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International Business

What is international business?

The international market is thriving as technology expands and global connections are more important than ever. By focusing abroad, students gain a solid foundation in business and economics fundamentals while emphasizing the importance of cultural, linguistic, institutional, and legal differences encountered when business is conducted on a global scale.

International trade takes these relationships further and encompasses all commercial activities promoting the global exchange of goods and services. So, if you dream of working or studying abroad or want to understand the global marketplace better, an international business degree might be for you.

Why study international business at Baker University?

Baker University allows you to develop diverse skills with a well-rounded liberal arts education. This will challenge you to learn business concepts and apply them to the global business marketplace.

In addition, as an international business major, you are required to study a world language and study abroad to gain real-world experience.

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2024-2025 Colleges of Distinction Business badge/seal.

Program Information

Campus
College of Arts & Sciences
Undergraduate
Bachelor of Arts (BA), Bachelor of Science (BS)

Career Opportunities for International Business Majors

Top 10 jobs for international business majors:

  1. Financial analyst
  2. Marketing manager
  3. Public relations specialist
  4. Foreign service officer
  5. Business lawyer
  6. Accountant
  7. Auditor
  8. Stockbroker
  9. Economist
  10. Human resource manager

4+1 Bachelor’s to MBA Dual Degree Program

Students who earn an undergraduate business degree from Baker’s School of Professional and Graduate Studies or College of Arts and Sciences in Baldwin City can earn their bachelor’s degree and MBA in five years. This program is open to current students and graduates.

Baker participants who meet program requirements will not be required to take the 9 hours of MBA foundation courses. 4+1 students will be required to complete the 9 hours of MBA core courses and the 12 hours of concentration courses. To complete the remaining 21 MBA credits within a year, 4+1 students must take one at least one course each term for seven terms.

Requirements

  1. Satisfy the graduation requirements for the undergraduate program.
  2. Earn a Baker cumulative undergraduate GPA of 3.0 or higher.
  3. Earn a GPA of 3.0 or higher in Baker business baccalaureate core courses.
     
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Woman in academic robe smiles at graduating student in cap and gown.

Accreditation Council for Business Schools and Programs

The majors of accounting, business, and international business offered by the Department of Business and Economics in the College of Arts and Sciences at Baker University first achieved full accreditation by the The Accreditation Council for Business Schools and Programs (ACBSP) in 1994. ACBSP issued Baker its latest reaffirmation certificate for these programs in 2016—a hard-earned distinction that corroborates our faculty’s excellence.

 

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ACBSP Global Business Accreditation logo with orange sunburst graphic.

Coursework

  • BS 105 – Introduction to Global Business 3 hrs.
    This course introduces students to the global business environment. The nature and importance of the business functional areas (e.g., accounting, finance, management, marketing, etc.) are also examined. Enrollment is limited to students in Blue Valley’s CAPS concurrent credit program.

    BS 141 – Introduction to Business 3 hrs.
    The course is intended for first-year Business majors, students who are undecided about majoring in Business, and non-majors who wish to obtain a broad overview of the operation of the business enterprise and its role in U.S. and international commerce. The roles of business as supplier of goods and services, employer participant in public affairs, and civic partner will be examined. Basic business functions of accounting, management, marketing, finance, and human resources will be introduced. Career options in business are also presented.

    BS 230 – Quantitative Analysis for Business and Economics I 4 hrs.
    The purpose of this course is to provide students an opportunity to develop and expand upon their quantitative analysis and reasoning skills in the context of problems and challenges often faced by leaders in business, accounting, and economic research Prerequisite: An ACT math score of 22 or higher, or MA 090. (Cross-listed as MA 230.)

    BS 251 – Business Law I 3 hrs.
    This course presents an overview of legal methods and sources, the law of contracts, defamation, negligence, and employment law. Basic legal research techniques are introduced. Prerequisite: BS 141.

    BS 330 – Quantitative Analysis for Business and Economics II 4 hrs.
    The purpose of this course is to provide students an opportunity to further develop and expand upon their quantitative analysis and reasoning skills in the context of problems and challenges often faced by leaders in business, accounting, and economic research. Prerequisite: BS 230 or equivalent course (will require instructor approval). (Cross-listed as MA 330.)

    BS 331 – Business Information Systems 3 hrs.
    The objectives of this course are to understand the nature and impacts of information systems for individuals, organizations, and society; to enhance the student’s problem-solving skills for business and for students to appreciate the role of information technology in problem solving; and to enhance the student’s skills with end-user tools in information technology. Prerequisites: BS 141, junior status.

    BS 353 – Fundamentals of Management 3 hrs.
    This course introduces the process of management by studying the functions performed by managers, including planning, organizing, leading, and evaluating. Prerequisites: BS 141 and EC 242.

    BS 361 – International Management 3 hrs.
    An overview of management in an international context is introduced through examination of case studies, application of relevant theories from management and economics, and consideration of special factors such as culture and politics. Prerequisite: BS 353.

    BS 371 – Principles of Marketing 3 hrs.
    This course is an introduction to marketing as a social process. Using product, price, distribution, and promotion as the base, marketing is explored as human activity directed at satisfying needs and wants through exchange processes. Prerequisites: BS 141 and EC 242.

    BS 381 – Corporate Finance 3 hrs.
    This course is an introduction to corporate finance. Most of the class covers the theory and practice of asset valuation and pricing, with applications to the long-term investment decision. The implications of capital structure decisions will be evaluated. Prerequisites: AC 141 and EC 242.

    BS 390 – Business Internship 3-6 hrs.
    This course involves completing an internship of at least 120 clock hours over at least eight weeks in a professional work setting where the student has the opportunity to observe and participate in an organization’s business processes. The student’s work experience will be under the supervision of a faculty sponsor and will be designed to provide practical experience in marketing, management, or other functional business area. Credit earned in this course will count toward the maximum of 12 hours of internship credit a student may earn during their undergraduate experience at Baker. Prerequisite: Varies based on the student’s major and/or concentration; permission of the instructor. R; P/NC

    BS 456 – Business Policy 3 hrs.
    This course is the capstone class for Business, Accounting, and International Business majors. Through the use of case studies and team projects students practice applying principles of finance, accounting, management, economics, and marketing to business problems and opportunities using a strategic analysis framework. Prerequisites: BS 353, 381, and senior status.

    BS 462 – International Marketing 3 hrs.
    Marketing principles are applied in an international setting through the use of case studies and class simulations. Special emphasis is placed on cultural, economic, and political differences. Prerequisite: BS 271.

    BS 463 – International Finance 3 hrs.
    A macroeconomic approach to the study of global markets is taken in this course. Specific topics and concepts examined include balance of payments, exchange rate systems, the World Bank, the IMF, international banking, and the European Union. Prerequisites: EC 242, 243, and BS 381. (Cross-listed as EC 463.)

    EC 242 – Principles of Economics: Micro 3 hrs.
    This course is an introduction to economic analysis of market economies. Topics include scarcity and choice, price and output determination, market power, and wages and employment. Evaluating the effects of government policies is emphasized. Prerequisite: An ACT math score of 22 or higher or MA 090.

    EC 243 – Principles of Economics: Macro 3 hrs.
    This second course in the Principles sequence studies how total economic output (gross domestic product), price levels, and employment are determined and the impacts of fiscal policy, monetary policy, and international developments. The economic functions of money and financial markets are introduced. Prerequisite: EC 242.

    EC 347 – International Trade 3 hrs.
    This course addresses both the economic theory and government policy of trade. Important concepts and issues include comparative advantage, factor endowments, fairness vs. efficiency, and trade policy instruments, including subsidies and tariffs. Prerequisite: EC 242 and 243.

    EC 463 – International Finance 3 hrs.
    A macroeconomic approach to the study of global markets is taken in this course. Specific topics and concepts examined include balance of payments, exchange rate systems, the World Bank, the IMF, international banking, and the European Union. Prerequisites: EC 242, 243, and BS 381. (Cross-listed as BS 463.)

Scholarships

The Department of Business and Economics gives these awards with financial prizes to be applied to the following year’s tuition:

  • Mildred Hunt Riddle Departmental Recognition Scholarship for Business and Economics
  • KPMG-Cecil Miller Scholarship
  • Carley M. Upp Memorial Scholarship
  • Emma May Poland Scholarship
  • Gessner-Cowherd Scholarship in Business/Finance
  • Mary L. Barton Scholarship
  • Professor Fran Jabara Leadership Awards
    • This award and an accompanying financial prize are presented at spring commencement to two graduating seniors from the Department of Business and Economics who have demonstrated excellence in leadership throughout their academic career.)

Learn more about scholarships at Baker University

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Meet the Faculty

Judy Smrha

Professor of Business & Economics, Chair of Business & Economics Department

Nadia Novotorova

Associate Professor of Marketing

Lowell Jacobsen

Professor Emeritus of Business & Economics

Kevin McCarthy

Professor Emeritus of Business & Economics

Stephanie Brockmann

Assistant Professor, Rhodes Chair of International Business

Contact Us

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Allyson Grant

Communication Specialist, Departments of Business & Economics, Psychology, Allied Health