Bachelor of Science in Business Administration in International Business

4 Years On Campus Bachelors Program

Central Michigan University

Program Overview

The Bachelor of Science in Business Administration in International Business at Central Michigan University prepares students to understand global markets, international trade, foreign investment, and the cultural factors that shape business decisions. Through business studies, foreign language learning, study abroad opportunities, and international collaboration, students develop the cross-cultural communication and business skills needed to pursue careers with multinational organizations or work in diverse business environments.

Curriculum Structure

The university's program page identifies the degree and major but does not provide a complete year-by-year course sequence. To avoid assigning courses to the wrong academic year, the following is a learning-stage overview rather than an official study plan.

First Year – Business Foundations

Students begin developing essential business knowledge, quantitative reasoning, communication, and an understanding of the global business environment. The broader B.S.B.A. pathway includes foundational subjects such as Principles of Microeconomics, Principles of Macroeconomics, and Introduction to Financial Accounting.

Second Year – Business and Cultural Understanding

Students build their understanding of business functions and the cultural differences that influence international organizations. Foreign language training and cross-cultural learning help students develop communication skills for working with people from different backgrounds.

Third Year – International Business Application

Students deepen their understanding of international markets, trade, foreign investment, and global business strategy. Collaborative Online International Learning (COIL) experiences may allow students to work with international peers on business cases, sustainability research, and marketing strategies.

Fourth Year – Global Experience and Career Preparation

Students can strengthen their international perspective through study abroad opportunities, cross-cultural exchanges, and internship experiences with international companies. These experiences help students connect business knowledge with the practical demands of global organizations.

Focus Areas

International markets, global trade, foreign investment, cross-cultural communication, foreign language learning, international business strategy, global business environments, international collaboration, cultural competence, and multinational business operations.

Learning Outcomes

Students develop cultural competence, global business awareness, cross-cultural communication, the ability to collaborate in multicultural teams, and an understanding of international markets, trade, and foreign investment. They also strengthen their ability to apply business knowledge to international business situations and work effectively across cultural boundaries.

Professional Alignment (Accreditation)

Central Michigan University's College of Business Administration holds AACSB accreditation in business and accounting. The college's assurance-of-learning process assesses business knowledge, data analysis, oral and written communication, and problem-solving skills, supporting continuous improvement in business education.

Reputation (Employability and Recognition)

Central Michigan University reports that 90% of College of Business Administration graduates find employment within six months of graduation. The university's International Business page also lists career-related salary estimates for roles such as Policy Analyst, External Auditor, and Public Relations Manager; these are career reference figures rather than guaranteed starting salaries for graduates.

Experiential Learning (Research, Projects, Internships etc.)

At Central Michigan University, International Business students can build practical global business skills through study abroad, foreign language learning, and virtual collaboration with international partner institutions. The program highlights opportunities to work on international business cases, sustainability research, and marketing strategies with students from different countries. Students can also explore internship opportunities with international companies and benefit from dedicated business facilities that support entrepreneurship, technology-based learning, and professional development:

Study Abroad: International study opportunities help students experience different cultures and understand business practices beyond the United States.
Collaborative Online International Learning (COIL): Students can collaborate virtually with peers from Mexico, Germany, Brazil, and the Philippines through international business projects.
International Business Projects: COIL activities include international business cases, sustainability research, and marketing strategies developed through cross-cultural teamwork.
International Internships: The program identifies internship opportunities with international companies, allowing students to connect classroom learning with professional experience.
Isabella Bank Institute for Entrepreneurship: Includes project rooms and the Idea Den, equipped with 3D printers to support innovation and entrepreneurial activities.
SAP Labs: Students can gain hands-on exposure to enterprise systems through the College of Business Administration's SAP labs.
The HUB: Located in Grawn Hall 112, this student engagement and professional development center connects students with mentors, student organizations, internship opportunities, and experiential learning.
Business Residential College: Offers workshops, events, networking with faculty and industry professionals, community service, and experiential learning activities.
Business Study Spaces: Grawn Hall provides dedicated quiet study areas and collaborative spaces for business students.

Progression & Future Opportunities

Graduates of the International Business B.S.B.A. can explore careers involving global business operations, international markets, policy, finance, and organizational management. Their combination of business knowledge and cross-cultural skills can support opportunities in multinational companies, consulting, financial services, government, and other organizations operating across borders.

Potential Career Options: International Business Analyst, International Marketing Manager, Global Business Development Specialist, International Trade Specialist.

Students can strengthen their career preparation through the following university opportunities:

Career Development Center: Offers one-on-one career coaching, skills assessments, résumé and cover-letter assistance, interview preparation, and professional attire through First Impressions.
The HUB: Helps students connect with mentors, alumni, employers, student organizations, leadership opportunities, and internships.
Employment Outcomes: Central Michigan University reports that 90% of College of Business Administration graduates find a job within six months of graduation. This is a college-wide statistic, not a program-specific placement rate.
Salary Information: The university lists the following projected salary figures for selected career paths:
- Education Program Manager: $78,240
- Policy Analyst: $80,060
- External Auditor: $81,680
- Foreign Exchange Trader: $101,910
- Public Relations Manager: $132,870
- Human Resources Director: $140,030

These are university-published career estimates, not guaranteed graduate salaries.

International Collaboration: Partnerships involving institutions in Mexico, Germany, Brazil, and the Philippines support international classroom projects and cross-cultural learning.
Professional Accreditation: AACSB accreditation of the College of Business Administration supports the recognition of the business education and its ongoing quality assurance.
Central Career Guarantee: Eligible participating students who complete the required phases and graduate in good academic and financial standing are guaranteed a job offer or graduate school acceptance within six months, or $2,000 in financial support. International students who are not eligible to work in the United States are excluded from the guarantee, although they can still access university career resources.

Further Academic Progression: After completing the B.S.B.A. in International Business, students may pursue an accelerated Master of Business Administration (MBA) or Master of Science in Administration (MSA), where eligible. They may also consider postgraduate studies in international business, management, marketing, finance, or related business disciplines, subject to the admission requirements of the chosen program.