Why This Matters
-
THE U.S. NEEDS 476,000 MORE INTERNATIONAL MBAs BY 2029
Business and finance is projected to grow by 5% in the next decade, with global growth at the forefront of the field.
-
MULTIPLE CAREER PATHS TO CHOOSE FROM
Growth in business careers spans many professions, from accounting and auditing to human resources, underwriting, and analysis.
-
EARN $20,000-80,000 MORE WITH AN MBA
Holders of a master’s degree earn a wage premium that may increase paychecks to well over $100,000.
Our Research
This list focuses on programs that are specifically geared for those who want to function at an international level in the business world. All programs lead to a master’s in business administration (MBA) degree with a concentration in international business.
All our listed programs are accredited by one of several organizations, including the Association to Advance Collegiate Schools of Business, the International Accreditation Council for Business Education, and the Accreditation Council for Business Schools and Programs. These accreditations ensure students that their professors and classwork have been benchmarked against the highest standards.
We evaluated each program on the basis of flexibility, faculty, course strength, cost, and reputation. Then we calculated the Intelligent Score for each program on a scale from 0 to 100. For a more extensive explanation, check out Our Ranking Methodology.
- 59 hours to write this article
- 169 universities and colleges we assessed
- 396 education programs we compared
The Top 50 MBA in International Business Degree Programs
Discover More Options
What You Should Know About This Degree
An MBA degree encompasses many different professions. Armed with this master’s degree, you may decide to focus on any aspect of the business world, whether it’s involved in supply chain management, training and development, or international finance. A program in international business accounts for that variety by providing a solid foundation of courses in business theory and practice, followed by the opportunity to focus on the area that interests you the most.
Because of the nature of the field, your program may offer international internships and shadowing options, as well as the chance to work in collaboration with other students, professors, and industry professionals.
Certifications and licensing requirements vary depending on your particular focus. Accountants, for example, may take an exam to become a Certified Public Accountant or Certified Financial Analyst. Your academic advisor or program director can help you determine what is required to earn certification in your field.
What’s Next?
Here are some questions to ask when researching International Business programs:
- Am I eligible for this program? If you have an undergraduate degree in a business-related field, you are probably eligible for any of the listed programs. Some will accept students with bachelor’s degrees in other areas. Some require that you take the GREs or GMATs, others do not. Answers should be available on the admission office’s page of the website for each school, or with a quick phone call to the school.
- Are courses offered synchronously or asynchronously? If you have a high degree of flexibility in your schedule, look for a program that features synchronous class scheduling, where classes meet at a designated time. Asynchronous classes may appeal to you if your time is structured and limited. For these courses, you can access material online when it’s convenient for you. For both options, though, keep in mind the need to attend occasional on-campus meetings, as well as scheduling an internship that may be full-time and take place at least partly in another country.
When you find a program that suits your needs, schedule a time to talk to an admissions counselor. They can answer questions and guide you in the next steps required to apply for your chosen program. A good counselor may also be able to advise you on the possibility of financial aid from the school, which may require a separate application.
Don’t stop there, though. It is often possible to find scholarships through professional organizations or even your employer. Some employers will pay part or all of the cost of your MBA if by doing so you will bring additional benefit to the company. A phone call to your employer’s human resources office may yield benefits for you as you pursue advanced education opportunities.