Pursuing an MBA in international business can be an exciting first step in a lifelong career spent navigating the global business landscape. Upon graduation, students are prepared to seek high-paying careers in a wide range of fields, such as:
- International Marketing Manager (Median annual salary: $156,580)
- Global Trade Economist (Median annual salary: $115,730)
- International Training and Development Manager (Median annual salary: $125,040)
On average, these degree programs take two to three years to complete. With online programs, you can reach your career aspirations at your own pace, allowing some students to take more or less time depending on their individual situations.
While costs can vary depending on your institution, the average annual tuition for a graduate degree program is $12,596 at public schools and $28,017 at private schools.
How To Choose an Online MBA in International Business Degree Program
Choose your area of study
Online MBA in international business programs often allow students to select a concentration and focus their studies on a particular niche in this field, such as global marketing, international finance, cross-cultural management, global supply chain management, or international trade. To choose the right program, consider your strengths, previous experience, and long-term career goals.
For instance, those with a background in marketing may thrive in global marketing, while someone with a finance background may excel in international finance. Additionally, students interested in managing diverse teams and navigating cultural differences may find cross-cultural management appealing.
Research schools and programs
While some students may come into this process with a short list of desired schools, it’s not uncommon to begin with a blank slate.
You should only apply to institutions that have been approved by a DOE-recognized regional accrediting organization, such as the New England Commission of Higher Education or Northwest Commission on Colleges and Universities. These organizations evaluate schools to ensure they provide students with a high-quality education. Those who attend a school that isn’t regionally accredited may be unable to access financial aid or transfer credits to another institution if needed.
Ideally, your MBA in international business program will also be accredited by a respected industry group like the Association for the Advancement of Collegiate Schools of Business (AACSB) or the Accreditation Council for Business Schools and Programs (ACBSP). These programmatic accrediting organizations have particularly high standards for business education.
Look for reputable institutions known for global business focus. Explore the curriculum and course offerings to determine if the program aligns with your intended specialization.
You should also place considerable weight on factors that directly influence the quality of education you’ll receive. These elements may include faculty expertise, industry connections, and international opportunities like study abroad or global consulting projects.
To learn more about any schools that you’re interested in, you can visit the school’s website, contact an admissions counselor, follow the school on social media, or attend an in-person or virtual open house.
Prepare for tests and applications
Now that you know the schools you plan on applying to, it’s time to prepare for any necessary tests and applications. Application requirements vary by school and program — while some schools have pivoted to test-optional policies, others still require standardized test scores from the GMAT or GRE. Before taking either of these tests, you’ll want to familiarize yourself with the test’s format, content, and question types. Many students benefit from official practice tests, while others take their preparation further by enrolling in a test preparation course.
Regarding applications, starting early and taking a proactive approach can help you prepare thoroughly and easily meet deadlines. Gather all necessary documents, which may include transcripts, letters of recommendation, and a personal statement highlighting your experiences, goals, and fit for the program. Proofread your application thoroughly, and consider seeking feedback from trusted mentors. Always contact an admissions counselor to ensure you have the most accurate information regarding requirements and deadlines.
Select your program
Before making your final decision, review your needs and goals again. Do you plan to attend school full-time or part-time? Do you want your program to be as online as possible, or are you fine with a hybrid program that has a fair amount of in-person requirements? Some programs offer asynchronous courses, which can be completed at your own pace, while others only offer synchronous courses, which involve remotely attending lectures and completing assignments at the same time as other students — which of these two online learning formats do you prefer? Your school should accommodate your scheduling needs and learning preferences.
Determine how you’ll pay for your degree
Now that you have selected your program, developing a plan on how you’ll pay for your degree is crucial. Some students choose to utilize their savings, and others may have access to employer tuition reimbursement programs, which can cover a percentage of your tuition costs.
Many scholarships and grants are available for MBA students. Some may be available directly from your institution. Contact your school’s financial aid office to learn more, and consider researching additional scholarships from private organizations or industry associations.
Lastly, submit the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) to determine your eligibility for federal loans, grants, and work-study programs. By considering these avenues and submitting your FAFSA, you can identify all the potential funding sources available to support your pursuit of higher education.
The Top 57 Online MBA in International Business Programs
Discover More Options
How We Rank Schools
For this list, our main criterion was that programs be offered online to ensure accessibility for the greatest number of students. Several programs can also be completed through a combination of online and on-campus classes.
As a quality measure, we only reviewed programs offered at regionally accredited institutions. Many of these options also have programmatic accreditation through the Association to Advance Collegiate Schools of Business (AACSB), the Accreditation Council for Business Schools and Programs (ACBSP), or the International Accreditation Council for Business Education (IACBE).
Once we narrowed our list of programs, we evaluated them based on cost, outcomes, faculty, flexibility, and reputation. Then, we calculated their Intelligent Score on a scale of 0 to 100. For a more extensive explanation, check out Our Ranking Methodology.
What Can You Expect From an Online MBA in International Business Program?
Online MBA programs in international business are designed to provide an all-encompassing education that combines business principles with a global perspective. Students learn about international trade, global marketing, cross-cultural management, international finance, and global supply chain management. Upon graduation, students can navigate the complexities of conducting business in diverse cultural and global contexts.
While some full-time students can earn their MBA in a year to 18 months, students who need to study part-time can take two to three years to complete the degree requirements. Some programs may require in-person components like hands-on workshops or residencies, while others may allow students to complete their coursework entirely online.
Potential courses you’ll take in an online MBA in international business program
- International Marketing: A critical component of global business, courses in international marketing focus on the strategies and challenges of marketing products and services worldwide. Students learn about market entry strategies, international consumer behavior, global branding, and the development of effective marketing campaigns tailored to diverse cultural environments.
- Cross-Cultural Management: A common course requirement for MBA students majoring in international business, this class explores the complexities of managing people and organizations across different cultures. Students gain expertise in cultural dimensions, communication styles, negotiation techniques, and leadership approaches in a global business setting.
- Global Supply Chain Management: Tailored to students interested in international logistics, this course covers sourcing, inventory management, and supplier relationships. Students learn how to optimize global operations, mitigate risks, and enhance efficiency in moving goods and services across borders.
- International Finance: Although this course is often offered as an elective, many students take international finance to better understand the financial aspects of conducting business in the global marketplace. Students learn about foreign exchange markets, international investment, risk management, and financial decision-making in a global context.
- Global Business Strategy: A cornerstone of international business, this popular course focuses on developing strategic thinking and decision-making skills in global business. Students will become proficient in competitive analysis, mergers and acquisitions, and global business expansion. They will develop the ability to analyze complex international business scenarios and formulate effective strategies for sustainable competitive advantage in the global market.
What Can You Do With an Online MBA in International Business?
Career outlook
The prevalence of global business activities means that multiple career paths are open to a person with an MBA in international business.
You can, for example, choose a business sector that is of particular interest to you, such as international banking, and begin your job search there. Or, if you have particular business skills that you wish to use, such as well-developed communication skills, you might look for a position in any industry that requires writing or marketing knowledge.
Here are a few common career paths you may choose from with an MBA in international business:
- Logistician — Manage an organization’s supply chain, overseeing activities such as product acquisition, inventory, and warehousing.
- Median annual salary: $79,400
- Projected employment growth (through 2032): 18%
- New job openings projected: 21,800 annually
- Purchasing agent, buyer, or purchasing manager — Purchasing managers supervise the work of purchasing agents and buyers, who are responsible for evaluating suppliers and negotiating contracts on behalf of their employer.
- Median annual salary: $77,180
- Projected employment growth (through 2032): -6%
- New job openings projected: 45,000 annually
- Top executive — Coordinate the work of an organization by establishing goals, overseeing activities, and appointing department heads and managers.
- Median annual salary: $103,840
- Projected employment growth (through 2032): 3%
- New job openings projected: 311,600 annually
Online MBA in International Business Degree Frequently Asked Questions
How do I apply to an online MBA in international business degree program?
To apply for an online MBA in international business, research the specific requirements for the programs you’re most interested in. Generally, you will need a bachelor’s degree from an accredited institution, transcripts, letters of recommendation, a resume, and a well-crafted statement of purpose. Some programs may also require a minimum GPA or standardized test scores like the GMAT or GRE.
Before applying, it’s crucial to reach out to an admissions counselor. They can help you understand the program’s prerequisites and deadlines and inform you about any additional requirements that apply to your situation. For example, if you have a bachelor’s degree in a field other than business administration or international business, some schools may require the completion of prerequisite courses before you can enroll.
How much does an online MBA in international business degree cost?
According to U.S. News & World Report, tuition for an online MBA in international business can range from $20,000 to $50,000 or more. Private schools tend to be more expensive than public schools, though public schools usually charge out-of-state students a much higher tuition rate than in-state students.
It’s also important to consider the costs beyond your school’s tuition, like textbooks or technology requirements. Thoroughly research and consider all associated costs when budgeting for your online MBA.
How long does it take to earn an online MBA in international business degree?
One of the merits of online education is that these programs cater to individual learning speeds, allowing students to progress at their own pace. Thus, completion times will vary depending on your study habits, prior knowledge, and how much time you can commit to your studies.
Individuals who enroll full-time can complete their online MBA in one to two years. However, many students opt for part-time enrollment as it allows for a more flexible schedule, enabling working professionals to balance their responsibilities more efficiently. Part-time students often take up to three years to complete all of the degree requirements.
Of equal importance is to factor in the total number of required credits. This number can vary depending on the institution — generally, the more credits required, the more time it will take to graduate.
Is an online MBA in international business worth it?
Whether an online MBA in international business is worth it depends on your career goals, financial considerations, and personal aspirations. The degree offers specialized knowledge in global markets, cross-cultural management, and international finance. It can open doors to higher-level positions in multinational companies and provide a competitive edge in the global job market. Also, positions requiring an MBA in international business tend to pay quite well.
Earning your degree online can be a plus when you are job hunting. It demonstrates mastery of time management and organizational skills and indicates a student motivated to succeed in school and beyond.