Best online master’s in international business 2021: 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 master’s degree and rank the best programs available in the field.

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.

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.