International business co-major


Gain a global perspective that complements another area of study with this co-major. With a growing demand for employees with international business and cultural competence, the program will give you a competitive advantage.

Program information

The business school offers a co-major in international business in response to increasing interest from students and a growing number of employers valuing international business competence.

This co-major encourages business school students to develop a highly valuable and marketable resume of competency in both international business issues and language skills, as well as a functional skill set.


Course information

Required knowledge and other requirements

Required courses
  • IBUS 410: Introduction to International Business
  • IBUS 462: Cross-Cultural Management
  • IBUS 480: International Management
Language requirement
  • 4 semesters of a foreign language or proficiency equivalency
Study abroad requirement
  • Summer or semester study abroad program (minimum 6 weeks)

Regional/functional knowledge and electives

Regional/functional knowledge (choose 2)
  • IBUS 415: Business in Latin America
  • IBUS 425: Business in China
  • FIN 420: International Finance
  • MKTG 440: Global Marketing
  • MGMT 434: International Human Resource Management
Elective (choose 1 or more)
  • One or more additional courses from the list of Regional/Functional courses
  • IBUS 300, 400 or 500
  • An additional course from the School of Business IDR list (300 level or above)
  • Other related course as approved by the designated International Business faculty member
  • Faculty-led short-term business school study abroad program

Based on the results of a comprehensive 2014 survey of business needs (shown below), companies nationwide understand the importance of international business and cultural competence for both their professional and management staff:

  • 80% of companies surveyed believe that their overall business would increase if more of their staff had expertise that is more international.
  • 85% of companies surveyed will place greater emphasis on international competence among management and employee hires over the next 10 years.
  • Half of respondents indicated that foreign language skills are of great importance for professional staff and management.
  • 60% of respondents placed great importance on employee appreciation of cross-cultural differences.

Course information

Required knowledge and other requirements

Required courses
  • IBUS 410: Introduction to International Business
  • IBUS 462: Cross-Cultural Management
  • IBUS 480: International Management
Language requirement
  • 4 semesters of a foreign language or proficiency equivalency
Study abroad requirement
  • Summer or semester study abroad program (minimum 6 weeks)

Regional/functional knowledge and electives

Regional/functional knowledge (choose 2)
  • IBUS 415: Business in Latin America
  • IBUS 425: Business in China
  • FIN 420: International Finance
  • MKTG 440: Global Marketing
  • MGMT 434: International Human Resource Management
Elective (choose 1 or more)
  • One or more additional courses from the list of Regional/Functional courses
  • IBUS 300, 400 or 500
  • An additional course from the School of Business IDR list (300 level or above)
  • Other related course as approved by the designated International Business faculty member
  • Faculty-led short-term business school study abroad program

Based on the results of a comprehensive 2014 survey of business needs (shown below), companies nationwide understand the importance of international business and cultural competence for both their professional and management staff:

  • 80% of companies surveyed believe that their overall business would increase if more of their staff had expertise that is more international.
  • 85% of companies surveyed will place greater emphasis on international competence among management and employee hires over the next 10 years.
  • Half of respondents indicated that foreign language skills are of great importance for professional staff and management.
  • 60% of respondents placed great importance on employee appreciation of cross-cultural differences.