International Business Degrees Online

As the world shrinks, the demand for decision-makers versed in the culture and language of other countries grows. To fill this need, the Penn State Board of Trustees in 2001 approved creation of an International Business degree program at Penn State Erie.

International Business is a dual-degree program. The International Business curriculum emphasizes the knowledge and the skills required to accomplish organizational objectives while coordinating human, material, information, and financial resources across national boundaries. A second School of Business major adds depth of business knowledge (you can choose Accounting, Business Economics, Economics, Finance, Management, Management Information Systems, or Marketing). With careful planning, the program can be completed in four years.

A required study abroad component is distinct to the International Business major. Penn State offers 130 study programs in forty-two countries-from Aberystwyth, Wales to Wellington, New Zealand-through a variety of organizations. Programs vary in length from spring break to a full year abroad. An international programs adviser is available to help students make the selection that best meets their educational needs.

This past summer, a study abroad opportunity to China was available. Dr. Kenneth Louie was the Instructor. The Study Abroad flyer tells you about what students learned and estimated costs. The Study Abroad brochure gives you a course overview, deadlines, and how this course will increase your understanding of China and its impact on the world and its economy.

Curriculum

At the beginning of the program, students take an intensive one-day orientation seminar. The orientation offers a number of workshops to introduce students to the program, during which students are introduced to Blackboard (virtual classroom software), case study and analysis, library resources, and the writing of reports and reference citations. A special session is conducted in leadership development.

The Master of Science in International Business curriculum consists of 12 six and one-half week courses for a total of 36 credits for the Masters degree.

Year One
Management of Organizational Change
Accounting: Tools for Decision Making
Managerial Economics
Human Resource Management
Corporate Finance
International Marketing

Year Two
Business Ethics
Operations Management
Cross Cultural Management
International Law
Global Business Strategy
Capstone Seminar

St. Andrews teaches all of us the importance of being an individual. The professors are the key element of St. Andrews and we are still in contact with them on a regular basis. My advice to students; make sure you take at least two semesters of accounting. This is the most useful class in daily life for everyone and I only wish I took more. ”

- Kimberly Faye Whiley ‘90
International Business and Chinese
Owner
Tamco Holdings, Ltd.
Hong Kong

The international business program at St. Andrews combines the best efforts of several academic disciplines. You will study courses in business and economics, with over half of those courses on how business is conducted overseas.

Your international business curriculum also includes intensive study of foreign languages, politics, history, geography, mathematics, and selected areas of the fine arts. Your studies are made relevant to the real world through the expertise of St. Andrews’ faculty. Your professors have traveled the world in order to bring the world home to their classrooms and students. They’re passionate about teaching, and give individualized attention to your academic and professional goals.

In addition to rigorous training in the principles and practices of business, economics, and finance, our program, an interdisciplinary model for others across the nation, also features intensive study of a language other than English, the exploration of international issues in all your courses, and participation in an international experience. And we are proud of the opportunities you have to practice your language skills overseas. Numerous St. Andrews students study abroad – for a semester or for a full academic year. The study-abroad opportunities, from a medieval castle in Italy to the rainforests of Costa Rica, to the fast-paced, high-tech cities of Tokyo and Hong Kong are available at St. Andrews.

We also offer a term-long internship at the Washington Center in the nation’s capital, where you’ll be working for such agencies as the U.S. State Department and the Smithsonian Institution.

You will be well prepared for the demands of a successful career through your coursework in international business. St. Andrews’ business students make numerous oral presentations, participate in business simulations, write a multitude of case analyses and take a senior seminar structured after graduate school models, in which intensive research and professional presentations are required to better launch you into the fast-paced world of international business.

The International Business curriculum prepares students to meet the challenges of the global workplace. Varied learning methodologies focus on enhancing business fundamentals with the skills to manage cultural, social, and linguistic diversity. Successful students will acquire the comprehensive perspective, critical thinking, and problem solving expertise essential for international business operations.
Foundations of Excellence 39 cr.
COMM120 Presentation Techniques 3 cr.
ECON200 Microeconomics 3 cr.
ECON201 Macroeconomics 3 cr.
ENGL109 Composition 3 cr.
ENGL110 Advanced Composition 3 cr.
ENGL311 Professional Writing 3 cr.
FRSM100 Career and Education Seminar 3 cr.
MATH120 College Mathematics 3 cr.
MATH320 Introduction to Statistics 3 cr.
SOSC201 Diversity in Society 3 cr.
HUMN Humanities Elective 3 cr.
SOSC Social Science Elective 3 cr.
SCI or MATH Science or Math Elective 3 cr.
Foundations of Business 32 cr.
ACCT201 Accounting Foundations I 4 cr.
ACCT202 Accounting Foundations II 4 cr.
BITS211 Microcomputer Applications: Spreadsheet 3 cr.
BUSN120 Introduction to Business 3 cr.
BUSN210 Professional Ethics 3 cr.
CISP101 Computer Foundations 3 cr.
FINC211 Corporate Finance 3 cr.
LEGL210 Business Law Foundations 3 cr.
MGMT211 Management Foundations 3 cr.
MKTG211 Marketing Foundations 3 cr.
Major 43 cr.
FORL Foreign Language 6 cr.
BUSN225 International Business 3 cr.
BUSN403 Business Research 3 cr.
BUSN495 Business Planning Capstone 4 cr.
FINC235 Financial Analysis for Business Managers 3 cr.
FINC320 International Finance 3 cr.
GPMT350 Principles of Project Management 3 cr.
HRMG213 Human Resource Management 3 cr.
LEGL320 International Business Law 3 cr.
MGMT330 International Management 3 cr.
MGMT440 Strategic Management 3 cr.
MGMT490 or SABR381 Management Internship or Student Abroad Experience 3 cr.
MKTG421 International Marketing 3 cr.
Open Electives 6 cr.

Printable Version

Program Description

The international business curriculum is designed to enable the student to examine and understand the complexities and processes involved in the international business community. Coursework provides exposure to the historical, legal, political, and economic factors that are key elements in a study of this subject. The dynamics of conducting business in an international context are examined. Business and management programs are ACBSP accredited.

Program Learning Outcomes

1. Graduates possess foundation knowledge in the functional areas of a global/international business.

2. Graduates can examine and understand the complexities of global/international businesses.
Graduates can identify cultural aspects, and explain how culture effects the business environment in global regions.
Graduates can apply administrative and managerial theories as they relate to problem solving in the global business context.
Graduates can select appropriate tools for facilitation of international trade.

3. Graduates select strategies and tools for solving complex problems posed by managing global businesses, and understand the challenges thereof.

The International Business concentration of the management major provides a broad international business perspective for students who wish to be employed by businesses that have international presence. This includes both big businesses such as GM, Ford, IBM as well as small to medium (SME) size multinational corporations. Typically, more than 60 percent of revenues of these corporations are derived from their overseas operations. This program of study prepares students for global career by providing sound business skills as well as geo-political understanding, language skills and cultural and value awareness of specific geographic regions (area studies). Although it is not necessary, the students are encouraged to pursue a double major in Political Science (International Relations) or Geography (City & Regional Planning) or Foreign Language. A double major in International Business and any one of these three areas can be earned in 135 credit hours or less.

The International Business courses offered at WKU are normally taught by highly qualified faculty who write, teach, and offer service in this field. Most classes are small enough to permit a high level of student-faculty interaction. The design of the International Business curriculum include: 39 hours of business core, 15 hours of international business courses, 9 hours of foreign language, 9 hours of area study courses, 3 hours of world regional geography, and 3 hours of international politics. Students are encouraged to participate in the activities of international club. The learning and service opportunities provided can be very helpful in the development of a career.

International Business as a Field of Study
As a consequence of the high rate of global integration and increasing levels of political instability worldwide, it is imperative that firms hire knowledgeable professionals who are able to navigate the complex global economic landscape if they are to prosper. Fairleigh Dickinson’s MBA in International Business curriculum provides students with the specialized and in-depth education necessary to successfully manage organizations in today’s complex global environment.

Contact Dr. Djimopoulos, department chair, at (201) 692-7296 or e-mail djimopou@fdu.edu for further information.

Career Opportunities in International Business
A wide range of related employment opportunities can be found in this field with national and international government agencies, non-government organizations, the travel and leisure industry, transportation and banking in such areas as global corporate operations and international financial services. Additionally, this graduate program is designed to provide students with a solid academic foundation to pursue doctoral level studies.

Faculty
Our renowned faculty members, both full- and part - time, have both relevant terminal degrees and a wealth of experience in the real global environment, bringing their real-world experiences to bear on in the classroom.

The International Business curriculum prepares students to meet the challenges of the global workplace. Varied learning methodologies focus on enhancing business fundamentals with the skills to manage cultural, social, and linguistic diversity. Successful students will acquire the comprehensive perspective, critical thinking, and problem solving expertise essential for international business operations.

Foundations of Excellence 39 cr.
COMM120 Presentation Techniques 3 cr.
ECON200 Microeconomics 3 cr.
ECON201 Macroeconomics 3 cr.
ENGL109 Composition 3 cr.
ENGL110 Advanced Composition 3 cr.
ENGL311 Professional Writing 3 cr.
FRSM100 Career and Education Seminar 3 cr.
MATH120 College Mathematics 3 cr.
MATH320 Introduction to Statistics 3 cr.
SOSC201 Diversity in Society 3 cr.
HUMN Humanities Elective 3 cr.
SOSC Social Science Elective 3 cr.
SCI or MATH Science or Math Elective 3 cr.
Foundations of Business 32 cr.
ACCT201 Accounting Foundations I 4 cr.
ACCT202 Accounting Foundations II 4 cr.
BITS211 Microcomputer Applications: Spreadsheet 3 cr.
BUSN120 Introduction to Business 3 cr.
BUSN210 Professional Ethics 3 cr.
CISP101 Computer Foundations 3 cr.
FINC211 Corporate Finance 3 cr.
LEGL210 Business Law Foundations 3 cr.
MGMT211 Management Foundations 3 cr.
MKTG211 Marketing Foundations 3 cr.
Major 43 cr.
FORL Foreign Language 6 cr.
BUSN225 International Business 3 cr.
BUSN403 Business Research 3 cr.
BUSN495 Business Planning Capstone 4 cr.
FINC235 Financial Analysis for Business Managers 3 cr.
FINC320 International Finance 3 cr.
GPMT350 Principles of Project Management 3 cr.
HRMG213 Human Resource Management 3 cr.
LEGL320 International Business Law 3 cr.
MGMT330 International Management 3 cr.
MGMT440 Strategic Management 3 cr.
MGMT490 or SABR381 Management Internship or Student Abroad Experience 3 cr.
MKTG421 International Marketing 3 cr.
Open Electives 6 cr

A minor in international business offers students a chance to focus on world trade and the expanding world markets while getting an overview of all aspects of business.

Students interested in business and/or foreign language will benefit from the international business curriculum through hands-on experience with business projects.

Career opportunities in the international business arena include banking, marketing and consulting.
Requirements
Minimum Credits: 20
Upper Division Credits: 16

Required Courses:
Business Administration 251, 394 and 12 additional upper division credits from international business and/or international economics courses

Overview

The major in International Language-Business is a professionally oriented program. Its purpose is to make language study a more career-structured discipline by providing students with the opportunity to acquire a liberal education while, at the same time, taking courses specifically relevant to a business enterprise.

In order to bridge the communication gap between multinational businesses and the lack of functional language skills often exhibited by the personnel representing them, specialized language courses focusing on the business terminology and cultural setting of the countries in question complement the regular language and business courses in this major.

The department urges students to study abroad during their junior year. In addition, it strongly recommends that students who spend the entire junior year abroad plan their studies carefully, so that they will be able to take at least one course per semester in their major language during the senior year. Students who pursue a business internship will earn credits in addition to the 130 credits stipulated for the program, unless there is room in the free area.
International Language - Business Curriculum
Dept. and No. Descriptive Title of Course Credits
FIRST YEAR FALL SPRING
MAJOR (GE HUMN) LANG 1 211-212 or 311-312 Inter. or Conversation / Composition 3 3
COGNATE LANG 101-102 or 211-212 Second Language 3 3
GE SPCH-WRTG COMM 100 - WRTG 107 Composition - Public Speaking 3 3
GE C/IL C/IL 102 Computing and Information Literacy 3
GE QUAN ELECT MATH 106 or 107 Quantitative Methods I or II 3
GE PHIL-T/RS PHIL 120 - T/RS 121 Intro. to Philosophy - Theology I 3 3
GE FSEM-PHED INTD 100 - PHED ELECT Freshman Seminar - Physical Education 1 1
16 16
SECOND YEAR
MAJOR LANG 311-312 1 Conversation - Composition 3 3
MAJOR ACC 253 Financial Accounting 3
COGNATE LANG 211-212 or 311-312 Second Modern or Classical Lang. 3 3
GE HUMN HUMN ELECT Humanities Elective 3
GE S/BH S/BH ELECT ECO 153-154 3 3
GE PHIL-T/RS PHIL 210 - T/RS 122 Ethics - Theology II 3 3
GE PHED PHED ELECT Physical Education 1 1
16 16
THIRD YEAR
MAJOR LANG 321-322 2 Advanced Stylistics 3 3
MAJOR LANG ELECT Advanced Language Electives 3 3
MAJOR MGT 351 Principles of Management I 3
MAJOR ECO/IB 351 Environment of International Bus. 3
MAJOR FIN 351 Intro. to Finance 3
GE ELECT FREE ELECT 3 Free Electives 3 3
GE NSCI NSCI ELECT Natural Science Electives 3 3
GE PHIL-T/RS PHIL-T/RS ELECT 4 Philosophy or T/RS Elective 3
18 18
FOURTH YEAR
MAJOR LANG 319 Business Language 3
MAJOR LANG ELECT Advanced Language Electives 6 3
MAJOR MKT 351 Intro. to Marketing 3
MAJOR INT ELECT One of MGT 475, MKT 475 ECO 375, FIN 475, IB 476, IB 477 3
GE HUMN HUMN ELECT Humanities Elective 3
GE ELECT FREE ELECT 3 Free Electives 3 6
15 15
Total: 130 Credits

1 Students who begin their major language level at the 311 level take 6 fewer credits in the major and 6 more credits in the cognate or free area. In their second year, they will choose advanced language electives.

2 Students whose first language is Spanish will take SPAN 320-321, and three of the following four courses: SPAN 313, 314, 330 and 331 in their advanced language electives area.

3 PS 212, PS 240 and ACC 254 are recommended GE electives.

4 A course focusing on the ethics of business is recommended.