The constantly-expanding global economy needs professionals in every sector who can tackle issues of international trade and commerce. A master’s in international business can help you get this training and make the jump to leadership roles in global organizations. Many of the best colleges in the U.S. today now offer a master’s in international business in fully-online or partially-online formats that are ideal for working professionals.
To help you discover the best ones, we’ve ranked the top online international business master programs for 2023. Before enrolling in any program, it’s crucial to take the time to learn about the admission requirements, program outcomes, cost, and degree timeline. This guide explores these topics and will help you find a top-ranked school that checks all of the boxes.
Best Online Master’s in International Business for 2023
UNC Greensboro’s global online classroom allows students to experience viewpoints from culturally diverse faculty and peers, strengthening intercultural communication skills as they learn to solve real-world problems on a worldwide scale. To prepare for future careers as financial analysts, marketing managers, and business operations managers, students build a foundation in core international business concepts through case studies, real-world projects, lectures, and discussions. The program is available entirely online, combining the benefits of an internationally focused education with the convenience of learning from any location. Students can study full-time and complete the program in one year, or they can study part-time and earn a degree in two years.
Program Highlights:
Master of Science in International Business
- Credits: 30
- Length: 1-2 years
- Cost: $338-$1100/credit
- Mode: Fully Online
- Accreditation: AACSB
School Services & Accreditation
| Career Services | Yes |
| Academic Counseling | Yes |
| Accreditation | SACSCOC |
At Florida International University, grad students can earn their MIB in just 12 months. The dynamic curriculum is designed to accommodate the needs of an ever-changing global economy, providing students with a multidisciplinary approach to spur of-the-moment challenges that are shaping today’s global markets. Online coursework is divided into eight-week sessions, with students participating in two courses each session. Additionally, students participate in one domestic and one international trip to observe real-world business practices. A unique feature of FIU’s program is that students may opt to earn a dual degree through a partner institution in the Americas, Europe, or Asia. To make a master’s degree even more approachable for prospective scholars, FIU annually awards two MIB students with a $2000 and $5000 merit scholarship.
Program Highlights:
Master of International Business
- Credits: 30
- Length: 12 months
- Cost: $33,000/program
- Mode: Fully Online, with international and domestic trips
- Accreditation: AACSB
School Services & Accreditation
| Career Services | Yes |
| Academic Counseling | Yes |
| Accreditation | SACSCOC |
At the University of Scranton, MBA students with an international business specialization learn to apply the latest business principles to the modern global market. Scranton’s program focuses on the Triple Bottom Line theory, equipping students with decision-making skills grounded in consideration for social, fiscal, and environmental issues in international business settings. Small class sizes foster close connections between students and professors, while the 100% online format allows for convenient learning on students’ unique schedules. This online program maintains the same rigorous standards and benefits as its on-campus counterpart, with instruction from experienced professors and robust career services. Graduates finish the program prepared for careers as directors of marketing or human resources, SAP business analysts, or management consultants on the international stage. Depending on a student’s pace of study, they may complete coursework in two or three years.
Program Highlights:
MBA – International Business specialization
- Credits: 36-48
- Length: 2-3 years
- Cost: $965/credit
- Mode: Fully Online
- Accreditation: AACSB
School Services & Accreditation
| Career Services | Yes |
| Academic Counseling | Yes |
| Accreditation | MSCHE |
Students pursuing an MBA at Lindenwood University may choose to specialize in international business, where they’ll receive advanced training in the theory and issues facing US businesses dealing in international trade. In addition to core MBA program course requirements, students enroll in 12 credit hours from classes focusing on international finance and economics, operations and management, or marketing and communications. Graduates of the program gain a deeper understanding of global business policies and are well-equipped to become marketing managers, general managers, or top executives on the international level. Lindenwood provides students with well-rounded professional support, including four job fairs per year, a strong alum network, and access to the office of career services. For maximum convenience, students may complete their degree entirely online and be ready to graduate in as little as 15 months.
Program Highlights:
MBA: International Business emphasis
- Credits: 33-51
- Length: 15-36 months
- Cost: $585/credit
- Mode: Fully Online
- Accreditation: ACBSP
School Services & Accreditation
| Career Services | Yes |
| Academic Counseling | Yes |
| Accreditation | HLC |
At Gardner-Webb, the International Master of Business Administration provides students with a solid academic foundation as they work toward careers with domestic and foreign corporations, global trade firms, and financial institutions. The IMBA program builds practical techniques through international experience, service opportunities, and hands-on projects. As part of a logically sequenced course progression, students complete 12 credit hours of required general MBA studies and 18 additional credit hours of graduate international business coursework. Upon graduation, students are prepared with the comprehensive knowledge and skills base necessary to effectively analyze international business concerns and successfully meet global markets’ economic, social, and ethical challenges. Students may graduate within two years, but can take up to six years to complete their studies.
Program Highlights:
International Master of Business Administration
- Credits: 30
- Length: 2-6 years
- Cost: $650/hour
- Mode: Fully Online
- Accreditation: ACBSP
School Services & Accreditation
| Career Services | Yes |
| Academic Counseling | Yes |
| Accreditation | SACSCOC |
School Services & Accreditation
| Career Services | Yes |
| Academic Counseling | Yes |
| Accreditation | SACSCOC |
School Services & Accreditation
| Career Services | Yes |
| Academic Counseling | Yes |
| Accreditation | SACSCOC |
School Services & Accreditation
| Career Services | Yes |
| Academic Counseling | Yes |
| Accreditation | HLC |
School Services & Accreditation
| Career Services | Yes |
| Academic Counseling | Yes |
| Accreditation | ACICS |
School Services & Accreditation
| Career Services | Yes |
| Academic Counseling | Yes |
| Accreditation | SACSCOC |
School Services & Accreditation
| Career Services | Yes |
| Academic Counseling | Yes |
| Accreditation | MSCHE |
School Services & Accreditation
| Career Services | Yes |
| Academic Counseling | Yes |
| Accreditation | NA |
School Services & Accreditation
| Career Services | Yes |
| Academic Counseling | Yes |
| Accreditation | NECHE |
School Services & Accreditation
| Career Services | Yes |
| Academic Counseling | Yes |
| Accreditation | SACSCOC |
Inside Look: 3 Accredited Online Master’s in International Business Programs
Below we’ve spotlighted three accredited online master’s in international business degrees that help you get an idea of what a high-quality program should offer. These programs feature all the important elements you should expect from your international business master’s program, including affordability, study convenience and flexibility, experienced faculty, and access to quality student support services.
Florida International University
The Online Master of International Business program at Florida International University allows students to complete all degree requirements with 12 months of full-time study. The 30-credit curriculum is presented in a “lock-step” cohort format where students begin and work through the entire program to graduation as a single cohort. This allows students to share their academic and professional experiences and to support each other throughout the program. All courses are presented online asynchronously, so you can access and complete your coursework at times most convenient to you.
A major feature of FIU’s international business master’s program is the inclusion of an international trip that allows students exposure to a foreign business environment. Countries visited by MIB students include India, China, Vietnam, Spain, UAE, Thailand, and the Czech Republic.
The current estimated program cost is $33,000 for Florida residents and $36,600 for out-of-state residents. Financial aid, including $2,000 and $5,000 merit scholarships, is available.
University of Delaware
Study convenience and flexibility are key features of the University of Delaware’s Online Master of International Business. This 30-credit program is a non-cohort model with courses entirely online in an asynchronous format. Both full-time and part-time study options are available with full-time students able to complete all degree requirements in as few as 18 months.
The curriculum is in a two-module format. The first module consists of six core international business courses covering topics like business strategies, ethics, globalization, and market research. In the second module, students choose four courses based on their areas of interest. Courses options include Operations Management and Management Science, Leadership and Innovation in Population Health, and Managing People, Teams, and Organizations.
The estimated total cost for UD’s master’s in international business is $28,500, not including textbooks, supplies, loan fees, or personal expenses. Financial aid is available to qualifying students including a range of UD scholarships for which MIB students are automatically considered upon admission into the program.
American University
American University is a private, federally-chartered research university located in Washington, D.C. Offered jointly by its School of International Service and Kogod School of Business, AU’s Online Master of Science in International Relations and Business degree takes advantage of its location to connect students and graduates with D.C. and globally-based organizations as well as with AU alumni working for companies worldwide. The 36-credit-hour program combines weekly online class sessions and didactic coursework with an in-person global immersion experience to provide a comprehensive understanding of the policies and strategies needed to succeed in the global economy.
Students can gain real-life experience and develop relationships by working virtually as pro-bono consultants with local companies aligned with their career goals. These connections can also lead to employment after graduation.
The program is full-time and takes 18 months. Per-credit tuition is $1,866, substantially higher than rates for similar degree programs at public institutions. However, qualifying AU students are eligible for a range of substantial financial aid opportunities.
Advantages of Earning an Online Master’s in International Business
There are many advantages to earning your online master’s in international business. Here’s a look at three of the biggest.
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Global Skills Mean Greater Opportunities
Despite all the economic challenges of the last few years, the global economy is slowly returning to normal and even starting to grow once again. A master’s in international business can provide you with the knowledge and skills you and your organization need to take advantage of this new growth.
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Earn Your Degree While Keeping Your Job
You don’t have to be a full-time working professional to take advantage of the benefits of online study. However, the study convenience and flexibility built into an online master’s in international business program do make it possible for many students to remain in their current jobs while pursuing their degrees.
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See the World
If one of your goals is to travel the world as part of your professional life, a master’s in international business can certainly help you reach that goal. With many MIB programs featuring international trips and global immersion experiences as part of their curricula, you won’t necessarily have to wait until after graduation to start traveling.
What You’ll Learn in an Online International Business Master’s Program
A master’s in international business provides a cross-functional global perspective on business that combines didactic coursework and experiential learning across all major business disciplines. These include accounting, finance, management, marketing, supply chain, and more. The degree prepares students for leadership roles with global-reaching organizations, both public and private, dealing with the many current and future challenges of the international marketplace.
Below are descriptions of five courses currently offered as part of most international business program curricula to give you an idea of what you can expect to learn in your online MIB program. It’s not uncommon for programs to offer all or most of these courses entirely online. However, some programs also include immersion experiences and/or capstone projects that require in-person participation.
Popular Courses
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Cross-Cultural Communication and Negotiation
This course examines the basic concepts and critical nuances concerning cultural differences to facilitate effective cross-cultural communication in the workplace and throughout the international business community. Included are discussions of the effects of these cultural differences on management practices within international organizations and strategies employed in negotiations between international organizations.
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Global Economics
A survey of fundamental concepts in macroeconomics and the global economy, this course introduces students to the full range of factors and trends influencing international trade and finance with a special focus on geopolitics. Specific topics include national and international industrial policy, ethical reasoning and social responsibility, ecology and environmental challenges, and current sources and locations of international political and economic conflict.
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International Finance
Courses on international finance study financial management in the global marketplace and its relationship to the multinational firm. Topics covered include international funding sources, foreign investment decision-making, the international monetary system and banking, foreign exchange markets and exchange risk management, international trade and balance of payments, international taxation and transactions, investment alternatives, and more.
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International Marketing
International marketing introduces students to the development and management of marketing programs starting with the determination of organizational objectives and continuing through all aspects of the marketing process. These include research of international markets, production, advertising, and distribution. Market functions are considered in relation to the cultural, economic, political, social, and physical differences in each country.
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Capstone Project
Some MIB programs culminate with the completion of a capstone project to allow students to apply the knowledge, skills, tools, and methodologies acquired throughout the program. It’s typically a team-based study to resolve a real-world problem for an emerging or existing international organization.
Accreditation for International Business Master’s Degrees
Postsecondary accreditation is the process used to determine that higher education institutions and the programs they offer meet specific acceptable levels of quality. Proper accreditation is your way of being assured that both your school and degree program are worth your time, effort, and money. There are two types of accreditations, institutional and programmatic, to look for when choosing your online master’s in international business degree program.
Institutional accreditation concerns the quality of the school itself taken as a whole and is overseen by several regional and national accrediting agencies recognized by the U.S. Department of Education. The second accreditation type, programmatic accreditation, focuses on the quality of individual degree programs. Programmatic accreditation of master’s in international business programs is administered by the Association to Advance Collegiate Schools of Business (AACSB).
You’ll likely discover that all of the MIB programs you consider have both institutional and programmatic accreditation. Accreditation information can usually be found on the degree program webpage or the school’s accreditation webpage. You can also check current accreditation with the Department of Education and AACSB.
What You Can Do with a Master’s in International Business
The master’s in international business degree is all about versatility. Since it’s designed primarily for those with a non-business undergraduate degree, students can apply the high-demand business skills gained to leadership positions in practically any professional field in government, non-profit, and the private sector. Below are five of the most common career choices made by MIB degree holders. In addition to descriptions for each, annual salary estimates taken from the U.S. Department of Labor’s Bureau of Labor Statistics are also included to give an idea of how much you might earn once you’ve obtained your international business master’s degree.
Business Development Manager
Business development managers manage the expectations of their organizations, including identifying and resolving problems those organizations encounter. Specific tasks include planning and overseeing budgets, staff training programs and other staff-related activities, managing client accounts, and ensuring organizational goals and sales objectives are met.
| 10th Percentile | Median Annual Pay | 90th Percentile |
|---|---|---|
|
$64,370 |
$120,130 |
$207,420 |
Source: Bureau of Labor Statistics, 2021
Financial Analyst
Financial analysts determine how to best invest an organization’s earned income in ways that generate profits and maximize organizational wealth. Specific responsibilities include assessing the performance of investments (e.g., stocks, bonds, etc.), studying historical and current financial data, evaluating past and current business and economic trends, examining organization financial statements, and preparing written reports.
| 10th Percentile | Median Annual Pay | 90th Percentile |
|---|---|---|
|
$57,900 |
$91,580 |
$166,560 |
Source: Bureau of Labor Statistics, 2021
Marketing Manager
Marketing a company’s goods and services is the primary job of the marketing manager. Marketing managers oversee the creation and development of advertising and merchandising sales campaigns, conduct and study research to identify and develop new markets for the sale of goods and services, and monitor and analyze the performance of current marketing programs to improve future efforts.
| 10th Percentile | Median Annual Pay | 90th Percentile |
|---|---|---|
|
$77,680 |
$135,030 |
$208,000 + |
Source: Bureau of Labor Statistics, 2021
Operations Manager
Operations managers oversee the production side of a business’s activities, including all related departments like purchasing, manufacturing, warehousing, and, in some organizations, product transportation and distribution. Specific tasks include the planning and management of daily operations, effective allocation of materials and human resources, and supervision of subordinate administrative staff.
| 10th Percentile | Median Annual Pay | 90th Percentile |
|---|---|---|
|
$43,260 |
$97,970 |
$208,000 + |
Source: Bureau of Labor Statistics, 2021
Project Management Specialist
Project management specialists plan, organize, and supervise specific, often complex, projects for private businesses or public agencies. They typically work on-site on a project from inception to completion, ensuring that all work is done properly while reducing costs and maximizing efficiencies. Project management specialists may work for a single company or organization or be employed as independent contractors on a per-project basis.
| 10th Percentile | Median Annual Pay | 90th Percentile |
|---|---|---|
|
$49,750 |
$94,500 |
$159,140 |
Source: Bureau of Labor Statistics, 2021
Costs and Financial Aid for Online Master’s Degrees in International Business
Earning an online master’s degree in international business, as tuition figures prove, is an expensive undertaking. Fortunately, there are plenty of significant financial aid resources to help MIB students fund their education. These include scholarships and grants (both public and private), fellowships, employer tuition assistance, and work study programs. There’s also the most popular source of all, the student loan. Visit our financial aid page for a detailed survey of all these and other financial aid resources.
What Your International Business Master’s Could Cost
| School Name | No. of Credits | Cost/Credit | Est. Total Tuition Cost* |
|---|---|---|---|
|
30 |
$530.69 (Florida resident); $1,255.41 (non-Florida resident) |
$15,920.70 (Florida resident); $37,622.30 (non-Florida resident) |
|
|
33 |
$800 (regardless of residence) |
$26,400 (regardless of residence) |
|
|
30 |
$489.94 (NC residents, full-time); $779.88 (non-NC residents, full-time)** |
$14,698.20 (NC residents, full-time); $23,396.40 (non-NC residents, full-time)** |
*Tuition only.
**Higher rates apply to non-NC residents receiving coursework within NC and part-time students regardless of residence.
Frequently Asked Questions About Online International Business Master’s Degrees
What are the admissions requirements for an online master’s in international business?
Admissions requirements are different for every online master’s in international business program, but most MIB programs include ones similar to the following:
- Bachelor’s Degree: A bachelor’s degree from an accredited institution is the foundational requirement of all MIB programs. All undergraduate majors are typically welcome, and most MIB programs are geared toward individuals with non-business bachelor’s degrees. There are a few exceptions, though, such as the University of Florida’s program that requires an undergraduate major or minor in business.
- Minimum GPA: All programs have a minimum GPA requirement for undergraduate coursework. The minimum varies by program but is typically between 2.75 and 3.2 with 3.0 being the most common.
- Work Experience: Some online master’s in international business programs require some (typically two years) of previous business-related work experience. Others simply consider work experience as one of several factors weighed for acceptance. Still others have no work experience requirement whatsoever.
- GMAT/GRE Test Scores: Some MIB programs require GMAT or GRE scores, and usually either test will suffice. Minimum scores may also be stated. Some programs, Florida International University, for example, waive test score requirements for applicants meeting other criteria, such as having another graduate degree, high undergraduate GPA, or business-related work experience.
- Additional Requirements: Other common application requirements include a resume, a personal essay or statement of purpose, and letters of recommendation (typically two).
How long will it take to finish my master’s in international business?
Most online master’s in international business programs require 30 to 36 credit hours of coursework. Program length depends on which school you attend and whether you study full-time or part-time. Some full-time programs, like those at Florida International University and the University of Florida, take 12 months, while others, like those at American University and the University of Delaware, take 18. Part-time MIB programs are typically asynchronous and allow some degree of flexibility, often 24 months or longer, in their completion times.
Can I earn a master’s in international business 100% online or do I need to visit campus?
In many cases, students in most online master’s in international business programs do complete all course requirements entirely online with no campus visits. Keep in mind, though, that most online MIB programs also include in-person participation in global immersion experiences that require travel to an international location.
