International Business Concentration

2/1/93 -- AOS Guidelines: Business, Management and Economics

Concentration in International Business

The concentration in international business can build on a foundation of any of a number of different areas in business, management or economics, but must demonstrate an awareness of the extensive, complex, external environment in which internationally-oriented businesses will operate. Also crucial is an awareness of the different cultural, political and legal environments in internaitonal business and the resultant consequences of decisions made by managers operating in that context.

Empire State College offers the opportunity to complete a number of different concentrations in international business. The various options include designing a program that is just a variation of the traditional Bachelor of Science degree in business administration, to which is added a few studies dealing with problems of doing business internationally. Another variation would be similar to a traditional Bachelor of Science degree in economics, in which studies in international trade and currency concerns are included. Other options include a program strongly focused on world geography, a program stressing the preparation for an international marketing or banking career, or one with a very strong basis of foreign language knowledge.

Because international business concentrations offer many diverse career opportunities, the career exploration in the research phase of educational planning is particularly important. Many career opportunities exist in private industry, commerce, government and banking. In some careers, specialized studies are desirable for employment (for example, banking or government work). However, for the majority of private industry careers, specialized studies are not required. Instead, a basic program and then experience in the industry is helpful to career progression. Students should carefully consider their employment experiences and expectations in the design of their degree programs. These experiences can often be complemented or enhanced through individualized learning contracts which allow the student to pursue topics relevant to certain employment situations.

The guidelines that follow provide guidance to a basic program. It should be augmented with additional studies in areas personally relevant. The basic course of study outline for international business provided here is drawn from some long-standing and widely accepted programs at other institutions.

LIBERAL ARTS STUDIES THAT SHOULD BE INCLUDED IN ALL INTERNATIONAL BUSINESS CONCENTRATIONS:

For international business a student is recommended to include studies in world history and U.S. history, political science (world governments and U.S. government), comparative literatures or world literature, art history; world philosophies and religions, foreign language (with sufficient credits to reach at least an intermediate level of competence in a relevant foreign language).

For international business a student is recommended to include studies in economics (macro-micro), business law; accounting/use of financial information, statistics, finance and computer science.