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Best online master's in international business 2022: Top picks
The contemporary business landscape involves a growing number of cross-border interactions, and an international business master's can help professionals navigate the challenges that come with this.
Multinational organizations need to operate within complex tax and regulatory systems, and professionals must understand how foreign and domestic markets differ.
According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, globalization is one of the primary growth drivers for business occupations. They project the addition of more than 750,000 new business and financial jobs between 2020 and 2030, plus over 900,000 management occupations.
On this page, we dive into the international business online master's degree and rank the best programs available in the field.
Top 5 online schools for master's in international business
College | Program stats | How much? |
Florida International University Miami, FL |
| Avg. annual net price: $7,296 Application fee: $30 |
The University of Texas at Dallas Richardson, TX |
| Avg. annual net price: $15,232 Application fee: $50 |
The University of Texas Rio Grande Valley Brownsville, TX |
| Avg. annual net price: $4,514 Application fee: $50 |
University of Nebraska Lincoln Lincoln, NE |
| Avg. annual net price: $17,208 Application fee: $50 |
University of North Carolina Wilmington Wilmington, NC |
| Avg. annual net price: $19,055 Application fee: $75 |
The best online international business master's degrees
The following rankings rely on publicly available information and industry expert insight. ZDNet's ranking methodology considers various factors, including national datasets, programmatic excellence, school and program reputation, and affordability.
Unless otherwise indicated, data is drawn from the Integrated Postsecondary Education Data System and College Scorecard.
1. Florida International University
Miami, Florida
About the program: FIU's 30-credit online international business master's features courses in global megatrends, contextual intelligence, and global strategy. Students can also take a professional development seminar series.
- Acceptance rate: 58%
- Graduation rate: 64%
- Avg. annual net price: $7,296
- Time to completion: One year
- GRE/GMAT: 500 GMAT or 304 GRE
- Minimum GPA: 3.0
- Enrollment periods per year: Rolling
- Course delivery method: Asynchronous
2. The University of Texas at Dallas
Richardson, Texas
About the program: UT Dallas' 53-credit hour online MBA offers 15 concentrations, including international management. The training in this specialization covers topics in regional area studies, global business ethics, and global politics in business.
- Acceptance rate: 79%
- Graduation rate: 69%
- Avg. annual net price: $15,232
- Time to completion: One year
- GRE/GMAT: Not publicly available
- Minimum GPA: 3.6 to waive testing requirements
- Enrollment periods per year: Three
- Course delivery method: Asynchronous
3. The University of Texas Rio Grande Valley
Brownsville, Texas
About the program: UTRGV's 36-credit online MBA features an international trade specialization. Courses for this concentration include international business, international commerce law, and global topics.
- Acceptance rate: 80%
- Graduation rate: 52%
- Avg. annual net price: $4,514
- Time to completion: One year
- GRE/GMAT: 400 GMAT or 146 on each GRE section
- Minimum GPA: 2.75
- Enrollment periods per year: Rolling
- Course delivery method: Asynchronous and synchronous
4. University of Nebraska Lincoln
Lincoln, Nebraska
About the program: UNL's 48-credit online MBA offers seven concentrations, including a nine-credit international business track. The specialization features training in international finance, marketing and globalization, and multinational financial analysis.
- Acceptance rate: 78%
- Graduation rate: 68%
- Avg. annual net price: $17,208
- Time to completion: One to two years
- GRE/GMAT: 600 GMAT
- Minimum GPA: 3.0 recommended
- Enrollment periods per year: Three
- Course delivery method: Asynchronous and synchronous
5. University of North Carolina Wilmington
Wilmington, North Carolina
About the program: UNCW's 36-credit online MBA features an international business concentration. Courses include international human resources management, global strategy and management, and strategic global marketing and branding.
- Acceptance rate: 65%
- Graduation rate: 73%
- Avg. annual net price: $19,055
- Time to completion: One year
- GRE/GMAT: 500 GMAT
- Minimum GPA: 3.0
- Enrollment periods per year: Six
- Course delivery method: Asynchronous and synchronous
6. Florida Atlantic University
Boca Raton, Florida
About the program: FAU's online MBA features between 40-46 credits and 10 concentrations, including an international management option. This track offers training in international business operations, managing in emerging markets, and mergers and acquisitions.
- Acceptance rate: 63%
- Graduation rate: 61%
- Avg. annual net price: $10,186
- Time to completion: 16-23 months
- GRE/GMAT: 500 GMAT or 144-153 GRE
- Minimum GPA: 3.0
- Enrollment periods per year: Four
- Course delivery method: Asynchronous
7. University of Delaware
Newark, Delaware
About the program: UD's 30-credit international business master's features 18 core credits in courses like globalization and business, managing global enterprises, and the future of globalization.
- Acceptance rate: 71%
- Graduation rate: 80%
- Avg. annual net price: $17,220
- Time to completion: 18 months
- GRE/GMAT: 306 GRE or 550 GMAT
- Minimum GPA: 2.8
- Enrollment periods per year: Rolling
- Course delivery method: Asynchronous and synchronous
8. Texas A&M International University
Laredo, Texas
About the program: TAMIU's 30-credit MBA offers an international business specialization. The training in this track includes global environments of business, international logistics, and international management.
- Acceptance rate: 54%
- Graduation rate: 52%
- Avg. annual net price: $3,074
- Time to completion: 15+ months
- GRE/GMAT: Not publicly available
- Minimum GPA: 3.0
- Enrollment periods per year: Six
- Course delivery method: Asynchronous
9. Penn State World Campus
University Park, Pennsylvania
About the program: Penn State World Campus' 48-credit online MBA offers more than 20 specialization options, including international affairs. The nine-credit concentration features courses in diplomacy and international relations, intelligence in international relations, and international security.
- Acceptance rate: 76%
- Graduation rate: 73%
- Avg. annual net price: $27,372
- Time to completion: Two to three years
- GRE/GMAT: Not publicly available
- Minimum GPA: Not publicly available
- Enrollment periods per year: Three
- Course delivery method: Asynchronous
10. University of North Carolina at Greensboro
Greensboro, North Carolina
About the program: UNCG's 30-credit online international business master's features courses in international strategy, global business, and leadership in the international environment.
- Acceptance rate: 82%
- Graduation rate: 58%
- Avg. annual net price: $12,748
- Time to completion: One to two years
- GRE/GMAT: Not publicly available
- Minimum GPA: 3.0
- Enrollment periods per year: Three
- Course delivery method: Asynchronous and synchronous
11. Pittsburg State University
Pittsburg, Kansas
About the program: PSU's 30-credit online MBA in international business features nine concentration credits in courses like international trade and finance.
- Acceptance rate: 96%
- Graduation rate: 55%
- Avg. annual net price: $14,436
- Time to completion: One year
- GRE/GMAT: Not required
- Minimum GPA: 2.7
- Enrollment periods per year: Five
- Course delivery method: Asynchronous
12. Abilene Christian University
Abilene, Texas
About the program: ACU's 36-credit online MBA features six tracks, including international business. This nine-credit specialization requires courses in international finance, international business, and global supply chain and management.
- Acceptance rate: 61%
- Graduation rate: 62%
- Avg. annual net price: $26,809
- Time to completion: Two years
- GRE/GMAT: 50th percentile
- Minimum GPA: 2.5
- Enrollment periods per year: Rolling
- Course delivery method: Asynchronous
13. California Lutheran University
Thousand Oaks, California
About the program: CLU's 45-semester credit online MBA in international business features eight core business courses and four specialization courses. For the specialization electives, learners can choose from courses like international business law and applied international management.
- Acceptance rate: 71%
- Graduation rate: 72%
- Avg. annual net price: $26,489
- Time to completion: One to two years
- GRE/GMAT: Not publicly available
- Minimum GPA: Not publicly available
- Enrollment periods per year: Five
- Course delivery method: Asynchronous and synchronous
14. Villanova University
Villanova, Pennsylvania
About the program: Villanova's 48-credit online MBA offers an international business specialization. For this track, students take courses in global marketing, international finance, and global consumer highlights.
- Acceptance rate: 28%
- Graduation rate: 90%
- Avg. annual net price: $41,027
- Time to completion: Two years
- GRE/GMAT: Not publicly available
- Minimum GPA: Not publicly available
- Enrollment periods per year: Over two
- Course delivery method: Asynchronous and synchronous
15. John Brown University
Siloam Springs, Arkansas
About the program: JBU's online MBA features between 36-45 credits and offers specializations in seven areas, including international business. This 12-credit concentration provides training in global leadership and ethics, global supply chain management, and a practicum.
- Acceptance rate: 76%
- Graduation rate: 70%
- Avg. annual net price: $21,963
- Time to completion: One to two years
- GRE/GMAT: Not required
- Minimum GPA: 2.75
- Enrollment periods per year: Rolling
- Course delivery method: Asynchronous and synchronous
16. Saint Ambrose University
Davenport, Iowa
About the program: SAU's 36-credit online MBA features five concentrations, including international management. In this track, students take courses in international management environment, managing across cultures, and international political economy.
- Acceptance rate: 77%
- Graduation rate: 63%
- Avg. annual net price: $26,204
- Time to completion: One to two years
- GRE/GMAT: Not required
- Minimum GPA: Not publicly available
- Enrollment periods per year: Rolling
- Course delivery method: Asynchronous
17. University of Scranton
Scranton, Pennsylvania
About the program: Scranton's 36-credit online MBA in international business features courses in international accounting, global health management, and international finance.
- Acceptance rate: 76%
- Graduation rate: 77%
- Avg. annual net price: $34,374
- Time to completion: Two years
- GRE/GMAT: Not required
- Minimum GPA: 3.0
- Enrollment periods per year: Six
- Course delivery method: Asynchronous
18. Wayne State University
Detroit, Michigan
About the program: WSU's online MBA gives students 13 concentrations to choose from, including international business. The courses in this track include international marketing strategy, international finance, and global supply chain management.
- Acceptance rate: 73%
- Graduation rate: 45%
- Avg. annual net price: $13,965
- Time to completion: One to two years
- GRE/GMAT: Not publicly available
- Minimum GPA: 2.75
- Enrollment periods per year: Four
- Course delivery method: Asynchronous and synchronous
19. Fort Hays State University
Hays, Kansas
About the program: FHSU's 33-credit online MBA features 13 concentration options. The nine-credit international business track provides training in international finance, international economics, and international marketing.
- Acceptance rate: 58%
- Graduation rate: 91%
- Avg. annual net price: $12,053
- Time to completion: One to two years
- GRE/GMAT: Not required
- Minimum GPA: 2.5
- Enrollment periods per year: Five
- Course delivery method: Asynchronous and synchronous
20. Gardner-Webb University
Boiling Springs, North Carolina
About the program: Gardner-Webb's 30-credit online MBA offers 11 emphasis areas, including international business. Students can also take an international MBA, which includes courses in international trade law, international marketing, and international finance.
- Acceptance rate: 67%
- Graduation rate: 60%
- Avg. annual net price: $21,296
- Time to completion: One to two years
- GRE/GMAT: Not publicly available
- Minimum GPA: Not publicly available
- Enrollment periods per year: Three
- Course delivery method: Asynchronous and synchronous
21. Texas A&M University-Corpus Christi
Corpus Christi, Texas
About the program: A&M-Corpus Christi's 36-credit online MBA in international business offers training in multinational finance, international economics, and multinational management.
- Acceptance rate: 80%
- Graduation rate: 46%
- Avg. annual net price: $16,332
- Time to completion: One to two years
- GRE/GMAT: Not required
- Minimum GPA: 2.5
- Enrollment periods per year: Six
- Course delivery method: Asynchronous and synchronous
22. University of La Verne
La Verne, California
About the program: La Verne's 33-semester hour online MBA features 11 concentrations. The nine-credit international business track includes course options in e-business, international financial management, and contemporary issues in international trade.
- Acceptance rate: 55%
- Graduation rate: 68%
- Avg. annual net price: $25,780
- Time to completion: One to three years
- GRE/GMAT: Not publicly available
- Minimum GPA: 3.0
- Enrollment periods per year: Rolling
- Course delivery method: Asynchronous and synchronous
23. Southern New Hampshire University
Manchester, New Hampshire
About the program: SNHU's online MBA offers more than 15 concentrations. The international business track includes courses in multinational corporate environments, international marketing strategy, and managing international trade and finance.
- Acceptance rate: 88%
- Graduation rate: 47%
- Avg. annual net price: $41,095
- Time to completion: One
- GRE/GMAT: Not required
- Minimum GPA: 2.75
- Enrollment periods per year: Rolling
- Course delivery method: Asynchronous
24. Concordia University Wisconsin
Mequon, Wisconsin
About the program: CUW's 36-credit online MBA offers 17 concentration options, including international business. In this track, students can take courses in global productions and operations, international economics, and international business law.
- Acceptance rate: 64%
- Graduation rate: 54%
- Avg. annual net price: $23,855
- Time to completion: One to two years
- GRE/GMAT: Not required
- Minimum GPA: 2.75
- Enrollment periods per year: Over three
- Course delivery method: Asynchronous and synchronous
25. Webster University
Webster Groves, Missouri
About the program: Webster's online MBA offers 10 areas of emphasis, including an international business track. This pathway provides training in cross-cultural management, global supply chain management, and globalization.
- Acceptance rate: 64%
- Graduation rate: 57%
- Avg. annual net price: $22,768
- Time to completion: One
- GRE/GMAT: Not publicly available
- Minimum GPA: 2.5
- Enrollment periods per year: Rolling
- Course delivery method: Asynchronous and synchronous
What to expect in an online international business master's degree program
An online international business master's program combines advanced business and global management training. In a specialized master's program, learners undertake large amounts of research. An online MBA in international business, conversely, provides more significant amounts of practical training within classroom presentations, workshops, and internships.
Both pathways help students develop communication, leadership, and critical thinking skills. MBA programs may offer additional benefits for current business professionals, such as network-building opportunities and startup accelerators and incubators for entrepreneurs.
While online and on-campus programs offer similar course content, online learning typically requires more student independence and proactive study habits. Many practical components can be completed virtually, but some programs may have collaborative on-campus requirements.
International business master's courses
Regardless of the concentration, most business programs include advanced courses in core disciplines. The specialized training requirements vary by school, but international business master's programs often feature similar courses. Many programs, for example, offer courses in international business, finance, and marketing.
In addition to developing general leadership and analytical skills, these programs aim to build student expertise in international business rules and laws. Below, we highlight some of the other possible courses.
International trade
Students in this course learn about the importance and effects of international trade for organizations. They examine the import and export markets and processes, learning the laws, professional responsibilities, and customs.
Cross-cultural management
This course examines how cultural differences can impact management strategies and decisions. Students look at different leadership concepts and strategies, along with specific processes, such as mergers and joint ventures.
Global supply chain and management
In this course, students learn how global supply chains operate and how professionals manage the logistics of these operations. They also learn how to plan, coordinate, and analyze supply chains.
International political economy
Students in this class explore how politics can impact international markets. They examine influential policies and market events, along with how globalization and international trade reacts to changing political environments.
International business degree levels
Students at various degree levels can pursue the international business discipline. While widely applicable at all levels, the training gets more advanced and leads to more professional opportunities with each subsequent degree. Prospective students should choose the pathway that best aligns with their initial career goals, while keeping the option open to continue their studies at a later date.
Associate in international business
- Length: One to two years
- Cost: $11,389/year in 2018-19
- Post-grad careers: Bookkeeping clerk, financial clerk, and administrative assistant
International business training at the associate level focuses on business fundamentals. Students develop an understanding of how multinational organizations operate and how globalization influences traditional business practices.
The training provides introductions to core concepts, while also giving room for practical applications. Graduates can build on their training with experience in several entry-level positions or with continued training in a related bachelor's program.
Bachelor's in international business
- Length: Three to four years
- Cost: $28,123/year in 2018-19
- Post-grad careers: Accountant, financial examiner, and human resources specialist
An international business bachelor's program provides broad training and touches on many different business subdisciplines. In addition to building business fundamentals, students get a grasp on specific international business operations.
Learners also get a significant amount of practical training in these programs, including internships and hands-on assignments. An international business degree at this level qualifies graduates for most entry-level business and financial occupations.
Master's in international business
- Length: One to two years
- Cost: $19,792/year in 2019-20
- Post-grad careers: Human resources manager, financial analyst, and facilities manager
Students in an international business master's program develop specialized management expertise specific to multinational organizations. They also learn the relevant international laws and practices for various business subdisciplines, such as marketing and finance.
Since international business often comes as an MBA specialization, students may receive a considerable amount of practical training. Graduates can pursue many different management and analyst positions, along with the careers in most of the core subdisciplines.
Doctorate in international business
- Length: Three to six years
- Cost: $19,792/year in 2019-20
- Post-grad careers: Postsecondary teacher, top executive, and management analyst
At the doctoral level, international business programs allow learners to develop specializations in many different fields. Students can research areas they identify as underserved, emerging, or in need of revision. The studies typically involve considerable amounts of research and theoretical examinations.
Students usually pursue a doctorate in international business with the goal of postsecondary research and teaching positions. Yet, many management and analyst positions are available with organizations all over the world.
In conclusion
International business programs help prepare professionals for the ever-expanding globalization of business. An international business master's program qualifies graduates to help organizations better approach and operate within a global environment.
For more information on any of the ranked programs in the list above, prospective students can contact the schools and departments directly.