Locations for the immersion vary, but destinations are typically international business hubs.
Did You Know?
American University also offers an Online Master of Science in Analytics program, which is a 33-credit hour program that can be completed in 12-15 months.
MIU City University Miami
MS in International Business Administration
A private university, the MIU City University Miami offers an MS in International Business Administration, a program that is oriented towards effectively meeting the needs of businesses that operate in international markets, providing students with in-depth knowledge of the economics, finance, and logical bases of these business systems.
- The program contains a total of 42 credit hours, with an 18-month completion time.
- The program is taught in the English language in online and hybrid formats and in Spanish in an online format.
The program curriculum includes courses in Managerial Accounting, Operations & Service Management, Change Management, Analysis and Negotiation, and more.
What Makes This Program Unique:
The MIU City University Miami MS in International Business Administration can be augmented with an optional Continuing Education certificate in a number of promising career areas, which includes 360˚ Digital Marketing, Data & Business Analytics, Design Management, and more.
Did You Know?
MIU City University Miami also offers an MS in Educational Leadership, Management, and Emerging Technologies degree program, designed for leadership and resource management roles in the educational sector.
Tufts University
Master of Global Business Administration
Tufts University, a private, non-profit research university in Massachusetts, offers a Master of Global Business Administration (GBA) degree program that provides a strong foundation and a contextual approach to the realities encountered in international business.
- The program is offered in part-time (24-month completion time) and full-time (16-month completion time) enrollment options.
- The GBA curriculum begins with two business core courses: International Strategy and Innovation, and Corporate Finance in Global Capital Markets.
- Classes are offered in live online formats, where students engage in discussions with their professors and fellow students in real-time.
- The program includes two in-person immersions, one at Tufts University and the other in a select international location. These immersion programs feature hands-on project management where students get a feel for the complexities of doing international business.
What Makes This Program Unique:
Tufts University education is evidenced and supported by a strong network of loyal alumni spread across the world in different roles, which includes CEOs, heads of state, investors, and successful entrepreneurs.
Did You Know?
Tufts University also partners with a number of institutions both in the United States and overseas in joint/dual programs, with partner institutions that include Dartmouth College, the China Europe International Business School (CEIBS) in China, HEC School of Management in France, and the IE Business School in Spain.
UNC Greensboro
MS in International Business
UNC Greensboro, part of the University of North Carolina System, offers a Master of Science in International Business, a degree program specifically developed to prepare effective leaders with problem-solving skillsets applicable to the needs of doing business on a global scale.
- The program is online-only and can be taken on either full-time (1 year) or part-time (2-year completion) basis. It contains a total of 30 credit hours.
- Students in the program may also pursue the optional Human Resources concentration, ideal for those preparing to take the SHRM-Society for Human Resource Management Certification examinations.
- The program’s typical students come from a variety of diverse backgrounds, and students typically work as part of multicultural teams.
What Makes This Program Unique:
UNC Greensboro’s MS in International Business has been designed from the ground up to provide education that is dedicated to effective global business management and its associated complexities and realities. It is the only specialized program of its kind in North Carolina.
Did You Know?
With both a Best for Vets and a Military Friendly School designation, UNC Greensboro offers a variety of benefits and special discounts for veterans, active-duty, and other military-affiliated students.
Florida International University
Master of International Business
Florida International University, a public research university, offers a Master of International Business degree program, a rigorous and highly dynamic program that prepares students to be sought-after specialists in today’s global business environment.
- The program contains a total of 30 credit hours, with a 12-month completion time. Each semester is broken down into 8-week courses. The program coursework is also fully online.
- On top of the fully online coursework, the program includes an international immersion trip, as well as a local immersion trip (within the Miami area) that lets students observe business realities both abroad and locally.
- The program also includes several Professional Development Seminars (PDS), which provide opportunities for students to gain additional crucial knowledge. Among the PDS opportunities is a Lean Six Sigma – Yellow Belt Certification seminar.
What Makes This Program Unique:
This degree program has been designed to keep up with the latest trends and realities of today’s complex global economy and emphasizes geopolitics as one of its core course content.
Did You Know?
As a testament to the excellence of its business programs, Florida International University is one of only 15 schools in the country that receive federal grants that let them operate a Center for International Business Education & Research.
Louisiana State University
MBA with an International Business Concentration
The Louisiana State University offers an Online MBA with an International Business Concentration. This AACSB-accredited program prepares students with the right mindset to thrive in today’s highly connected and fast-paced global business environment.
- The program contains a total of 30 credit hours and can take only ten months.
- The curriculum comprises seven core courses totaling 21 credit hours, plus the concentration/specialization.
- On top of the affordable cost, LSU follows pay-by-the-course tuition for all US residents. There is also an available GMAT/GRE Waiver for applicants who qualify.
What Makes This Program Unique:
This is a highly regarded accredited program that is one of the best in the US. In 2021, the LSU online MBA was ranked #1 among the country’s top 50 MBAs in a survey by Intelligent.com in 2021.
Did You Know?
LSU also offers a number of other MBA programs with their own specialization areas, including MBAs in Data Analytics, Finance, Project Management, and Marketing.
Lynn University
MBA in International Business Management
A private university based in Boca Raton, Florida, Lynn University offers an MBA in International Business Management, a degree program that covers the fundamentals of doing international business and takes a special look at prevailing standards and practices in various regions and countries around the world.
- The program contains a total of 37 credit hours, with classes taken online or on campus. Key content areas included in the program are business plan development, international expansion, and global resource management.
- The International Business Management concentration area also includes courses on focused country and/or region studies, as well as international financial markets and international trade and investment.
- The Lynn University MBA in International Business Management is International Accreditation Council for Business Education-accredited.
What Makes This Program Unique:
This program features a curriculum that places special emphasis on cultural and regional business standards, in line with its aim of training students in cross-cultural communication
Did You Know?
Among its wide range of degrees, Lynn University also offers specialized MBAs in Media Management, Sports Management, and Entrepreneurial Management.
Amberton University
MBA in International Business
Amberton University, a private, non-profit university based in Garland, Texas, offers an MBA in International Business, ideal for those who are looking to pursue careers in management roles in international business contexts.
- The program contains a total of 36 credit hours, with 18 credits of major courses and 12 hours of electives. The program’s core curriculum focuses on the key content areas of international economics, finance, marketing, cultural communication, and global workforce management.
- There are available options for both distance learning as well as on-campus classes.
- This program is accredited by the Accreditation Council for Business Schools and Programs (ACBSP).
What Makes This Program Unique:
Amberton University is known for offering accredited programs that are designed for working adults, featuring excellent education with affordable tuition rates.
Did You Know?
Among its wide range of graduate degree programs, Amberton University also offers MBAs in General Business, Accounting, Management, Project Management, and Strategic Leadership.
Washington State University
MBA, International Business Concentration
Through the Carson College of Business, Washington State University offers an online MBA with an International Business Concentration. This program is a deep dive into the modern international business landscape and covers the fundamentals and management strategies.
- The program curriculum includes discussion in cross-cultural management, corporate finance, and international marketing.
- The program prepares students for roles in government agencies, public organizations, and non-profits.
- The program trains students in a variety of crucial skills and processes, which include global business risk assessment and international business research.
What Makes This Program Unique:
Washington State University’s online MBA is designed as an immersive look at today’s overall international business landscape and contains courses that are designed to help students navigate the complexities of conducting business in the context of shifting cultural conditions, the overwhelming diversity of countries, cultures, and environments, and the ever-changing particularities of the world’s governments.
Did You Know?
Washington State University also offers an Online MBA in International Business as a Graduate Certificate program that contains nine credit hours.
Tiffin University
MBA in International Business
Tiffin University opens up a wealth of possibilities for those who wish to pursue an international career in business. Its Master of Business Administration in International Business equips students with valuable knowledge and specialized skills they need to thrive in an increasingly globalized business setting.
- Courses in the specialized curriculum focus on international trade and investments, organizational design and operation, financial management, and more.
- Students will learn how organizations work and thrive amid various cultural environments.
- There is an emphasis on understanding diverse cultures, economies, laws, and business practices.
- The courses in the program curriculum include International Trade, International Financial Management, Strategic Analysis in Global Industry, and more.
What Makes This Program Unique:
Students are in good hands as they will learn from instructors with substantial networks who help students find internships and employment all over the world. The faculty emphasizes equipping students with career-ready skills, including cultural awareness, cross-cultural communication skills, a multinational approach to business issues, and so much more.
Did You Know?
Tiffin University’s School of Business has an accreditation from ACBSP, which makes its master’s program in international business of high quality.
Georgetown University
MA in International Business and Policy
Georgetown University offers an MA in International Business and Policy under the Walsh School of Foreign Service and McDonough School of Business. The one-year interdisciplinary program taps the strength of the highly regarded foreign service in the world and a top-tier business school to provide students with an exceptional and enriching learning experience.
- Students in this program will not only understand the mechanisms and frameworks that shape business and international relations, but they will also get to explore those concepts in contemporary global issues.
- This degree program can be completed in as little as 12 months.
- The hybrid format means this program is highly manageable for working professionals.
What Makes This Program Unique:
Georgetown’s McDonough School of Business & Walsh School of Foreign Service maintains a reputation for academic excellence. Its master’s program gives students an edge over competitors by combining business and foreign relations. This allows them to have more insights and understanding of international trade that can catapult them to success in the global arena.
Did You Know?
The Financial Times 2018 recognized Georgetown University’s McDonough School of Business as one of the top business schools in the United States.
University of Delaware
Master’s in International Business
Pursuing an international business career is made easy with the University of Delaware’s Master’s in International Business. This degree program can be completed in 18 months. Students will need to complete a total of 30 credit hours to earn the program.
- Delivered under Alfred Lerner College of Business & Economics, the program provides students with knowledge and training that can help them develop in-demand business skills.
- The curriculum features six international business core courses, such as ethics, business strategies, market research, and globalization.
- Students are expected to master foundational international business skills and improve their cross-cultural awareness.
What Makes This Program Unique:
The program’s online format gives working professionals the flexibility they need to seek advancement and thrive in a global setting. They can even customize their international business courses to meet their professional goals.
Did You Know?
Students are given the chance to specialize in an area of interest by choosing among course options, including Corporate Financial Management, Leadership and Innovation in Population Health, and Operations Management and Management Science.
Boston University
MS in Global Marketing Management
Boston University offers an MS in Global Marketing Management program for students who want to acquire the benefits of a solid academic core in marketing complemented by highly relevant and valuable classes, including project management, financial and economic analysis, e-commerce, and product and service development.
- Students in this program will obtain a broad understanding of decision-making, marketing research, and advanced marketing techniques that are necessary to excel in the global marketing field.
- They will also gain more insights into the cultural, geopolitical, financial, and international economic issues that can impact the strategies related to international commerce, including importing and exporting.
What Makes This Program Unique:
This program allows students to use their degree electives to satisfy up to two required courses in the Administrative Sciences graduate certificate program. This means students only need to take two additional courses to receive this graduate certificate.
Did You Know?
On top of competitive tuition rates, students will be able to benefit from the comprehensive financial aid services at the university, including graduate loans, scholarships, and payment plans.
Southern New Hampshire University
MBA with an International Business Concentration
Students interested in developing strategies to evaluate and manage business organizations on a global scale will want to consider Southern New Hampshire University’s MBA with an International Business Concentration.
- This online program equips students with knowledge and skills integral to helping them become global business leaders at their own pace.
- Students are expected to learn how to apply concepts and theories in international business to evaluate global phenomena in different cultural, political, social, and economic contexts.
What Makes This Program Unique:
The International Business Concentration program offers available emphasis, with options such as entrepreneurship, finance, and information technology management.
Did You Know?
To earn the degree faster, students may transfer up to 6 equivalent university credits toward their 30-credit SNHU MBA. This will allow them to save time and money by acquiring the degree faster than normal.
Lehigh University
FLEX MBA Program, International Business Concentration
Lehigh University offers students a part-time FLEX MBA program with a concentration in International Business. This online program covers broad issues involving multinational and international companies, such as opportunity, risk, marketing, and legal issues.
- The international business concentration requires students to complete a total of 12 credits.
- Students may choose among courses such as financial management, international finance, global marketing strategies, and special topics that include immersion trips.
What Makes This Program Unique:
The FLEX MBA program is designed for active professionals who wish to enjoy flexibility in their pursuit of academic advancement. It includes an applied capstone experience that will help students expand their leadership education.
Did You Know?
It takes MBA students 3.5 years to complete this part-time MBA program on average. Students have the freedom to go at a faster or slower pace, depending on their personal schedules and career goals.
Eastern Washington University
MBA with an International Business Concentration
Another MBA that is available 100% online comes in the form of Eastern Washington University’s MBA with an International Business concentration. This program helps students thrive in managerial roles in a highly evolving multinational business environment.
- Students can choose among skills to emphasize, including international financial management, international investments, and global accounting.
- Some of the core courses in this program include corporate finance, data-driven decision-making, marketing management, and operations management, among others.
What Makes This Program Unique:
The program focuses on helping students understand financial and investment management in the international arena. This includes international markets, exchange rate determination, and strategic decision-making that pertains to risk decisions and portfolio management.
Did You Know?
This International Business concentration MBA program offers the same affordable pay-by-the-course tuition to students, regardless if they live in or out of the state. The tuition fee costs an average of $422 per credit hour.
Frequently Asked Questions
What potential career paths are open to graduates of International Business degrees?
Master’s programs in International Business contain the whole range of business-related courses and training on skills as typical MBAs, with an added particular focus on international challenges and business needs.
As they are essentially business master’s degrees, graduates of international business degree programs are prepared for leadership roles and careers in finance, data analytics, business management, marketing, and even human resources, most especially in businesses that operate internationally. Graduates may also take their learned skillsets into their own entrepreneurship ventures.
Further still, graduates of these programs may also take on roles in various government agencies that oversee business and finance regulation and as external private consultants.
What are the common admission requirements for International Business programs?
An international business program’s requirements for admission vary from one university to another. Some require the submission of GMAT or GRE scores and complying with the minimum undergraduate GPA. Others only stipulate basic requirements such as completing the online application for admission and providing official transcripts of record. Here are some of the most common admission requirements for an international business degree:
- Online application
- GRE/GMAT scores
- Bachelor’s degree in a related field
- Current resume
- Personal statement/essay
- Letters of recommendation
Summary Points
Master’s degrees in International Business programs differ from typical MBA programs in terms of their focus. These degree programs place special emphasis and attention on the context of operating businesses on a global scale, which includes discussions on their various contexts, issues, challenges, and trends.
International Business programs are designed to equip students with the necessary skills to take on leadership positions in global businesses.
As a globally oriented degree, many Master’s in International Business degree programs often feature in-person immersions in international locations, which are rare learning and network-building opportunities, but must also be prepared for.
Additional Information:
