‘ZDNet Recommends’: What exactly does that mean?
ZDNet’s recommendations are based on many hours of testing, research, and comparison shopping. We gather data from the best available sources, including vendor and retailer listings as well as other relevant and independent reviews sites. And we pore over customer reviews to find out what matters to real people who already own and use the products and services we’re assessing.
When you click through from our site to a retailer and buy a product or service, we may earn affiliate commissions. This helps support our work, but does not affect what we cover or how, and it does not affect the price you pay. Neither ZDNet nor the author are compensated for these independent reviews. Indeed, we follow strict guidelines that ensure our editorial content is never influenced by advertisers.
ZDNet’s editorial team writes on behalf of you, our reader. Our goal is to deliver the most accurate information and the most knowledgeable advice possible in order to help you make smarter buying decisions on tech gear and a wide array of products and services. Our editors thoroughly review and fact-check every article to ensure that our content meets the highest standards. If we have made an error or published misleading information, we will correct or clarify the article. If you see inaccuracies in our content, please report the mistake via this form.
An online international business degree combines business basics with multinational perspectives, cultural practices, and linguistic elements.
Maura Deering is a freelance writer and rowing/fitness coach in Seattle.
Earning an international business degree prepares graduates for careers in global corporations and organizations, along with government agencies and international financial institutions.
Potential employers include the U.S. Department of Commerce and State Department, the World Bank, and nongovernmental organizations like Amnesty International.
The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) says globalization and complex regulatory and tax systems contribute to the growth in business and financial occupations. The BLS projects an 8% employment increase for 2020-30 in positions like accountants and auditors, financial analysts, logisticians, and market research analysts.
Explore our list of best online international business degrees to discover your options.
College
Program stats
How much?
Florida International University
Miami, FL
Avg. annual net price: $7,296
Application fee: $30
Lynn University
Boca Raton, FL
Avg. annual net price: $36,044
Application fee: $45
University of Minnesota Crookston
Crookston, MN
Avg. annual net price: $10,952
Application fee: $30
Northern State University
Aberdeen, SD
Avg. annual net price: $15,851
Application fee: $20
Minnesota State University, Mankato
Mankato, MN
Avg. annual net price: $16,221
Application fee: $20
Readers can trust our school and program rankings’ accuracy and objectivity. Schools cannot pay for inclusion on our lists, and ZDNet’s ranking methodology employs expert curation and a rigorous editorial process.
Unless otherwise indicated, data is drawn from the Integrated Postsecondary Education Data System, College Scorecard, and each program’s website.
About the program: The 120-credit bachelor of business administration in international business at FIU focuses on international business principles, international trade, and global information technology.
About the program: Students earning an online bachelor’s degree in international business management at Lynn explore topics like business analytics, cross-cultural communication, and global marketing.
About the program: This bachelor of science in international business program holds accreditation from the Accreditation Council for Business Schools and Programs (ACBSP). The 120-credit curriculum provides a foundation in international accounting, communications, finance, management, and marketing, along with culture and etiquette.
About the program: Northern’s bachelor’s degree in international business includes an option to earn a dual degree in international business and Spanish in four years. Graduation requires foreign language credits and a School of Business exit exam.
About the program: The online, ACBSP-accredited B.S. in international business program at Minnesota State Mankato requires 120 credits. Core business courses include an international business seminar, international business policy and strategy, and export administration.
About the program: This 120-credit, International Accreditation Council for Business Education-accredited international business degree welcomes curious and flexible learners. MSU’s College of Business offers internship and study-abroad opportunities.
About the program: Keiser’s online bachelor of arts in business administration program offers a concentration in international business. The curriculum prepares graduates for careers that include business negotiation, import and export management, and international commerce.
About the program: UHD’s bachelor of business administration in international business combines business basics with interdisciplinary study of global policies, practices, and theories. The Association to Advance Collegiate Schools of Business-accredited program requires 120 credits.
About the program: CC’s bachelor-level international business degree prepares graduates in areas like business analytics, diversity in organizations, global marketing, and international business law and finance. The ACBSP-accredited program requires completing 120 credits.
About the program: Learners earning their bachelor of science in international business administration can choose among four emphasis areas: Finance, marketing, management, or supply chain logistics. The 127-credit program offers accelerated study for qualified associate degree-holders or those with transfer credits.
International business degree programs attract business students who also want to explore business from a global perspective, learn about different countries’ practices, and develop cross-cultural communication skills.
Remote learners often take asynchronous courses on their own schedules, although some programs may schedule synchronous sessions. Group projects, discussions, and presentations generally happen virtually, and many programs culminate with capstones.
International business programs offer numerous electives, and some feature concentration or emphasis areas.
Most online bachelor’s degrees in international business list similar core curricula. Practical training covers leadership, analysis, and adaptable thinking, while theoretical topics provide the foundation for understanding international trade.
This section includes courses students can expect to encounter.
International management
In this foundational course, students learn about the challenges of managing multinational organizations, methods and theories of management, and ways to work with and among diverse cultural frameworks, both domestically and abroad.
International marketing
Students are introduced to marketing concepts and the complex and challenging global issues marketers face. Topics include techniques for entering international markets and knowledge of cultural influences on marketing strategies and management.
International banking and finance
This course reviews financial systems and functions used to fund multinational corporations and facilitate investment. Students also explore the finances of international banks, government agencies, and non-governmental organizations.
International business simulation
Learners apply the principles and theories of international business to workplace scenarios. Students analyze global organizations’ financial data, strategies, and operations to decide on entering markets, growing businesses, and dealing with competitive pressure.
Different degree levels suit students with different goals, budgets, and time constraints.
Prospective students who want to explore the field of international business without a large investment in money and time might look into an associate degree. However, most international business careers require at least a bachelor’s degree.
Those who aspire to land executive management roles may be interested in a graduate certificate or master’s degree. Academia-oriented business students should explore doctoral study.
Length: One to three years
Cost: $500-$1,700 per credit
Post-grad careers: Business development executive; executive business administrator; senior consultant
Mid-career professionals who want to move into executive-level management roles in international business may pursue certificates in international business. Students often hold bachelor’s degrees in international business. Adding a certificate serves as a stepping stone to career advancement or an international business master’s degree.
Coursework includes topics in economics for managers, managing in a global context, enterprise growth and innovation, and global competition and market dominance. Certificate programs often allow part-time study to accommodate working students.
Length: Two years
Cost: $90-450 per credit
Post-grad careers: Importing and exporting support; marketing assistant; sales representative
An associate degree in international business offers high school graduates and career changers an introductory view of the profession. Graduates may qualify for entry-level positions at multinational organizations.
The curriculum covers business math and computing, corporate ethics, economics, import/export practices, and international trade regulations. Many programs require study in a second language. Written and spoken communication skills development and cultural studies also play large roles.
Remote learners can find associate degree programs at community colleges, which often offer full- and part-time tracks.
Length: Four years
Cost: $200-$700 per credit
Post-grad careers: Management analyst; international marketing manager; trade specialist
Bachelor’s degrees in international business dive deeper into global business principles and cross-cultural competencies. Curricula also include general education topics in liberal arts. Graduates who focus on analysis, finance, and sales may move into upper-level roles in corporations, government offices, and organizations.
Online students complete solo, group, and capstone projects. Enrollees may choose to study abroad or opt for in-person internship experiences.
Length: Two to three years
Cost: $18,500-$47,250 per year
Post-grad careers: Global operations manager; market research analyst; top executive
Master’s in international business degree-completers graduate with advanced foreign policy, global economics, and international trade law skills. The curriculum also emphasizes foreign language fluency and intercultural understanding. Programs may require travel immersions.
A master’s in international business can lead to senior-level executive positions. Graduates often specialize in entrepreneurship, finance, management, marketing and market research, or trade.
Length: Four to five years
Cost: $925-1,250 per credit
Post-grad careers: Postsecondary teacher; global policy analyst; global training and development manager
Students pursuing doctorates in international business often plan to enter academia or research. Some become high-level executives and managers, but earning a doctorate is typically not required for those roles.
Doctoral curricula center research, evolving technologies, and economic theory. Courses focus on analytical methods, strategic planning, organizational behavior, change management, and ethical and solutions-oriented leadership. Specializations include management, marketing, and information systems.
To graduate, students must complete a dissertation and comprehensive exam.
An online degree in international business paves the way to careers blending business skills with knowledge of diverse cultures, global practices, and emerging technologies.
Our program rankings and the information in this guide can help you identify the best educational and career options to suit your goals.
Best computer 2022: The top Mac, PC, and Chromebook picks
Best free tax software 2022: Free online tax filing
Best webcam 2022: Top choices for WFH video calls
Best airline credit card 2022: Earn business travel points
Best DNA test 2022: Top kits for ancestry and health
Best Bank of America card 2022: Top BoA credit cards
Top 5 Best TVs for Gaming 2022: Sony vs LG vs Samsung
Best Amazon Prime alternatives 2022: Cheaper options
Best crypto wallet 2022: Secure your cryptocurrency
Please review our terms of service to complete your newsletter subscription.
You agree to receive updates, promotions, and alerts from ZDNet.com. You may unsubscribe at any time. By joining ZDNet, you agree to our Terms of Use and Privacy Policy.
You agree to receive updates, promotions, and alerts from ZDNet.com. You may unsubscribe at any time. By signing up, you agree to receive the selected newsletter(s) which you may unsubscribe from at any time. You also agree to the Terms of Use and acknowledge the data collection and usage practices outlined in our Privacy Policy.
© 2022 ZDNET, A RED VENTURES COMPANY. ALL RIGHTS RESERVED. Privacy Policy | Cookie Settings | Advertise | Terms of Use
