International Business, B.S. (Madrid)
In SLU-Madrid's international business program, you'll explore cultural differences in business practices around the world. Knowledge of other cultures promotes successful transactions, not only in international trade, but also within multicultural teams, which are increasingly prevalent in today's globalized society. You'll learn about exporting, importing, foreign direct investment, foreign licensing and international services.
Major in International Business
As a student of international business at Saint Louis University, you'll learn about implementing international business practices in the modern marketplace and its impact. You will discover how differences in language, social interaction, work attitudes, economics, politics and social structures affect global commerce.
The international business academic curriculum is completely integrated into that of the St. Louis campus. You'll be encouraged to take advantage of the seamless relationship between the degree programs at each campus by completing a semester abroad.
For information about the assessment of student learning in this program, please see the University-wide website.
SLU-Madrid's B.S. degree in international business requires students to complete 120 hours of coursework consisting of:
- 32 to 35 credit hours of liberal arts requirements ();
- 46 credit hours of business core curriculum courses;
- 18 credit hours of international business major courses;
- 9 hours of foreign language (for non-English native speakers, these can be replaced by 9 hours of elective courses);
- 9 to 21 hours of electives;
- Online classes from non-SLU institutions are not valid for transfer credit to satisfy the business core curriculum courses or international business major courses. In-person courses at AACSB-accredited external institutions may be petitioned for approval to satisfy these graduation requirements.
Major Requirements
You'll be required to take six courses (18 credit hours) to complete the major:
International Business Major Courses (6 credit hours)
- IB 3100 Geopolitics of World Business
- IB 4120 International Business Strategies
International Business Electives (12 credit hours)
Choose three of the following:
- IB 3040 Asian Business
- IB 3060 International Business of the European Union
- IB 3140 International e-Business
- IB 3160 Cultural Differences in International Business
- IB 3700 Transitioning to a Sustainable World
- IB 4900 Global Immersion in International Business
- IB 4910 International Business Internship
Choose one of the following:
- ACCT 3160 International Accounting for Global Organizations
- ECON 4300 International Trade
- ECON 4310 Exchange Rates and the Global Economy
- ECON 4450 Economics of International Migration
- ECON 4560 Economic Development
- FIN 4250 International Finance Management
- MKT 4550 International Marketing
Minor Requirements
The minor requires students to complete 18 credit hours of coursework.
Required courses (12 credit hours)
- ECON 1900 Principles of Economics
- IB 2000 Introduction to International Business
- IB 3100 Geopolitics of World Business
- IB 4120 International Business Strategies
Elective courses; two chosen from the following (6 credit hours)
- IB 3040 Asian Business
- IB 3060 International Business of the European Union
- IB 3140 International e-Business
- IB 3160 Cultural Differences in International Business
- IB 3700 Transitioning to a Sustainable World
The international business program is interdisciplinary and prepares students for careers with multinational corporations, financial institutions with foreign operations or government agencies involved in international trade and finance.
Qualified international business students may choose to earn up to three credits toward their degree by doing an internship. These students learn to implement their study skills while gaining valuable professional experience at multinational companies in Madrid.
Graduates find career opportunities with international banks, multinational corporations or other global organizations. Other students choose graduate school to focus their careers in finance, management or marketing.
SLU-Madrid is committed to providing a quality Jesuit education at an affordable price. Tuition rates at the Madrid campus are approximately 40% lower than at comparable private universities in the U.S.
If you have questions or would like to speak with a financial aid officer, email us at financialaid-madrid@slu.edu.
To be admitted to the major, you must have at least a 2.00 cumulative average and complete a declaration of major form, available in the Office of the Registrar. Upon acceptance to the program, you will be assigned a departmental advisor.
To be certified for graduation, you are required to:
- Have at least a 2.00 cumulative average, a 2.00 average in the major and a 2.00 average in the minor or related elective hours.
- Complete 30 of your final 36 credits at Saint Louis University (either the Madrid or St. Louis campus).
- Submit the online application for degree before the beginning of the semester in which you intend to graduate.
Learn From Industry Experts
Our international faculty and student body make studying in Madrid an outstanding and enriching experience. Guest lecturers, visits to companies and internships allow students to not only learn how to manage a business, but to see it live. As one of the financial capitals of Europe, Madrid is an ideal location to study international finance and trade.