Study International Business at the University of Montana

Prepare to excel in a global business community. The AACSB accredited international business degree at UM gives you the opportunity to focus on the managerial, economic, cultural, political, and social dimensions you need to lead in a global business environment.

Our major in international business is unique in that it requires you to double-major and study a foreign language. You’ll also take specific internationally focused business classes and enroll in courses (geography, history, or political science) that relate to the specific area of the world that interests you. With these credentials, you’ll be in high demand by employers in today’s global, dynamic and demanding business environment.

#1

tied for the best business school in the Big Sky Conference

80%

of students participate in at least one internship

80%

of students are working or in grad school within three months of graduation

What can you do with an international business degree?

As business becomes more global, the need for professionals who think on an international scale grows. According to International Business Times, employment chances increase by more than 20% for individuals with international business acumen and a foreign language ability.

Graduates of this program are sought after by companies big and small for their global mindset, cultural intelligence, and language proficiency — all attributes that today’s companies value highly and rarely find in recent college graduates.

International business jobs

When you earn your degree in international business, you prepare for the world of the future. This program will enable you to travel the world, impact organizations, and pursue diverse career opportunities in global business. Some of today’s high-demand international business jobs include:

  • Marketing manager
  • Management analyst
  • Human resources manager
  • Public relations specialist
  • Training and development manager
  • Operations manager
  • Product manager
  • Economist

International business salary

According to PayScale.com, the average salary with a bachelor’s in international business is $88,500. Salary averages for specific careers include:*

  • HR specialists: $61,920
  • Financial analysts: $81,590
  • Management analysts: $85,260
  • Economists: $105,020
  • Training and development managers: $113,350

*Based on recent data from the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics

Alumni Success Story: Stefanie Strack

“My international business degree program prepared me to build multi-billion-dollar business units at Nike as GM of Nike Training and Skateboarding as well as VP of Nike Express Lane. I went on to become CEO of Rag & Bone in New York City and am currently leading a new company as Founder/CEO of Voice in Sport (VIS) — a global platform for female athletes. When pursuing my degree in international business, I completed an internship with the Montana World Trade Center helping Montana-based small businesses expand internationally. Overall, my education and experience as a University of Montana student were foundational in building my career.”

— Stefanie Strack, International business and marketing graduate with Italian language

Beyond the classroom: Experiential learning in the international business major

Gain practical skills that give you an edge in the job market. Our international business program offers unique opportunities to apply classroom learning in the real world through internships, study abroad, and more.

International business internships

Internships are an opportunity to contribute to organizations, gain experience in your field and build your professional network. We offer a variety of (mostly paid) internship opportunities with local and national businesses that you can participate in as an international business major. Learn more about internships offered through UM’s College of Business.

Study abroad opportunities for international business majors

Spend an entire semester or year overseas, or take a shorter excursion with some of your classmates and a College of Business professor. We offer study abroad programs that take you to locations such as Italy, Australia, New Zealand, and Romania. Learn more about study abroad opportunities at the University of Montana.

Career development in the international business program

In addition to supporting your academic success as a student in college, we are also dedicated to helping you hit the ground running in your career after you graduate. Our business administration programs offer a wide range of support services and opportunities through the Gianchetta Student Success Center (GSSC), which helps business majors with advising, career development, internships, scholarships, and more.

You’ll also benefit from networking opportunities that are built into the program, interactions with visiting business professionals, and most of all, close mentorship by faculty who have extensive international business experience working in both the public and private sectors.

International business scholarships

Looking for additional help paying for your bachelor’s degree in international business? The College of Business awards almost $500,000 each year to business administration students. Learn more about scholarship opportunities in the business administration program.

International business major requirements

The international business degree includes areas of study that are specific to conducting business globally, including foreign language, cultural intelligence, international finance, and global supply chain management. You are required to pair this major with a second business major and a foreign language, both of which you choose based on your interests and career goals.

View all classes for the bachelor’s degree in international business.