Program Overview

Introduction to the International Business Major

The International Business Major at McCombs offers a flexible degree plan for students looking to bring a global perspective into their future in business. In addition to the usual McCombs business courses, IB majors cultivate adaptability, creativity, and a unique perspective into the challenges that modern businesses face and how to make the most out of an increasingly dynamic world.

Program Details

• The International Business Major was first offered in 1962 and has remained a small but critical part of the student body at McCombs.
• IB majors make up about 1% of undergraduates at McCombs but are far greater than that in terms of impact.
• The small size means that IB majors get a high level of individualized support, including a dedicated adviser, career coaching, and mentoring by members of CGB’s Board of Advisors.

Tracks

The International Business Major offers two tracks:

• Global Skills Track: Maximum ability to customize coursework, with room to add a minor or second major.
  • 9-12 hours of IB Elective Coursework
  • 6 Upper Division Non-Business Hours
  • 15 “Free Elective” Hours for use in customizing
  • International Experience can be any UT study abroad program, including all May Term programs
• Language Skills Track: Deep focus on single regional focus (usually a single country).
  • 6 Hours of IB Elective Coursework
  • 18-24 hours of foreign language required (must be predominant language in regional focus)
  • 9 hours of area studies coursework specifically related to the geographic focus
  • International Experience must be aligned with regional focus. Only select May Term programs are approved.

Requirements

• Both IB Major Tracks require the following:
  • UT Core Curriculum
  • McCombs Core (including BA 353)
  • International Trade (IB 350)
  • International Business Operations (IB 378)

Career Opportunities

Students graduating with an International Business major go on to a variety of careers, both international and domestic. From consulting and marketing, to education and government service, IB majors are prepared to go wherever their ambition takes them.

Frequently Asked Questions

What kinds of jobs can I get with an IB major?

Alumni who graduated with an IB are employed across industries and professions. Many choose to go into strategic consulting, marketing, management, and finance. Others pursue a career in the legal or hospitality professions. International business majors go wherever international business is taking place – and that’s just about everywhere.

Do I have to study a foreign language as an IB major?

Students completing the Global Skills Track are not required to take a foreign language, although many choose to do so to varying levels of proficiency. However, students completing the Language Skills Track are required to achieve intermediate proficiency and to complete 6 upper division hours of language coursework.

Can I add a minor or second major to my IB major?

The Global Skills Track lends itself very well to a minor – or even a second outside (non-BBA) major – as there are 15 elective hours built into the degree plan. Students in the Language Skills Track may opt to add a few classes to secure a minor in their studied language, or may double-major in cultural studies associated with their regional focus.