Online Bachelor's Degree in International Business - Best of 2024

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A bachelor's degree is what we typically mean when we talk about a college degree. A bachelor's degree is a four-year college degree that usually requires around 120 credit hours to complete. Individual schools may have higher or lower requirements for credit hours, though, as each one makes its own decisions regarding the curriculum. Nevertheless, a bachelor's degree should take four years of full-time study to complete. However, some schools may require an extra term, so it's important to review their student handbook to be sure of the requirements for graduation.

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Requirements of a Bachelor’s Degree?

In fact, these days, it's less and less common for students to graduate within the four-year time frame. It's very common for students to take up to six years to complete their degree. Most often, this is because students have to schedule around their obligations at home or a job. These issues can be mitigated with the flexible options available from many, if not most, colleges and universities.

The most flexible option is an online bachelor's degree program. This allows students to break free of traditional campus schedules so that they can complete coursework at times that work better for them. Somewhat counter to what many think, online students can have closer contact with instructors, as an email is a private one-on-one conversation that can enrich one's studies.

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Top 25 Best Online Bachelors in International Business Programs

Florida International University

Score: 81.78

Undergraduate Tuition
- In-State: $6,565
- Out-of-State: $18,963
Net Price: $9,881
Acceptance Rate: 64%
Retention Rate: 91%

Graduation Rate: 69%
Total Enrollment: 55,609
Undergrad Students: 45,688
Graduate Students: 9,921
Grads Salary: $71,000
Student-to-faculty: 24:1

Webster University

Score: 81.54

Undergraduate Tuition
- In-State: $30,730
- Out-of-State: $30,730
Net Price: $23,069
Acceptance Rate: 55%
Retention Rate: 79%

Graduation Rate: 59%
Total Enrollment: 6,396
Undergrad Students: 2,197
Graduate Students: 4,199
Grads Salary: $86,000
Student-to-faculty: 12:1

University of La Verne

Score: 79.98

Undergraduate Tuition
- In-State: $47,000
- Out-of-State: $47,000
Net Price: $25,103
Acceptance Rate: 74%
Retention Rate: 77%

Graduation Rate: 63%
Total Enrollment: 5,662
Undergrad Students: 3,365
Graduate Students: 2,297
Grads Salary: $85,000
Student-to-faculty: 11:1

University of New Hampshire

Score: 79.93

Undergraduate Tuition
- In-State: $19,112
- Out-of-State: $38,882
Net Price: $24,507
Acceptance Rate: 87%
Retention Rate: 86%

Graduation Rate: 78%
Total Enrollment: 13,953
Undergrad Students: 11,512
Graduate Students: 2,441
Grads Salary: $77,000
Student-to-faculty: 16:1

University of North Carolina Wilmington

Score: 77.74

Undergraduate Tuition
- In-State: $7,317
- Out-of-State: $22,985
Net Price: $18,709
Acceptance Rate: 69%
Retention Rate: 83%

Graduation Rate: 74%
Total Enrollment: 17,843
Undergrad Students: 14,294
Graduate Students: 3,549
Grads Salary: $67,000
Student-to-faculty: 17:1

University of Minnesota-Crookston

Score: 76.95

Undergraduate Tuition
- In-State: $13,120
- Out-of-State: $13,120
Net Price: $12,894
Acceptance Rate: 57%
Retention Rate: 71%

Graduation Rate: 53%
Total Enrollment: 2,303
Undergrad Students: 2,303
Graduate Students: N/A
Grads Salary: $74,000
Student-to-faculty: 17:1

University of Missouri-St. Louis

Score: 76.55

Undergraduate Tuition
- In-State: $13,440
- Out-of-State: $33,432
Net Price: $13,211
Acceptance Rate: 51%
Retention Rate: 75%

Graduation Rate: 52%
Total Enrollment: 15,181
Undergrad Students: 12,415
Graduate Students: 2,766
Grads Salary: $70,000
Student-to-faculty: 13:1

Linfield University

Score: 75.99

Undergraduate Tuition
- In-State: $49,530
- Out-of-State: $49,530
Net Price: $31,585
Acceptance Rate: 89%
Retention Rate: 81%

Graduation Rate: 71%
Total Enrollment: 1,754
Undergrad Students: 1,720
Graduate Students: 34
Grads Salary: $79,000
Student-to-faculty: 10:1

University of Michigan-Flint

Score: 74.49

Undergraduate Tuition
- In-State: $14,014
- Out-of-State: $31,274
Net Price: $10,840
Acceptance Rate: 66%
Retention Rate: 77%

Graduation Rate: 46%
Total Enrollment: 5,985
Undergrad Students: 4,609
Graduate Students: 1,376
Grads Salary: $69,000
Student-to-faculty: 13:1

Minnesota State University-Mankato

Score: 72.82

Undergraduate Tuition
- In-State: $9,490
- Out-of-State: $18,860
Net Price: $16,809
Acceptance Rate: 71%
Retention Rate: 76%

Graduation Rate: 53%
Total Enrollment: 14,590
Undergrad Students: 12,676
Graduate Students: 1,914
Grads Salary: $73,000
Student-to-faculty: 21:1

Cambridge College

Score: 72.55

Undergraduate Tuition
- In-State: $18,072
- Out-of-State: $18,072
Net Price: $21,178
Acceptance Rate: 100%
Retention Rate: 100%

Graduation Rate: 50%
Total Enrollment: 2,135
Undergrad Students: 840
Graduate Students: 1,295
Grads Salary: $71,000
Student-to-faculty: 8:1

Mercy University

Score: 72.21

Undergraduate Tuition
- In-State: $22,106
- Out-of-State: $22,106
Net Price: $15,879
Acceptance Rate: 86%
Retention Rate: 74%

Graduation Rate: 47%
Total Enrollment: 8,615
Undergrad Students: 6,379
Graduate Students: 2,236
Grads Salary: $74,000
Student-to-faculty: 15:1

Northern State University

Score: 71.22

Undergraduate Tuition
- In-State: $8,845
- Out-of-State: $11,947
Net Price: $17,264
Acceptance Rate: 78%
Retention Rate: 74%

Graduation Rate: 51%
Total Enrollment: 3,344
Undergrad Students: 2,851
Graduate Students: 493
Grads Salary: $70,000
Student-to-faculty: 16:1

Oral Roberts University

Score: 71

Undergraduate Tuition
- In-State: $34,100
- Out-of-State: $34,100
Net Price: $22,360
Acceptance Rate: 78%
Retention Rate: 81%

Graduation Rate: 63%
Total Enrollment: 5,051
Undergrad Students: 4,289
Graduate Students: 762
Grads Salary: $66,000
Student-to-faculty: 17:1

Regent University

Score: 70.8

Undergraduate Tuition
- In-State: $20,686
- Out-of-State: $20,686
Net Price: $17,341
Acceptance Rate: 32%
Retention Rate: 70%

Graduation Rate: 55%
Total Enrollment: 10,337
Undergrad Students: 4,541
Graduate Students: 5,796
Grads Salary: $63,000
Student-to-faculty: 21:1

Fort Hays State University

Score: 70.68

Undergraduate Tuition
- In-State: $5,633
- Out-of-State: $16,811
Net Price: $13,322
Acceptance Rate: 88%
Retention Rate: 76%

Graduation Rate: 51%
Total Enrollment: 12,949
Undergrad Students: 10,427
Graduate Students: 2,522
Grads Salary: $65,000
Student-to-faculty: 15:1

Minot State University

Score: 70.6

Undergraduate Tuition
- In-State: $8,634
- Out-of-State: $8,634
Net Price: $12,360
Acceptance Rate: 93%
Retention Rate: 70%

Graduation Rate: 45%
Total Enrollment: 2,777
Undergrad Students: 2,530
Graduate Students: 247
Grads Salary: $67,000
Student-to-faculty: 10:1

Davenport University

Score: 67.4

Undergraduate Tuition
- In-State: $23,324
- Out-of-State: $23,324
Net Price: $18,350
Acceptance Rate: 99%
Retention Rate: 74%

Graduation Rate: 50%
Total Enrollment: 5,073
Undergrad Students: 4,069
Graduate Students: 1,004
Grads Salary: $67,000
Student-to-faculty: 16:1

Johnson & Wales University-Providence

Score: 66.99

Undergraduate Tuition
- In-State: $40,408
- Out-of-State: $40,408
Net Price: $32,801
Acceptance Rate: 83%
Retention Rate: 75%

Graduation Rate: 59%
Total Enrollment: 4,566
Undergrad Students: 4,158
Graduate Students: 408
Grads Salary: $72,000
Student-to-faculty: 14:1

Northeastern State University

Score: 66.76

Undergraduate Tuition
- In-State: $7,513
- Out-of-State: $16,633
Net Price: $9,669
Acceptance Rate: 99%
Retention Rate: 64%

Graduation Rate: 38%
Total Enrollment: 6,702
Undergrad Students: 5,242
Graduate Students: 1,460
Grads Salary: $67,000
Student-to-faculty: 17:1

Northwestern State University of Louisiana

Score: 66.74

Undergraduate Tuition
- In-State: $8,864
- Out-of-State: $19,652
Net Price: $14,238
Acceptance Rate: 98%
Retention Rate: 61%

Graduation Rate: 46%
Total Enrollment: 9,389
Undergrad Students: 8,405
Graduate Students: 984
Grads Salary: $67,000
Student-to-faculty: 17:1

Everglades University

Score: 66.36

Undergraduate Tuition
- In-State: $20,768
- Out-of-State: $20,768
Net Price: $28,778
Acceptance Rate: 70%
Retention Rate: 75%

Graduation Rate: 56%
Total Enrollment: 2,624
Undergrad Students: 2,246
Graduate Students: 378
Grads Salary: $68,000
Student-to-faculty: 17:1

Lakeland University

Score: 66.28

Undergraduate Tuition
- In-State: $32,286
- Out-of-State: $32,286
Net Price: $21,611
Acceptance Rate: 100%
Retention Rate: 60%

Graduation Rate: 52%
Total Enrollment: 2,406
Undergrad Students: 1,898
Graduate Students: 508
Grads Salary: $70,000
Student-to-faculty: 16:1

Park University

Score: 65.06

Undergraduate Tuition
- In-State: $16,400
- Out-of-State: $16,400
Net Price: $15,858
Acceptance Rate: 100%
Retention Rate: 59%

Graduation Rate: 23%
Total Enrollment: 7,662
Undergrad Students: 6,238
Graduate Students: 1,424
Grads Salary: $80,000
Student-to-faculty: 14:1

Bellevue University

Score: 64.78

Undergraduate Tuition
- In-State: $8,886
- Out-of-State: $8,886
Net Price: $24,767
Acceptance Rate: 100%
Retention Rate: 51%

Graduation Rate: 41%
Total Enrollment: 13,841
Undergrad Students: 10,808
Graduate Students: 3,033
Grads Salary: $78,000
Student-to-faculty: 13:1

Where Do You Earn an Online Bachelor’s Degree in International Business?

Online bachelor's degrees in international business can be earned from any four-year college or university. This is their primary mission, after all. Students can also find bachelor's degrees available at their local community colleges. In fact, in some states, community colleges will host courses and even full degree programs from other public colleges or universities in the state. This means that courses are more accessible. For instance, a college with a remote campus can offer courses and degrees in an urban center. That way, students have greater access to jobs and resources while they complete their bachelor's degree.

Students can also access online bachelor's degree programs from their Wi-Fi-connected laptops. This opens up many more opportunities and fantastic flexibility. With this option, students can enroll in a bachelor's degree program from a college or university across the state, if not across the nation. If they like, some may augment their online coursework with courses from a local college or community college, however it’s important to investigate how well those credits will transfer before you sign up. Some credits don’t transfer easily, if at all, and you should be aware of this if you plan to earn more education elsewhere.

Online Vs. Traditional Education in International Business

These days, students have many options when it comes to how and where they will pursue a bachelor's degree in international business. They can work online, in traditional degree programs, or take a hybrid approach to higher education. Each approach has its pros and cons, but the most important thing is to graduate with a degree.

The online approach to international business degrees is perhaps the newest on the academic scene. Some students find their ideal international business degree program but determine that it's too far away or that it's in a very expensive city where they can’t afford to live. If this is the case, they can then stay in their hometown and work towards that degree with only a laptop and a Wi-Fi connection. The online approach also means that they can schedule important things, such as their family or work, around their courses, or vice versa. Asynchronous, online degree programs allow students to manage their time free of rigid class meeting schedules and strict hand-in times for papers and other assignments.

Furthermore, academic research has shown that online students often have the same outcomes as their traditional, campus-bound cohorts. Upon graduation, graduates of online bachelor's degree programs may find that employers are more impressed with their dedication and discipline when it comes to managing online courses. Since international business does not require any specific equipment, such as laboratory beakers or the like, online business students won't have any hindrances to their education.

On the other hand, traditional education is naturally tried and true, though it does require that students be able to schedule class sessions and be local to the campus. This might mean added expenses and constraints on family or work obligations. However, a campus experience can be invaluable and very influential on the lives of college students of the traditional age.

What are the Admission Requirements?

There aren't too many prerequisites for a bachelor's degree, generally speaking. To enter a college degree program, most students need to provide a high school transcript, letters of recommendation, a list of extra-curricular activities, and results from college entrance exams, such as the ACT and SAT. Each admissions office will apply their institution's criteria to the application. To help this process, many students will also visit the campus and conduct an interview with an admission counselor. Interviews aren't often required, but they can make a significant difference.

However, in some larger universities, there can be an added admission process for those who want to study in specific colleges within the university. Many business schools will admit students who have maintained a certain GPA and who have completed certain prerequisite courses, such as math courses or introductory business coursework. For more competitive business colleges, students may want to bolster their chances with internships or participation in business related student organizations.

Why Earn a Bachelor’s Degree?

A bachelor's degree in international business is not an easy thing to acquire. It will take at least four years to complete and will cost a lot of money. There are also alternatives, such as stopping with a two-year associate international business degree or simply reading a lot of books that cover your chosen topic. However, there are very good reasons to invest one's time, money, and energy into a bachelor's degree.

The primary reason to earn a bachelor's degree is that employers tend to reward those with a bachelor's degree more than those with a lesser degree. This is because they know that a candidate who spent at least four years studying business will have a deeper knowledge of their job and will also require fewer resources to train. Bachelor's degree students also have the opportunity to gain work experience through internships and some online business degree students work while they are in school.

A bachelor's degree is also a foundation for later learning. Some professional certifications require a bachelor's degree, and it's impossible to earn an MBA without a four-year international business degree. The training one receives in a four-year degree program will also make later on-the-job training all the easier.

Why a Bachelors in International Business?

There are so many degrees available to students these days. Most colleges and universities offer at least fifty degree options and many offer three times as many, if not more. Why, then, would a student decide on international business when they could choose other business topics, not to mention something in social sciences or humanities?

The reason is that international business is a fascinating topic that is more and more relevant all the time. The world of business is becoming more interconnected all the time, so firms need more and more experts in the world of international business to help them expand overseas. And students who are fluent in a foreign language may have a significant advantage if they study international business with an aim towards using their language skills on the job.

A degree in international business can also be of great use, even if it's not possible to land a position with an international firm. An international business student will also learn all of the business fundamentals they need to succeed in a domestic firm, but with an expanded knowledge of the interconnected business world. In that scenario, their degree may yet come in handy if their employer decides to expand into international markets.

What’s Involved in a Bachelor’s Degree in International Business?

A bachelor's degree in international business is composed of a few components. Students need to complete the standard college curriculum, which includes the standard college algebra, composition and rhetoric, and science courses. Students may also have a few electives that they can use for whatever courses they desire. From there, they dive into their major concentration field, such as international business.

Search Programs Offering International Business Majors

Many international business programs will allow their students to pursue topics within that department. For instance, some may choose to focus their studies on supply chain management, international business laws, accounting, or global banking. Other options can include human resources, intercultural management issues, and more.

Students of international business can also enhance their studies with various experiential learning experiences. One popular choice for international business is a study abroad experience. When this is paired with an internship or other business focused activity, students will benefit greatly. For those who stay on campus, internships and even co-op learning can greatly benefit them in the long-term. A co-op program allows students to alternate terms in which they work full-time and terms where they are back in school full-time.

Common Courses

Accounting
Finance
International Business Law
International Finance
Marketing
Operations
Intercultural Management
Supply Chain Management
Data Analytics
Leadership
International Economics
Data Science Technologies
Microeconomics
Internship
Special Topics: Selected nations or regions

What to Consider When Choosing a Bachelor’s Program for International Business

Accreditation

Accreditation is one of the most important features of an international business program that students should consider. Without full accreditation from a reputable agency, it's unlikely that their degree will amount to much at all. Non-accredited degrees likely won't result in jobs, and graduate schools will not acknowledge the credits. Which would make any unaccredited degree you earn a huge waste of time and money.

When it comes to the world of business, students should look for a regional accreditation from a CHEA approved agency. This is a minimum standard for any degree program. However, certain disciplines, such as business, have program-specific accreditation agencies that elevate the status of the degree. For business degrees, including international business, a program with accreditation from AACSB, ACBSP, or IACBE should be strongly considered. In fact, students who wish to study abroad should look for accreditation from IACBE so that their credits and degrees are sure to be acknowledged by employers in the United States.

Further International Business Education

Master’s Degree

A master’s degree in international business can launch a career to the next level. A MS in international business will immerse the student in two years of intensive learning on every facet of the subject. Some programs may have a special focus such as international management, leadership, or laws. Others may focus on international supply chain issues, international marketing, or finance.

Ultimately, each international business master’s degree program will have its own specializations. They may even be structured much like an MBA program in which students spend the first year taking general international business courses and then are asked to find a specialty for their final courses and thesis project, where applicable.

MBA

To enter the C-suites, most firms require an MBA from their candidates. This is because MBA programs steep students in business topics that pertain to the whole firm and not just international business. Then the second year is spent focused on international business topics. The specifics of that concentration year will vary from program to program, however, so students who are interested in an international business concentration should investigate the program's curriculum prior to applying.

Doctorate or PhD

A doctorate or PhD isn't often in high demand from the business community. However, that may be changing as the business world becomes ever more complex and demanding. Furthermore, there are more and more MBA and MS degree holders trying to get into the job market all the time. When a student completes their PhD, they can rise above the rest and land the more coveted positions. They can also likely achieve far more than those who stopped their education with a bachelor's or master’s degree.

In fact, a doctorate is often so all-encompassing that it may not be necessary to study international business for one's PhD. A doctorate in, say, mathematics, data science, or economics may be very helpful in an international firm.

International Business Management Certification

After completing a bachelor's international business degree, the work is not over. Many pursue certifications in areas that pertain specifically to their work. These credentials are very valuable because they demonstrate a strong dedication to the field and stand as proof of continuing education. Professional certifications usually require that holders continually renew their credentials with proof that they have completed continuing education coursework.

There are many certifications that can impact a career in international business. These include certification in areas such as project management, international law, supply chain management, team leadership, management information systems, and more. For those who are engaged in management or cross-cultural human resources, it can be valuable to show some continued study in a foreign language or business communications in general.

Note that it may sometimes be worthwhile to earn a credential in a field that is not directly pertinent to one's job title. However, international business professionals who choose to branch out like this should be certain that their new credentials will be valuable to their employer, otherwise, they may be wasting their time on credentials that won't pay off.

Available Careers with a International Business Bachelor’s Degree

Importer/Exporter:
These professionals can work for a larger import/export firm, or they may work independently as entrepreneurs. This field demands a strong knowledge of international business including how to transport goods across borders, negotiate with international dealers, and general business knowledge such as accounting principles.
Supply Chain Management:
This field is increasingly important to nearly all firms. The COVID pandemic taught businesses many lessons, but one was how vital supply chains are for day-to-day business. Not only is a slow-down on the supply chain problematic for businesses, but when that slow-down is resolved and inventories rise, business still has to adapt.
Business Analyst:
A business analyst who has a knowledge of international business can be invaluable to a variety of firms. They can help with international mergers and acquisitions, or they may work as consultants who help international firms become more competitive on the global marketplace.
Human Resources Specialist:
Every firm is only as strong as its personnel and a human resources specialist is often the lynchpin that helps maintain that strength. From hiring new employees to negotiating international compensation packages, human resources professionals must be on top of it all.
Data Scientist:
Big data is increasingly important for firms to survive and thrive in the global economy. Data scientists are trained to take huge data sets and parse it all so that their firm is able to make their next best move in terms of product development, marketing efforts, and more. A data scientist can use pure statistical analysis to help a firm negotiate a foreign marketplace without having to overcome any language barriers.

Salary Expectations

Every student is curious as to how much they may earn upon graduation. Business students may be especially prone to this, since they are constantly evaluating return on investment across a range of businesses and industries. For a bachelor's international business degree, the overall outlook is quite rosy.

Payscale.com reports that a student with a bachelor's degree in international business can earn an average base salary of $72,000 per year. That is likely for an entry-level position in a successful firm. Students should also be aware that salaries may be only part of a compensation package. Many international business professionals earn bonuses and enjoy terrific benefits packages, which cover them as well as their families. On top of this, many businesspeople receive stock options for their firm.

When we break down that average salary, it's clear that some international business professionals earn far more than others. For instance, a marketing manager earns an average of around $65,000, while a supply chain expert may earn upwards of $100,000. As one's career advances, however, international business professionals can climb into the C-suites, where they may see salaries that exceed $300,000 after starting with pay of only $60,000.

Outlook

As a field, international business is sure to enjoy success for years to come. After all, the global economy has become so interconnected and inter-dependent that it will continue to need international business experts. In fact, no matter what one's specific career focus, firms will want to see some knowledge of how to do business on the global stage. Even small mom and pop retailers may need international business expertise to help with importing specialty items for their customers. After all, they need to find new ways to differentiate themselves in a marketplace that has moved a lot of business to online media.

Thus, a bachelor's degree in international business can be of use to nearly any business professional. Even domestic-only firms need to be aware of the international scene because they may need to compete against multinational firms. They may even need to negotiate a merger with foreign entities, in which case they will may need whole teams that are knowledgeable in international business matters.

Best Online Bachelor’s in International Business Degrees for 2024