Best Online International Business Bachelor's Degree Programs | BestColleges

Earning an online bachelor’s degree in international business can be a smart professional move for students who want to use their business skills in global settings. Online international business programs include core business classes and specialized courses in international topics.

Program costs can vary widely, with public schools typically costing substantially less than private institutions. Online programs also tend to cost less, given that virtual learners can avoid campus-based fees such as facility usage, parking passes, and housing. First-time college students should expect to spend about four years completing this degree, while transfer students usually graduate in two years.

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The career outlook for international business graduates remains positive, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS). The BLS projects business and financial occupations will grow 8% between 2020 and 2030. Salaries can vary considerably based on job title, experience level, and location. Keep reading to learn about the top online colleges offering international business programs. Discover where this degree can lead and how much graduates can earn.

What Can I Expect From an Online Bachelor’s in International Business Program?

Completing an online bachelor’s in international business program can provide enrollees with the training needed to work in many professional settings in both the U.S. and abroad. Students learn to maintain professionalism and cultivate skills in consultation and analysis, problem-solving, and strategic planning. Programs also often focus on the importance of cultural, religious, and political sensitivity when working internationally.

Some schools offer standalone international business programs, while others provide a general business degree with an international business concentration. In addition to general, core, and elective classes, many programs also require learners to complete an internship in order to build real-world skills before graduating. Some may also include capstone projects.

Whether studying online or in-person, students can build foundational skills in traditional business topics that appeal to hiring managers in multiple industries. Most programs confer BBA degrees and emphasize core business classes. Some may also require learners to complete several foreign language classes to enhance skills and hireability.

Popular Online International Business Programs

Learn about start dates, transferring credits, availability of financial aid, and more by contacting the universities below.

Still Looking for the Right Fit? Discover Similar Degree Programs.

What Courses Will I Take in an Online Bachelor’s in International Business Program?

Cross-Cultural Management

When overseeing groups of individuals based in different parts of the world or when working in other countries, international business professionals must understand how to be sensitive to cultural differences. Factors such as traditions, value systems, and religion can all influence how to effectively communicate and motivate employees.

Global Social Entrepreneurship

This course teaches students how to create organizations focused on social good, with global implications. Students learn how to create social ventures that meet the world’s needs in innovative ways.

International Management Consulting

Offered as a project-based course, international management consulting can help students learn how to develop business solutions and strategic initiatives for fictional clients. Students explore how to examine business data, create deliverables, and work as a team.

Global Business Strategy

With a focus on Asian and European markets, this course looks at how to analyze international competition, make use of competitive advantage, and understand global political and regulatory influences.

International Business Internship

Students can complete a study abroad experience to get a first-hand look at international business at work. Students often build skills in particular areas — like marketing, finance, and operations — and make valuable networking contacts.

What Are the Admission Requirements for an Online Bachelor’s in International Business Program?

Admission requirements for online bachelor’s in international business programs typically vary by school, but the core components remain the same across the board. Some schools may also require components in addition to the ones listed below, such as an in-person or virtual interview.

Application

Today, most colleges and universities accept online applications, but students can often still send paper versions if they prefer. These documents ask for basic information about prospective degree-seekers, including their full name, address, age, and citizenship status. Applications can vary by school but typically include similar questions.

Test Scores

Although some colleges no longer require ACT or SAT scores — particularly because of the COVID-19 pandemic — others still use these standardized exams to help differentiate applicants. Students should consider if one test better matches their skills and prepare for that exam.

Letters of Recommendation

Letters of recommendation are an integral part of the application process, as they can help admission panels get a sense of how others see potential candidates. You should ask former or current teachers, managers, faith leaders, and other non-family mentors who can speak to your preparedness for higher education to write letters on your behalf. Give them plenty of notice to ensure they meet deadlines.

Essays

Essays provide students with the opportunity to talk about their unique experiences, how they plan to use their degree, and why they want to attend a particular school. These documents also help admission experts understand a student’s ability to express their thoughts and interests in writing. Give yourself plenty of time to write your essay, as it can take a while to find the right topic if not provided with a prompt.

Official Transcripts

Official transcripts from high school and any previously attended colleges help universities ascertain a student’s academic performance. If a learner plans to transfer to a four-year school after completing their associate degree at a community college, transcripts help schools determine which credits are transferable.

What Can I Do With an Online Bachelor’s in International Business Degree?

Career Outlook

Jobs for graduates of online bachelor’s in international business programs exist in many different industries and disciplines, making this an in-demand degree. That said, business consistently ranks among the most popular college majors, so graduates should expect a fair amount of competition when it comes time to find a job.

However, an online international business degree program can help students cultivate skills that can be applied in many industries, increasing hireability. Some graduates decide to go the government route, working in embassies or other international governmental agencies. Others may work in consulting for companies such as Deloitte or Booz Allen Hamilton that maintain international offices. Others may choose to work for international companies abroad.

See where an online bachelor’s in international business can take you. Learn more about international business careers.

Career Paths

Financial Analyst

Financial analysts work with both individuals and companies to improve their financial standing. They review existing financial data and investments to see what works and what needs adjustment before making recommendations. They also create investment portfolios based on client needs and risk levels and prepare reports on how these investments perform over time.

Median Annual Salary (May 2020): $83,660

Management Analyst

Management analysts work both in-house and in consulting roles to help organizations improve their efficiency and effectiveness. They analyze existing data and interview employees to identify issues and make recommendations on improvements. They may also conduct reviews periodically to ensure changes are effective.

Median Annual Salary (May 2020): $87,660

General and Operations Manager

These multitasking professionals work in both public and private sector positions to ensure operations run smoothly. They may oversee numerous departments to manage both daily and long-term operations. Aside from overseeing direct reports, general and operations managers may also set policies and create strategic plans for other departments.

Median Annual Salary (May 2020): $103,650

Administrative Services and Facilities Manager

These professionals oversee the administrative functions of a company to ensure everything runs smoothly. They manage direct reports in clerical and administrative functions, hire new professionals in these departments, oversee training requirements, and set budgets. Administrative services and facilities managers also look for ways to improve administrative operations and make policy recommendations.

Median Annual Salary (May 2020): $98,890

Sales Manager

Sales managers oversee sales teams to ensure they are meeting targets, working toward higher goals, and maintaining favorable relationships with customers. They may also review sales data from previous quarters to set projections for the future and work with marketing to create campaigns to bring in new customers.

Median Annual Salary (May 2020): $132,290

International Business Not For You? Check Out These Related Careers.

Continuing Education

After completing their online bachelor’s in international business and gaining a few years of professional experience, some students may decide to pursue an advanced degree. Master’s degrees can help professionals land senior roles and earn higher annual salaries.

Some students decide to complete an MBA in international business, while others may work toward a master’s degree in another subject. Popular graduate programs of study include finance, human resources, and economics. Most of these programs take approximately two years to complete. Some students may also decide to graduate certificates.

Best Accredited Online Bachelor’s in International Business Programs

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Frequently Asked Questions About Bachelor’s in International Business Programs

Is a bachelor’s in international business worth it?

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Completing an online bachelor’s in international business can provide students with the credentials, skills, and knowledge needed to qualify for a wide variety of jobs in many industries. The BLS projects occupations within the business and financial operations sector to grow by 8% between 2020 and 2030, leading to the creation of more than 750,000 new jobs.

Graduates may choose to work for global companies based in the U.S. Others — particularly those with proficiency in a language besides English — may possess the qualifications necessary to work in another country.

What can I do with a bachelor’s in international business?

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As with general business degrees, an online bachelor’s in international business can lead to many positions in different sectors and industries. Some graduates decide to focus their efforts on international marketing and public relations, while others feel drawn to positions focused on foreign exchange trades, economics, or finance.

Many international business programs allow learners to select a concentration in a traditional business focus such as marketing, human resources, or economics.

Are international business majors in demand?

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Yes. Many different business careers are projected to see growth over the next decade according to the BLS. The organization projects positions for human resources specialists will grow by 10% between 2020 and 2030. Jobs for management analysts are projected to increase by 14% over the same period.

College students looking for a degree that can lead to job stability often gravitate toward business programs given their versatility. With more companies globalizing, understanding the international landscape can make a candidate more hireable.

How much money can I make with a bachelor’s in international business?

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Salaries for graduates of an online bachelor’s in international business program can vary substantially based on the job they pursue, where they live, and how much experience they possess. The BLS reports that management analysts earned a median annual salary of $87,660 in May 2020. Event planners earned $51,560 during the same timeframe.

Students should review salaries for several different positions prior to graduating to get a sense of how much they can earn. Students hoping to land international positions should convert salaries to USD and look up living expenses where the employer is located.

What are the highest paying jobs with a bachelor’s in international business?

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Several positions requiring a bachelor’s degree in international business or a related field pay six-figure salaries. According to the BLS, financial managers earned a median annual wage of $134,180 in May 2020. Advertising, promotions, and marketing managers made a median salary of $141,490 per year during the same time period, and human resources managers earned $121,220.