Earning an MBA in International Business will open the door for a wide variety of opportunities. An International Business MBA can be used in many different ways. Government agencies and large non-profits require individuals who are incredibly versatile and have the skills that are needed to work within expansive global markets. Working on an international level requires advanced abilities that allow the professional to utilize global resources in an attempt to broker lucrative business deals.
An MBA in International Business makes it possible for a graduate to choose a career from one of many different fields including logistics, finance, and trade development. International business is much different than domestic forms of business. With an MBA in International Business, graduates will learn about trade negotiations, tariffs, customs, shipping regulations, and many other types of transactions and dealings that are not part of domestic business practices. By earning a degree in International Business, students have an advantage over their competitors because they are already familiar with many of the best practices associated with global markets and trade.
Methodology: Ranking the Best International Business MBA Programs
Great Business Schools puts the needs of students first, focusing on degree programs that will have a real positive impact on students’ careers. We feature only reputable, accredited institutions, ranked according to practical factors like cost, potential salary, and student satisfaction, using data from IPEDS and Niche.
1. Rutgers University
Rutgers University offers one of the best MBA in International Business programs with its Global Master of Business Administration (MBA) degree. This full-time best international business MBA program also offers degree candidates the option of earning a STEM degree with this MBA concentration in Global Business. Coursework for the international MBA business program includes leading across cultures, managing organizational diversity, Global procurement/supply management, international financial markets, executive leadership, and managing technological breakthroughs, to name a few. This is available on Rutger’s campuses in Newark and New Brunswick.
Rutgers University is the New Jersey state school founded in 1766. Rutgers University is one of the few higher learning institutions that are space-grant, land-grant, and sea-grant schools. More than 68,400 students attend classes at Rutgers.
Highlight The school is named to honor Colonel Rutgers, a revolutionary war hero whose financial help kept the school afloat in lean times.
Degree Global Business MBA
2. University of Southern California
The University of Southern California Marshall School of Business offers a Master of Business Administration (MBA) with a concentration in international business that is ranked among the best international business MBA programs by Poets & Quants. USC Marshall’s best MBA in International Business program can be completed in twelve months. This The University of Southern California Marshall program includes an international experiential learning trip to international economies, as well as two short trips to Seattle and Silicon Valley. The average age of degree candidates is 35 years old.
The University of Southern California (Southern Cal) is a private sea-grant and space-grant institution of higher education that was founded in 1880. More than 48,100 students attend classes at the University of Southern California, which is known as the birthplace of the internet domain name system.
Highlight Student athletes at the University of Southern California are known as Trojans and have brought home more than 300 Olympic medals.
Degree International MBA
3. Northeastern University
Northeastern University’s D’Amore-McKim Business School offers a Master of Business Administration (MBA) with an academic emphasis in International Business that is recognized as one of the nation’s best international business MBA programs. This NEU best MBA in International Business program required degree candidates to complete 28 graduate credits – 15 from the MBA curriculum and another 12 credits in the international business curriculum. Elective coursework offered includes international marketing, advanced topics in global management, doing business in emerging markets, and cultural aspects of international business, to name a few.
Northeastern University is a research higher learning institution that was established in 1898. Northeastern University is internationally renowned for its innovative cooperative ed program in which students have the opportunity to earn salaries while earning their degrees.
Highlight Northeastern University operates multiple campuses in Maine, North Carolina, Washington, California, and Canada.
Degree International Business MBA
4. Florida International University
Florida International University offers an MBA in International Business that ranked among the top ten best international business MBA programs by US News & World Report. FIU’s best MBA in International Business program can be completed in only one year and offers degree candidates opportunities to study abroad. The core curriculum includes business analysis, legal environment of business, global financial strategy, business processes, marketing management, and information systems management, to name a few.
Florida International University is a space-grant higher learning institution that was established in 1965. Florida International University’s campus in University Park covers more than 550 acres and serves more than 58,300 students.
Highlight Florida International University has been recognized by the state’s legislature as one of South Florida’s most eminent universities.
Degree International Business MBA
5. Temple University
Temple University’s Fox Business School offers a Global MBA that can be completed in two years. Temple University’s best MBA in International Business program provides students with competencies in the areas of ethical management, communication, business acumen, and business reasoning, among others. This on-campus best international business MBA program has been developed for professionals with work experience looking to enhance their work opportunities. Degree candidates will participate in an internship opportunity and two global immersion experiences during the spring season each year.
Temple University is a public higher learning institution that was established in 1884. Temple University serves more than 38,900 students on its urban campus in the City of Brotherly Love.
Highlight Russell Conwell, a lawyer, and Baptist minister, founded Temple University after he began tutoring at night.
Degree Global MBA
6. University of South Carolina
The University of South Carolina’s Moore School of Business offers a Master of Business Administration (MBA) with an academic emphasis in International Business that the best international business MBA programs by US News & World Report for the past several decades. UofSC Moore’s best MBA in International Business program can be completed in just under two years and offers degree candidates two academic tracks – a language track and a global track. Both international business MBA programs include international immersion programs.
The University of South Carolina is the flagship campus of the state’s university system that was established in 1801. Additionally, this sea-grant institution of higher learning serves more than 51,000 students across its multiple campuses in South Carolina, including its main campus in Columbia.
Highlight Several buildings on the University of South Carolina’s campus are listed in the National Register of Historic Places.
Degree International MBA
7. American University
American University’s Kogod Business School offers a Master of Business Administration (MBA) with an academic focus in Global Business that is considered among the nation’s best international business MBA programs. American University’s best MBA in International Business program requires degree candidates to complete 49 semester units to graduate. Coursework for this graduate degree from AU Kogod includes business leadership, international financial management, business insights through analytics, negotiations strategy and tactics, leading change, applied managerial statistics, and applied production &operations management, to name a few. Additionally, students must complete a global project practicum experience.
From its urban location in the nation’s capital, American University, a space-grant school serves more than 8,400 students. American University is one of the few in the country that was established by a Congressional charter.
Highlight Among AU’s alumni are a US senator, Nobel Prize, and Pulitzer Prize, winners.
Degree Global MBA
8. East Carolina University
East Carolina University offers an MBA in International Management that is considered among the nation’s best MBA in International Businessprograms. East Carolina University’s best international business MBA program has received accreditation from the AACSB for over four decades. East Carolina University’s graduate MBA programs are consistently recognized among the best buy programs in the United States. Degree candidates have the option of completing this MBA degree online, on-campus, or a hybrid combination of both.
East Carolina University began as a teacher’s training academy in 1907. East Carolina University has grown to be the fourth largest of higher learning institutions in the state of North Carolina, with nearly 30,000 students and more than 1,500 acres.
Highlight East Carolina University operates three primary campuses located near each other in Greenville.
Degree International Management MBA
9. George Washington University
George Washington University offers an MBA in Global Business that is ranked as one of the country’s best MBA in International Business programs. George Washington University Business’s best international business MBA program requires the completion of 53 semester credits, which includes core courses, electives, and a study abroad project that can be finished in only 21 months. Classes for the core curriculum include business ethics, operations management, marketing, business improv, leadership lab, strategic management, and organizations & human capital, to name a few.
George Washington University is a research institution of higher education that was founded by an act of the US Congress in 1821. The university’s campus in the nation’s capital is home to more than 26,900 students, vying for academic degrees offered by the university’s fourteen schools.
Highlight Many prominent politicians are proud to call themselves George Washington University alumni.
Degree Global MBA
10. John Brown University
John Brown University offers an MBA in International Business that is recognized as one of the state’s best MBA in International Business programs. John Brown University’s best international business MBA requires degree candidates to complete 36 to 45 semester credits – contingent upon the student’s undergraduate/work experience in business. Students enrolled in JBU’s MBA in international business program is available entirely online, on-campus, or a combination of both. Classes include global leadership, global supply chain, strategies for an emerging market, plus a practicum in international business.
John Brown University is an interdenominational Christian higher learning institution that was established in 1919. The university’s campus in Siloam Springs (northwest Arkansas) covers more than 175 acres and serves more than 2,400 students.
Highlight John Brown University operates multiple satellite facilities in Rogers and Little Rock, AR.
Degree International Business MBA
11. St. John’s University
St. John’s University’s Tobin College of Business (SJU Tobin) offers a Master of Business Administration (MBA) with a concentration in international business that is considered among the best international business MBA programs in the marketplace. Coursework for St. John’s University Tobin’s best MBA in International Businessprogram includes risk management, business analytics, financial management, law and ethics, and seminar in business policy, plus a capstone project. Students enrolled in St. John’s University’s s international business MBA program have the option of studying abroad and completing parts of their program at the school’s campus in Rome, Italy.
St. John’s University is a private higher learning institution that was established in 1870. This Vincentian university serves more than 20,900 students vying for degrees offered by the university’s eleven schools/colleges.
Highlight St. John’s University boasts an international student alumni network that nears 200,000.
Degree International Business MBA
12. University of Central Arkansas
The University of Central Arkansas offers an MBA in International Business that is considered among Arkansas’s best international business MBA programs. This best MBA in International Business program from the University of Central Arkansas offers students study abroad opportunities in China, France, Italy, Belgium, Spain, and Thailand, among others. Degree candidates enrolled in the University of Central Arkansas’s international business MBA program must complete 36 semester credits to graduate. It is noted that the electives chosen by the degree candidate must be taken internationally.
The University of Central Arkansas was established in 1907 as Arkansas’ only teacher’s training academy. This space-grant institution of higher learning serves more than 11,300 students from its suburban campus in Conway.
Highlight The University of Central Arkansas is recognized among the state’s largest higher learning institutions.
Degree International Business MBA
13. Park University
Park University offers an MBA in global business or global executive that is recognized among the Midwest’s best international business MBA programs. The best MBA in International Business program offered by Park University has received accreditation from the ACBSP and is available online and on campuses in five different states. Students can complete this MBA degree in only fifteen months. Classes for Park’s global business MBA concentration include doing business in Asia, European business environments, and business strategies for Latin America, to name a few.
Park University was established as a private institution of higher education in 1875. The school’s campuses overlook the majestic Missouri Rivers and serve more than 11,100 students. Park University uniquely offered education without tuition in lieu of work done for the school.
Highlight Park University operates more than 40 facilities in more than twenty states.
Degree MBA in Global Business or Global Executive
14. University of Scranton
The University of Scranton’s Kania School of Management offers a Master of Business Administration (MBA) with an academic emphasis in international business that one of the best international business MBA programs available in the marketplace. This best MBA in International Business program offered by the University of Scranton requires degree candidates to complete 36 semester credits, which includes a culminating capstone project. Additionally, the MBA programs offered by the University of Scranton have received accreditation from the AACSB – the only AACSB approved program in the Wyoming Valley.
The University of Scranton was established as a private learning institution in 1888. This Roman Catholic university serves more than 5,200 students from its urban campus in Scranton vying for degrees offered by the university’s three schools/colleges.
Highlight The University of Scranton offers more than 85 undergraduate and graduate major options.
Degree International Business MBA
15. Dallas Baptist University
Dallas Baptist University offers an MBA in international business that ranked among the state’s best international business MBA programs available in the marketplace. Dallas Baptist University’s best MBA in International Business program requires degree candidates to complete 36 semester credits but does not require a thesis. Core coursework for this MBA degree program includes international economic and legal environments, international finance, international marketing, and global initiatives in management, to name a few.
Dallas Baptist University was established in 1898 as a private Christian higher learning institution. The university’s campus in Dallas serves more than 4,200 students and covers more than 350 acres. The school maintains affiliation with the Texas Baptist Convention.
Highlight Dallas Baptist University operates satellite facilities in Hurst and Plano as well.
Degree International Business MBA
16. Wright State University
Wright State University’s Soin Business College offers a Master of Business Administration (MBA) with an academic track in international business that is recognized by US News among the best international business MBA programs. Wright State University’s best MBA in International Business program prepares degree candidates to address the various challenges that arise from a global business environment. Classes for this MBA concentration include financial management and international economics, plus a study abroad opportunity. MBA core classes include leadership and ethics, economics for managers, strategic cost management, and developing competitive strategies, among others.
Wright State University was established in 1967. The university’s suburban campuses serve more than 12,100 students, with more than 10,100 students studying at the school’s main Dayton Campus.
Highlight Wright State University initially began operating as a satellite facility for Ohio State University and Miami U of Ohio.
Degree International Business MBA
17. Kent State University
Kent State University offers an MBA in international business that is accredited by the AACSB and considered one of the best international business MBA programs. Students enrolled in Kent State University’s best MBA in International Business program can select from a number of study-abroad opportunities that generally last from ten days to one semester. Previous study abroad opportunities include France, India, Brazil, Ireland, and Switzerland, among others. Students enrolled in Kent State’s program have the opportunity to select from a number of internships through the career services division.
Kent State University is a public, state-funded higher learning institution that was established in 1910. KSU is a member school of the state’s university system and operates multiple campuses that serve more than 35,700 students in Ohio.
Highlight Kent State University maintains academic facilities in New York and Florence, Italy.
Degree International Business MBA
18. Ashland University
Ashland University’s Dauch College of Business & Economics offers a Master of Business Administration (MBA) with a concentration in international business that is considered one of Ohio’s best international business MBA programs. Ashland University’s best MBA in International Business program can be completed in only twelve months. Full tuition includes two study abroad trips to understand business from an experiential level. Students applying to this program can request the waiver of a GMAT or GRE, which is reviewed by school personnel. This program from Ashland University is available on two campuses – Columbus and Cleveland, Ohio.
Ashland University is a Christian higher learning institution established by the Brethren Church in 1878. The university’s suburban campus serves more than 5,400 students vying for degrees offered by Ashland’s four colleges/schools.
Highlight Ashland University operates a theological seminary that offers graduate theology degrees.
Degree International Business MBA
19. Oklahoma Christian University
Oklahoma Christian University offers an MBA in international business that ranked among Oklahoma’s best international business MBA programs. Classes for OCU’s best MBA in International Business program include international marketing, international management, and international trade & finance. The core curriculum for OCU’s MBA program includes managerial ethics, leadership effectiveness, business intelligence, and financial management, to name a few. Students can attend night classes on OCU’s campus or complete the required coursework through the school’s distance learning platform.
The Churches of Christ founded Oklahoma Christian University in 1950. The university’s campus in Oklahoma City serves more than 2,100 students and covers more than 190 suburban acres.
Highlight Oklahoma Christian University was the first campus in the state to provide each student with a laptop and campus-wide internet in 2001.
Degree International Business MBA
20. Keiser University
Keiser University offers an MBA in International Business that is ranked as one of the best MBA in International Business program and offered on more than ten campuses through Florida. Keiser University’s best international business MBA program has been accredited by the Council for Business Schools & Programs. It is noted that Keiser University offers this program in Spanish and Mandarin. Coursework for this international business MBA degree is offered in eight-week classes. Degree candidates must complete 36 to 45 semester units, depending on the exact academic track chosen.
Keiser University is a private higher learning institution that was established as a business career school in 1977. The university serves more than 19,200 students from its Florida and international campuses.
Highlight Money Magazine recognizes Keiser University among the top bang for the buck colleges in the Sunshine State.
Degree International Business MBA
21. Concordia University Wisconsin & Ann Arbor
Concordia University Wisconsin offers an MBA in international business that requires the completion of 36 semester units to graduate. This best MBA in International Business program from Concordia University is available online and in seven campuses in the state of Wisconsin. Students graduating from Concordia University’s best international business MBA program enter the workforce as business intelligence analysts, international marketing managers, and business educators, among others. Concordia boasts a student to faculty ratio of 12 to 1.
Concordia University was established by the Lutheran Church in 1881. Concordia University operates eight campuses, with dual management for the Wisconsin and Ann Arbor Facilities.
Highlight More than 7,500 students attend classes offered by Concordia University’s five colleges/schools.
Degree International Business MBA
22. Mercy College
Mercy College offers an MBA in international business that requires the completion of 36 semester units to meet program requirements. Mercy College’s best international business MBA program can be finished in about one year and is available on all three New York campuses. Classes for Mercy College’s best MBA in International Business program include financial accounting, financial management, managerial economics, international trade, and international finance, to name a few.
Mercy College was established as a private higher learning institution in 1950. The college operates several campuses – one in NYC and two to the north in Westchester County. More than 11,100 students attend classes offered by Mercy College.
Highlight Students attending Mercy College hail from more than 50 countries.
Degree International Business MBA
23. Tiffin University
Tiffin University offers an MBA in international business that is considered among the best international business MBA programs available on the market. Students enrolled in Tiffin University’s best MBA in International Business program must complete 36 semester credits to meet program requirements. Classes for this concentration include international trade, global marketing, transactional management in a global environment, innovative decision making, managerial ethics, strategic analysis in a global industry, and international finance, to name a few.
Tiffin University (Tiffin) was established as a commercial college in 1888. This private higher learning institution serves more than 4,100 students on its 100+ acre suburban campus in Tiffin. The ACBSP has accredited the business programs offered by Tiffin University.
Highlight The Tiffin University Dragons compete in the Great Midwest Conference.
Degree International Business MBA
24. University of Hartford
The University of Hartford’s Barney Business School offers a Master of Business Administration (MBA) with a concentration in international business that is considered among Connecticut and New England’s best international business MBA programs. UH Barney’s best MBA in International Business program can be completed in about two years and is considered the third largest MBA program in the greater Hartford area. The University of Hartford’s international business MBA degree has received accreditation from the AACSB as both a full and part-time program.
The University of Hartford (UHart) was established in 1957. The university’s suburban campus covers several parts of West Hartford, Bloomfield, and Hartford. More than 6,500 students attend classes offered by the University of Hartford.
Highlight The University of Hartford was created when a number of local schools combined to create this chartered institution of higher learning.
Degree International Business MBA
25. City University of Seattle
The City University of Seattle offers an MBA in Global Management that is recognized among the west coast’s best international business MBA programs. Students enrolled in the City University of Seattle’s best MBA in International Business program are required to complete 48 to 54 semester units, depending on the exact academic track selected. Classes for this global management MBA degree include international human resource management, global leadership, and international business, plus a global management internship, among others. This program is available on the Seattle and Renton campuses and online. Core MBA classes include strategic financial management, business strategy, law for global business, and project management & prioritization, to name a few.
The City University of Seattle is a private higher learning institution that was established in 1973. The university’s campuses are located in the United States, China, Europe, Mexico, and Canada. More than 6,500 students attend classes offered by the City University of Seattle.
Highlight The City University of Seattle was originally developed to serve working learners.
Degree Global Management MBA
Why Should I Get an MBA in International Business?
International business can be very complex and requires an in-depth knowledge of trade and shipping laws. Individuals who choose to pursue an MBA in International Business must be very detail-oriented and enjoy traveling. Many individuals who take jobs on an international level travel abroad, some more than others. Those who do not travel, often times spend hours on the phone placing international calls. With today’s technology, video-calls make it easy to have a face-to-face meeting with other professionals located across the world. Understanding how to use this advanced technology makes international business much easier to transact.
How Do I Choose an International Business MBA Program?
In order to choose one of the best MBA programs for International Business, you will need to know what type of career you want to work in. Finance, logistics, investments, and public relations are just a few of the positions you can choose from. Within each field, you will be able to find different specifications. Logistics, for example, deals with shipping, receiving, customs, and understanding how to move large shipments in the most cost-effective manner.
Earning an MBA in International Business will provide you with every advantage you will need to succeed in this highly professional field. The best International Business MBA programs are able to provide students advanced lessons on how to negotiate international business deals and trade agreements. This type of degree will allow you to work on both a domestic level as well as on an international level. International trade requires someone who is capable of negotiating an agreement that meets the legal and professional expectations on both sides.
Other aspects of choosing the best MBA in International Business program includes finding one that fits into your budget. If you are already working and can’t give up your job, you will also need to find one that allows you to complete your coursework online. Online courses offer flexible schedules and an option to study when it is most convenient for the student. Enrolling in an online degree program allows a student to continue to work, honing their business skills, while they continue to learn as much as possible about international business.
Are Global Business and International Business the Same Thing?
Even though global business and international business mean technically the same thing, it’s important to understand how doing business on a global level is much different. Globalization means doing business across the globe. A good example of this has to do with international trade. In order for a company to trade on an international level, all they have to do is trade between two companies that are located in two or more different countries. Globalization isn’t needed. Both do go hand in hand, though. Learning to understand one will help you grasp a better understanding of the other.
Globalization involves building influence or generating business across the world. Business on a global level means working with companies or brands that already are established across the world. While international business does not need globalization, globalization is established by international trade. Small businesses are more often associated with international business transactions. Large corporations, on the other hand, are more likely to be involved in transacting business on a global level with companies that have offices in many different parts of the world.
When it comes to international business vs global business, it’s important to understand what role you want to play. If you want to be part of a large international operation, you will need to learn to work with other professionals from all over the world. If you are interested in economics, you may want to explore the global markets and learn how investment brokers transact business across the world. Your options are endless when it comes to working on an international level.
Carrie Morris
Author
Warren Dahl
Editor-in-Chief