International Business program

Discover the world of global business and kickstart your career.

Expand your horizons and gain the skills needed to thrive in a fast-paced, interconnected world with an International Business degree.

As businesses grow worldwide, employers are looking for people who understand global challenges and can navigate cultural differences. As a graduate of UWL's International Business program, you'll be ready to make decisions across cultures, communicate in multiple languages, and lead or collaborate effectively with people from all around the world.

Undergrad major Undergrad minor

A program within the Department of International Business

What is international business?

International business involves doing business across borders. With an International Business degree, you'll gain valuable insights into global markets and social issues, setting you up for success in your career and helping you become a global citizen.

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International business jobs

Graduates pursue business careers in the U.S. and around the world in areas such as human resources, market research, budget analysis, investment and corporate financial planning, programming information technology, promotion and sales, taxation, public accounting, production, and operations. Because international business majors have concentrations in a variety of business areas, entry-level career placement reflects those subject areas. Some career fields or job titles include:

Positions

  • Import/export specialist
  • Translation
  • Logistics
  • Market analyst
  • Business analytics
  • Development manager
  • Trade specialist
  • Human resource manager
  • Foreign service officer
  • Financial analyst
  • Marketing manager
  • Foreign relations specialist
  • Supply chain analyst
  • Advertising executive

What distinguishes UWL's international business program?

International experience

As part of the program, you'll complete an international experience lasting at least three weeks, with the option to participate in internships abroad, giving you real-world, hands-on exposure to global business.

Become bilingual

You'll gain proficiency in a second language, with many students choosing to major or minor in languages like Spanish or French. Plus, we offer courses in Russian and Chinese to expand your global communication skills.

Designed for today’s business needs

UWL’s International Business program was one of the first in Wisconsin to focus on the global nature of 21st-century business. The program is built to meet the evolving needs of international companies while preparing you to thrive as a global citizen.

Faculty with global expertise

Our faculty come from a wide range of business disciplines and bring real-world experience from across the globe. They provide a deep understanding of international business and cultural dynamics, ensuring you develop a well-rounded, global perspective.

Customize your path

In addition to the core international business courses, you can choose a concentration in areas like accountancy, economics, finance, information systems, management or marketing. Alternatively, you can double major in another business area. You'll also explore international topics like comparative management systems, global human resource management, and international financial economics.

Guidance every step of the way

You'll have a dedicated faculty adviser to help you choose courses, select your concentration, prepare for your international experience, and navigate your career journey. Your adviser will support you throughout your degree and beyond.

A modern, historic setting

Our College of Business Administration is located in the newly-renovated Wittich Hall, blending the building’s historic charm with modern spaces for studying and collaboration. With computer labs, sales competition rooms and a finance lab, you’ll have all the tools you need for success.

Connect and grow with your peers

Join student-led organizations to build long-lasting relationships, network with industry professionals, and engage in meaningful learning experiences outside the classroom.

Sample courses

ECO 340 Introduction to International Economics Overview and introduction to international economics and the theory of international trade and the effects of trade and trade policy on the economy. Foreign exchange markets, the balance of payments and basic policy adjustments are also introduced. Prerequisite: ECO 110. Offered Fall, Spring.

FIN 440 Multinational Financial Management The international financial system and the application of basic principles of business finance in an international context. Topics include: the finance function in the multinational firm, foreign exchange markets, cost of capital, and capital expenditure analysis in the multinational firm. International accounting and reporting procedures are reviewed. Prerequisite: FIN 355; junior standing; admission to business. Offered Spring.

MKT 341 International Marketing The course is an in-depth study of marketing activities and processes across national borders. Topics include macro-environmental factors and global market dynamics, marketing strategy and decision-making, international marketing opportunities, and entry-mode decisions. Prerequisite: MKT 309. Offered Fall, Spring.

MGT 360 International Management Through this course, students will be introduced to the opportunities and challenges corporations face when doing business internationally and identify strategies and practices to manage effectively in a global environment. In particular, students will be exposed to, and encouraged to critically think about, international management topics such as the global business environment, ethics and corporate social responsibility, culture, international strategy and entry, organizational behavior across cultures, and international human resource management issues. In the end, students develop an understanding of, and appreciation for, culture and its impact on management and strategies for managing in a complex, global environment. Prerequisite: admission to business or international business minor with a non business major; junior standing. Offered Fall, Spring.

BLAW 405 The Law of International Business Transactions This course examines the legal problems that arise when business activities and organizations cross national boundaries and become multinational in structure, operation, and scope. Specific attention is paid to the legal effects of international business decisions; doing business in market, non-market and developing nations; the movement of goods, people and information across national borders; protection of intellectual property; international dispute resolution; and international contracts. Prerequisite: BLAW 205; admission to business. Offered Fall, Spring.

IB 450 International Business Internship The internship program as conceived and implemented is an unusual program designed to provide an opportunity for students in the College of Business Administration at the University of Wisconsin-La Crosse to participate in an approved program with a cooperating international business, governmental or civic organization for usually 15 weeks of their undergraduate work. For additional information, see internship description under the College of Business Administration heading. Repeatable for credit - maximum six. Prerequisite: ACC 221, ACC 222; BLAW 205; ECO 110, ECO 120, ECO 230; FIN 355; IS 220; MGT 308; MKT 309; admission to business; senior standing. Pass/Fail grading. Offered Fall, Spring, Summer.

IB 499 Independent Study Individual reading or research under the guidance of a staff member. Open to selected advanced students who have excellent records in the international business major. Students register with consent of the student's faculty advisor and the IBAC chairperson. Approval forms are available from the CBA Dean's Office; completion of form required prior to registration. Repeatable for credit - maximum six. Consent of department. Pass/Fail grading. Offered Fall, Winter, Spring, Summer.

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