Academics > Majors and Areas of Study > Business Administration and Accounting > International Business

The Curriculum l Career Opportunities l Special Opportunities I Major Requirements

Thiel's undergraduate degree program in international business prepares students for successful professional careers in corporations, businesses, entrepreneurial ventures and other organizations that compete in the international marketplace.

Upon completion of the international business major requirements, students will be able to:

Describe the American business system in a democratic society and its interrelationship with world business complexities

Identify basic business principles and fundamental skills for success in large or small businesses in a global economy

Make informed and ethical business decisions in real-world business situations

Demonstrate and understanding of cultural differences and similarities in the business environment

Communicate effectively in at least one foreign language

Demonstrate an understanding of accounting, marketing and political systems both domestically and abroad

The international business major is offered through Thiel's Arthur McGonigal Department of Business Administration and Accounting, which also conducts programs in accounting, business administration, business communication and economics.

The Curriculum
The international business major combines the essential business background with a perspective of how to do business on a global basis, sensitivity to foreign cultures and fluency in foreign languages.

Core business courses include accounting, management, economics, marketing, business law, finance, statistics and data analysis and management.

Specialized coursework explores international aspects and applications of fundamental business subjects, such as accounting and marketing, as well as intercultural communications, comparative politics of industrialized and developing societies, global geography and world cultures and religions. Students are also encouraged to select and complete a minor in a foreign language.

Career Opportunities
American business interests operate in 24 time zones around the globe, opening extensive and exciting opportunities for professionals who are practiced in international business knowledge and skills. The demand for such professionals is higher than ever and only expected to increase.

The array of industries and types of companies involved globally is very broad. Large American corporations conduct commerce and trade with virtually every nation in the world. Smaller companies fill specific niches, and entrepreneurial ventures multiply daily. Asiatic nations, such as Japan, Korea, and China, have emerged as economic powers and deal heavily with U.S. businesses.

International business is one profession where a comprehensive, high level of education is crucial. Other countries value advanced education, and a bachelor's degree earned at an American college or university is a critical advantage for conducting business globally.

Special Opportunities
To enable international business majors to gain a feel for how business is conducted on a global scale and how it differs from domestic ventures, candidates complete an internship abroad between the junior and senior years. The internship also allows students to practice and develop their language fluency and to experience other cultures and political systems.

International business majors are eligible for membership in Chi Eta Sigma, Thiel's commerce honorary society, which recognizes juniors and seniors for academic excellence and leadership.

The Haller Enterprise Institute encourages, promotes and supports entrepreneurship among students attending Thiel. the Institute provides scholarships related to entrepreneurial achievement, and annually recognizes a Student Entrepreneur of the Year.