This degree program offers students information and skills within key fields such as international law, government consulting, national security, and global business.
*Bureau of Labor Statistics, U.S. Department of Labor, Occupational Outlook Handbook, Political Scientists, on the Internet at https://www.bls.gov/ooh/life-physical-and-social-science/political-scientists.htm (visited March 24, 2022).
The time it will take to earn an international business degree online will depend on your personal situation. While online bachelor programs are designed to be completed within four years, there are many factors you will need to consider. Many people choose to pursue a degree online because they are unable to enroll in a traditional, on-campus program. Whether this is due to professional scheduling conflicts or personal responsibilities at home, it means that enrolling full-time may be difficult. If you plan to pursue an online degree part-time, you can expect to graduate in five to eight years.
As reported by the College Board’s Trends in Higher Education Series, the average in-state tuition at a four-year public institution during the 2017-18 academic year was $9,970. Attending a private institution costs more, however. The average tuition at a private colleges and universities was $35,260.
It is important to realize that these numbers are estimations. Predicting the exact cost of a bachelor degree in international business is difficult. Tuition costs vary drastically from institution to institution and are often based on numerous factors, including school size and location. You will need to research each college and university individually for more precise pricing.
Keep in mind that the actual out-of-pocket cost of earning a bachelor degree may be higher than what is listed on the school’s website. There are many associated fees and expenses to account for and your residency status will also impact your total cost of attendance.
You will need to complete about 120 credits hours to get your bachelor’s degree. Specific course titles will vary depending on the college or university you select, but most international business programs will consist of a similar curriculum. Common classes include:
While most colleges and universities offer an international business degree option, not all of them do. Before selecting and applying for admittance, ensure the program you want is actually available. You should also verify that the institution offers any minor programs you may be interested in. Never settle for a school that does not provide the educational opportunities you desire.
It typically takes four years to complete a traditional undergraduate degree in international business. Assuming you are able to enroll full-time, this should be your goal. Before selecting a program, it is imperative that you verify the expected graduate timeframe. Most colleges and universities offer four-year programs, but not all of them have a good track record for their students graduating on time. Make sure you research an institution’s expected graduation timeframe before enrolling. You should also inquire about the program’s graduation and employment rate.
It is important that you become familiar with college and university accreditation. While not every educational institution is accredited, most reputable ones are. Being accredited by an accreditation agency proves that a school or program meets certain established academic standards. There are two types of accrediting organizations: international and regional. The most prominent international accreditation organizations for business and marketing programs include:
When it comes to business degrees of all kinds, an AACSB accreditation is optimal. This agency has be best reputation among all of the international options. If, however, you plan to pursue an online international business degree, you are more likely to find institutions and programs that have been accredited by the DETC.
While not as renowned, regional accreditation is also acceptable. This is especially true if you plan to remain in the same general area as your college or university to work after graduation. A college or university that is regionally accredited has proven that it meets all the academic expectations of the region. Regional accreditation organizations include:
The time leading up to and immediately after graduation can be stressful, especially if you do not have employment prospects. Fortunately, many colleges and universities offer job placement assistance programs for their current students and alumni. While these programs do not guarantee employment, they can help better prepare you for work after school. Every institution is different, but many provide some type of interview preparation, resume development, and career coaching services. To make this potentially difficult transitional period a little easier, it is a good idea to consider colleges and universities that offer some sort of job placement assistance program.
As previously mentioned, accreditation is extremely important. Finding a program and/or institution that is properly accredited by either an international or regional agency should be a priority. If you enroll in a college or university that is not accredited, you will be putting yourself in a precarious situation. Not only do accredited institutions often refuse to accept transfer credits from unaccredited schools, but employers may refuse to acknowledge your degree or decide to pay you a lower salary.
