Enter OTP
NDSU’s Global Business second major combines international business coursework, language proficiency, and study abroad to prepare students for professional opportunities in global and multicultural business environments. It suits students who want to complement their primary business studies with skills in international management, finance, marketing, global strategy, and cross-cultural communication.
Curriculum Structure
The university does not prescribe a fixed year-by-year sequence for this second major. The following describes a typical progression; actual course timing depends on the student's primary major, language placement, and study abroad plan.
First Year: Students begin with the foundation courses required for entry into a College of Business major, including ENGL 120, COMM 110, MATH 144, ECON 201 or 202, and PSYC 111 or SOC 110. These courses develop communication, quantitative reasoning, economic understanding, and social science foundations.
Second Year: Students build core business knowledge through courses such as FIN 320: Principles of Finance, MGMT 320: Foundations of Management, MRKT 320: Foundations of Marketing, and MIS 320: Management Information Systems. Language study also progresses toward the required second-year college-level proficiency.
Third Year: Students explore international business through BUSN 340: International Business and select globally focused electives such as MGMT 440: International Management, FIN 440: International Finance, or MRKT 440: International Marketing. Students also complete the required study abroad component through an approved global learning option.
Fourth Year: Students bring their business knowledge together through BUSN 430: Legal and Social Environment of Business and BUSN 489: Strategic Management, while completing remaining international electives and second-major requirements. Depending on their plan, students may also complete a global practicum or approved study abroad experience.
Focus Areas
International business, global management, international finance, international marketing, global retailing, international entrepreneurship, strategic management, cross-cultural communication, language proficiency, study abroad, global business environments.
Learning Outcomes
Understand global business environments and international market conditions; apply business knowledge across cultural and regulatory contexts; communicate effectively across cultures; develop intercultural awareness; evaluate international business issues; connect finance, management, marketing, and strategy to global business decisions.
Professional Alignment (Accreditation)
NDSU's College of Business holds AACSB accreditation. The Global Business second major adds international business preparation to a student's primary business major; it is not a separate professional licensure program.
Reputation (Employability Rankings)
NDSU reports that 95% of recent graduates are employed or continuing their education. Its Global Business program page also identifies a 2026 national median salary of $95,000 for selected high-demand occupations in the field requiring five years of experience or less; this is occupation-level labor-market data, not a guaranteed graduate salary.
Students connect classroom business concepts with international environments through a required study abroad experience, language proficiency, and internationally oriented electives. NDSU's program includes opportunities to study global business conditions directly, visit relevant businesses and institutions, and participate in faculty-led international experiences or approved global practicums.
Students can develop practical experience through:
Study Abroad: Complete at least three credits of approved international study, including BUSN 341: Global Business Environment or an approved alternative.
Faculty-Led International Study: BUSN 379: Faculty-Led Study Abroad offers an NDSU-instructed experience or field study in a foreign country.
Global Practicum: BUSN 492 or UNIV 492 provides approved study abroad opportunities; the catalog describes an option involving at least 12 weeks at an international institution.
International Business Visits: BUSN 341 introduces policies, procedures, and institutions shaping global business and includes visits to relevant businesses, institutions, and historical sites.
Language Development: Students complete second-year college-level language proficiency, supporting communication across cultures.
International Electives: Options include Global Retailing, International Management, International Finance, International Marketing, and International Entrepreneurship.
Practicum Experience: NDSU encourages students to connect classroom learning with live business situations through practicum experiences.
Internships: NDSU's Career and Advising Center Internship Program connects students with internship and co-op experiences related to their interests.
Graduates who combine Global Business with a primary business major can pursue opportunities in business, industry, government service, and nonprofit organizations, both regionally and internationally. Their primary business specialization provides the professional foundation, while global business competencies add preparation for international markets, cross-cultural collaboration, and global strategy.
Potential Career Roles:
Business Development Specialist, Marketing Specialist, Business Consultant, Global Strategic Sourcing Manager
Students can strengthen their career readiness through the following opportunities:
Career Services: NDSU's Career and Advising Center provides internship and co-op connections to help students gain professional experience and develop career skills.
Employment Outcomes: NDSU reports that 95% of recent graduates are employed or continuing their education.
Salary Information: The university's 2026 career snapshot reports a national median salary of $95,000 for selected high-demand occupations in this field requiring five years of experience or less.
Industry Exposure: Study abroad, international business visits, and practicum experiences help students connect business concepts with real-world international environments.
Career Pathways: The university identifies future career pathways such as Global Marketing Director, Market Research Manager, and Director of Global Business Development.
Accreditation Value: AACSB accreditation of the College of Business provides recognized quality assurance for business education.
Professional Development: International language proficiency, global coursework, and cross-cultural experience can support career development in multinational companies, consulting, government, and nonprofit organizations.
Further Academic Progression: Students may pursue postgraduate education in Master of Business Administration (MBA), International Business, Global Management, International Finance, Marketing, Business Analytics, or related business disciplines. NDSU also offers graduate pathways such as the MBA, Master of Accountancy, and Master of Science in Business Analytics. Admission depends on the relevant graduate program requirements.
Students must first be admitted to an eligible primary major in the College of Business, complete the required pre-major courses (ENGL 120, COMM 110, MATH 144, ECON 201 or 202, and PSYC 111 or SOC 110), and maintain a minimum cumulative GPA of 2.50.
After admission to the primary business major, students may declare Global Business as their second major. US universities use a holistic admissions review. Beyond grades and standardized test scores, they weigh the strength of your overall profile to understand who you are as a student and a person.
Profile Assessment: Business-related applicants are assessed on academic performance, quantitative preparation, communication, initiative and evidence of engagement with organisations or economic issues. Mathematics is particularly important for Finance, Economics, Business Analytics and other quantitative programs. Entrepreneurship, business competitions, investment or economics clubs, internships, case studies, market research and community projects may strengthen the profile.Advanced Placement(AP) Guidance: AP availability depends on the student's school. Relevant APs can strengthen an application and may earn university credit, but are not compulsory unless the university or programme explicitly requires them.Essays & recommendations: Personal essays and teacher/counselor recommendations give context to your achievements and help demonstrate fit with the program.Business Development SpecialistMarketing SpecialistBusiness ConsultantGlobal Strategic Sourcing ManagerClient Implementation ConsultantInternational Business AnalystInternational Marketing ManagerGlobal Business Development ManagerInternational Trade SpecialistInternational Finance Analyst
Embark on your educational journey with confidence! Our team of admission experts is here to guide you through the process. Book a free session now to receive personalized advice, assistance with applications, and insights into your dream school. Whether you're applying to college, graduate school, or specialized programs, we're here to help you succeed.
North Dakota State University
 (1)1791457239.webp)
