Study Abroad
To expand your perspective and round out your degree, students who major in international business must study abroad for at least one semester. We offer dozens of semester study abroad options, and will help you find the right fit.
International Business
Gain a Broader Perspective
Globalization is growing, and so is the need for employees and leaders who know how to collaborate with partners worldwide. The St. Thomas International Business major gives you both a solid foundation of business in the U.S., as well as an understanding of the economic and cultural factors that impact companies abroad. In addition to core business courses, the curriculum for this degree includes communication, economics and language courses.
Gain first-hand experience of another country, its culture, and its business practices during a required semester abroad. Our highly engaged faculty and small class sizes ensure that you receive plenty of individual attention, and your faculty advisor supports and guides your student journey. Ready to make your mark as an international business specialist? Take the first step at St. Thomas.
Program Overview
Course Requirements
As an undergraduate International Business major, you’re required to take core courses, concentration courses related to your major, and allied courses, which take place outside of the Opus College of Business.
Four-Year Plan
Year 1
ACCT 100 Principles of Accounting I
BUSN 100 Business for the Common Good
ENTR 100 Introduction to Entrepreneurship & Innovation
Allied courses in economics, math, and statistics.
Year 2
ACCT 200 Principles of Accounting II
BETH 300 Ethical Principles in Business
BLAW 300 Law for Business Leaders I
BUSN 200 Business Learning Through Service
FINC 310 Core Financial Management
MGMT 200 Working Skillfully in Organizations
MKTG 200 Introduction to Marketing
OPMT 300 Operations and Supply Chain Management
Years 3 & 4
At the end of your sophomore year, you’ll declare a business major. As a junior and senior, you’ll take courses specific to your chosen concentration as well as business electives. Studying abroad for a full semester is a requirement for International Business students. You’ll likely study abroad sometime during year 3 or 4.
In addition to your major courses, you’ll also take courses in the St. Thomas Core Curriculum throughout your four years.
Degree Awarded
Students who complete this coursework receive a BA in Business Administration with a concentration in International Business.
Tutoring
Your professor is always available to help you with your coursework. If you need extra help with your core courses in accounting, finance, or operations, free tutors are also available. Whether you’re stuck on an assignment or want help preparing for an exam, our tutors are always glad to work with you. You can schedule a 30-minute one-on-one appointment, or drop in during open hours.
Internships
St. Thomas maintains a large network of alumni and local business connections, which leads to real-world learning opportunities, internships and—oftentimes—employment after graduation. When you’re ready for an internship, the Career Development Center can help you find a position that supports your professional goals.
Course Requirements
Course Requirements
As an undergraduate International Business major, you’re required to take core courses, concentration courses related to your major, and allied courses, which take place outside of the Opus College of Business.
Four-Year Plan
Four-Year Plan
Year 1
ACCT 100 Principles of Accounting I
BUSN 100 Business for the Common Good
ENTR 100 Introduction to Entrepreneurship & Innovation
Allied courses in economics, math, and statistics.
Year 2
ACCT 200 Principles of Accounting II
BETH 300 Ethical Principles in Business
BLAW 300 Law for Business Leaders I
BUSN 200 Business Learning Through Service
FINC 310 Core Financial Management
MGMT 200 Working Skillfully in Organizations
MKTG 200 Introduction to Marketing
OPMT 300 Operations and Supply Chain Management
Years 3 & 4
At the end of your sophomore year, you’ll declare a business major. As a junior and senior, you’ll take courses specific to your chosen concentration as well as business electives. Studying abroad for a full semester is a requirement for International Business students. You’ll likely study abroad sometime during year 3 or 4.
In addition to your major courses, you’ll also take courses in the St. Thomas Core Curriculum throughout your four years.
Degree Awarded
Degree Awarded
Students who complete this coursework receive a BA in Business Administration with a concentration in International Business.
Tutoring
Tutoring
Your professor is always available to help you with your coursework. If you need extra help with your core courses in accounting, finance, or operations, free tutors are also available. Whether you’re stuck on an assignment or want help preparing for an exam, our tutors are always glad to work with you. You can schedule a 30-minute one-on-one appointment, or drop in during open hours.
Internships
Internships
St. Thomas maintains a large network of alumni and local business connections, which leads to real-world learning opportunities, internships and—oftentimes—employment after graduation. When you’re ready for an internship, the Career Development Center can help you find a position that supports your professional goals.
A NETWORK OF SUPPORT
International Business students have access to an active network of professors, peers, and alums supporting them at St. Thomas.
Sophia Nelson '21
A graduate with Summa Cum Laude honors, Sophia majored in International Business, with a double minor in Legal Studies, and Justice and Peace Studies. Today, Sophia is pursuing her JD at the University of Connecticut School of Law, with hopes of working in International Trade and Compliance. Her interdisciplinary studies and continued connections with St. Thomas faculty landed her a summer internship at Pfizer, Inc. and as a Student Mentor for the Beta Gamma Sigma Business Honor Society.
Career Opportunities
From corporate sourcing for the State Department and Foreign Service, to business development departments in state government and nonprofit organizations, graduates with international training are in high demand. Typical international business jobs include:
- International Banking Specialist
- International Marketing Manager
- Global Events Manager
- Intercultural Consultant
- Project Manager
GHR Fellows Program
GHR Fellows receive:
- Full tuition and fees for four years (and may, pending demonstrated financial need, receive grant funds that cover room and board at St. Thomas)
- A fully funded J-Term study abroad experience
- Professional coaching and mentorship
- Networking opportunities with Fortune 500 business executives and community leaders
Fauth Business Scholarships
The Opus College of Business awards this competitive scholarship to incoming students who intend to major in Business. Each year, up to four $10,000/year scholarships are awarded.
FACULTY AT THE FOREFRONT OF PRACTICE AND THEORY
Mary Maloney, PhD
Mary Maloney loves learning about the world. She has lived outside the U.S., mostly in Asia, for several years as a student, expatriate employee, backpacker and professor. Her research focuses on teams, specifically teams with members from different geographies, cultures, languages and functions.
Peter Young, PhD
Peter Young holds the 3M endowed chair in international business and leads the Global Business Engagement Initiative, which allows him to provide college-wide leadership in international programming, curriculum development and international partnerships.
Dr. Marcella de la Torre
Dr. de la Torre has been awarded for her leadership and passion in advancing medical education, addressing disparities and equity. She focused her research on the experience of foreign-born physicians in the United States.
Learning Through Service: Business 200
We believe that businesses need to be socially responsible in the communities where they operate. All undergraduate business majors and minors are required to complete BUSN 200, a zero-credit, tuition-free course that includes 40 hours of community service and a series of reflective seminars. This service learning helps you grow into a highly principled global business professional, and an effective and ethical leader who’s prepared to make positive contributions in both your profession and community.
St. Thomas Career Services
The experts in the Career Development Center can help you find internships, develop job hunting skills, and put you in touch with business leads—both alumni and St. Thomas connections in the broader Twin Cities business scene. We can help you:
- Clarify your strengths and how they relate to majors and career fields
- Map out a career plan
- Create your résumé and prepare for interviews
- Look for internships and jobs
Take the Next Step
There is more to learn about St. Thomas; including our ranking as a Best Value School by U.S. News & World Report, the many classroom and extracurricular activities that will be part of your student experience and so much more. Schedule a visit to see our beautiful campus or start your application today.