Business schools that offer the best online MBA in International Management programs acknowledge the crucial importance that skilled business professionals have on the success of global business corporations. Their undergraduate and graduate students learn the fundamentals of 21st-century business administration principles and practices globally.

The Master of Business Administration in International Management degree program provides the knowledge and skills needed to manage business operations in the global economy. This program equips students with an understanding of the dynamics of doing business internationally, including understanding different cultures and dealing with foreign currency and international law.

Students learn the tools and insights of international finance, marketing, economic theory, and business strategy to be successful in a multinational market. The program also emphasizes developing a global mindset, making our graduates better prepared to work in a diverse and ever-changing global business environment.

Best Online MBA in International Management - fact

While a general MBA degree will suffice, the international business specialization enables graduate students to gain career-specific knowledge and skills for career advancement purposes.

At A Glance

The best business schools with online MBA in International Management or International Business specialization programs are training grounds for the next generation of business leaders. Every graduate student benefits from a top-notch education in business administration principles and practices for the 21st century. These MBA programs enable graduate students to develop their knowledge and skills in international business, too, and allow them to practice their business leadership skills in a global context.

But everything about these online MBA programs, from admission and retention to graduation, can be challenging! Hard work, perseverance, and persistence are a must, as are time management and organizational skills. The career advancement opportunities as business professionals, however, make every minute and energy worth it.

Best Online MBA in International Management Schools

Business schools offering the best online MBA programs featured here are part of regionally accredited colleges and universities. Every international business program also has programmatic accreditation from one of three accreditation agencies:

· AACSB-Association to Advance Collegiate Schools of Business

· ACBSP-Accreditation Council for Business Schools and Programs

· IACBE-International Accreditation Council for Business Education

Both regional and programmatic accreditations prove the world-class academic quality of the business education graduate students receive.

Florida International University

Online Professional MBA in International Business Program

FIU, a public research university accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges, offers the best online MBA in International Business program in our books. With its AACSB International accreditation, FIU dominates many online MBA rankings, and it’s so with its Professional MBA in International Business program.

Students develop their knowledge and skills in strategic leadership, financial analysis, and decision-making within an international team. Among their soft skills are communication, collaboration, and critical thinking, which are essential for success in cross-cultural management settings.

The 12 business administration core courses include business analysis, marketing management, and strategic management. There’s an emphasis on global business management skills, too, through courses in international trade, global start-ups, and international business.

Prospective students can choose from five start dates, and students can select from three different time-to-degree tracks ranging from 18 months to 33 months. Financial aid for graduate students is available at the Chapman Graduate Business School.

Troy University

Online MBA in International Management Program

Troy’s Sorrell College of Business offers an AACSB-accredited MBA in International Management program where students train in global business leadership. Graduates are well-prepared for leadership positions, including C-suite positions in corporations, nonprofit organizations, and government agencies, both in the United States and abroad. Students get a head start in their professional career advancement with the assistance of Troy’s experienced faculty members and through its excellent student support and career services.

The MBA program places a premium on students establishing a strong foundation in business administration before gaining skills vital in international business-based careers. This is achieved through a comprehensive 42-credit curriculum consisting of 30-credit coursework in general management at the MBA level, followed by 12-credit concentration coursework. Course titles include international human resource management and organization development and change, as well as a seminar on international management.

University of North Dakota

Online MBA in International Business Program

UND’s MBA in International Business program is recognized nationwide not just for its AACSB International accreditation but also for its world-class business education. MBA students develop an in-depth understanding of the tools and technologies for business leadership on an international scale.

The 34-credit program of study includes courses in business analytics, strategic management, and financial and economic analysis in global business environments. The two-year curriculum also includes a study-abroad requirement that prospective students must consider in their application decision. Most of the courses, however, are delivered via live online classes and conducted by approachable professors with impressive industry experience.

Students also benefit from the personalized career services at the Pancratz Career Development Center. The majority of the students are also working professionals. The UND School of Graduate Studies provides professional development opportunities through 60+ free workshops.

Louisiana State University Shreveport

Online MBA in International Business Program

LSU Shreveport, a public university accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges, offers a standout MBA in International Business program with AACSB International accreditation. Students pursuing the international business MBA degree are encouraged to adopt a global mindset while gaining a well-rounded business education.

Just as its student body comes from diverse backgrounds, its in-depth understanding of international business has applications in various settings, from small and medium-sized enterprises with ambitious expansion plans to multinational corporations with localized mindsets.

The 30-credit curriculum can be completed in as few as ten months and features flexible and convenient scheduling for working professionals. With just over $12,000 in the total cost and financial aid, it’s also among the most accessible top online MBA programs. The business administration courses prepare students for present and future challenges in international business.

University of Colorado Colorado Springs

Online MBA in International Business Program

UCCS’ MBA in International Business program has AACSB International accreditation that attests to its world-class business education. MBA students learn the technical and transferable skills vital to their success as business professionals, from business and financial analysis to communication skills. This is an open program that considers prospective applicants with and without an undergraduate degree in a business-related field, but admission is on a selective basis.

Students are strongly encouraged to learn a foreign language in preparation for a short-term study-abroad opportunity. The international business degree is even more relevant in light of the increasingly globalized world we live in, which makes it both larger and smaller for business professionals.

The 36-credit MBA with an international business specialization program features 24-credit coursework in business administration concepts. Then, students earn an international business degree by taking courses in global markets, supply chain management, and international marketing and export management.

University of Scranton

Online MBA in International Business Program

Known for its strong Jesuit traditions in higher education, the University of Scranton offers its MBA in International Business program with AACSB International accreditation. Administered by the Kania School of Management, the MBA program emphasizes sustainability, technology, and ethics in international business practices.

The MBA in International Business program has a two-year time-to-completion for its 48-credit curriculum. Students gain a global business perspective with an emphasis on both microeconomic and macroeconomic practices. The international business specialization enables students to understand generally accepted accounting principles and International Financial Reporting Standards from a global perspective. There’s also a focus on the triple bottom-line approach that influences the way sustainable companies do business.

Prospective students of the online MBA program don’t have to present GMAT/GRE scores and pay an application fee. Up to six transfer credits may be allowed.

University of Massachusetts Lowell

Online MBA in International Business Program

UMass Lowell offers among the best online MBA programs not just because of its AACSB International accreditation but also because of its exceptional academic quality, student support and career services, and global reach. Students develop the skills to become global business leaders from New England’s best business school in its MBA in International Business program.

Graduate students in the international business program can earn a master’s degree in 12 months of accelerated study. Their coursework starts with core business administration courses, including operations management, corporate finance, organizational change management, and management information systems. But students without a business administration degree may be required to take foundation courses in financial accounting, financial analysis, and organizational behavior.

International business electives complete the comprehensive business education. Students tackle global marketing, financial management, entrepreneurship, and innovation courses.

Graduate students may qualify for financial aid like federal student aid and merit scholarships.

Florida Atlantic University

Online MBA in International Business Program

FAU, a public research university accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges, is known for its top-ranking MBA in International Business with AACSB International accreditation. Students can earn the MBA degree in 16-23 months with the completion of 40-46 credits. The 8-week terms allow working professionals to balance their personal and professional obligations.

Courses in the international business specialization include global marketing, cross-cultural management, and multinational finance. Students learn about mergers and acquisitions as part of international business operations, too. There’s an optional global business immersion experience – an international field study tour – that examines American corporations in foreign countries.

Aside from its affordable tuition, FAU makes it easier for in-state, out-of-state and international students to compute their tuition, thanks to the uniform tuition rate. Financial aid is available for domestic students.

University of Louisiana Lafayette

University of Louisiana at Lafayette - B.I. Moody III College of Business Administration

Online MBA in Global Management Program

Offered at the B.I. Moody III College of Business Administration, Louisiana’s AACSB International-accredited business school, the MBA in Global Management program prepares students for C-suite careers in large corporations and SMEs. MBA students study international economics, advanced financial management, data analysis, and marketing management as part of the business administration core coursework.

Students without a business administration academic background are usually required to complete foundational courses in accounting, finance, quantitative methods, and economics. International business specialization courses include organizational behavior and leadership, international business operations and law, and multinational value chain.

Online MBA students can complete the 33-credit hour curriculum either on part-time or full-time matriculation. Full-time students earn the MBA degree in 15 months of accelerated study.

Colorado State University Global

Online MBA in Global Management Program

The AACSB International-accredited MBA in Global Management program at CSU Global accommodates working professionals with its flexible schedule (i.e., no set log-in times) and monthly class start dates. The MBA program also features an accelerated 8-week course duration.

Students become more aware of business administration principles and practices with a global perspective, from international standards in accounting and finance to cross-cultural communication. The value of current and upcoming technologies in business success is emphasized, as is the ability to analyze the value of decision frameworks in global business environments.

Such lofty learning outcomes are achieved through a rigorous curriculum featuring 12 credits of international management courses. These include international business, decision theory, and managerial communication in global settings.

Texas A&M International University

Online MBA in International Business Program

TAMIU offers its MBA in International Business online program, which has the coveted AACSB International accreditation for business and non-business professionals. Students learn about the fundamentals of global business principles and practices, including logistics and supply chain management, cross-cultural management, and marketing management. The MBA program, however, encourages students to apply their learning in domestic settings if they so desire.

With total tuition of just over $11,000 without financial aid, this is an accessible MBA program that working professionals can earn at their own pace. The 30-credit curriculum has been designed to deepen the student’s depth and breadth of knowledge of international business, from sustainability issues to strategic management.

The core business administration curriculum features a series of seminars dealing with marketing management, ethics and leadership, organizational behavior and theory, and human resource management, among others. International business electives are in international management, international logistics, and global business environments.

Washington State University

Online MBA in International Business Program

Immersion in the world of global business management is at the heart of the MBA in International Business program at WSU, an MBA program with AACSB International accreditation. Students learn the vital skills for business success in any global business environment with its diverse cultures and navigating international business laws.

Students in the MBA program learn effective methods in applying global business strategy using a wide range of business administration concepts. Their skills also include risk management in identifying opportunities for international business firms, researching issues affecting the international business community, and leadership of global business companies. Their contributions to the international business community will, indeed, be significant with their impressive skill sets.

Coursework in the online MBA in International Business program includes International Business Management, International Finance, International Marketing Management, and International Tourism Strategy and Planning.

Clayton State University

Online MBA in International Business Program

Business leadership within the context of global business is at the heart of the AACSB International-accredited MBA in International Business program at Clayton. The comprehensive coursework covers strategic management, innovation and creativity, and international business practices that prepare students for the demanding challenges of C-suite positions.

Students can also engage in a study-abroad program that will expand their horizons, but this is an optional opportunity only. For students who choose to engage in the international immersion experience, their placement will be in one of the identified global business hubs.

The coursework starts with business administration core coursework in accounting, corporate finance, change management, and marketing strategy. Students must complete a capstone course in global strategic direction and then tackle the specialization courses in international management, human resources, and marketing.

Pittsburg State University

Online MBA in International Business Program

With a time-to-completion of 12 months and affordable tuition, the MBA in International Business program at Pitt State is among the most popular MBA programs with AACSB International accreditation. The 30-credit curriculum features extensive coursework in core business administration principles, including quantitative business analysis, management control systems, strategic management, and financial and marketing strategy.

The emphasis coursework includes a seminar in economics that covers topics in international trade and finance, as well as a course in international business. Graduates become skilled business professionals able to tackle the challenges of C-suite positions in companies across the world. Students gain many of their business skills through didactic coursework, simulations, and case studies, as well as their interactions with their peers and professors.

No wonder then that Pitt State graduates have a high 90% job placement rate! But admission into the MBA program is selective, with applicants required to have an undergraduate degree with at least a 2.7 GPA.

Texas A&M University Corpus Christi

Online MBA in International Business Program

TAMUCC’s AACSB International-accredited MBA in International Business program is an accessible program that can be completed in 12-24 months. Students can set their time-to-degree without compromising the quality of their business education, a flexibility that suits working professionals in diverse fields who share a passion for business success.

Students start tackling the 36-credit curriculum with core business administration courses in operations management, marketing management, and accounting topics. The program emphasizes using technology, including software in finding business solutions, too. Students complete a capstone course in administrative strategy and policy before moving on to the specialization courses, including international economics, multinational management and finance, and global marketing. While students without an undergraduate business degree are accepted, they will likely be required to complete foundational courses.

Eastern Washington University

Online MBA in International Business Program

Business leadership in a global context underlines EWU’s AACSB-accredited MBA in International Business program. Students and graduates agree that it’s among the most affordable online MBA programs, not to mention that it can be completed in just ten months. But with a short time to degree comes accelerated coursework and rigorous demands.

Students complete the 44-credit curriculum to develop an in-depth understanding of business theories and practices with applications in domestic and international settings. The comprehensive coursework emphasizes ethical leadership, data-driven decision-making, and diversity and inclusivity in international business. Students also develop their quantitative and technical skills alongside their soft skills that enable them to work with diverse people and in different settings.

Foundational courses may be required of students with non-business undergraduate degrees, which are in finance, accounting, and quantitative business analysis. An MBA capstone project showcases the students’ understanding of international business.

University of Houston Victoria

Online Global MBA in Management Program

The university’s business school offers an AACSB-accredited Global MBA in Management program that students and alumni have described as of the highest quality at an accessible cost. Full-time students can earn the Global MBA degree in just 12 months, too, meaning less cost of attendance and more opportunities to immediately apply their learnings to their professional practice.

The management concentration requires the completion of six-credit electives alongside the eight 30-credit core courses. The electives cover diversity management and comparative management. The business administration core courses include international marketing, international finance, international business strategy, operations and supply chain management, and leadership.

Students also learn about data analytics and management information systems, as these are vital in a global business environment. Foundation courses may be required for completion among non-business students but can also be waived depending on the results of the transcript evaluation.

Liberty University

Online MBA in International Business Program

Liberty’s ACBSP-accredited MBA in International Business program features 100% online coursework in topics related to global business theories and practices. Featured 8-week courses are in developing global markets, global financial markets, and global economic environments.

Full-time students can earn an online MBA in International Business degree in two years, on average. This requires completing the academic requirements of 45 credits that build practical knowledge and skills in business administration on the domestic and international fronts. Students gain valuable skills in marketing, supply chain management, and business analysis that will serve them well in managerial positions, even in C-suite positions.

Students can maintain full-time employment while pursuing an MBA degree, too. Note that since Liberty University is a Christian university, there’s an emphasis on Christ-centered business practices. Graduates are well-prepared for the Certified Global Business Professional (CGBP) certification exam, too.

Purdue University Global

Online MBA in Global Business Program

The ACBSP-accredited MBA in Global Business program offered at Purdue Global can be completed in 2.5 years of full-time study. Students are well-advised to spend at least 20 hours of study time per week to succeed in the 6-week sessions, but the program of study itself has a self-paced learning aspect.

The curriculum consists of 60-76 credits, and it was developed in consultation with business professionals resulting in comprehensive, contemporary, and rigorous coursework. Business analytics, value chain management, and managerial economics are featured courses.

With Purdue University’s reputation as a respected research university, the online MBA program emphasizes business research knowledge and skills among its graduate students. The research-based competencies enable students to understand the opportunities in international business, as well as the challenges that come with diverse cultural, political, and legal systems.

Touro University Worldwide

Online MBA in Global Management Program

TUW’s ACBSP-accredited MBA in Global Management program has six start dates and features affordable tuition for all students. There’s a Future Leaders Scholarship grant up for grabs, too. Applicants must have a bachelor’s degree from a regionally accredited institution but don’t have to present GMAT/GRE scores.

The 36-credit program of study can be completed in 12 months, but a graduate student must take two courses every 8-week term for six consecutive terms. There are nine core courses in business administration and a capstone course, as well as three global management concentration courses. Students learn under the expert guidance of faculty members with doctorate degrees.

What Students Learn from an Online MBA in International Business

Because many of the best online MBA programs accept international students, their student bodies are diverse and dynamic by nature. Aside from business professionals, these online programs also have engineers, healthcare management and project management professionals, and other working professionals interested in the theory and applications of advanced business administration.

Students benefit from the diversity in their online classes through different perspectives on contemporary issues in business administration in general and international business in particular. Indeed, with varying points of view comes the possibility of finding innovative solutions to issues – and that, in itself, is an excellent reward for students pursuing an international business degree!

Online students in MBA in International Management programs also benefit from the expansive networking opportunities that come with a diverse student body. Such diversity isn’t just in terms of professional backgrounds either but also in geography – online students come from countries across the world, meaning international business can be practiced there and then.

Completing An MBA in International Business Degree

Online MBA programs usually have a two-year completion period, but there are accelerated programs with a 12-month or 18-month program of study. Most online programs, however, allow students to complete their MBA degree with an international business specialization within 5-6 years. Regardless of the time to degree, online MBA programs provide learners with transformational learning opportunities to become business leaders in their industries, particularly with an in-depth understanding of global business environments.

Don’t be fooled by people saying that online programs or part-time programs are less rigorous than their on-campus counterparts! The academic rigor and requirements of on-campus and online MBA programs offered by the best business schools are the same – and, in many cases, online graduate students may put more time and effort into their coursework due to their competing personal and professional commitments.

Are You Cut Out for An International Business MBA Program?

Most, if not all, MBAs with a specialization in international business programs consider for admission prospective students with and without an undergraduate degree in business administration or business management. But these online programs usually have other admission requirements, such as a minimum undergraduate GPA and relevant post-baccalaureate professional experience. Letters of recommendation, professional resume, and proof of business leadership are also common requirements for a prospective graduate student.

Students without business administration or business management undergraduate degrees from regionally accredited universities may be required to take foundational courses. These graduate programs want students to gain foundational knowledge of business administration concepts in preparation for the core and specialization courses. The foundational courses include finance and economics, accounting and financial analysis, and marketing and operations management, among others.

These MBA courses have core courses that cover in-depth business administration concepts at the graduate level – in other words, more advanced than in undergraduate programs. Courses include business research methods, strategic management, financial management, management information systems, and managerial economics and accounting, and more.

Students in international business programs also take specialization courses in a global business management context. International marketing, logistics, financial management, human resource management, and supply chain management are among the subjects covered.

Online programs use a specific learning management system (LMS), such as Moodle, Blackboard, and Canvas, although many international business programs also use their in-house learning platforms. Online students use their MBA programs’ LMS to access learning materials, such as reference and resource e-books, video lectures, and assignments.

These online programs also design their LMS for peer-to-peer and student-to-professor interactions, usually via chats, web conferencing, and live online classes. Student groups are also common for networking purposes and social interactions.

The best online MBA programs combine synchronous and asynchronous learning methods to the student’s advantage. The advantage lies in the opportunity for online students to learn from their peers and professors in real-time, while also completing their assignments at their own pace and engaging in group work. The combination of discipline and flexibility in online programs works well for working professionals.

Students in international business programs are also evaluated for their academic performance. While there are different ways that online programs conduct their student performance evaluations, plagiarism and other forms of academic cheating aren’t tolerated.

If you’re not into on-campus visits and other in-person events during your online studies, you should ask about in-person requirements for the online programs you’re considering. While there are 100% online programs, many require in-person residencies or offer study-abroad opportunities for graduate students interested in international business management experiences. The best online MBA programs enable students to meet and work with business leaders abroad.

Frequently Asked Questions

What are the career paths for graduates of MBA in International Management programs?

The MBA degree, in general, is an excellent pathway for business and financial occupations that, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, has a 7% projected growth rate in the 2021-2031 period. This means about 980,200 openings every year! The median annual wage was $76,570 for these occupations, but actual salaries differ based on position, company and industry, and geographical location.

A few of the career paths that MBA in International Management or International Business degree holders are qualified for include:

Sales director
Research consultant
Operations director
Global management analyst or business consultant
Marketing manager
International trader or trading specialist
Global trade policy advisor
Supply chain manager

Is an MBA in International Management or International Business worth it?

Yes, it is! The MBA degree with an International Management or International Business specialization opens up a wide range of career advancement opportunities including in C-suite positions. With your business leadership skills, you can also push your entrepreneurial ventures to greater heights. Plus, international business specialization can open up opportunities in global business management, such as in managerial positions abroad.

What’s next for professionals with a graduate degree in International Management or International Business?

You can earn professional certifications and licenses suitable for your graduate degree and, thus, increase your credibility as a business professional. The Association of Professionals in Business Management offers the Certified Business Manager (CBM) certification, which can be earned while pursuing your MBA degree or after graduation. The Institute of Management Consultants offers the Certified Management Consultant (CMC) certification, and earning it means passing exams in international consulting standards.

You may also want to consider joining professional organizations. Examples include the International Academy of Business and Economics (IABE), the Academy of International Business (AIB), and the International Academy of Business Disciplines (IABD).

Will earning an MBA in International Management provide career promotion opportunities?

Yes, earning an MBA in International Management can provide career promotion opportunities. Highly ranked International MBA programs can often lead to job promotions, better salaries, and better standing within the industry. Additionally, the skills gained from an International MBA program can open up many opportunities related to international business, such as working in global operations, consulting, finance, and sales.

Those who take on an MBA in International Management can often join multinational companies, government organizations, NGOs, and even international development programs.

Wrap Up

Earning an MBA in International Management or International Business degree isn’t a walk in the park, even in online programs allowing self-paced study. The rigorous coursework combined with the capstone project or master’s thesis, study-abroad opportunities, and on-campus requirements, if any, will push your determination to the limit. But once you’re the proud holder of the graduate degree, your career advancement opportunities make every blood, sweat, and tears worth it.

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