A bachelor’s in international business is perfect for students who desire to explore international business markets and potentially travel around the world. This degree combines the study of business with the study of the global marketplace, including foreign taxation and international finance. As of May 2021, the median annual wage for business and financial occupations was $76,570. Employment in these fields is expected to grow by 7% through 2031.
Full-time students can expect to complete their online bachelor’s degree in international business in approximately four years. Most bachelor’s degrees require 120-125 credit hours on average or roughly 40-42 classes. Tuition and required fees for bachelor’s degree programs in 2020-2021 averaged $25,910 for public schools and $45,920 for private schools.
How to Choose an Online Bachelor’s in International Business Program
Choose your area of study
Students of international business are uniquely qualified to work in a variety of business settings and may want to choose a specialization. Some areas of study to consider might include:
- International marketing
- Global operations management
- Strategic sourcing
- Supply chain management
- International sales management
- International trade
Those who lean more toward accounting also have a wide range of concentrations to choose from, such as foreign investment, trend analysis, forecasting, and corporate finance for multinational organizations.
Research schools and programs
Online international business programs should be accredited and held to the same standards as on-campus programs. Some of the accrediting agencies to look for in your research are the Association for Advancing Collegiate Studies of Business (AACSB), the International Accreditation Council for Business Education (IACBE), and the Association of Collegiate Business Schools and Programs (ACBSP).
In your research, pay close attention to faculty specializations, mentorship opportunities, and professional development opportunities. These experiences will shape not only your online learning experience but also your future career choices.
Prepare for tests and applications
You’ll need to gather several documents to begin the application process, so it’s best to start as early as possible. Typically, you’ll have to fill out an application for each school you attend, which often comes with application fees. Some schools offer fee waivers, so it’s always a good idea to contact an admissions representative to find out if this is an option.
Most bachelor’s degree programs will request academic transcripts, standardized test scores such as the SAT or ACT, letters of recommendation, application essays or personal statements, and your financial information.
Select your program
Making your final choice can sometimes be the most challenging part of the process. In this stage, you’ll want to compare online programs and weigh costs against benefits. Some questions that might help you make this final decision include:
- What is my budget for tuition?
- Are there any financial costs above tuition that will need to be considered?
- What is the pacing and time commitment for the program?
- What is the learning format? Is it synchronous, asynchronous, or a mix of both?
- What are the faculty’s specializations and credentials?
- How long has the program been offered online?
- What kind of student support is available to online students?
- How will this program prepare me for the future?
Determine how you’ll pay for your degree
The first step in your financial planning is to contact your school’s financial aid office. Not only can financial aid counselors walk you through each step of the process, but they can also offer insights about how to fill out the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) and when to submit any other requested financial information. They will also inform you of any grants, scholarships, and tuition assistance programs you may be eligible for and can give you an itemized summary of costs that will help you apply for financial aid.
Best 50 Accredited Online Bachelor’s in International Business Programs
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How We Rank Schools
This list includes bachelor’s of science and bachelor’s of arts programs in international business. Also, we only included programs that offer online degrees.
Organizations that provide accreditation for a bachelor’s in international business include the Higher Learning Commission (HLC), the Association to Advance Collegiate Schools of Business (ACSB), the Southern Association of Advanced Collegiate Schools (SAACS), and the Middle States Commission on Higher Education (MSCHE). Degree programs from accredited institutions generally result in greater job opportunities and transferable credits.
What Can You Expect from an Online Bachelor’s in International Business Program?
Most online bachelor’s degree programs are designed to be completed within four years for full-time students. Part-time students can expect to take up to six years to finish their degrees, but both groups will complete the same 120-125 credit hours required by most bachelor’s degree programs.
Students in an online bachelor’s in international business program will develop a greater understanding of global trade, international marketing, and cross-cultural communication. They will study global logistics management, global business analysis, corporate cultures, and business strategy techniques.
Coursework in this program is multidisciplinary, with an emphasis on the international business environment. International finance and marketing are core subjects, along with funding practices and capital management of multinational corporations.
Potential courses you’ll take in an online bachelor’s in international business degree program
- Introduction to International Business. Students explore the roles of culture, government, economics, and geography in international business. Foreign investments, currency markets, negotiation, and international distribution are covered topics in this course.
- Global Purchasing and Supply Management. Students examine all facets of successful supplier relationships. Management of these relationships involves decisions about outsourcing, ethics, social responsibility, source selection, negotiation, quality management, price determination, and supplier development.
- International Economics. Topics in this course involve the theory, practice, and institutions of the international economy. Students learn about international trade, foreign exchange rate determination, international economic policy, and multinational enterprises.
- International Comparative Management. Students examine management principles from a cultural and organizational perspective. This course addresses the challenges and opportunities managers face in global environments while exploring cultural values and organizational dynamics.
Online Bachelor’s in International Business Degree Program Frequently Asked Questions
How do I apply to an online bachelor’s in international business degree program?
The application process varies with each school, but it’s always essential to pay close attention to application due dates. Visit the school’s website to learn more about its specific application requirements, and speak to an admissions counselor who can give you individualized advice.
In addition to your letters of recommendation, official transcripts, and any standardized test scores that may apply, be prepared to submit any of the following documents should they be requested:
- Transfer or advanced placement credits
- Completed FAFSA
- Resume or curriculum vitae
- Information about your extracurricular activities, internships, or volunteer work
- Personal statement or letter of intent
- Writing samples or application essays
How much does an online bachelor’s in international business degree program cost?
The cost of an online master’s in accounting degree will vary depending on the school and its policies. Some schools offer discounts to in-state students, and some programs require fees outside of the tuition cost. It’s best to research the course catalog when determining how much your program will cost in total.
According to US News & World Report, an online international business bachelor’s degree costs approximately $210 to $495 per credit for a total of around $25,000 to $62,000.
How long does it take to earn an online bachelor’s in international business degree?
Typically, most online bachelor’s in international business degree programs are completed within four years for full-time students — part-time students can expect to take up to six years. However, other factors can affect the timeline, such as dual-degree pathways and whether you opt for an accelerated program. Regardless of delivery format and chosen pathway, all bachelor’s degree students will be expected to complete approximately 120-125 credit hours.
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