| Department: | Management, Marketing and MIS / Rankin College of Business |
| Hours Required: | 120 |
| Categories: | Major, Undergraduate |
| Delivery: | On-Campus |
The global economy is increasing the demand for students with interest and expertise in international business. The international business emphasis prepares students by providing them with a strong business background enhanced with increased cultural awareness. Graduates with this degree will be able to work in companies with global operations, large or small. Job opportunities include management analyst, retail trader, and a variety of positions in logistics and supply chain management, as well as marketing and management positions in businesses with international operations.
In addition to core business courses, students will add a foreign language and study abroad or other intercultural experiences to their course of study.
In the first two years of a four-year business degree, students take a broad range of classes. Upper-level classes include advanced business courses that are taken by all business majors and major-specific courses that focus on international business.
- Students can study abroad by taking short trips sponsored by the university or can arrange to spend a semester abroad.
- Planning for a semester abroad should start in the sophomore year.
- Students are assigned to an advisor to help with class scheduling, professional mentoring, and career placement.
Management Careers
The Rankin College of Business has a strong record of job placement for graduates in all fields. International business students will have opportunities to meet alumni working in careers in this area. Alumni employed in global companies such as Walmart and Pepsi can provide insights into global opportunities.
Student Engagement
- Student organizations like Phi Beta Lambda, ENACTUS, Emerging Entrepreneurs, and the Business Student Investment Advisory Council provide opportunities for fun, leadership development, and networking.
- Guest lectures and workshops conducted by business professionals and recognized speakers are hosted by the Rankin College of Business each year.
- Student travel, both within and outside the region and the US, are available. Recent trips included tours of financial institutions in New York and Chicago, advertising agencies in Dallas and Chicago, Arkansas businesses like Walmart, Tyson, ArcBest, Farm Bureau, and J.B. Hunt, and international destinations such as Costa Rica and Greece.
- The Arkansas Small Business Development and Technology Center located on the first floor of the Blanchard Hall offers seminars and other resources that are free to students and houses the Entrepreneurship Center.
Faculty Expertise
The Rankin College of Business is AACSB accredited. All upper-level professors are required to hold doctorates or to have significant professional experience in the areas in which they teach. Several faculty have led study abroad learning experiences with students including trips to Mexico, Costa Rica, and Greece.
Learning Goals
- Graduates from the College of Business can communicate effectively.
- Our graduates are prepared to be socially responsible citizens.
- Our graduates can think critically, solve problems, and make informed decisions.
- Our graduates can use technology effectively in their fields.
- Our graduates have content knowledge in their chosen fields and the necessary skills to be successful.
International Business (BBA) – 120 hours
- University General Education* 35 hours
- Business Core Curriculum 54 hours
- International Curriculum 12 hours
- Additional Foreign Language 3 hours
- Upper-Level Business Electives 12 hours
- Electives 2 hours
- University Requirement, GSTD 1002 2 hours
*3 hours of foreign language required
Note: Business majors may not take FIN 2003 Personal Finance or ECON 2103 Principles of Microeconomics as part of their general education requirements.
Note: This major requires time spent abroad. Options include – semester study abroad, internship abroad, or approved short study abroad trip.
Semester Study Abroad Option*
If spending a semester abroad, student with help from their advisor and approval of the dean, will select 12 credits of international business classes and/or international relation classes offered by the host university during that term and complete required Leave of Absence Form and Request for Transfer of Credit Form as needed. In order for a course to transfer to SAU, student must receive a C or above or the equivalent grade as approved by the Dean of the Rankin College of Business.
*The 12 hours earned as part of the study abroad would be exempt from the residency requirement if part of the last 24 hours completed by the student.
Internship Abroad Option
For an internship abroad, three hours of internship credit and nine hours of additional electives will be required. Electives can be selected from the list below offered at Southern Arkansas University. International students will complete an internship in the United States. All other students will complete an internship abroad with approval from internship coordinator and dean.
Short Term Study Abroad Option
Short-term study abroad must be led by SAU faculty or approved program. Students will receive 3 hours of credit from travel trip (MGMT 4313 International Studies and Field Experience) and then select from electives offered below.
9 hours selected from the following (only one of the three courses can be HIST):
- FIN 4143 International Finance
- MM 4103 International Public Relations (prerequisite waived for International Business majors)
- MM 4123 International Mass Media
- PSCI 3003 International Relations
- PSCI 3193 Political Geography
- PSCI 4083 Global Issues
- HIST 3123 Russia and the Soviet Union
- HIST 3173 Modern South Asia
- HIST 3303 Modern China
- HIST 3313 Modern Japan
Additional courses as approved by Dean of the Rankin College of Business
International Business Double Major
Students may pair this with another major in the Rankin College of Business. They will need to complete the abroad component, international curriculum, and foreign language. They can complete the double major with 135 hours.
