With many companies expanding their scope of business across borders, they are seeking talented individuals with business knowledge and leadership skills combined with a global perspective. There has been a significant increase in demand for persons with international business degrees in multiple industries around the world including financial services, science and technology, healthcare, trade, and manufacturing. Persons who complete a graduate degree in International Business can advance their current careers or find new work in international financial management, management analysis, international marketing, and translation, among many others. Below are the most affordable online programs that will lead to a master’s degree in International Business, taking solely cost into consideration — literally the cheapest options out there. Some are MBA programs, some Master of Arts, and others Master of Science. Program tuition does not include fees, so please check directly with the institution for a list of comprehensive costs. Our data was derived directly from the university websites and from U.S. News and World Report.
#1. University of Alabama
The University of Alabama is a public research institution located in Tuscaloosa with over 35,000 students enrolled. Their MA in Management (Global Business Management) is a 30 credit hour program offered fully online. Students pursuing this degree will learn to lead in a culturally diverse environment and understand the impact of globalization on business management. This program is designed for supervisors, administrators, coordinators, managers, and others who seek to broaden their awareness of global issues and have the need for more advanced managerial skills. In addition to coursework specific to global business, students will complete core business classes that include statistical methods, managerial economics, financial management, and leadership and ethics. Candidates need to take the GMAT or GRE for entrance into this degree program. The University of Alabama is ranked #16 best online graduate Business program by U.S. News and World Report.
Accreditation: The University of Alabama is regionally accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools. Their business program is accredited by the Association to Advance Collegiate Schools of Business.
Program Tuition: $10,800
#2. Colorado State University
A public research university located in Fort Collins, Colorado State University enrolls over 32,000 undergraduate and graduate students. They offer an online Master of International Management degree that requires 36 credit hours for completion. This program would be a good fit for persons who are or desire to be managers in multinational corporations, whose companies are planning for global expansion, or for anyone who is involved in international business. Students will learn to effectively manage a multicultural, multinational workforce, use technology to protect company data, analyze global markets, and develop strategies for global business growth. Core coursework for this program includes research and writing, managerial accounting, global business strategy, and technology management. Colorado State University is ranked #37 best online graduate Business program by U.S. News and World Report.
Accreditation: Colorado State University is regionally accredited by the Higher Learning Commission. Their college of business is accredited by the Association to Advance Collegiate Schools of Business.
Program Tuition: $18,000
#3. Gardner-Webb University
Gardner-Webb University is a private Christian school located in Boiling Springs, North Carolina with an enrollment of almost 5,000 students. Their 36 credit online MBA with an emphasis in International Business is designed to help students change the way they think and work. Persons in this program will develop a working knowledge of business and managerial skills needed for leadership. They will be able to demonstrate understanding of key business functions, problem analysis, and decision-making skills, as well as gain experience in the application of business concepts through internships, service opportunities, course projects, and interaction with business leaders. All persons pursuing the MBA will participate in required coursework that includes accounting, economic, finance, organizational behavior, production research and operations management, and business law and ethics. Many areas of emphasis are offered in their MBA program, all of which require six elective concentration credits. Elective choices in the International Business emphasis include an international accounting seminar, international trade law, international finance, international marketing, an international trade seminar, and topics in international business. The GRE/GMAT is required for entrance into the program.
Accreditation: Gardner-Webb University is regionally accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools.
Program Tuition: $18,072
#4. Oklahoma Baptist University
A Christian liberal arts institution located in Shawnee, Oklahoma Baptist University enrolls almost 2,000 students. They offer an MBA in International Business that requires 36 credit hours for completion. No matter where a person is located, Oklahoma Baptist hopes to help students gain a global perspective on business via classes and practicum. Students can complete this program in as little as two years if desired. This degree is a good fit for those seeking to become CEOs, translators, international human resource managers, foreign currency investment advisors, and foreign sale representatives, among a myriad of other career possibilities. Persons pursuing this degree will complete core coursework in management, competitive analysis, financial accountability, finance, marketing, information technology, and ethics. Included in the cost of tuition is an international trip, which is a unique feature of this MBA program. During this trip students will interact with business executives in order to gain a broader understanding of business customs and cultures around the globe. The GMAT is required for entrance into this degree program, though qualified applicants may be eligible for a waiver.
Accreditation: Oklahoma Baptist University is regionally accredited by the Higher Learning Commission.
Program Tuition: $19,800
#5. Point Park University
Point Park University is a liberal arts school located in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania with over 3,000 students. Their MBA with International Business concentration requires 36 credit hours for completion. Persons pursuing this degree will gain understanding of ethics, international finance, and business law. The International Business concentration gives students knowledge of economics, finance, and logistics as they related to a global economy. Core MBA curriculum includes accounting for managers, global and legal environment of business, marketing, corporate finance, organizational behavior, quantitative methods, and managerial economics. Courses each run for 8 weeks. Students can acquire this degree in two to three years if they choose. No GMAT or GRE required for entrance into this program.
Accreditation: William Carey University is regionally accredited by the Middle States Association Commission on Higher Education.
Program Tuition: $20,376
#6. University of Wisconsin – Whitewater
Part of the University of Wisconsin public university system, approximately 12,000 students participate in undergraduate and graduate courses. They offer an MBA with emphasis in International Business that requires 36 credit hours for completion. This program hopes to develop business leaders capable of thinking globally, ethically, and with innovation. Core MBA coursework includes strategic technology and innovation management, persuasion and negotiation, business valuation, project management, marketing strategy, and leadership development, among others. The International Business emphasis requires nine elective credits specific to international management, marketing, and economics. The university requires the GMAT or GRE for admission. The University of Wisconsin – Whitewater is ranked #27 best online MBA program by U.S. News and World Report.
Accreditation: The University of Wisconsin-Whitewater is regionally accredited by the North Central Association of Colleges and Schools. Their business school is accredited by the Association to Advance Collegiate Schools of Business.
Program Tuition: $22,608
#7. Liberty University
Liberty University is a private, nonprofit Christian institution located in Lynchburg, Virginia. Their MBA with a specialization in International Business degree requires 45 credit hours for completion. This MBA program seeks to prepare leaders in the corporate world by educating its students in management, market research, advertising, promotions, and consumer behavior. This 45 credit hour program emphasizes the importance of ethics and marketing practicing while integrating the Christian faith into a professional atmosphere. Core coursework includes strategic marketing, managerial finance, legal issues, and research methods, and students complete three courses specifically geared towards marketing. Students pursuing the International Business specialization are required to take 12 hours of coursework that includes environment of international business, global financial markets, and developing global markets. No GRE or GMAT required for entrance into the program. Liberty University is ranked #110 best online MBA program by U.S. News and World Report.
Accreditation: Liberty University is regionally accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools.
Program Tuition: $24,300
#8. Southern New Hampshire University
Southern New Hampshire University is a private, nonprofit institution with more than 3,000 on-campus students and over 60,000 online students. They offer an online International MBA that mixes theory and applied research to prepare its students for work in the international activities of firms doing business in other countries. This degree program requires 39 credit hours for completion and can be completed in just over a year if desired. Students complete core coursework that includes managerial accounting, financial management, global entrepreneurship, multinational corporate environment and finance, and international negotiations. Persons in this degree program can then choose to take three elective classes or choose a concentration from over 20 options to focus on. Online classes are accessible 24/7 so persons pursuing this degree can move at their own pace. No GRE or GMAT required for admission.
Accreditation: Southern New Hampshire University is regionally accredited by the New England Association of Schools and Colleges.
Program Tuition: $24,453
#9. Lynn University
A private university located in Boca Raton, Florida, Lynn University enrolls almost 2,000 students. Their online MBA with specialization in International Business Management requires 36 credit hours for completion. Students in this program will study trends and areas of growth in worldwide trade and investments, building a strong foundation in global finance and special topics in the international economy. Classes cover a number of disciplines, including international marketing, global management, comparative economic systems, international law, and compliance and ethics. In addition to core MBA curriculum, students are required to take three courses related specifically to international business management. Students must complete the program within four calendar years but may work as quickly or as slowly as they choose within that time frame. No GRE or GMAT required for entrance into this degree program.
Accreditation: Lynn University is regionally accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools.
Program Tuition: $25,560
#10. Indiana Wesleyan University
Indiana Wesleyan University is an evangelical Christian comprehensive university of The Wesleyan Church with almost 3,000 students enrolled. They offer a virtual MBA in International Business that requires 36 credits for completion. Persons in this degree program will learn to integrate and apply functional and practical knowledge in accounting, economics, finance, and operations. IWU uses technologies that are also used in virtual world and gaming applications so that students in this program become trainees in a virtual-reality company designed around a real manufacturing company. Students proceed to the next course only after demonstrating competency in the current course. The International Business track is a 13-course program that includes a capstone project and a comprehensive exam. Courses include history of international trade, management for results and human resources, marketing, financial accountability, international finance, and leadership. This degree can be completed in 25 months if a student is highly motivated. No GRE or GMAT required for entrance.
Accreditation: Indiana Wesleyan University is regionally accredited by the Higher Learning Commission.
Program Tuition: $27,000