International Business Flagship Program

Updated on Tuesday 5 March 2013

The words “going global” seem to be everywhere these days. There is no denying that barriers across the world have been broken down, thanks to factors such as technology and ease of travel. Nearly every business has a global component of some sort, and most have locations in multiple countries. Given the fact that international businesses are on the rise, it is no surprise that there has been a surge in college programs focusing on that very area. All over the United States, universities offer programs that aim to educate students in a variety of international topics, including economics, finance, marketing, and management. Learning to get along with and form relationships with people from various cultures is another aspect of these programs, and an integral part of a student’s education in becoming an internationally savvy citizen. Let’s take a look at some of the leading international business programs from across the United States.

University of North Florida - Coggin College of Business
International Business Flagship Program.

UNF recognizes the importance of an international education, and offers students a variety of ways to study business from a global perspective. For undergraduate students, there is the option to choose a major or a minor in International Business. In order to major in International Business, students are required to complete an international experience, and international internship, and demonstrate foreign language skills. The minor is less rigorous, still requiring international business classes but no traveling abroad or language proficiency.

The school also offers a variety of options for graduate studies in International Business. Three different double degree programs are available – the Global MBA, the Global Entrepreneurship MBA, and the Ibero-American MBA. All of these provide a strong theoretical base in global business, combined with real-life experience in overseas countries. A highlight of this program is that students only have to pay tuition to UNF, even while studying abroad. This eliminates a lot of extra expenses and stress that can sometimes be associated with a study abroad program.

San Diego State University

The SDSU undergraduate program in international business is ranked in the top 15 programs in the U.S., and with good reason. Challenging courses in international business, language, and area studies are all required, along with a semester abroad or international internship. Students can choose from ten languages and five world regions to focus their studies on, providing them with a solid foundation for doing business in different cultural and linguistic situations.

University of South Carolina - Moore School of Business

The Moore School at USC boasts the top International Business program at a public university. An International Master of Business Administration and a one-year Master of International Business are offered. Students are immersed into international business issues in the classroom, and then have to translate theory into practice during their required extensive internships abroad. Graduates are well-prepared to think and act on a global level.

University of Florida - Hough Graduate School of Business

The Master of Arts in International Business program, better known as MAIB, is a one-year specialized business Master’s offered at UF. While there are required core classes in subjects ranging from global strategic management to international finance, half of the program is made up of electives. This allows students to focus on a specific aspect of international business that they are interested in and take classes in that area. Another unique feature of the MAIB program is the required week-long study tour abroad, where students sit in on guest lectures and visit foreign businesses, giving them a valuable global perspective.

As the business environment becomes increasingly more globalized, graduates with a foundation in international business course work are likely to surge ahead in the competitive market. Having practical experience, such as completing a study abroad program or a foreign internship, will leave students well prepared to take on global careers post-graduation.

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