International Business | Villanova University

As a result of the extraordinary changes brought on by globalization, companies need new kinds of managers—individuals who not only have strong business skills, but who are comfortable managing and communicating across cultures. In the International Business co-major, you will learn the potential and risks of new markets and develop the ability to think globally while acting locally. When you choose an International Business (IB) co-major at VSB, you will take it in conjunction with a primary major. A minor in IB will supplement a business degree by providing cross-cultural skills valued by global companies.

EARNING A CO-MAJOR

You must complete the core curriculum and the business curriculum, along with meeting the requirements for your primary major plus the one required IB course and three IB elective courses from at least two different disciplines. Other requirements include:

• One international course in your major discipline, if available. If you have more than one major, you are required to take an international course in each major. The course(s) will also satisfy a major elective requirement.
• One international-related history or international-related social science course selected from geography and the environment, history, psychology, political science, or sociology. 
• An approved international study experience.

Language Requirement: Successful completion of placement beyond the intermediate levels on a language placement exam administered by Villanova University OR two semesters of a foreign language (minimum of six credits) at or above the intermediate level if French, Greek, Italian, Latin, or Spanish is chosen OR two semesters at the introduction level if Arabic, Chinese, Hebrew, Hindustani, Japanese or Russian is chosen. Language requirements are waived for all international students whose first language is not English.

EARNING A MINOR

You must complete the core curriculum and the business curriculum plus your major requirements, along with the one required IB course (noted by *) plus two IB electives from at least two different disciplines. Other requirements include:

• One international course in your major discipline, if available. If you have more than one major, you are required to take an international course in each major. The course(s) will also satisfy a minor elective requirement.
• One international-related history or international-related social science course selected from geography and the environment, history, psychology, political science, or sociology.

Language Requirement: If you had two years of a foreign language in high school, the language requirement is waived; otherwise, you are required to take two semesters of a foreign language (minimum six credits) at or above the introductory level.

An international study experience is optional.

Note: Starting Class #2025, all VSB minors, including  IB minor, require three unique business courses to complete the minor requirements.