The Master’s of Business Administration degree dates back to 1908 when Harvard University’s Graduate School first launched their program. This degree has changed the landscape of graduate programs significantly, and has become the most popular post graduate degree in the world. And what was once a simple business degree has evolved into a broad umbrella encompassing numerous concentrations, specializations, majors, and certificates covering specialized topics in business on top of the foundational business and management courses. These specializations focus on a particular business sector or job specialty, which allow students to gain hands-on experience for their future careers. Students can currently pursue online MBA programs with specialized curriculum in Economics, Marketing, Business Analytics, HR, IT, and Supply Chain Management, with more choices added every single semester. Online MBA Today explores different online MBA degree options in order to give prospective students information on the multitude of fields and degrees available.
Let’s explore the dynamic field of International Business.
International Business
With the ever-increasing globalization of business around the world, many organizations are in need of people who can operate effectively on a global level. An MBA in international business is perfect for those who want to expand their international business mindset and prepare to compete in the ever-expanding global business world. Graduates are wonderful assets for international organizations because they understand the varying aspects of international markets.
Careers for graduates with international business MBAs (IMBA) can range from finance to management to consulting for global organizations that work on an international level. IMBA programs are becoming more popular as businesses, government agencies, and nonprofits are looking for employees who understand global trends. Some positions you might consider with an IMBA are international marketing director, foreign policy advisor, trade and customs manager, financial controller, or multinational manager. Another field to consider is in the travel and hospitality industry.
Online MBA in International Business
While you can choose to do a master’s degree in international business, it is far more specialized than an MBA in international business. An online IMBA provides you with a more transferrable skill set. Because of this, it is likely that an online MBA will enable you to reach management positions in other fields, should you so choose. In an online IMBA program, you will take courses in finance, economics, and management, but with a focus on international and cultural competencies. Expect a particular emphasis on cross-cultural management. You will also cover the cultural, organizational, logistical, and legal ramifications of working in the international field.
It is recommended that online IMBA students also study another language, especially if you intend to work in another country. In fact, many programs require some level of proficiency in another language. It is also common for programs to require students to study abroad. Even if you don’t plan to live abroad, the experience of living and working in a foreign country, even for a short time, can help you develop invaluable insight when it comes to working with international colleagues, clients, or customers.
Because careers for graduates with online MBAs in international business are similar to other MBA careers, just with an international focus, the range of salaries varies widely. But according to research, a sales director with an IMBA could expect to make around $137,000 per year, an operations director with an IMBA could make around $120,000 per year, and an IT project manager with an IMBA could find themselves at $100,000 per year. Because the need has increased for graduates with IMBAs, salaries tend to be on the higher side.
Based on our latest ranking of the top online MBA programs in International Business, here are the top five programs in the country:
University of Florida’s Warrington College of Business – Gainesville, Florida
Northeastern University’s D’Amore-McKim School of Business – Boston, Massachusetts
Lehigh University’s College of Business and Economics – Bethlehem, Pennsylvania
Babson College’s F.W. Olin Graduate School of Business – Wellesley, Massachusetts
George Washington University’s School of Business – Washington, D.C.
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Guide to Executive MBAs
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Guide to Online MBAs in Business Analytics
Guide to Online MBAs in Healthcare Management
Guide to Online MBAs in Marketing
