Top Online MBA Programs in International Business [2022]

Updated June 7, 2022 | OnlineMBA.com Staff

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Earning a top online MBA in international business can position students for exciting and lucrative business careers. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), in 2018, business and financial occupations had a median annual wage of $68,350 -- almost $30,000 more than the annual median for all U.S. occupations.

The top online MBA programs in international business build familiarity with global markets, cultural awareness, and communication. These skills serve graduates well during international business deals and negotiations.

The following guide can help you choose an online international business MBA program. The page describes common curricula, timeline, careers in international business, and resources for this degree path.

What Is an MBA in International Business?

Usually geared toward professionals with 2-5 years of relevant work experience, MBA programs in international business prepare graduates for advancement to upper-level international business management careers. The BLS projects 7% growth in business and financial occupations from 2018-2028, and prospects for careers in international business can prove even more favorable due to rapidly globalizing international economies.

Like most MBA programs, international business MBA programs cultivate core business management, decision-making, and analytical skills. Meanwhile, internationally focused coursework provides specialized knowledge of international markets, business practices, trade laws, and distribution logistics. This curriculum prepares graduates for careers such as global marketing manager, international sales manager, and international trade compliance manager.

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Why Should You Get an Online MBA in International Business?

Like most MBA degrees, an international business MBA can distinguish job candidates from their competitors with only a bachelor's degree. An MBA can advance students' skills, salary, and career potential. Online versions of this degree typically boast equivalent program rigor, but with the advantages of more flexible attendance options and lower price tags than on-campus degrees.

The international business MBA curriculum integrates relevant economics, law, politics, and business knowledge. The program prepares students to manage business operations and trade across national boundaries. MBA programs concentrated on international business provide the specialized knowledge base needed for stimulating careers involving cross-cultural communication and travel.

Qualified MBA in international business graduates earn an average of $93,000 annually, according to PayScale. Median salaries for the leadership positions described below indicate potential annual earnings of $70,000-100,000.

What Can You Do With an MBA in International Business?

These managers design, budget, and supervise implementation of international marketing strategies. They work in diverse industries, including pharmaceuticals, healthcare, and technology. Sometimes supervised by global marketing directors, these managers may help to build business and marketing partnerships, as well as report on marketing plans and results.

Marketing managers need design, communication, and collaboration skills, as they work with design departments to produce marketing campaigns. Global marketing managers take home a hefty $99,000 average annual income, according to PayScale.

These professionals oversee international sales operations, including negotiating sales contracts, arranging delivery, and resolving customer issues. International sales managers analyze market trends and collaborate with marketing managers and staff to increase sales.

International sales managers need skills in communication, leadership, analysis, and project management. These professionals earn an average income of $78,000 annually, according to PayScale salary data.

These managers lead trade teams and projects, ensuring compliance with governmental and organizational international trade laws and regulations. Frequently tasked with reviewing international trade agreements and regulatory documents, these professionals must pay attention to detail and draw on knowledge of international trade compliance law and practices.

International trade compliance managers also need strong leadership skills as they spearhead export and import initiatives, make business decisions, and supervise marketing. PayScale reports the average annual salary for international trade compliance managers is $86,000.

Business development managers typically work on business planning and devise solutions to increase company profits and customer satisfaction.

Development managers require advanced creative and problem-solving skills, and their endeavors may require market, competitor, and product research. These professionals also need leadership, project management, and collaboration skills as they oversee other business staff in meeting sales objectives. According to PayScale, business development managers earn an average salary of $72,000 annually.

Senior business analysts require general business project management, analytics, and communication skills, but they differ from other business analysts in the complexity of the projects they address. These analysts must synthesize diverse areas of organizational information, exercising advanced business acumen and data analysis skills as they assess company strengths and weaknesses and make corresponding solution recommendations.

PayScale data indicates that senior business analysts earn an $85,000 annual average salary.

Online MBA in International Business Curriculum

Top online MBA programs in international business combine business management courses, such as managerial economics, with courses on international trade law and practices. See below for brief summaries of common international business program courses.

Trade Compliance: This course covers international trade laws and regulations. Students cultivate skills for trade compliance management.
Managerial Economics: A common core course in MBA programs, managerial economics teaches students how to use economic analysis in making business decisions. The course covers topics such as market structures, strategic pricing, and firm theory.
International Logistics: International logistics courses familiarize students with global supply chains, distribution practices, and documentation. Topics covered include transportation, warehousing, and freight forwarding practices in other countries.

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How to Choose the Right Online MBA in International Business Program

The best MBA programs in international business differ considerably in curriculum focus and structure, learning format, cost, and quality, so take the time to research and compare programs.

Students interested in global business may consider a few different degree options. The top MBA programs in international business focus on cultivating business management skills and knowledge of global markets. Master's degrees in public affairs examine the intersections between public policy and business. Master's degrees in international business or management typically resemble international business MBAs, emphasizing international business and investment strategy and planning.

Online MBAs also offer different formats and structures. Most MBAs entail about 38 credits, which translates to about two years of traditional full-time attendance. However, accelerated MBA programs feature shorter courses and multiple terms each year, enabling students to drastically cut down their time to completion. Meanwhile, part-time programs allow students to extend their studies over several years, pursuing continuing education while still fulfilling time-consuming external obligations such as work or caretaking responsibilities.

The top online MBA programs usually include a capstone project and/or internship component. These requirements may involve on-site work during business hours, so consider program residency, internship, and extracurricular components carefully before applying. Attending schools located in your area or state can facilitate access to networking, internship, and employment opportunities in the area.

Program costs can differ greatly, so make sure to compare tuition price tags. Keep in mind that MBA programs at Ivy League schools tend to cost more than other programs, but they carry greater prestige and improve your chances for higher-paying leadership positions. However, less expensive programs may also boast high-quality academics.

The best international business MBA programs typically maintain programmatic accreditation from the Association to Advance Collegiate Schools of Business or the Accreditation Council for Collegiate Business Schools and Programs, so look for that measure of quality as you choose where to apply.

Scholarships for International Business MBA Programs

High-quality online MBA programs can prove costly, but you can offset tuition expenses by applying to scholarships based on academic merit, financial need, area of study, or other identity categories. Granted by professional and governmental organizations, private funders, companies, and schools, scholarships come in varying amounts. See below for examples of scholarships available to students pursuing international business MBAs.

Who Can Apply: The Illinois Federation of Business Women’s Clubs awards this scholarship to female residents of Illinois who hold a bachelor's degree; a "B" average in all courses; and 12+ undergraduate credits in economics, political science, or history. Competitive applicants demonstrate academic merit, leadership experience, and government-related business experience.

Amount: Up to full tuition costs

Apply for Scholarship

Who Can Apply: The Adelante! U.S. Education Leadership Fund awards this $3,000 scholarship to Hispanic or Latin American citizens enrolled full time in accredited business-related degree programs at partnering universities in Colorado, Arizona, California, New Mexico, Florida, Illinois, Nevada, New York, Washington, and Texas. Applicants must demonstrate a 3.0 minimum GPA and leadership potential.

Amount: $3,000

Apply for Scholarship

Who Can Apply: Awarded by the American Radio Relay League, this scholarship goes to qualifying students in accredited international studies degree programs. Application requirements include ARRL membership, technician class licensure, demonstrated academic merit and financial need, and interest in amateur radio.

Amount: $1,000

Apply for Scholarship

Who Can Apply: NCITD awards go to qualified applicants enrolled in international business degree programs at U.S. universities. Application requirements include a letter of recommendation from a professor or NCITD member, transcripts demonstrating a minimum 3.0 GPA, and an interest in international trade.

Amount: $1,000+ and a one-year NCITD membership

Apply for Scholarship

Who Can Apply: WIIT awards merit-based scholarships to women enrolled in international trade and global development programs at accredited U.S. higher education institutions. Candidates must submit an essay and demonstrate interest in international trade.

Amount: $1,500

Apply for Scholarship

Professional Organizations for International Business

International business professionals and students often benefit from joining professional organizations which provide networking, continuing education, and leadership opportunities. Many professional organizations produce annual conferences and publications that facilitate knowledge exchange among international business scholars and specialists. Some organizations offer special chapters and discounted memberships for international business students.

Forum for International Trade Training

This Canadian-founded nonprofit professional organization provides continuing education, including a six-course training program and an international trade professional certification program.

Business Council for International Understanding

Founded in 1955, BCIU encourages interaction between political and business leaders by offering roundtables, training for diplomats, and international trade mission tours. BCIU also runs a student internship program.

NASBITE International

This nonprofit provider of international business education publishes a newsletter, runs an annual conference, offers a certified global business professional certification program, and provides trade tools. NASBITE collaborates with schools, trade assistance centers, and government agencies.

Academy of International Business

Since 1959, AIB has cultivated a community of international business specialists and scholars. This nonprofit holds an annual meeting and generates several publications. AIB's website features a career center, an electronic discussion list, and resources powered by globalEDGE Academy.

International Business Brokers Association

A nonprofit with primarily U.S. and Canadian membership, IBBA provides education, credentials, and networking opportunities for international business broker, merger, and acquisition professionals.