Why This Matters

  • CHOOSE FROM MULTIPLE INTERNATIONAL CAREERS

    As companies expand to multiple locations around the world, employees with international business expertise are needed in all departments. Management jobs are available in many different areas, including human resources, finance, and marketing.

  • MANAGEMENT POSITIONS INCREASING 9% BY 2030

    The Bureau of Labor Statistics predicts that, in the U.S. alone, another 906,800 management positions will be added within the next decade. Many of these jobs will be in multinational companies with global offices.

  • EARN OVER $100,000 PER YEAR

    The annual median wage for management occupations is $109,760. This is the highest average salary of all the major occupational groups.

Our Research

We reviewed Master of Business Administration (MBA) programs with a concentration in international business for this list.

Our main criteria was that programs be offered online to ensure accessibility for the greatest number of students. Several programs can also be completed on-campus or through a combination of online and on-campus classes.

As a measure of quality, we only reviewed programs that are offered at regionally accredited institutions. Many programs also have programmatic accreditation through specialized accrediting bodies like the Association to Advance Collegiate Schools of Business (AACSB), the Accreditation Council for Business Schools and Programs (ACBSP), or the International Accreditation Council for Business Education (IACBE).

Once we narrowed our list of programs, we evaluated them on the basis of cost, outcomes, faculty, flexibility, and reputation. Then we calculated their Intelligent Scores on a scale of 0 to 100. For a more extensive explanation, check out Our Ranking Methodology.

  • 85 hours to write this article
  • 172 universities and colleges we assessed
  • 431 education programs we compared

The Top 57 Online MBA in International Business Programs

Best Online MBA in International Business Degree Programs
01
Intelligent Pick
University of Dallas
01
Best for Accelerated Classes
Suffolk University
01
Most Flexible Completion Times
American University
01
Best Cohort-Based Program
Babson College
01
Best for Veterans
Hawaii Pacific University
01
Best International Trade Focus
University of Texas Rio Grande Valley
01
Best in the Midwest
Fort Hays State University
01
Expert-Designed Curriculum
University of Houston-Downtown
01
Fastest Completion Time
Texas A&M International University
01
Best JD/MBA Options
Wayne State University
01
Best for Rolling Admissions
Northcentral University
01
Best Advisors
California State University - Dominguez Hills
01
Best Public University
University of Central Arkansas
01
Best for Transfer Students
Southern New Hampshire University
01
Best Management Focus
SUNY Empire State College
01
Best in the South
Missouri State University
01
Best in the Southeast
Fayetteville State University
01
Best Public Research University
University of Nebraska
01
STEM-Designated Program
Arizona State University
01
Best Non-GMAT Program
Kettering University
01
Best for Accelerated Classes
University of Arizona Global Campus
01
Nationally Recognized
University of North Alabama
01
Best Business College
Cleary University
01
Best in the West
University of Colorado Denver
01
Most Flexible
University of Wisconsin-Whitewater
01
Best Christian University
Campbellsville University
01
Best Dual Degree Options
University of Michigan-Dearborn
01
Best Global Challenges Focus
University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign
01
Most Transfer Friendly
Liberty University
01
Best for Accelerated Courses
University of Houston-Victoria
01
Best in the Northwest
Washington State University
01
Best Self-Paced Program
Azusa Pacific University
01
Best Private University
John Brown University
01
Most Flexible Start Dates
Tiffin University
01
Best Global Finance Focus
Lynn University
01
Best Flex MBA Program
University of Nebraska-Lincoln
01
Most Flexible Delivery Options
University of South Florida, Saint Petersburg
01
Best in the Northeast
University of Scranton
01
Best International Residency
University of North Carolina Wilmington
01
Most Experienced Faculty
University of Colorado Colorado Springs
01
Best Catholic University
Benedictine University
01
Best Interdisciplinary Curriculum
Florida Atlantic University
01
Best Student Support Services
Florida Institute of Technology
01
Best Alumni Network
East Carolina University
01
Best for Multiple Locations
Umass Global
01
Best Concentration Options
University of Delaware
01
Most Customizable
California Lutheran University
01
Industry-Leading Faculty
Dallas Baptist University
01
Best Hybrid Program
Wright State University
01
Best Part-Time Programs
Lehigh University
01
Best Industry-Immersive Program
Tennessee Tech University
01
Best Experiential Learning Opportunities
Nova Southeastern University
01
Best Leadership Focus
Webster University
01
Longest Running Program
University of Florida
01
Best for Smallest Class Sizes
Golden Gate University
01
Most Interactive Classes
Northeastern University
01
Most Innovative Curriculum
George Washington University
01
Student Recommended
Saint Joseph's University

What You Should Know About This Degree

Generally, MBA programs seek students who already have some professional experience in a business-related field as well as a relevant educational background. The exact requirements may vary by program, so it’s important to review eligibility requirements prior to applying for a program to ensure you have the necessary qualifications for admission.

In some cases, students can complete prerequisite coursework through the MBA program prior to enrolling, although this is an extra commitment of time and money. If you lack the experience or educational background required by an MBA program, another option is a Master of Science (MS) in international business. These types of graduate programs are more flexible in their admission requirements and more available to students of all backgrounds.

Hands-on experience is an important part of an international business education. Therefore, most programs require some type of study abroad experience, such as residencies or internships. When researching programs, find out what types of international experiences you have to complete and what costs are associated with these experiences so that you can incorporate them into your schedule and budgeting.

What’s Next?

Here are some questions to ask when researching Online MBA in International Business programs:

  • Are GMAT or GRE scores required? MBA programs commonly require standardized test scores, like the GMAT or GRE, as part of the application process. If you need to take these exams, you should make arrangements to do so as soon as possible, as it can take several weeks to process your scores.
  • How are courses delivered? Online courses are typically delivered synchronously or asynchronously. Synchronous courses meet remotely at set times throughout the semester. Asynchronous courses do not have scheduled meeting times; instead, students access course materials and assignments on their own time. Consider your personal learning preferences and scheduling needs when choosing the type of program that will work best for you.

To ensure a smooth application process, you should be mindful of application requirements and deadlines. If you have questions about the admissions process, you can contact the program’s representative or the school’s admissions office.

Financing your MBA degree is another important consideration. You should apply for institutional aid like assistantships and scholarships, when available, as well as student loans. Another option is finding out if your employer offers any kind of tuition assistance benefits.