international business

Program Description

The international business curriculum is designed to enable the student to examine and understand the complexities and processes involved in the international business community. Coursework provides exposure to the historical, legal, political, and economic factors that are key elements in a study of this subject. The dynamics of conducting business in an international context are examined.

Program Curriculum

The 36 credit hours required for the master of arts (M.A.) in international business or the 48 credit hours required for the master of business administration (M.B.A.) with an emphasis in international business must include the following courses for the degree:

• International Business (Requisite Course)
• International Accounting
• International Finance
• International Law and Business
• Cross-Cultural Management
• International Marketing
• Integrated Studies in International Business

In addition, the student chooses elective courses offered in this major and/or from the program curricula of other majors.
If the requisite course is waived, the student must choose an elective course from this major or from the program curriculum of another major. Students pursuing dual majors who have the requisite course(s) waived will complete only the remaining required courses for the dual majors.

Course Descriptions

International Business

The student is introduced to the language and terminology of international business and major international political and economic policies that affect modern international businesses. Special attention is given to fundamental concepts of international finance, accounting, law, management, and marketing.

International Accounting

The student examines aspects of accounting operations within a multinational corporate environment. Key topics of analysis include foreign exchange exposure; translation of foreign-denominated financial statements; consolidated financial statements; transfer pricing; Foreign Corrupt Practices Act; and related tax and regulatory issues. Comparison of United States and foreign practices in areas such as financial standards and reporting, auditing, and performance measurements is examined. Prerequisite:

International Finance

Course content focuses on the environment in which the international financial manager operates. Students study the risks of doing business overseas and the tools available to minimize those risks. Foreign exchange risk, political risk, working capital management, long-term investments and financing, and accounting and control are examined within this context.

International Law and Business

This course surveys trends and practices that are part of the process of adjudication across national boundaries. Students study the interrelationships among countries as these affect individuals and business organizations attempting to operate internationally. Course content focuses on transnational business activities.

Cross-Cultural Management

The cultural, attitudinal, and behavioral differences that affect international business are examined. Course content focuses on the cultural differences between nations and how these differences affect social organizations. The management of multinational corporations from the perspective of environment, structure, process, and interfirm and intrafirm relations is considered.

International Marketing

Students are exposed to several aspects of international marketing. This includes the international marketing environment and the international marketing mix—product, pricing, distribution, promotion—as well as emerging issues in international trade such as trading blocs, trade barriers, and standardization/adaptation. Prerequisite: MRKT 5000 or permission of the instructor.

Capstone Course

Integrated Studies in International Business

The student applies the principles learned from prior international business courses to selected case studies and research, with practical solutions to typical international business problems. Prerequisite: completion of all other required courses in this major.

Full-time students should plan on 15 to 18 months of study while part-time students can pace their programs to meet the demands of their personal and professional lives.