Thinking globally is a treasured skill in today’s competitive, interconnected economy. More U.S. organizations are expanding their operations beyond borders. As a result, the number of MBA programs for international business has exploded. International business degrees allow graduate students to develop their leadership skills specifically for foreign markets. International MBA holders unlock in-demand jobs like import/export agent, translator, customs manager, foreign policy advisor, international marketing director, and management consultant. According to PayScale, this MBA specialty reaps average salaries from $58,723 to $187,500!
To begin the selection process of creating the 15 Best MBA in International Business Programs, we surveyed the 761 business schools accredited by the elite AACSB International for excellent education. We then narrowed down to universities with main campuses in the United States. We consulted the U.S. News and World Report rankings to better judge each business school’s reputation. Selected colleges had to rank within the survey’s Top 100 for Graduate Business Education. We also researched every high-ranking university to determine whether MBA specializations in international business were offered. Programs must offer study abroad opportunities for global experience. Average graduate tuition costs were gathered from the NCES’ College Navigator tool. Additionally, other factors included class size, faculty productivity, financial aid, curriculum, and engaging student projects.
Global gross domestic product (GDP) is expected to rise from $73.99 trillion to $91.37 trillion by 2020. International opportunities for business leaders will also grow into emerging markets like Thailand, Peru, Turkey, and Czech Republic. Corporations are increasingly hiring graduates with international business backgrounds to spearhead multinational operations. Take your career to liftoff by pursuing one of these 15 Best MBA in International Business Degree Programs:
1. University of South Carolina
Classified for “very high research activity,” the University of South Carolina is a public, sea-grant institution located in Columbia, South Carolina, serving over 33,500 students from around the world. The AACSB-accredited Darla Moore School of Business is lauded for America’s #1 International Business Education by the US News and World Report. The two-year International MBA offers specializations in Finance, Global Supply Chain, Marketing, and Strategic Management. IMBA students complete a language immersion experience and corporate internship with companies like Nissan or Adidas.
Tuition: $12,384 (in-state) or $26,532 (out-of-state)
2. University of California – Berkeley
Endowed for $4 billion, the University of California-Berkeley is a flagship public, land-grant research institution in the Bay Area educating more than 38,200 students. The U.S. News and World Report recognizes Berkeley for as the seventh Best Business School Nationally. The Haas School of Business has AACSB accreditation for a Full-Time MBA in Global Management. The 51-unit degree involves traveling abroad in the acclaimed International Business Development Program. MBA students also participate in the Global Social Venture Competition.
Tuition: $11,220 (in-state) or $26,322 (out-of-state)
3. New York University
Located in Manhattan’s Greenwich Village, New York University is a prestigious private, non-sectarian research institution educating over 57,200 scholars. Ranked 30th globally, NYU is recognized for America’s ninth best international business education. The Stern School of Business offers an AACSB-accredited, two-year MBA with 20 specializations, including Global Business. International treks are available with 53 exchange partners from London to Hong Kong. MBA students also gain experiential learning with Stern Consulting Corps (SCC).
Tuition: $38,592
Learn more about New York University’s MBA in International Business Degree Programs here.
4. University of Chicago
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Established in 1890, the University of Chicago is a private, non-denominational research institution enrolling around 15,300 students in the nation’s third most populous city. According to the USNWR, UChicago boasts the #2 Best Graduate Business School. Featuring AACSB approval, the Booth School of Business has a Full-Time MBA with International Business Concentration. This 20-course program includes completing a Leadership Effectiveness and Development (LEAD) workshop. MBAs also spend one term abroad at 33 partner schools.
Tuition: $51,624
Learn more about the University of Chicago’s MBA in International Business Degree Programs here.
5. University of Michigan – Ann Arbor
As a founding AAU member, the University of Michigan-Ann Arbor is a public, sea-grant and space-grant research institution in Washtenaw County serving over 43,000. The U.S. News distinguishes UMich for the country’s 12th Top Business School. The AACSB-accredited Ross School of Business confers a 16-month Global MBA in International Business. Students spend four weeks each in Korea, Japan, and China. The program culminates with the renowned Multidisciplinary Action Projects (MAP).
Tuition: $20,638 (in-state) or $41,688 (out-of-state)
Learn more about the University of Michigan’s MBA in International Business Degree Programs here.
6. University of Washington – Seattle
Enrolling more than 45,200, the University of Washington – Seattle is a flagship public, co-educational research institution rooted in the country’s 11th largest economy. UW is acclaimed for having the United States’ 27th best graduate business school. Holding AACSB accreditation, the Foster School of Business awards a Full-Time MBA with an International Business Focus. Students select from 17 exchange programs from Singapore to Denmark. MBAs also engage with world leaders in the Global Business Forum.
Tuition: $15,207 (in-state) or $27,255 (out-of-state)
7. University of Texas at Dallas
Based in the DFW’s “Telecom Corridor,” the University of Texas at Dallas enlightens over 24,500 students as a public, state-funded RU/VH research institution. The Naveen Jindal School of Management is crowned America’s 37th Best Business School by the US News and World Report. Full-Time MBA students can supplement their 16-month, AACSB-accredited curriculum with the International Management Concentration. Students benefit from the Power of Two Mentoring program and foreign study trips to 16 countries.
Tuition: $11,940 (in-state) or $22,282 (out-of-state)
8. University of Cincinnati
As Ohio’s second largest public, space grant research institution, the University of Cincinnati in Uptown enrolls around 44,250 students. According to the US News and World Report, Cincy has America’s 63rd Best Business School and 30th Best Online Graduate Business Programs. The Lindner College of Business holds AACSB approval for an MBA with International Business Certificate. This 16-month program includes studying abroad in Prague, Chile, China, or Barcelona. MBA students access internship opportunities through the GoingGlobal database.
Tuition: $12,790 (in-state) or $24,532 (out-of-state)
Learn more about the University of Cincinnati’s MBA in International Business Degree Programs here.
9. Tulane University
Founded in 1834, Tulane University is a private, non-sectarian research institution endowed for $1.2 billion to serve 13,400 students in New Orleans, Louisiana. The U.S. News recognizes Tulane for the 68th best graduate business school nationally. Backed by the AACSB, the Freeman School of Business has a 61-credit MBA with an International Business Specialization. The four-semester program includes a Global Leadership Module for traveling to Europe, Latin America, and Asia. Tulane MBAs achieve an average salary of $90,833.
Tuition: $47,658
Learn more about Tulane University’s MBA in International Business Degree Programs here.
10. DePaul University
Rooted in Vincentian values, DePaul University is a private, Roman Catholic institution located in Chicago’s Lincoln Park to educate over 23,500 students. DePaul is honored by the US World and News Report for America’s 79th best business education. The Kellstadt Graduate School of Business confers a Full-Time or Weekend Cohort MBA with 20 concentrations, including International Business. This 36-credit program includes international trips every winter, spring, and summer break. There’s also a dual MBA with the partnering American University of Paris.
Tuition: $17,904
Learn more about DePaul University’s MBA in International Business Degree Programs here.
11. University of Utah
Producing 22 Rhodes Scholars, the University of Utah is a flagship public, space-grant research institution situated in Salt Lake City with around 31,600 learners. The U.S. News ranked Utah’s David Eccles School of Business 79th Nationwide. Within the 62-credit Full-Time MBA program, there’s an International Business focus. MBA students can spend a semester at Waseda University or take short-term international trips. Students also manage the $18-million Sorenson Global Impact Investing Center.
Tuition: $6,230 (in-state) or $21,991 (out-of-state)
Learn more about the University of Utah’s MBA In International Business Degree Programs here.
12. University at Buffalo
Within the SUNY system, the University of Buffalo is a public, sea-grant RU/VH research institution teaching over 29,900 students in western New York. The UB School of Management is America’s 81st Best Business School according to the U.S. News. With AACSB approval, the Full-Time MBA grants an International Management Concentration. The two-year program prepares students with LeaderCore Certification. MBAs are placed in paid corporate internships in countries like Argentina, Malaysia, and England.
Tuition: $10,870 (in-state) or $22,210 (out-of-state)
Learn more about the University at Buffalo’s MBA in International Business Degree Programs here.
13. Pepperdine University
Affiliated with the Churches of Christ, Pepperdine University is a private, non-profit Christian research institution of 7,600 students that’s overlooking the Pacific from Malibu. The U.S. News and World Report named Pepperdine 83rd for Best Business Education. The AACSB-accredited Graziadio School of Business offers Full-Time and Part-Time MBA tracks for Global Business. Within the 52-credit curriculum, students delve into international capital markets. MBA majors will spend one trimester studying abroad at one of 35 partnering business schools.
Tuition: $30,200
Learn more about Pepperdine University’s MBA in International Business Degree Programs here.
14. CUNY Baruch College
Standing in Manhattan’s Gramercy Park, CUNY Baruch College is a public, constituent research institution serving over 16,900 students. The AACSB-accredited Zincklin School of Business is renowned for America’s 66th best part-time MBA. Since 1947, the MBA in International Business has equipped leaders for global markets. This 57-credit program allows for studying abroad in 39 nations from Norway to Egypt. Internships are available through the Weissman Center for International Business.
Tuition: $10,130 (in-state) or $18,720 (out-of-state)
Learn more about CUNY Baruch College’s MBA in International Business Degree Programs here.
15. Seton Hall University
As the country’s oldest private, diocesan Catholic institution, Seton Hall University educates around 10,300 students from South Orange, New Jersey. The U.S. News recognized SHU for the 102nd Best Part-Time MBA Program. Featuring AACSB accreditation, the Stillman School of Business offers a 42-credit MBA in International Business. Students benefit from exchange programs with the Shanghai Institute, University of Macau, and University of Westminster. There’s also a Joint MBA/M.A. in Diplomacy and International Relations.
Tuition: $20,430
Learn more about Seton Hall Uniersity’s MBA in International Business Degrees here.