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.

The School of Business Administration’s B.B.A. in International Business degree program prepares students to excel in positions involving global trade and commerce by imparting the business and communication skills needed to compete internationally.

Available as a primary or secondary major, the international business major combines courses in international accounting, marketing, economics, finance, management, information systems, operations management and cultural anthropology with foreign-language study. A study abroad experience is strongly recommended.

Degree Requirements

In addition to Core Curriculum and Business Core Curriculum requirements, students pursuing the B.B.A. degree in international business must complete the following courses to earn 18 hours in this major:
ANTH 102. Introducation to Cultural Anthropology or
ANTH 271. World Cultures
MARK 363. International Marketing or
MGMT 315. International Management

Four courses from the following:
ACCT 306. Advanced Accounting—Business Combinations, Consolidations and International
ECON 323. International Economics
ECON 324. International Monetary Relations
ECON 325. Economics of Development and Growth
FINC 340. Emerging Markets*
FINC 355. International Financial Management
HRER 329. Global Human Resources & Organizational Behavior
ISOM 338. Logistics in the Global Economy
MARK 341. Global Marketing*
MARK 363. International Marketing
MGMT 305. Global Business Strategy*
MGMT 315. International Management
SPRT 345. Globalization of the Sport Industry

With the rapid globalization of business, companies must expand operations internationally to remain competitive. The success and survival of modern companies are dependent upon highly skilled executives competent in the implementation of management and organizational strategies to answer the complexities of business at the international level. The Bachelor of Business Administration in International Business degree program provides the essential skills, practices and specialization for students seeking well-defined careers as international business executives.

In addition to high-quality academics, Schiller offers its students the freedom to transfer to any of its campuses worldwide without penalty. This unique opportunity allows Schiller’s international business students to interact with people from around the world and experience first-hand how different cultures affect global business.

The degree program is offered in six concentrations: Banking, Financial Management, Management, Marketing, Management of Information Technology, and Sustainable Business and Development. Students are encouraged to select a concentration at the end of the first year, though the decision may be delayed until the end of the second year. Students who wait until the end of the second year may experience difficulty in satisfying certain departmental requirements. This makes it mandatory for each student to see his/her academic advisor at least once per semester. Students will be required to complete 21 credits in their chosen concentration. A course cannot fulfill a requirement for both International Business and a concentration unless it is specifically required for both. BBA in International Business degree candidates may complete the course requirements for an additional area of concentration in one of the academic fields listed below.

Required Core Courses (3 credits each):

GEB 1350 Introduction to International Business

ACG 2001 Accounting I

ACG 2011 Accounting II

MAR 2011 Principles of Marketing

BA 261 Principles of Business Law

BA 341 Business Finance I

BA 370 Business Communication

BA 374 Statistics

BA 384* Behavioral Aspects

BA 439 International Business Policy or

BA 440 Case Studies in Corporate Strategy

Three of the following International Business courses:

BA 322 International Marketing

BA 338 Import-Export Operations

BA 362 Comparative Corporation Law

BA 363 Law and Finance in Relation to International Trade

BA 402 Comparative Industrial Relations

BA 421*** Commercial German/Spanish

BA 433 European Banking and Finance

BA 437 Multinational Enterprise

IT 100** Business Applications Software

Business electives (12 credits including two upper-level courses)

ECO 2023c Principles of Microeconomics

ECO 2013c Principles of Macroeconomics

*or PSY 1021 General Psychology

**or other IT course

***only one of these

General Education (3 credits each):

2 Economics Electives (Upper-level courses)

MA 172 Applied Mathematics

Math or Physical Science Elective

2 Social Science Electives

EN 111 English Composition: Expository Writing

EN 112 English Composition: Persuasive Writing

HI 225 European History to 1815 and

HI 226 European History: Napoleonic Period to the Present or

AMH 2010 American History: Origins to Reconstruction and

AMH 2020 American History: Reconstruction to the Present

2 General Education Electives (including Foreign Language)

Free Electives (28 credits, may include Concentration)

Total Credits Required: 124

With advances in modern technology, today’s marketplace is becoming more and more global. Companies that once confined their work to a local market are now doing business with suppliers and customers around the world. To remain competitive, these companies are increasingly turning to workers with relevant knowledge, experience and training in international business practices.

The Associate of Arts in International Business degree program is designed to provide students with the experience and education necessary for careers in national as well as international organizations. The program is distinguished by its emphasis on business in an international context; yet it is unmistakably American.

Challenging, Relevant Coursework

The Associate of Arts in International Business features industry-relevant coursework taught by faculty members with real-world experience in the field. The technology-enriched curriculum is designed to enhance students’ written communication and oral presentation skills. Some of the key topics covered in the program include financial accounting, leadership and management, ethics, business law, economics, and organizational behavior.
Students who successfully complete the program should be able to:
Demonstrate a basic level of understanding of the relationships between organizations and the environment in which they function.
Describe the manners in which organizations’ internal process, purposes, structures governance, operations and management come together in a unique ways to create and sustain organizational cultures.
Demonstrate basic knowledge and understanding in the following
Markets and Customers: The development and operation of markets for resources, goods and services; customer expectations, service and orientation.
Finance: The sources, uses and management of finance; the use of accounting and other information systems for managerial applications.
People: The management and development of people within organizations.
Operations: The management of resources and operations.
Information Systems: The development, management and exploitation of information systems and their impact upon organizations.