Bachelor of Science in Business Administration: Concentration in International Business

4 Years On Campus Bachelors Program

San Francisco State University

Program Overview

The Bachelor of Science in Business Administration with a Concentration in International Business at San Francisco State University prepares students to understand how businesses operate across international markets, cultures, and economic environments. Combining core business knowledge with specialized studies in global strategy, international trade, cross-cultural management, and international business operations, the program suits students interested in careers with multinational companies, international organizations, import-export businesses, and global enterprises.

Curriculum Structure

First Year – Building Business and Economic Foundations

Students begin with Introduction to Microeconomic Analysis, Business Calculus, and Introduction to Information Systems, developing quantitative, economic, and technological foundations for business study. General education courses in English communication, composition, and critical thinking further strengthen their ability to analyze information and communicate effectively.

Second Year – Developing Core Business Knowledge

Students build their understanding of business operations through Introduction to Financial Accounting, Introduction to Managerial Accounting, and Introduction to Macroeconomic Analysis. These subjects introduce financial reporting, internal business decision-making, and the wider economic forces influencing companies and international markets.

Third Year – Exploring International Business and Management

Students study International Business and Multicultural Relations, Introduction to Management and Organizational Behavior, and Principles of Marketing, gaining insight into global business environments, leadership, and customer behavior. They also develop practical knowledge through Business Finance, Operations Management, and Information Systems for Management.

Fourth Year – Global Strategy and Professional Specialization

In the final stage, students study International Environmental Analysis and Global Strategic Management, learning to evaluate international business environments and develop strategies for organizations operating across borders. Upper-division electives such as Import-Export Management and Small Business Operations, Global Human Resource Management, International Business Negotiation, and Global Entrepreneurship allow students to tailor their studies to specific career interests.

Focus Areas

International Business, Global Strategic Management, International Trade, Import-Export Management, International Marketing, Global Human Resource Management, Cross-Cultural Management, International Finance, Global Entrepreneurship, International Business Negotiation, International Environmental Analysis.

Learning Outcomes

Students develop the ability to integrate business knowledge across functional areas, communicate effectively with diverse audiences, analyze complex business challenges, use quantitative methods and technology for decision-making, collaborate in diverse teams, and evaluate business decisions from ethical, sustainable, and global perspectives.

Professional Alignment (Accreditation)

The program is offered through the Lam Family College of Business. The university's business school holds AACSB accreditation, an internationally recognized quality assurance framework for business education. This supports academic standards, curriculum development, and the relevance of business education to professional practice.

Reputation (Employability Rankings)

San Francisco State University's International Business curriculum includes dedicated global strategy, international environmental analysis, international negotiation, and international business internship options. The university's published program information does not provide a specific employment rate or salary figure exclusively for International Business graduates.

Experiential Learning (Research, Projects, Internships etc.)

San Francisco State University's International Business program helps students connect business theory with the realities of international markets, global operations, and cross-cultural management. Through international business internships, global business research, and opportunities to study abroad, students can develop practical experience in international trade, business communication, and global decision-making. The Lam Family College of Business also provides career development resources, professional networking, and employer connections to support students as they prepare for the workplace.

Students can develop practical international business skills through the following opportunities:

International Business Internship (IBUS 567): Students can undertake an internship in an international business setting for 1–3 academic units, subject to university requirements.
Global Business Research: IBUS 620 Research in International Business and the Global Market allows students to explore international business issues and global market conditions.
International Business Society: Students can participate in this organization to develop professional connections and learn about career opportunities in international business.
Study Abroad and Exchange Programs: Students participating in CSU International Programs or SF State Exchange Programs may develop a specialized international business study plan with prior advisor approval.
Import-Export Management: IBUS 430 introduces students to import-export management and small business operations, connecting international trade concepts with business practice.
International Business Negotiation: IBUS/MGMT 659 provides an opportunity to study negotiation in international business environments.
Career Services and Professional Development Center: Students receive access to resume and LinkedIn support, interview preparation, career advising, professional workshops, industry panels, and job and internship announcements.
Handshake: Students can use the university's career platform to explore employment opportunities, internships, employer events, and career fairs.
International Business Career Connections: The university identifies employers where International Business students and alumni have obtained internships or employment, including organizations such as Levi Strauss & Co., Oracle, Google, Starbucks, Apple, and Sephora.

Progression & Future Opportunities

The International Business B.S. prepares graduates for opportunities in global management, international trade, logistics, marketing, human resources, and business development. Students develop transferable skills in cross-cultural communication, global market analysis, strategic planning, and international business operations, allowing them to explore professional opportunities in multinational corporations, logistics companies, international organizations, and government agencies.

Potential career paths include:

International Business Development Associate
Import-Export Coordinator
Global Marketing Specialist
International Logistics Analyst

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

Career Advising: The Lam Family College of Business Career Services and Professional Development Center offers individual guidance on resume writing, LinkedIn profiles, interview preparation, and job-search strategies.
Employment and Internship Opportunities: Students can access Handshake for job and internship listings, employer events, career fairs, and professional opportunities.
Industry Connections: The university identifies companies where its International Business students and alumni have secured internships or employment, including Levi Strauss & Co., Oracle, Google, Starbucks, Apple, and Sephora.
Professional Networking: The International Business Society and professional associations provide opportunities to connect with individuals and organizations involved in international trade, logistics, and global business.
Employment Outcomes: SF State publishes examples of alumni career paths, including Senior Logistics Analyst, Global Marketing and Operations Manager, Operations Program Manager, and Audit Control Analyst.
Salary Information: The university provides career exploration resources and occupational outlook information. A verified program-specific graduate salary or employment rate was not identified in the official sources reviewed.
Accreditation Value: AACSB accreditation provides external quality assurance for the Lam Family College of Business and supports the academic standards of its business programs.

Further Academic Progression: After completing the B.S. in Business Administration with a Concentration in International Business, graduates can pursue a Master of Business Administration (MBA) to develop advanced management and leadership skills. SF State also offers graduate-level International Business study opportunities, allowing students to deepen their understanding of global strategy, international management, and business leadership.