4 Years On Campus Bachelors Program
The International Business major at the University of St. Thomas prepares students to understand how businesses operate across countries, cultures, and global markets. Combining business fundamentals with economics, communication, foreign language study, and a required semester abroad, this program is ideal for students interested in international trade, global management, marketing, and building careers that cross borders.
Curriculum Structure
Year 1: Students begin by developing a strong foundation in business, accounting, entrepreneurship, and quantitative reasoning. Courses such as ACCT 100: Principles of Accounting I, BUSN 100: Business for the Common Good, and ENTR 100: Entrepreneurship & Innovation introduce financial decision-making, responsible business practices, and entrepreneurial thinking.
Year 2: The second year builds knowledge across the main functions of an organization, including finance, marketing, management, operations, and business law. Students study courses such as FINC 310: Core Financial Management, MKTG 200: Introduction to Marketing, and OPMT 200: Operations and Supply Chain Management, while preparing for international study opportunities.
Year 3: Students move into specialized international business topics and interdisciplinary study. Courses such as MGMT 391: Elements of Global Business, MGMT 430: Global Strategy and Management, and BLAW 322: Law for International Business help students understand global business strategy, cross-border operations, and the legal environment of international commerce. Students also complete approved study-abroad coursework.
Year 4: In the final year, students deepen their international business knowledge through advanced coursework, business electives, and the completion of their major requirements. International study courses such as IBUS 450: Transnational Business Issues in Management, Marketing, or Business Law and IBUS 460: Transnational Business Issues in Finance or Accounting allow students to connect classroom learning with business practices in another country.
Focus Areas
International business strategy, global management, international marketing, international finance, cross-cultural communication, international business law, economics, foreign language, global operations and supply chains.
Learning Outcomes
Students develop the ability to understand international business environments, evaluate global business challenges, communicate across cultures, apply ethical decision-making, and analyze how economic, cultural, and legal factors influence international organizations.
Professional Alignment (Accreditation)
The Opus College of Business at the University of St. Thomas is accredited by the Association to Advance Collegiate Schools of Business (AACSB), reflecting external quality standards for business education.
Reputation (Employability Rankings)
The university reports that 100% of its undergraduate business majors participate in an applied learning experience, including internships, study abroad, site visits, case studies, or simulations.
At St. Thomas, International Business students connect their studies with real-world business environments through a required semester abroad, service learning, internships, and practical classroom activities. Students gain international exposure while developing professional skills through business cases, simulations, company visits, and opportunities to work with organizations connected to the university.
Students can strengthen their practical experience through:
Required study abroad: Complete at least one semester abroad to experience another culture, language, and business environment.
International business coursework: Take approved courses abroad that may count toward requirements such as IBUS 450, IBUS 460, or IBUS 470.
Business Learning Through Service: BUSN 200 includes 40 hours of community service and reflective seminars, helping students connect business principles with social responsibility.
Internships: The Career Development Center supports students in finding internships aligned with their interests and career goals.
Industry exposure: St. Thomas business students may gain practical exposure through site visits and connections with organizations such as 3M, Target, Medtronic, UnitedHealth, Ecolab, and Thomson Reuters.
International study options: The London Business Semester and Shanghai Business Semester offer international learning opportunities; the Shanghai option includes an internship experience.
Classroom-based application: Guest speakers, case studies, and simulations help students apply business concepts to realistic situations.
Academic support: Faculty guidance and free tutoring are available for core areas such as accounting, finance, and operations.
Graduates of the International Business major can pursue careers in organizations that work across countries, cultures, and international markets. The program's combination of business knowledge, global exposure, and cross-cultural learning can support opportunities in international marketing, business development, project management, consulting, and finance.
Potential career paths include:
International Banking Specialist
International Marketing Manager
Global Events Manager
Intercultural Consultant
Project Manager
Students can further prepare for employment through the following university resources and opportunities:
Career Development Center: Provides career planning, résumé development, interview preparation, internship searches, and access to employer and alumni connections.
Internship network: Students may explore internship opportunities with companies that seek St. Thomas business interns, including 3M, Target, Medtronic, UnitedHealth, Ecolab, and U.S. Bancorp.
Applied learning: The university reports that 100% of undergraduate business majors complete an applied learning experience.
Professional accreditation: AACSB accreditation of the Opus College of Business provides an externally recognized quality framework for its business education.
Global professional exposure: Required study abroad and international business coursework help students build cultural awareness and understand international business practices.
Further Academic Progression:
After completing the bachelor's degree, graduates may pursue postgraduate study in areas such as an MBA, International Business, Global Management, International Marketing, International Finance, or related business fields, depending on their academic interests and admission eligibility.


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