Department of Management

International Business

General Description

The International Business concentration of the management major provides a broad international business perspective for students who wish to be employed by businesses that have international presence. This includes both big businesses such as GM, Ford, IBM as well as small to medium (SME) size multinational corporations. Typically, more than 60 percent of revenues of these corporations are derived from their overseas operations. This program of study prepares students for global career by providing sound business skills as well as geo-political understanding, language skills and cultural and value awareness of specific geographic regions (area studies). Although it is not necessary, the students are encouraged to pursue a double major in Political Science (International Relations) or Geography (City & Regional Planning) or Foreign Language. A double major in International Business and any one of these three areas can be earned in 135 credit hours or less.

The International Business courses offered at WKU are normally taught by highly qualified faculty who write, teach, and offer service in this field. Most classes are small enough to permit a high level of student-faculty interaction. The design of the International Business curriculum include: 39 hours of business core, 15 hours of international business courses, 9 hours of foreign language, 9 hours of area study courses, 3 hours of world regional geography, and 3 hours of international politics. Students are encouraged to participate in the activities of international club. The learning and service opportunities provided can be very helpful in the development of a career.

Career Opportunities

A student majoring in International Business can expect to begin his or her career by seeking an entry-level position with organizations involved in global business. Typically, such positions are quite competitive and well-prepared students are more successful in obtaining employment. Entry level positions are often coordinated with training programs. These are valuable sources of "on-the-job" education. The student with talent and drive will move progressively upward through a series of line and/or staff positions toward his or her ultimate level of achievement.

Program Requirements

Students majoring in International Business will be automatically admitted into the Gordon Ford College of Business after the completion of the following:

(1) attained junior standing (at least 60 hours);
(2) completed Mathematics 116 or higher, Economics 202, 203, and 206, Accounting 200 and 201, CIS 141and SCOM 161; with a minimum GPA of 2.5 in the courses listed above;
(3) attained the University standard for good academic standing;
(4) earned a minimum of 12 semester hours at Western with a minimum WKU GPA of 2.5.