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Compare Popular Online International Business Programs
What is an International Business?
Studying for an international business degree in South Dakota offers a broad perspective on global trade, encompassing cultural, analytical, and practical aspects of conducting business across borders. And with a major in business and a minor in international business, you're not just preparing for local markets; you're opening a gateway to the world stage. South Dakota colleges and universities provide immersive learning experiences that prepare students to operate in diverse international markets, including some online programs that can combine core business strategies with an understanding of foreign cultures and languages.
Choosing an online program in South Dakota for international business can be particularly beneficial due to the flexible learning environment it offers. You can access rigorous coursework that aligns with your schedule, making it easier to balance commitments. Additionally, schools accredited by the AACSB ensure that the education provided meets high standards of academic excellence, whether on-campus or online. This attention to quality assurance means that your degree will be recognized and respected by employers worldwide.
Overview of the International Business Field
International business degrees are designed to equip you with the understanding and skills necessary to operate in global markets. You'll be exposed to the complexities of cross-cultural communication, international trade laws, and global marketing strategies.
Defining International Business
International business encompasses a broad field of study that prepares you for the challenges of commerce on a global scale. This includes learning how to manage and strategize within diverse cultural and regulatory environments. By majoring in international business, you position yourself as a valuable asset to companies navigating the complexities of global operations.
Online vs. Campus Program Benefits
Exploring online international business degree options offers you the flexibility to balance education with personal and professional demands. Various programs enable you to understand the complexities of global markets and cultural diversity, all from the comfort of your home.
Online vs On-Campus Programs
When you opt for an online international business degree, you embrace a modern educational approach. Universities in South Dakota also have online MBA programs that allow you to advance your career without attending classes on campus.
An online degree's primary benefits include:
- Flexibility: You can complete coursework around your schedule.
- Accessibility: You have the ability to study from anywhere with an internet connection.
However, the choice between online and on-campus can hinge on your learning preferences. On-campus programs provide traditional face-to-face interactions and structured class times.
It's important to assess:
- Learning Style: Determine if you prefer the discipline of a classroom or the autonomy of online learning.
- Networking: Consider the value of in-person networking opportunities that on-campus programs traditionally foster.
Industry Opportunities
An international business degree positions you to take advantage of numerous career prospects that South Dakota's evolving economy presents.
Prominent industries in the state include:
- Agricultural Production
- Manufacturing
- Biosciences
- Finance and Banking
In these fields, a strong understanding of international markets and how to conduct business across borders is indispensable.
You are likely to interact with concepts such as:
- Global Supply Chain Management: Coordination of logistics and trade compliance
- Cross-Cultural Communication: Effective interaction with clients and colleagues worldwide
- International Marketing Strategies: Tailoring marketing efforts to fit various cultures and economies
Online Educational Pathways for an International Business Degree
Online Associate Degree in International Business (AS)
An associate degree in international business equips you with foundational insights into global markets. Typically a two-year commitment, entry-level positions such as an international sales coordinator or customer service representative become reachable starting points in your career.
National Rankings - Online AS in International BusinessOnline Bachelor’s Degree in International Business (BS)
A bachelor’s degree in international business spans about four years, delving deeper into this subject with more comprehensive programs than those offered at the associate’s level. The coursework is aimed to prepare you for roles like international marketing manager or global supply chain analyst. Many students learn a second language during their program.
National Rankings - Online BS in International BusinessOnline Master’s Degree in International Business (MS)
A master’s degree in international business offers advanced training for managerial roles where you strategize for international expansion and manage global teams. Students may be required to have real world experience to enter one of these programs. Post-graduation, you could occupy leadership positions, such as a global business development manager or international trade and customs manager. These programs usually take one to two years to complete and can prepare graduates for the global marketplace and higher-level roles in the business world.
National Rankings - Online MS in International BusinessOnline PhD in International Business (PhD)
A PhD in international business represents the pinnacle of academic study in the field. A doctoral-level degree is research-intensive, preparing you for roles such as an international business consultant, academic researcher, or teacher at the collegiate level.
Get our resources and scholarships guide for business management Get the UniversityHQ financial aid guideOnline International Business Certifications
Certifications can help enhance your résumé for roles such as an export compliance specialist or international trade analyst, demonstrating your commitment to ongoing learning in the field.
Funding Your Education
Securing financial resources to support your education in international business is essential. You can explore various avenues for financial aid and scholarships that make advancing your career through a degree both possible and more affordable.
Find Online International Business Schools
Financial Aid and Scholarships
When pursuing an international business degree, you should begin by filling out the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) to determine your eligibility for federal funding. Federal aid can come in various forms, such as grants - which you don't need to pay back and subsidized loans - which have advantageous terms such as below-market interest rates or deferred payment options.
For scholarships specifically tailored to international business students, consider opportunities like the scholarships offered by universities in South Dakota for those seeking degrees in key categories like STEM or business/entrepreneurship. Remember, these scholarships often have requirements, such as a certain GPA or declaration of a particular major, so you should review the eligibility details closely.
In addition to university-specific scholarships, you can also search for external scholarships provided by corporations, non-profits, and industry associations linked to international business. Many of these will require you to write essays or submit recommendations. Be sure to meet all deadlines and provide any documentation required.
Accreditation and Licensure
When pursuing an international business degree, it's essential to understand the accreditation types and the authoritative bodies responsible for certifying business schools.
Regional vs National Accreditation and Licensure
Regional accreditation is the most common and recognized type of accreditation for academic institutions in the United States. If you're looking at international business degrees within South Dakota, you must ensure that the university holds regional accreditation from the Higher Learning Commission. This regional accreditor is recognized by the Council for Higher Education Accreditation (CHEA) and is essential for transferring course credits and qualifying for federal financial aid.
National accreditation, on the other hand, is generally assigned to vocational or trade schools and may not always be accepted for credit by other institutions.
When choosing your degree:
- Verify the institution's accreditation status through CHEA's online database.
- Analyze if credits can transfer easily in case you decide to pursue further education.
- Confirm that the program meets South Dakota’s educational standards for business practices.
Certifying Bodies for Business Schools
When it comes to business school certifications, you might want to look for programs that have the endorsement of specialized accrediting bodies. The Association to Advance Collegiate Schools of Business (AACSB) is a widely recognized certifying body, ensuring a high standard of business education. International Accreditation Council for Business Education (IACBE) and Accreditation Council for Business Schools and Programs (ACBSP) are also reputable organizations that certify the quality of business educational programs.
Potential Careers and Salaries for Graduates
Graduates with an international business degree have a diverse range of career paths available to them, many of which offer competitive salaries and opportunities for growth. Here are just some of the options that might be available to you.
Policy Analyst:
Job description: Your international business degree can equip you with the analytical skills to assess and influence the policies that shape global commerce. As a policy analyst, you'll research, formulate, and advocate for policies that improve trade conditions. Your insights can directly impact economic and political strategies.
Requirements:
- Master's degree - knowledge of political science, Growth Potential 7% (Faster than average)
- Research new proposed policies
- Collect data from primary and secondary sources
- Analyze the data and draft a proposal on the impacts
- Develop solutions for affected organizations
Median Salary: $132,350
Fundraising Manager:
Job description: As a fundraising manager, you can implement strategic plans to secure donations for non-profit organizations or political campaigns. Your background in international business is particularly useful in understanding different cultural approaches to philanthropy and can help in crafting appeals to a global audience.
Requirements:
- BS in business or a related field, 5 years or more work experience
- Plan, direct, or coordinate activities to solicit and maintain funds for special projects or nonprofit organizations
- Assign, supervise, and review the activities of fundraising staff
- Compile or develop materials to submit to granting or other funding organizations
- Conduct research to identify the goals, net worth, charitable donation history, or other data related to potential donors, potential investors, or general donor markets
Median Salary: $133,620
Advertisements and Promotions Manager:
Job description: With your degree, stepping into the role of an advertisements and promotions manager could see you planning international marketing campaigns and promotions to enter new markets or boost sales across borders. Your knowledge of international market trends and consumer behavior will be invaluable.
Requirements:
- Bachelor's degree, Growth Potential 6% (Faster than average)
- Plan, direct, or coordinate advertising policies and programs or produce collateral materials, such as posters, contests, coupons, or giveaways, to create extra interest in the purchase of a product or service for a department, an entire organization, or on an account basis
- Plan and prepare advertising and promotional material to increase sales of products or services, working with customers, company officials, sales departments, and advertising agencies
- Inspect layouts and advertising copy, and edit scripts, audio, video, and other promotional material for adherence to specifications
- Confer with department heads or staff to discuss topics such as contracts, selection of advertising media, or product to be advertised
Median Salary: $152,620
Learn moreSupply Chain Manager:
Job description: Your expertise will serve well in the role of a supply chain manager, where you'll oversee the logistics of moving products from suppliers to customers across global networks. Your excellent decision-making can reduce costs, improve efficiency, and increase profits.
Requirements:
- Bachelor's degree, Growth Potential 18% (Much faster than average)
- Determine appropriate equipment and staffing levels to load, unload, move, or store materials
- Manage activities related to strategic or tactical purchasing, material requirements planning, controlling inventory, warehousing, or receiving
- Select transportation routes to maximize economy by combining shipments or consolidating warehousing and distribution
- Define performance metrics for measurement, comparison, or evaluation of supply chain factors, such as product cost or quality
Median Salary: $79,400
Learn moreFrequently Asked Questions
What are the admission requirements for an international business degree?
Most colleges require that you have a high school diploma or GED for undergraduate programs. For a graduate degree, a bachelor's degree is typically necessary. Additional requirements may include a satisfactory GPA, letters of recommendation, and standardized test scores, such as the SAT or ACT for undergraduates.
Are there colleges that offer accredited international business degrees in South Dakota?
Yes, there are institutions in South Dakota with accredited programs in international business. Accreditation ensures that the education provided meets national standards of quality. Search online or visit the schools’ websites directly for the most recent accreditation information. A couple of options include the University of South Dakota and the University of Sioux Falls.
Can I use certifications for a career in international business?
Certifications can play a valuable role in enhancing your skills and knowledge in international business. They can supplement your education and can be favorable in career advancement. Moreover, certifications from accredited and reputable institutions are likely to be recognized by employers in South Dakota.