University Headquarters (HQ) is an industry-leading, independent educational organization that provides independent college rankings using a proprietary formula to create first class unbiased rankings. The team at University HQ strives to provide accurate and trustworthy rankings that highlights the best programs for international business in Pennsylvania.

What is International Business?


Thinking of starting a career in global business? You might want to consider an international business degree in Pennsylvania. An online Bachelor of Business Administration (BBA) is a great start, requiring around 120 credits and teaching the skills needed for worldwide success.

In one of these programs, you'll learn about finance, global markets, and working with different cultures. This knowledge can turn you into a valuable team member for big companies. You may also be able to get hands-on experience through courses such as Global Entrepreneurship and International Marketing, or even a study-abroad experience.

There are several options throughout the state for those who are interested in an international business degree, whether you want to attend in-person, online, or even complete an accelerated BBA in just three years. This makes starting a career in business fast for those who are particularly driven.

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Understanding the International Business Field


In today's global economy, international business is key to much global growth. If you're studying international business, you'll be learning about a field full of fresh opportunities. This field covers everything from global market strategies to working with people from many cultures.

International business covers a lot. You might manage the movement of products across the world or lead a team where people from different countries who work together to complete a project or create a product. These jobs need you to know about business laws and cultures in various places. You may also ensure your company follows global rules or find new markets for it to grow into.

Emerging Trends in Global Markets

Global business is always changing. New tech, rules, and consumer needs can shift the market fast. Studying international business can help you stay ahead – teaching you to bring new, green practices to business, use tech efficiently, and find fresh ways to sell your products.

Online vs. Campus Program Benefits


Choosing how to study international business in PA could be key to your career. Online courses are great if you need flexibility. They let you learn from home and keep up with work or family. However, on-campus programs let you network and learn in a more traditional way, which some people prefer.

Choosing between Online and On-campus Educational Platform

If you're balancing work or family, an online degree could be the right fit. College and universities offer programs just for that. You'll learn skills for the international job market and practical business problem-solving without having to sit in a classroom all day. Online programs also let you do virtual global projects. You might work on real-world business cases with people worldwide; this gives you both experience and insight into a different international business environment and cultures.

However, on-campus studies offer more personal learning interactions. You get to know your professors and students from all around. This can deepen your knowledge of international business and help you create a strong professional network.

Deciding between online and on-campus paths depends on your career and life situation. You’ll need to think about your goals and which option best fits your plans. Each choice has its own benefits for understanding and succeeding in international business. Both online and on-campus routes will set you up for a strong global market career. By studyingin an international business major in PA, you can join a group of global business leaders.

Online Educational Pathways for an International Business Degree in Pennsylvania


If you dream of a global career, Pennsylvania has many educational paths that could be right for you. You can earn different international business degrees that match your career dreams. Here, top business schools provide full global business programs and specializations in marketing, sales, human resources, and more. This includes bachelor's, master's, and even doctoral degrees. There are also certifications available that can boost your skills in the global business world.

Online Associate Degree in International Business (AS)

An associate degree is a great start in international business. These two-year programs teach you the basics of global trade. It can get you ready to join the work force right away or prepare you for more study in business schools.

National rankings - online AS in international business

Online Bachelor's Degree in International Business (BS)

A bachelor’s degree program delves deeper into global business issues and concepts. It mixes general business studies with international topics. This may include opportunities to study overseas and language learning. Common courses include those in economics, marketing, and finance, and more that can help you understand how global business works. It usually takes four years to complete one of these degrees, though you may find an accelerated program or be able to apply credit hours from an associate degree to finish ahead of time.

National rankings - online BS in international business Easiest college degrees

Online Master’s Degree in International Business (MS)

If you want to gain access to management roles in global settings, a master’s degree is key. These programs focus on finance, marketing, supply chain management, foreign language, or other parts of global business and train you to solve international problems. You should gain both practical and theoretical skills in business before graduating, and most of these programs offer specializations or concentrations that will let you focus your learning, such as international business majors.

National rankings - online MS in international business

Online PhD in International Business (PhD)

A PhD is for those who want to teach or research in the field of global business. These programs are in-depth and customizable, though they often focus on topics like international trade or corporate strategies. A PhD deepens the world’s understanding of global business issues.

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Online International Business Certifications

Certifications can add depth to your degree, especially for those who want to focus on a particular skill or sector. They can offer specific training and proof of knowledge in areas like international trade laws or global management. These courses quickly update your business skills and can keep you in line with the latest trends.

Funding Your Education


Starting your journey to get an international business degree in Pennsylvania – no matter the level you choose - means you need to be smart about money. Getting scholarships and looking into financial aid options is key as this is one of the few ways to make your education less costly.

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Tuition, Scholarships, and Financial Aid

Knowing about the financial aid and scholarships available can change everything for students. Pennsylvania has many schools, even those with online options, that offer good tuition rates and financial aid to help you achieve your dreams. 

If you’re looking for more ways to save, consider scholarships. There are those that focus on business students and some that may focus on your specialization, such as human resources or marketing. Talking to the financial aid office at your school is wise; they can help you find the best scholarships and grants available.

Potential Careers and Salaries for International Business Graduates


After getting an international business degree from a top Pennsylvania school, you should have access to roles within the world of global commerce. You could land great jobs with companies worldwide. Roles like chief executive offer lucrative pay for those leading their companies to international success. Those in economics see strong salaries and a 6% job growth rate. Here are just a few options that you might have access to at some point in your academic and professional career, along with their average salaries in the US.

Economist:

Job description: Economists usually study relationships between resources and output, as well as the way money-focused decisions are made at every level. In this role, you might collect and analyze data with the goal of researching economic issues or trends; you also might aim to predict those trends and prepare companies or governments for upcoming changes to economies. And you will share this knowledge with the leaders of these organizations to help them make data-based decisions.

Requirements:

  • Master's degree, Growth Potential 6% (Faster than average)
  • Conduct research, prepare reports, or formulate plans to address economic problems related to the production and distribution of goods and services or monetary and fiscal policy
  • Research economic issues related to education, the labor force, international trade, and other topics
  • Conduct surveys and collect data
  • Analyze data using mathematical models, statistical tools, and other software

Median Salary: $132,650

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Purchasing Manager:

Job description: Purchasing managers are key for companies in international trade, being one of the main roles in the global supply chain. Your role is critical in choosing what the company buys because you will perform every task in the process. You will find and evaluate suppliers, negotiate costs and contracts, forecast market trends so your company is prepared for any big changes, develop overall purchasing strategies, report to your superiors, and more.

Requirements:

  • Bachelor's degree in business
  • Plan, direct, or coordinate the activities of buyers, purchasing officers, and related workers involved in purchasing materials, products, and services
  • Develop and implement purchasing and contract management instructions, policies, and procedures
  • Locate vendors of materials, equipment or supplies, and interview them to determine product availability and terms of sales
  • Prepare bid awards requiring board approval

Median Salary: $146,710

Transportation, Storage, and Distribution Manager:

Job description: As a transportation, storage, and distribution manager, you keep global trade flowing. You are part of making sure goods move around the world smoothly. However, instead of overseeing their purchase or shipping, you are responsible for shipping them from their start point and receiving them at the other end. You’ll ensure that warehouses have enough space, that safety rules are created and implemented in packing, shipping, and receiving. And you’ll oversee all of the workers that perform these tasks.

Requirements:

  • Bachelor's degree
  • Plan, direct, or coordinate transportation, storage, or distribution activities in accordance with organizational policies and applicable government laws or regulations
  • Supervise the activities of workers engaged in receiving, storing, testing, and shipping products or materials
  • Plan, develop, or implement warehouse safety and security programs and activities
  • Inspect physical conditions of warehouses, vehicle fleets, or equipment and order testing, maintenance, repairs, or replacements

Median Salary: $111,870

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Chief Executive:

Job description: A Chief Executive Officer (CEO) is the highest-ranking executive in a company and is responsible for leading all aspects of its operations. This includes overseeing all operations, setting strategic goals and ensuring that the companies resources are properly set toward those goals, creating a company culture that supports the goals and the workers, communicating with all other management to keep everyone on the same page, and efficiently allocating finances so that all goals can be met.

Requirements:

  • Master’s Degree, 5 years or more work experience
  • Determine and formulate policies and provide overall direction of companies or private and public sector organizations within guidelines set up by a board of directors or similar governing body
  • Direct or coordinate an organization's financial or budget activities to fund operations, maximize investments, or increase efficiency
  • Confer with board members, organization officials, or staff members to discuss issues, coordinate activities, or resolve problems
  • Prepare budgets for approval, including those for funding or implementation of programs

Median Salary: $258,900

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Frequently Asked Questions


What is involved in an international business role?

International business roles may involve overseeing strategies in multiple countries. You'll need to understand different economic, legal, and political systems. This knowledge helps you merge local and global strategies well. However, these roles can vary widely, from marketing to managing supply chains globally.

What are some emerging trends in global markets?

Digitalization, sustainability, and social responsibility are key trends in global markets today. It's crucial for professionals to keep up with these changes. This way, they can run international operations smoothly and update their plans when needed.

Why is cultural sensitivity important in international business roles?

Cultural understanding is vital for anyone working in international business. It helps professionals work effectively in diverse cultures. Being aware of cultural differences makes it easier to build strong relationships, negotiate well, and lead teams from different backgrounds.

How do I choose between an online and on-campus international business program?

Your choice should be based on your schedule, how you like to learn, and your career plans. Online programs are more flexible. But, on-campus programs offer chances to make connections and learn in a traditional business setting.

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