International Business BBA

The International Business BBA at the University of San Diego’s Knauss School of Business prepares students to work across international markets, manage global operations, and understand how culture and economic conditions shape business decisions. It is well suited to students interested in multinational companies, international trade, global consulting, or business development, combining core business education with extended language study, international experience, and practical consulting projects.

Curriculum Structure

The International Business major requires business foundation courses, international business coursework, a fourth-semester level of proficiency in a modern language, and an approved international study experience of at least three units. The following year-by-year outline is a suggested progression, not a fixed course schedule for every student.

Year 1 – Business and Academic Foundations

Students build their foundation in economics, quantitative reasoning, and university core subjects while beginning their language studies. They prepare for upper-division business courses through introductory business and economics coursework, developing the analytical and communication skills needed for business study.

Year 2 – Core Business Knowledge

Students develop an understanding of business operations, finance, management, marketing, and the legal and ethical environment of organizations. Courses include DSCI 300 – Foundations of Business Analytics, FINA 300 – Financial Management, and MKTG 300 – Fundamentals of Marketing.

Year 3 – International Business and Global Markets

Students focus on how companies operate across borders and how international markets differ in economic, legal, and cultural conditions. Courses include BUSN 361 – Introduction to International Business, MGMT 309 – International Comparative Management, and MKTG 305 – Global Marketing; students also continue language study and complete their approved international study experience.

Year 4 – Global Strategy and Professional Application

Students apply their business knowledge to international strategy, supply chains, and global business challenges. Courses may include MGMT 497 – Global and Sustainable Business Strategy, BSCM 300 – Global Purchasing and Supply Management, and MGMT 414 – International Management Consulting, where students can work on real-world consulting projects for a company exploring international markets.

Focus Areas

International business, global marketing, international finance, international economics, international management, global supply chain management, international trade, business law and ethics, cross-cultural management, global strategy, foreign language proficiency, international study, global consulting.

Learning Outcomes

Students develop the ability to analyze international business environments, understand cross-cultural management practices, evaluate global markets, interpret international economic and financial conditions, and apply business principles to international operations. They also strengthen language proficiency, global awareness, strategic thinking, and practical problem-solving through international study and consulting experiences.

Professional Alignment (Accreditation)

The Knauss School of Business is accredited by AACSB International. This accreditation provides external quality assurance for the School’s business education; a separate program-specific accreditation for the International Business major was not identified.

Reputation (Employability Rankings)

• #12 International Business program in the U.S. – College Factual.

• #2 undergraduate study abroad participation – USD, according to Open Doors 2024.

• $59,925 average starting salary – USD graduate outcome figure published on the International Business program page; not identified as specific to International Business graduates.

• 97.6% of USD graduates received their first full-time offer within three months of graduation, as reported on the program page.