The Bachelor of Science in Business Administration (BSBA) with a specialization in International Business at Bowling Green State University prepares students to understand and manage business activities across international markets. Combining business fundamentals with global marketing, international economics, cross-cultural management, and international trade, the program suits students interested in multinational companies, global commerce, and building careers in an increasingly interconnected business environment.
Curriculum Structure
Year 1 – Building Business Foundations
Students begin by developing a strong understanding of business operations, communication, economics, and quantitative decision-making. Courses such as Overview of Business Administration, Principles of Microeconomics, and Business Analytics introduce the fundamental concepts needed to understand how businesses operate and compete.
Year 2 – Developing International Business Knowledge
Students expand their understanding of business functions while exploring how economic conditions and cultural differences influence organizations. Business in the Global Arena, International Economics, and International Marketing help students understand global markets, international customer behavior, and business activities across borders.
Year 3 – Exploring Global Management and Trade
Students develop advanced knowledge of international operations, management practices, and global business strategies. Courses such as Global Management, International Trade and Finance, and Supply Management and Global Sourcing Strategies help them evaluate international business opportunities and understand global supply networks.
Year 4 – Strategic Application and Professional Preparation
Students bring together their business knowledge through advanced specialization courses, electives, and the BSBA Integrated Business Experience (BA 4500). Global Strategy and International Marketing strengthen their ability to evaluate international markets, develop business strategies, and address challenges faced by multinational organizations.
Focus Areas
International trade, global marketing, international economics, cross-cultural management, global strategy, international finance, global sourcing, international business communication, global supply chain management, international business operations.
Learning Outcomes
Students develop the ability to evaluate international markets, understand cultural differences, communicate across national borders, analyze global business strategies, understand international trade and finance, manage cross-cultural business relationships, and make informed decisions in multinational business environments.
Professional Alignment (Accreditation)
The Schmidthorst College of Business at BGSU holds accreditation from the Association to Advance Collegiate Schools of Business (AACSB). This internationally recognized business accreditation reflects the college's commitment to academic quality, continuous improvement, and professional business education.
Reputation (Employability and Career Outcomes)
BGSU reports that the majority of International Business graduates have jobs at graduation, with average annual salaries among the highest in the state. The university also reports that 98% of its graduates enter careers, pursue advanced degrees, or start businesses within six months of graduation.
BGSU's International Business specialization provides students with opportunities to connect classroom learning with international business environments through study abroad, global trade internships, professional organizations, and applied business coursework. Students can explore different cultures, develop international perspectives, and gain experience understanding how organizations operate across borders.
Students can develop practical knowledge through the following opportunities:
Study Abroad: Explore international business through BGSU's partner universities in 16 countries, with study opportunities ranging from a few weeks to a full academic year.
International Dual Degree: Students may pursue a second degree through the partnership with École de Management in Strasbourg, France, while completing their BSBA.
Ohio Export Internship Program: Gain exposure to global trade through an export-focused course offered in collaboration with the Ohio Department of Development.
International Business Internships: Eligible students can pursue internships focused on global trade and international commerce.
Global Management and Leadership Society: Participate in teamwork, event organization, leadership activities, and professional development related to international business.
Integrated Business Experience (BA 4500): Apply business knowledge to real-world business challenges through the senior-level capstone.
Business Career Accelerator: Access support for identifying internships related to students' professional interests and career goals.
International Business Coursework: Study global business applications through Business in the Global Arena, Global Management, Global Strategy, and International Trade and Finance.
International Business Faculty: Learn from faculty involved in international business research and professional academic organizations.
Graduates of the BSBA International Business specialization can pursue opportunities in multinational corporations, international trade organizations, global marketing, consulting, and supply chain operations. The program develops business knowledge and cross-cultural understanding that can support careers involving international markets, global business relationships, and international commercial activities.
Potential Career Roles:
International Trade Specialist, International Marketing Manager, Global Supply Chain Professional, Management Analyst
Career Development and Graduate Outcomes
Career Services: BGSU's Career Center supports students with resume preparation, job searches, interview preparation, networking, and career planning.
Internship Opportunities: Students can pursue internships and co-ops from early in their undergraduate studies, including opportunities related to international trade.
Industry Connections: BGSU's business college maintains relationships with employers and alumni who provide professional connections, mentoring, internship opportunities, and employment pathways.
Global Exposure: Study abroad opportunities and international university partnerships help students develop cross-cultural awareness and international business knowledge.
Graduate Outcomes: BGSU reports that the majority of International Business graduates have jobs at graduation.
Employment Statistics: The university reports that 98% of its graduates enter careers, pursue advanced degrees, or start businesses within six months of graduation.
Salary Information: BGSU identifies International Business graduates' average annual salaries as among the highest in the state but does not provide a specific salary figure for this specialization on the program page.
Accreditation Value: AACSB accreditation provides international recognition of the Schmidthorst College of Business's educational standards and commitment to continuous improvement.
Further Academic Progression:
After completing the BSBA in International Business, graduates may pursue a Master of Business Administration (MBA), Master of International Business, Master of Science in International Management, Master of Science in Marketing, or postgraduate studies in international trade, global supply chain management, or related business disciplines, subject to the admission requirements of the chosen university.


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