Category Archives: Graduate Programs

10 Tips For Getting Into The Top International Business MBA Programs

Image Source

International business MBA admission is always a grueling process, but it’s even more so at top schools. Beating the odds against thousands of other applicants is a tall order. According to Poets & Quants, the average acceptance rate at America’s 10 best B-schools is only 16 percent. In other words, just 8,309 of the total 57,311 Fall 2017 applications were triumphant. Stanford University was perhaps the most competitive with 19.5 candidates for every one seat! Since international MBAs are growing in demand, the struggle for these spots is even fiercer. After all, Wells Fargo reported that 47 percent of U.S.-based corporations expect growing international profits this year. Global MBA enrollment rose by 24 percent from 2015 to 2018. Therefore, pulling away from a pack of other superior applicants is essential. Letting your achievements, experience, vision, and personality shine is key. Here are our insights into putting your best foot forward and getting into the top international business MBA programs.

 

1. Select Your MBA Short List

Image Source

Financial Times ranked Columbia, Nanyang, Dartmouth, Yale, Cornell, Insead, Duke, Rice, Oxford, and Georgetown among its top 50 global MBAs. It’s not likely that all of these universities suit your education needs or career goals though. Applying to every one would spread yourself too thin and cost tons in fees too. Consequently, you must research to narrow down the best MBA programs for you. Form your own ranking of B-schools that would give you the right knowledge, resources, and network to succeed. Next, be realistic about your admission chances. The College Board teaches to sort the final list into two reach, four match, and two safety schools. Still apply to your “reach” picks even if GPAs or scores fall short because other attributes might outweigh them.

 

2. Adhere to Application Instructions

Image Source

Ignoring the international business MBA program’s application instructions is a certain path to rejection. Take the time to review the college catalog for step-by-step directions. For example, if the website explicitly says to type essay responses, don’t send them handwritten. If all materials must be mailed in one envelope, don’t separate them. Use the specified MBA application portal and double check that check or money orders for the fee work. Pay close attention to application deadlines and file early in the six-month window if possible. Some B-schools, such as Emory University, have several rounds with preferential dates to abide. Prodigy Finance reminds international learners that their process must start earlier to clear the F-1 visa process too.

3. Keep Undergrad Grades Up

Image Source

Graduating with high averages and honors helps international business MBA applicants prove they can handle the intensive curricula. The U.S. News & World Report cited a near-perfect median GPA of 3.6 at its top MBAs. Filling your transcript with mostly As can catch the admission committee’s eye. That’s especially true in MBA prerequisite courses, such as Microeconomics, Statistics, Calculus, and Accounting. If you’re underperforming, senior year might not be too late to turn things around. Some graduate schools only consider The GPA for the last 60 credits. Boost grades by attending every class, actively taking notes, using a planner, reading each textbook chapter, joining study groups, and seeking tutoring. The Princeton Review outlines other great ways to bounce back from Bs and Cs too.

 

4. Spend Weeks on GMAT Prep

Image Source

Your GMAT score could be the magic number for getting into the top international business MBA programs. Started in 1953, the Graduate Management Admission Test is the most widely used B-school entrance exam taken by 261,248 across 114 nations in 2016. Cramming for this 3.5-hour computer test the night before won’t do. Most passers prepare for weeks if not months before taking the $250 exam. Purchasing GMAT prep books or classes can help for all four sections: Verbal, Quantitative, Integrated Reasoning, and Analytical Writing. Studying hard is important because the average GMAT score of 556 isn’t likely high enough for top MBAs. For instance, UPenn’s Wharton School and Northwestern’s Kellogg School accept mean scores of 730 and 732 respectively.

 

5. Take Additional Admission Tests

 

Image Source

International business MBAs generally only require your one best score. If your GMAT results fell flat, you can try again in 16 days or go a different route. An increasing number of top B-schools, including Harvard, Berkeley, and Michigan, accept the GRE now. The Graduate Record Exam is another master’s test developed by the Carnegie Foundation in 1936. Costing $205, this 3.5-hour computer or paper exam taken by 584,677 in 2016 has three sections: Verbal, Quantitative, and Analytical Writing. Scaled scores of 150 to 170 are typically needed at the best graduate schools. Please note that non-U.S. MBA applicants must also pass the Test of English as a Foreign Language. Aim for a TOEFL paper score over 600 or TOEFL Internet score above 100 to prove linguistic ability.

 

6. Present an Organized Résumé

Image Source

Résumés for getting into the top international business MBA programs should be packed with detail but in a reader-friendly manner. Use bullet points and bold text to draw eyes toward your biggest achievements. On Monster, the MBA résumé template outlines contact info, education, certifications, and work history on one page. Start each job description with actionable verbs, such as “Managed” and “Collaborated.” If including a skills section, stick with relevant abilities like foreign language, coding, and statistical analysis not knitting. Quantify your experience with specific dates and revenues raised. The Graduate Management Admission Council says top MBA programs usually want four years of experience. Global Executive MBA options might only consider résumés with 10+ years.

 

7. Write a Memorable Essay

Image Source

While the résumé outlines where you’ve been, the MBA admission essay shows where you’re going. International business programs expect to see unique, well-written essays that depict the whole person. Don’t fall into the trap of copying and pasting essays onto multiple applications. Peterson’s reported that B-schools have four prompts on average that pry into why you’re pursuing an MBA, why you’ve picked this university, what your goals are, and how you conquer obstacles. Most essays must be typed and fit the word count of 500 to 1,500. Sometimes links to video essays under five minutes and 5MB are accepted. Whichever you choose, let a third party review it and offer honest feedback after. Make use of online tools like Grammarly to double check for typo-free accuracy too.

 

8. Choose References Carefully

Image Source

Every part of your international business MBA is designed by you, except for the references. B-schools normally request at least one sealed, confidential letter from a recommender with unbiased opinions. According to The Economist, current or former supervisors, faculty, and colleagues would fit the bill. Picking the right people is critical since bad references could crush your MBA hopes. It’s best to select individuals familiar with and complimentary of your work. Exert some control by giving them your résumé, personal essay, and talking points ahead of time. Meeting with them first could help you win them over. The best referees are often very busy, so give them months before the application deadline. Huffington Post also has some templates for thanking your references after.

 

9. Schedule a Face-to-Face Interview

Image Source

Top international business MBA programs sometimes say interviews are optional. Skipping this step can signal to admission committees that you’re not committed though. Interviews help put a face to a name and bring a résumé to life. They also show B-schools which applicants have Forbes #1 greatest skill: communication. Thus, you should practice genuine answers to the most frequent MBA interview questions. Prepare an opening statement and list of selling points that highlight what makes you unique. Have solid stories planned that showcase your leadership merit. Rehearsing builds confidence, but remember to act naturally. Also check out Glamour for fashion tips to dress for success. Professional attire is even important when forced to do interviews remotely by Skype or FaceTime.

 

10. Get Involved on Campus Early

Image Source

Form smart connections to your target B-school before you apply. Expartus suggests you schedule campus visits in October or November and February or March. These months ensure MBA classes are in-session to engage in actual lectures. Attend any information sessions and ask questions to prove your interest. Research the MBA faculty and get acquainted with some in similar specialties. These professors could put in a good word with admissions. Likewise, reach out to accepted students for invaluable advice. Enrollment recruiters might look favorably on applicants who’ve started participating in campus life, such as Consulting Club or Beta Gamma Sigma. Displaying initiative and the above 10 tips for getting into the top international business MBA programs can boost your chances.

 

Related Links

The Top 25 International Business Degree Programs for Global Careers

10 Best International Business Doctoral Degree Programs

International Business Degree Guide

Image Source

Having an MBA is sufficient for most international business jobs, but forging ahead for a doctoral degree can unlock more doors. Ph.D. programs in international business empower high-achieving graduate students to work in academia or senior-level consulting jobs. Doctoral students in international business study the managerial strategies of today’s connected economy while perfecting research and teaching skills. Doctorates typically take four to six years beyond the bachelor’s level with the dissertation. Finding your scholarly voice in a Ph.D. program can be beneficial because employment of university professors will grow by 13 percent through 2024. If you’re considering advancement, the following are the 10 Best International Business Doctoral Degree Programs attracting global scholars.

Featured Programs:

  • Doctor of Business Administration – Keiser University
  • DBA Strategic Management – Liberty University
  • Dr of Business Admin: Leadership – Liberty University
  • To form our ranking, we first surveyed the 761 top-notch business schools accredited by the Association to Advance Collegiate Schools of Business (AACSB) International. We narrowed the list to U.S. based universities offering a doctoral degree in international business. Next, we ordered the schools using the U.S. News and World Report rankings. All universities had to rank within the top-tier and have national acclaim for business education. Preference was given to schools with federal designation as Centers for International Business Education and Research (CIBER). Other factors considered were class size, research productivity, study abroad opportunities, job placement, selectivity, financial aid, and industry prestige.

    Finishing an international business doctorate can unlock a well-paid academic career. The Bureau of Labor Statistics reports that post-secondary business teachers earn an average annual salary of $92,220. Aspiring Ph.D. candidates may still be worrisome of investing at least four years into graduate study. Luckily, these 10 Best International Business Doctoral Degree Programs all offer fellowships and assistantships to cover the above tuition:

    1. Brandeis University

    brande
    Located on a 235-acre suburban campus in Waltham, Massachusetts, Brandeis University is a private, non-sectarian research institution educating over 5,700 students in the Boston Consortium. Ranked #1 in Financial Times magazine for several years, Brandeis is crowned the 34th Best National University by the U.S. News and World Report. Holding Association to Advance Collegiate Schools of Business (AACSB) accreditation, the Brandeis International Business School awards a Ph.D. in International Economics and Finance. This four-year program includes dissertation research, an overseas internship, and teaching assistantship. PhD candidates also benefit from working in one of Greater Boston’s largest Bloomberg Labs.

    Tuition: $45,900

    Learn more about Brandeis University’s International Business Doctoral Degree Programs here.

    2. George Washington University

    georgewashu
    Chartered by Congress in 1821, George Washington University is a private, politically active research institution serving approximately 21,400 students in Washington DC’s Foggy Bottom neighborhood. Placed 52nd among the World’s Top Colleges Producing Millionaires, George Washington University is deemed America’s 57th Best National University by the U.S. News and World Report. The Association to Advance Collegiate Schools of Business (AACSB) accredited School of Business offers a five-year Ph.D. in International Business. After 45 credits of advanced coursework, doctoral candidates conduct research leading to a dissertation defense. George Washington University students have co-authored articles for notable publications like Global Strategy Journal and Organization Science.

    Tuition: $27,810

    Learn more about George Washington University’s International Business Doctoral Degree Programs here.

    3. University of Miami

    umiami
    Endowed for $887 million, the University of Miami is a private, non-sectarian RU/VH research institution occupying a 239-acre campus in Coral Gables, Florida, to educate 16,800+. According to the U.S. News and World Report, the University of Miami is the 51st Best National University and 68th Top Business School. Approved by the Association to Advance Collegiate Schools of Business (AACSB) International, the School of Business Administration grants a Ph.D. in Business with eight concentrations, including Strategy/International Business. This 60-credit curriculum features ongoing research to produce tomorrow’s influential scholars on global strategy. Miami has sent over 22,000 business students abroad from Vienna to Hong Kong.

    Tuition: $33,300

    Learn more about the University of Miamia’s International Business Doctoral Degree Programs here.

    4. Ohio State University

    ohio
    Classified as a land-grant, “Public Ivy” with very high research activity, Ohio State University holds a $3.6 billion endowment to educate over 64,800 students from Columbus. Ranked third nationally by the Wall Street Journal, Ohio State University is America’s 52nd Best National University according to the U.S. News and World Report. The Fisher College of Business hosts an AACSB-accredited Ph.D. in Business Administration with specialization in International Business. Requiring 80 credits, the four-year program takes place in a federally designated Centers for International Business Education and Research (CIBER). Research assistantships are completed in innovative centers like the Global Supply Chain Forum.

    Tuition: $11,560 (in-state) or $31,032 (out-of-state)

    Learn more about Ohio State University’s International Business Doctoral Degree Programs here.

    5. Rutgers University

    rutgers
    Enrolling over 67,000 students, Rutgers University is New Jersey’s largest public, land-grant research institution operating three locations in New Brunswick, Newark, and Camden. As an elite Association of American Universities member, Rutgers is distinguished by the U.S. News as the 72nd Best National University and 28th Top Public School. Since 1998, the Rutgers Business School has offered a selective, AACSB-accredited Ph.D. in International Business. Partnered with the Division of Global Affairs, the 72-credit doctorate involves studying the globalization of economies. Ph.D. candidates must teach at least one undergraduate RBS course.

    Tuition: $16,272 (in-state) or $27,648 (out-of-state)

    Learn more about Rugers University’s Interntational Business Doctoral Degree Programs here.

    6. Saint Louis University

    stloui
    Approaching its 200th anniversary, Saint Louis University is a private, co-educational Catholic and Jesuit institution educating over 13,000 students in St. Louis and Madrid, Spain. Listed among Templeton Guide’s “Colleges that Encourage Character Development,” SLU is ranked the 96th best national university by the U.S. News. The John Cook School of Business has an intensive AACSB-accredited Ph.D. in International Business & Marketing. Within the research-oriented, 54-credit curriculum, students advance knowledge on global strategy, international marketing, consumer behavior, trade, etc. Unrivaled resources are provided by SLU’s Boeing Institute of International Business.

    Tuition: $18,900

    Learn more about Saint Louis University’s International Business Doctoral Degree Programs here.

    7. University of South Carolina

    usc
    Initiated by Governor John Drayton in 1801, the University of South Carolina is a public, sea-grant RU/VH research institution enlightening over 33,500 students in downtown Columbia. Rated #1 on the Faculty Scholarly Productivity Index, the University of South Carolina is named the 108th Best National University by the U.S. News and World Report. The Darla Moore School of Business has a Ph.D. in Business Administration with International Business or International Finance specializations. Following AACSB guidelines, the 48-credit curriculum involves foreign language study, teacher training, and dissertation research. USC’s average GMAT score is 688.

    Tuition: $12,384 (in-state) or $26,532 (out-of-state)

    Learn more about the University of South Carolina’s International Business Doctoral Degree Programs here.

    8. Temple University

    templeuniv
    Headquartered in Philadelphia, Temple University is a public, state-related research institution educating more than 37,700 students from seven Pennsylvania campuses and international locations from Rome to Singapore. According to the U.S. News and World Report, Temple is America’s 115th Top University and 94th Best College for Veterans. Within the Fox School of Business, graduates could finish the Ph.D. in International Business in four to five years. Ph.D. candidates work alongside cutting-edge researchers who publish the Journal of International Management. The 48-credit program boasts a 100 percent job placement at research universities.

    Tuition: $15,354 (in-state) or $21,042 (out-of-state)

    Learn more about Temple University’s International Business Doctoral Degree Programs here.

    9. University of Texas at Dallas

    utexdal
    Since 1969, the young University of Texas at Dallas has grown into a public, state-funded RU/VH research institution with over 24,500 students studying in Richardson. Declared Kiplinger’s 33rd Best In-State Value, the University of Texas at Dallas is ranked America’s 140th Best National University by the U.S. News and World Report. Holding AACSB accreditation, the Naveen Jindal School of Management offers a Ph.D. in International Management. The 75-credit program has majors in Strategic Management, Organization Theory, or Organizational Behavior. Courses are deliberately small for mentorship with a student-faculty ratio of nearly 1:1.

    Tuition: $11,940 (in-state) or $22,282 (out-of-state)

    Learn more about the University of Texas at Dallas’ International Business Doctoral Degree Programs here.

    10. Florida International University

    flor
    As Miami-Dade County’s first-tier public, co-educational research institution, Florida International University educates more than 54,000 students in 191 academic programs. Named the 149th Top Public School by Forbes, Florida Interntional University ranks 15th Nationally for graduate international business education. The Chapman Graduate School awards an AACSB-accredited Ph.D. in Business Administration with Management and International Business concentration. The four-year, in-residence doctorate has produced faculty at prestigious schools like Purdue, Montana State, and Central Michigan. Admission requires a minimum GMAT score of 600 or 3.0 GPA.

    Tuition: $8,912 (in-state) or $21,393 (out-of-state)

    Learn more about Florida International University’s International Business Doctoral Degree Programs here.

    15 Best MBA in International Business Degree Programs

    mbaThinking 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

    uscibdg
    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)

    Learn more about the University of South Carolina’s MBA in International Business Degree Programs here.

    2. University of California – Berkeley

    berke
    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)

    Learn more about the University of California – Berkeley’s MBA in International Business Degree Programs here.

    3. New York University

    nyu
    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

    uchic564
    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

    umi
    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

    wash
    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)

    Learn more about the University of Washington – Seattle’s MBA in International Business Degree Programs here.

    7. University of Texas at Dallas

    utdallas
    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)

    Learn more about the University of Texas at Dallas’ MBA in International Business Degree Programs here.

    8. University of Cincinnati

    unnicin
    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

    tulane
    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

    depaul
    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

    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

    ubuff
    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

    pepperdine
    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

    baruch
    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

    seton
    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.

    How to Apply for and Get Accepted Into Accredited International Business Degree Programs

    appformGiven the competitive nature of colleges, students interested in entering into a good accredited international business program must take certain steps to ensure the best possible outcome when applying. The following are the most critical steps students must make to get into the program that will best prepare them for a successful career in this dynamic field.

    Steps Before Applying for Colleges

    Students thinking about which colleges to apply for should do plenty of research on the schools, and, in particular, their international business degree programs. Students should investigate how the schools they are interested in are rated for the field, to ensure they will be positioned well to attain a good job once they graduate. Besides the strength of the international business degree program, students should take into account other factors, such as the location of the school, campus activities, its size and its costs. Of the colleges that most interest them, students should also find out the statistics on the percentage of students who return after the freshman year and their graduation rates.

    Students should also understand that the best fit for them may not necessarily be a prestigious college: some of the lesser prestigious schools may offer excellent opportunities to study abroad and learn about how other cultures conduct business. Generally, students should apply to multiple colleges in case they get turned down by the ones they prefer.

    To increase one’s chances of getting accepted to a particular college offering the international business major, students should select classes that will look more appealing to admissions officers. In particular, courses in economics, finance, foreign languages and computers are relevant. The more competitive a college is, the higher the grades will have to be for the student to get accepted. Thus, students aiming for highly competitive schools should work hard to bring their grade point average (GPA) as high as possible while taking the courses the college will find suitable for the major.

    Submitting Academic Records and Extracurricular Achievements

    An important part of the application process involves submitting a copy of academic records. Business schools are interested in a prospective student’s academic history to ensure he or she is a good fit for the school. Before submitting a transcript, one should review it carefully to make sure it does not contain any errors. A high school counselor can help students to navigate through this process to ensure the colleges receive the transcripts.

    An application may also require the student’s score on an SAT or ACT. Colleges will only accept the scores from the testing organizations, which provide instructions on notifying colleges of the results. Colleges are interested in these scores to find if they support the grades or to get a better idea of the strengths and weaknesses of a prospective student.

    Besides academic records and standardized test scores, college applications typically ask about the extracurricular activities of prospective students. This allows them to determine the personality traits and character of prospective students to see if they will complement the student body. In particular, business schools will value traits such as leadership, ethics, commitment and special talents. Students should also list summer jobs or activities they have performed and the things they learned doing them to give the colleges a better glimpse of their character.

    Submitting an Essay

    Admissions officers of colleges often place great emphasis on the essay submitted by a prospective student. The essay gives them a more complete picture of the applicant’s personality and character. A good essay may even override academic records and standardized test scores in importance, as it may reveal the most about a person of all the parts of an application. What colleges typically look for in the essay is candidness. They are not interested in an essay that aims to impress but rather shows the prospective student can be of benefit to the campus environment.

    Submitting a Letter of Reference

    Besides submitting transcripts to colleges, the high school counselor may be needed to provide a letter of reference to colleges. High school students should therefore get to know their counselors, who can emphasize their particular strengths when submitting an application. The letter of reference is a part of the application some schools will pay special attention to in order to find if the prospective student is a good fit for the school.

    Preparing for the Interview

    Some colleges require or allow an interview to get a better grasp of the prospective student and his or her goals. As is the case with the essay, the goal while being interviewed should not be to impress the college but rather to honestly tell the interviewer one’s skillset and goals. Because colleges generally seek a diversified environment that will enliven the campus, they will select prospective students with different traits and abilities to complement one another. The student should be dressed well for the interview, arriving on time and avoid using slang. After the interview, the student should give the interviewer a letter thanking him or her for the opportunity.

    Once the prospective student has received a letter of acceptance from a college, it may be a good idea for him or her to visit its campus to get a feel for it and the attitude of the student body. If this is not practical, a prospective student can email or call the admissions office to answer important questions. If a prospective student has received multiple offers of acceptance from colleges, he or she should compare the financial aid offered by the schools to help make the best decision. Upon choosing a college, the student should send the college an acceptance letter and any other required documents. The student should also send brief letters to the colleges that have been declined thanking them for their consideration.

    By following these guidelines, students will maximize their chances of gaining entry into the international business degree program that best suits them.