International Business Major (BSBA)

The Bachelor of Science in Business Administration (BSBA) in International Business provides students with a general understanding and appreciation of global business and economic environments, various cultures, and diverse values. This interdisciplinary program combines liberal arts studies and professional education. As such, the program has its roots in disciplines dealing with the basics of behavioral studies, with theoretical structures and with empirical analyses. The program provides a foundation for understanding current and future business and economic conditions.

An increasing share of local, regional, and national economic activities are attributed to exports, imports, trade in intellectual property and technology-intensive products, U.S. investment abroad, and foreign investment in the United States. These patterns of business activities require personnel, both at home and abroad, with a solid academic base for dealing with the changing concepts, practices, and integrated international business organizations. In addition, such personnel must have an in-depth understanding of other nations, languages, and cultures. The program includes opportunities for students to obtain part of their education in foreign universities such as in UNLV’s Turin, Italy, program.

The international business major also prepares students for advanced degrees in areas such as business administration, public administration, law, economics, and other social science and liberal arts disciplines. Students pursuing the major in international business may pursue other business majors by completing the respective requirements.

For details about admission requirements, transfer policies, degree and graduation requirements, and college policies, please refer to the Lee Business School section of the Undergraduate Catalog.

Please see the UNLV Lee Business School Marketing and International Business Department’s web page at www.unlv.edu/mib for information about department programs, faculty and facilities. Degree worksheets and 4/5 year plan for the major are available at www.unlv.edu/degree/bsba-international-business.

Learning Outcomes

By the end of the IB program students will be able to:

1. Demonstrate third year language proficiency and cultural knowledge in the student’s chosen foreign language.
2. Demonstrate working knowledge of a chosen functional area of business.
3. Explain the factors that determine international trade patterns and capital flows, and analyze their impact on global business operations.
4. Identify the major components of culture and explain how cultural differences affect the conduct of business.

Career Possibilities

A career in international business is an opportunity to grow your creativity, tenacity, and adventurous spirit. Some of the most popular career paths for individuals with a degree in international business include international relations, nonprofit work, language services, and journalism. Most entry-level positions in a variety of career areas begin within the United States with an opportunity internationally overtime and with experience.

Beyond a degree in international business, organizations are seeking candidates who speak multiple languages, demonstrate intercultural competency, sensitivity, and tolerance; have experience communicating with people from other countries, who have lived in and/or worked abroad, and have a strong understanding of etiquette and business practices in the country that they are doing business.

Below are sample opportunities in some of the most popular industries for individuals seeking careers in international business.

International Business Job Areas

Management Human Resources Labor Relations Banking and Finance Economics International Development	Real Estate Sales Marketing Product Management Healthcare Administration Agricultural Economics
Types of Employers Domestic and foreign corporations Multinational service firms Global small and medium enterprises Domestic and foreign financial institutions International marketing firms International real estate firms	International trade firms Contracting and consulting firms Convention and visitors’ bureaus International airlines Transportation, travel, and hospitality industry

International Relations/Government Job Areas

International Law Diplomacy Foreign Affairs	Public Service Institutional/Community Development
Type of Employers United Nations Relief organizations Religious organizations Non-profit organizations/corporations Educational institutions	Consulting firms Research institutes Foundations National Security Council (NSC)

Nonprofit/Government Job Areas

Human Services Provision Public Health Disaster/Disease Relief	Policy Development Program Administration Program Evaluation Volunteer Coordination
Type of Employers Private voluntary organizations Nonprofit organizations International organizations Humanitarian services Government agencies with an international focus Relief organizations, associations, societies, research institutes	National Security Council United Nations Defense contractors U.S. Peace Corps U.S. Foreign Service USAID Armed Services

Language Services/Education Job Areas

Teaching Curriculum Development Interpreting Translating	Research and Writing International Student Support Services Study Abroad Programming
Type of Employers Public and private schools abroad Community organizations Federal government agencies English language institutes	Overseas dependents’ schools Religious and volunteer organizations Colleges and universities

Journalism Job Areas

Foreign News Correspondence International Broadcasting Reporting Editorial/Column writing	Investigative Journalism Research Photography Freelance Work
Type of Employers Foreign news agencies TV networks Large circulation newspapers Wire services Trade newspapers Online publishers	Labor unions Academic journals International newspapers Magazines Museums Self employed