Bachelor of Science in International Business

Bachelor of Science in International Business

The International Business 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). Students in IB major now have an opportunity to earn a dual-degree from WKU and St. Etienne, France. Similar agreements with universities in Germany and Mexico are underway. The two degrees are earned in 120 hours. That is, this dual-degree option does not add additional time or money.

Requirements

The major in International Business requires 70 hours in professional and elective courses and leads to a Bachelor of Science degree. International Business majors must complete admission requirements and core courses for the Gordon Ford College of Business. The additional courses needed to complete the degree include:

• MGT 303 International Business
• MGT 305 Ethics and Critical Thinking or
  COMM 463 Intercultural Communication
• Foreign Language 102 or 201
• Foreign Language 201 or 202
• Study Abroad or MGT 490 Internship

Choose five International Business Electives from the courses below:

• MGT 316 International Management
  MGT 390 Value Creation In Emerging Markets
  MGT 410 (Topical courses in IB)
  ENT 425 International Entrepreneurship
  FIN 436 International Finance
  MKT 324 International Marketing
  MKT 420 (Topical courses in IB)
  MKT 491 Marketing Study Abroad
  ECON 380 International Economics
  ECON 385 Economic Development
  ECON 386 Economies in Transition
  ECON 410 (Topical courses in IB)
  ECON 496 International Monetary Economics

At least three areas must be represented. Any other international courses approved by the chairperson of the Management Department.

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.

Additional Information

For additional information, contact Dr. Zubair Mohamed.