The Best Online Bachelor’s in International Business Degree Programs
Updated October 5, 2023
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Of the many undergraduate majors that universities offer, business remains one of the most popular areas of study, according to the National Center for Education Statistics (NCES). The field attracts learners in part for its versatility and potential earnings after graduation. International business offers students even more opportunities to grow.
Earning an international business degree online equips graduates with the skills necessary to succeed in roles at large global businesses, ambitious startups, or government organizations with positions as trade compliance officers, marketing professionals, buyers, and managers. PayScale reports that professionals with these degrees earn $54,000 per year on average.
With a bachelor's degree in business administration, which can include a concentration in international business, professionals make an average of $61,000 annually. Positions for these graduates generally include human resources managers, operations managers, and financial controllers.
Professionals who choose specific areas of business can earn even more with a bachelor's of international business online. For example, the Bureau of Labor Statistics reports that labor relations specialists earn median wages of $67,790 per year and budget analysts earn about $76,220 annually. Graduates often find employment at government organizations and nonprofits that partner with businesses around the world.
Featured Schools
The Best Online Bachelor in International Business Degree Programs
We use trusted sources like
Peterson's Data and
the National Center for Education Statistics to inform the data for these schools.
#1 The Best Online Bachelor’s in International Business Degree Programs
Liberty University
Lynchburg, VA - 4 years
- Online + Campus
Located in Lynchburg, Virginia, Liberty University offers many top-ranked bachelor's programs. The college supports distancing learning across 30 remote bachelor's programs. One option includes a bachelor of science in business administration - international business.
The program connects students with a supportive online learning community while enabling flexibility. Enrollees work with their academic advisor to ensure their studies suit both academic and professional goals. Electives, minors, and other modifications can benefit students and meet career goals.
At present, undergraduates pay $15,417 in tuition. Degree candidates can access scholarships, fellowships, and other funding opportunities.
Liberty University at a Glance:
Online Enrollment: 78,511
Total Online Programs: 161
Online Bachelor's Programs: 30
Admission Rate: 51%
Transfer Credits Accepted: Data not available
#2 The Best Online Bachelor’s in International Business Degree Programs
Fort Hays State University
Hays, KS - 4 years
- Online + Campus
Students looking for a flexible bachelor's-level education should consider Fort Hays State University. The public school supports 24 online bachelor's degrees, including a BBA in international business and economics.
Degree-seekers can modify their coursework to suit their interests and accommodate their schedule. Students can collaborate with their academic advisor to find classes that complement their career interests.
Typically, undergraduate students pay $14,070 in tuition. At the accredited institution, students can access external and internal funding opportunities, such as scholarships, fellowships, and federal financial aid. The institution averages financial aid packages of $5,162 per enrollee.
Fort Hays State University at a Glance:
Online Enrollment: 8,759
Total Online Programs: 40
Online Bachelor's Programs: 24
Admission Rate: 91%
Transfer Credits Accepted: Data not available
#3 The Best Online Bachelor’s in International Business Degree Programs
Florida International University
Miami, FL - 4 years
- Online + Campus
Miami-based Florida International University provides numerous top-tier bachelor's programs. Students interested in distance learning will find the school's 36 fully online bachelor's degrees appealing. Degree-seekers can enroll in the school's bachelor of business administration in international business program.
The program prepares international business students for the field's demands. Degree candidates complete industry-relevant coursework with the option to choose electives and modify classes.
Undergraduate tuition at the accredited school averages $16,529. Learners can access external and internal funding opportunities, such as scholarships, fellowships, and federal financial aid. Students can expect to receive an average financial aid package of $8,958.
Florida International University at a Glance:
Online Enrollment: 39,863
Total Online Programs: 67
Online Bachelor's Programs: 36
Admission Rate: 58%
Transfer Credits Accepted: Data not available
#4 The Best Online Bachelor’s in International Business Degree Programs
Southern New Hampshire University
Manchester, NH - 4 years
- Online + Campus
Southern New Hampshire University, a private not-for-profit college in Manchester, New Hampshire, supports online learning across 84 online programs. This bachelor's in international business is one of the college's 35 online bachelor's programs. Learners can enroll full or part time.
Degree-seekers must earn 120 credits during their studies. Learners complete general education requirements, gaining a well-rounded education. Enrollees can customize their studies by working with their academic advisor to choose electives, minors, and degree concentrations.
Bachelor's graduates can access more job opportunities and grow their earning potential over time. The college notes a median salary of $43,300 for graduates six years after finishing their studies. Prospective learners can explore funding opportunities, eligibility requirements, and other opportunities by connecting with the Office of Financial Aid.
Southern New Hampshire University at a Glance:
Online Enrollment: 106,762
Total Online Programs: 84
Online Bachelor's Programs: 35
Admission Rate: 88%
Transfer Credits Accepted: Accepted
#5 The Best Online Bachelor’s in International Business Degree Programs
Minot State University
Minot, ND - 4 years
- Online + Campus
Minot State University, a public college in Minot, North Dakota, offers 24 online programs. Among the school's 12 online bachelor's programs includes the bachelor's in international business. Degree candidates benefit from flexible study, with the option to enroll full or part time.
Throughout the program, students attend industry-relevant lectures while completing major-specific coursework. Learners build broad and specific skills. While enrolled, degree-seekers can customize their studies by choosing electives, minors, and degree concentrations.
A bachelor's degree connects graduates with numerous job opportunities and a higher earning potential. According to the college, graduates earn a median salary of $38,300 six years after completing their degree. Though educational costs vary, degree candidates can expect to pay an average of $11,635 in tuition and fees. Prospective applicants can meet with the international business department directly to discuss admission requirements, application materials, and other relevant information.
Minot State University at a Glance:
Online Enrollment: 1,328
Total Online Programs: 24
Online Bachelor's Programs: 12
Admission Rate: 67%
Transfer Credits Accepted: Data not available
Ranking Guidelines
We selected degree programs based on quality of program and range of courses, as well as school awards, rankings, and reputation.
Our Methodology
Here at TheBestSchools.org, we take the trust and welfare of our readers very seriously. When making our school and program rankings, our top priority is ensuring that our readers get accurate, unbiased information that can help them make informed decisions about online education. That's why we've developed a rigorous ranking methodology that keeps the needs of our readers front and center.
Our proprietary, multi-criteria ranking algorithm analyzes key data indicators — as collected by the federal government — for each school or program. What data we use depends on the focus of each specific ranking, but in all cases, our ranking methodology is impartial: Schools cannot buy better rankings at TBS.
While specific criteria under consideration can vary by ranking, there are a few data points that we value most highly. They are affordability, academic quality, and online enrollment. Below, we break down our algorithm to help you understand what you're getting when you use one of our rankings.
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Academics -
Affordability -
Online Enrollment
Data Sources
The data used in TBS rankings comes primarily from the federal government, and much of it is provided by the schools themselves. We aggregate and analyze this data to build our rankings.
The Integrated Postsecondary Education Data System (IPEDS) is our primary source. Its data comes from annual surveys conducted by the U.S. Department of Education's National Center for Education Statistics (NCES). Every college, university, or technical school with access to federal financial aid must participate in these surveys, which include questions about enrollment, graduation rates, finances, and faculty qualifications. This is publicly available data, which you can access yourself through the College Navigator.
Additionally, because we value a personal touch and the professional experience of our staff and Academic Advisory Board, we vet all results and adjust rankings as necessary based on our collected knowledge of schools and degree programs. Depending on the ranking, we may obtain additional input from AcademicInfluence.com, subject matter experts, prior TBS ranking lists, or other sources we deem relevant to a particular ranking.
Breakdown of Our Rankings Methodology
About Our Ranking Factors
Here at TBS, we value what you value: quality education, affordability, and the accessibility of online education. These factors guide all of our program rankings.
Each of these factors are further broken down into weighted subfactors. For example, retention rates are weighted more heavily than availability of program options because they are a better indicator of student success.
We chose the following factors for our rankings because of their influence on learning experiences and graduate outcomes. However, students should always balance our rankings against their personal priorities. For instance, a learner who needs a fully online program may prioritize online flexibility more than our rankings do. Our rankings are designed to help you make a decision — not to make a decision for you.
Academics - 75%
Affordability - 15%
Online Enrollment - 10%
In all our school rankings and recommendations, we work for objectivity and balance. We carefully research and compile each ranking list, and as stated in our advertising disclosure, we do NOT permit financial incentives to influence rankings. Our articles never promote or disregard a school for financial gain.
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Advantages of an International Business Education
Many international business online degree programs are business administration degrees with specializations in international business. With an associate in business administration, professionals earn $52,000 per year on average. The available jobs at this level include office manager, executive assistant, retail store manager, and administrative assistant. Even with a concentration in international business, these degrees rarely offer benefits such as global travel and mobility within a company.
A bachelor’s degree in international business opens up jobs with these benefits and higher salaries. Graduates with these degrees can work as managers in many sections of business, including finance, marketing, and human resources. Furthermore, MBA programs require candidates to hold bachelor’s degrees. Professionals with MBAs in international business make an average of $89,000 annually. Graduates often work in upper management in roles such as business development manager, marketing director, senior financial analyst, and vice president. It’s important for learners to understand their earning potential before enrolling.
International Business Career and Salary Information
Graduates with an international business bachelor's degree have a variety of businees career opportunities available to them. They often work in economics or finance and tend to receive high salaries. Graduates can also work in marketing or public relations for an international business.
- Transportation, Storage, and Distribution Managers
- These professionals can also be called logistics managers. They oversee the shipping and storage of production materials and final products. These managers can work for shipping and warehouse companies or for organizations that rely on such services.
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Salary based on experience:
- Entry Level: $49,000
- Mid-Career: $55,000
- Experienced: $64,000
- Late Career: $69,000
- Management Analyst
- These professionals, who may also work as management consultants, gather information about an organization’s management systems. They then conduct analyses and make recommendations based on their findings.
-
Salary based on experience:
- Entry Level: $52,000
- Mid-Career: $60,000
- Experienced: $71,000
- Late Career: $77,000
- Human Resources Managers
- These managers oversee employment functions such as hiring, compensation, benefits, training, and firing within an organization. In medium and large organizations, they manage teams of human resources specialists.
-
Salary based on experience:
- Entry Level: $49,000
- Mid-Career: $58,000
- Experienced: $66,000
- Late Career: $71,000
- Purchasing Managers, Buyers, and Purchasing Agents
- Buyers and purchasing agents make decisions on the products that companies spend money on, which include raw materials for manufacturing or consumer goods for retail chains. Purchasing managers oversee teams of buyers and purchasing agents.
-
Salary based on experience:
- Entry Level: $51,000
- Mid-Career: $55,000
- Experienced: $65,000
- Late Career: $71,000
- Marketing Managers
- These professionals set budgets, oversee creative processes, and manage employees in marketing departments or agencies. Their overarching goals include promoting the company’s products and establishing strong brands.
-
Salary based on experience:
- Entry Level: $46,000
- Mid-Career: $56,000
- Experienced: $67,000
- Late Career: $75,000
Source: PayScale
Return to the topChoosing an Online International Business Program
When students choose international business degrees online, they should take special care to pick schools that meet all their needs. Each university offers different benefits, such as low pricing, generous transfer policies, or accelerated programs. What is vital to one learner may not matter as much to another. For example, a degree candidate with an associate degree may prioritize schools that allow candidates to transfer all credits. Meanwhile, a first–year student may give the lowest–cost schools top priority. All candidates should take plenty of time to compare their options and find international business degrees online.
- Program Cost
- Typically, learners pay the lowest tuition rates at public schools within their home states. However, some colleges offer in-state tuition for online degree candidates. Students should consider what financial aid they receive at each school, the tuition rate per credit, and the number of credits they need to complete the programs.
- Transfer Policies
- Students with several credits from other schools can save time and money by choosing universities with generous transfer policies. Some schools maintain transfer agreements between one another, which can help with this process. Most universities only accept credits from regionally or nationally accredited schools.
- School Size and Type
- Students may also wish to consider schools based on whether they are public or private and the size of the student body. For example, degree candidates may prefer private schools with specific religious affiliations or colleges with small class sizes. Large universities sometimes offer more student resources and alumni networks.
- Program Length
- Learners should consider how many credits they need to complete each program and whether they will study full or part time. These determinations will help them understand how long it will take to earn their diplomas. Some schools offer accelerated plans that allow students to graduate quickly.
- On–Campus Requirements
- While students can earn an online international business degree without in-person meetings, some schools require learners to attend an orientation, intensive seminars, or regular class meetings on campus. Degree candidates should ensure that they can make all on-campus requirements before they enroll, especially if they live outside the areas of the schools they choose.
International Business Concentrations
In most cases, students earn international business degrees online by majoring in business or business administration and choosing concentrations in international business. As such, bachelor’s degrees rarely offer further specializations in international business. Students can choose minors in areas like accounting, marketing, or human resources at some schools.
How Long Does It Take to Get a Degree in International Business?
Students who begin with no college credit and take full–time courses earn online international business degrees in about four years. Most schools require 120 credits for graduation, which includes general education, business, and international business concentration courses. However, several factors can influence how long it takes to earn these types of degrees. For example, learners who hold an associate degree often graduate in just two years with full–time enrollment. Some universities also allow adult learners to earn credit for work or military experience.
Accelerated courses can also allow degree candidates to graduate in less time than traditional semesters. With these schedules, courses last 8–10 weeks at a time, and learners move into the next term. Students who choose universities with traditional semester schedules can take summer courses to graduate quickly. Many schools cap the number of credits around 18 hours per semester.
Online International Business Courses
Online bachelor’s in international business programs teach students to identify strategies for risk management in political, legal, financial, commercial, and cultural elements of international trade. Students also learn to analyze international business opportunities through cultural, political, legal, and economic lenses. Common courses include global financial systems, international management, multinational marketing, international economics, principles of management, and international managerial accounting.
While most aspects of an international business degree are constant, there is some variation in program length, graduation requirements, and program structure. Students may be able to take classes in a industry or area of interest, depending on the school.
- Global Marketing
- Students learn foundational marketing concepts and goals. They discuss how international markets pose challenges with cultural differences, language barriers, and legal distinctions. Degree candidates examine the ways that economic forces and cultural norms change that ways they can market products and services in different parts of the world.
- International Management
- Managing teams across time zones and borders poses specific challenges for international professionals. Learners in these courses are taught exam techniques for keeping these complex teams on track. Degree candidates uncover theories on the economic, cultural, and legal factors that affect hiring and overseeing employees around the world.
- Global Finance Systems
- Many international business professionals need to understand how global banks, economies, trade deals, and exchanges work. These courses help learners understand these complex systems and how they affect businesses. Students may also discuss how to balance legal, social, cultural, and ethical complications in global finance.
- Business Law
- Learners come to understand the many legal systems that businesses must follow, including state, federal, and international regulations. The class discusses common legal issues companies face, including employment and tax laws. Degree candidates learn the theories behind these laws and practical implications for professionals.
- Capstone
- Learners demonstrate what they learned throughout the program, completing final projects in capstones courses that incorporate their newfound business skills. Graduates can use these projects in their portfolios to aid in finding employment.
Accreditation for Online International Business Degrees
Perhaps the most important consideration for choosing an international business online degree program is accreditation. Schools should have institution–wide accreditation from either regional or national agencies. Without either of these types of accreditation, learners cannot be sure that they get high–quality instruction. Furthermore, schools that graduates may consider for graduate programs often do not accept credits from unaccredited schools.
Prospective students should consider schools with regional accreditation over those with national credentials. Regional agencies focus on smaller areas, which give them more time to thoroughly investigate each school than their national counterparts get. Furthermore, some graduate programs only accept learners with regionally accredited bachelor’s degrees. Business programs can also earn programmatic accreditation from business–specific organizations, such as the Association to Advance Collegiate Schools of Business (AACSB), International Assembly for Collegiate Business Education (IACBE), and the Accreditation Council for Business Schools and Programs (ACBSP). These organizations ensure member schools teach the best business practices.
The U.S. Department of Education (ED) does not directly accredit schools. Instead, the department grants third–party organizations the right to analyze schools and grant these credentials. These organizations then issue programmatic, national, or regional accreditation according to their permissions. Schools and accrediting organizations both join the Council for Higher Education Accreditation. This nongovernment organization advocates for high standards in education and policies that benefit its members. Students who want to be sure to attend accredited schools can check the ED website for a database of recognized accrediting organizations. This keeps students from trusting misleading credentials.
International Business Membership Associations
- International Executives Association
- A network of elite managers that allows international business professionals to make connections across the globe. Members attend annual conferences, give referrals, and learn from one another. Professionals join as individuals or companies depending on their needs.
- International Association of Business Communicators
- The IABC provides members with a rich array of resources like webinars, podcasts, blogs, and case studies. Members can win awards, earn certifications, and attend networking conferences. The organization provides membership levels for students, consultants, academics, and corporations.
- International Transportation Management Association
- The ITMA specializes in connecting logistics and transportation managers around the world. The organization awards scholarships for learners who want to work in this field as well as a job board for current professionals. Members can also keep up with the latest industry news.
- Society for Human Resource Management
- The SHRM provides globally recognized certifications for new and experiences human resources professionals. Members also access free webcasts, connect with advisors when they have questions, and chat with fellow professionals in the online community. The organization sends updates on human resources legislation.
- National Association of Small Business International Trade Educators
- NASBITE International aims to advance education and training for global business professionals. Members earn certification in trade and finance, attend annual conferences, and access learning resources. Trade educators, specialists, service providers, and professionals at companies that trade globally can join.
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