BS in International Business Degree

Overview

What Is an International Business Degree?

An international business degree is an academic program that focuses on how companies operate across borders, preparing students to understand global markets, cultural differences and international economic systems. The program integrates core business principles with an emphasis on international trade, cross-cultural management, international law and economic strategies.

Grand Canyon University's Bachelor of Science in International Business is designed to equip students with the knowledge to navigate the complexities of global markets. Students can develop skills in global market research, strategic decision-making, international communication and evaluating geopolitical and economic trends.

Bachelor of Science in International Business

Offered By

Colangelo College of Business

Class Settings

Campus

Online

Tuition Rate

Campus: $8,250 per semester [More Info]

Online: $490 per credit [More Info]

Cost of Attendance

Course Information

Credits: 120

Campus: 15 weeks

Online: 8 weeks

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Transfer Credits

Up to 90 credits, only 84 can be lower division

Credits: Fill out the Lopes Eval to find out what will transfer

Admission Requirements

Admission Requirements (Bachelor's)

16+ years old
High School Graduate
2.8+ Unweighted GPA

OR 2.5+ Unweighted GPA and

ACT: 19
SAT: 1000*

Admission requirements may differ based on degree level, program and modality, or transfer status. Some programs of study may require a higher GPA and/or other qualifying criteria for admission. Please review full admission and program requirements in the University Policy Handbook.
*Math and reading only on a 1600 point scale (test date after 3/1/2016). SAT score of 1380 required for 2400 point scale (test date before 3/1/2016).

Why GCU

Why Choose GCU for Your BS in International Business Degree?

At GCU, you can pursue a BS in International Business that combines business fundamentals with a global perspective and a values-based approach to leadership. Rooted in a Christian worldview, this program encourages you to examine ethical decision-making, integrity and servant leadership as they apply to business practices across cultures and markets.

You will be taught by faculty who bring both academic knowledge and industry insights, helping you understand how organizations operate in an interconnected economy.

Tuition Transparency

GCU is committed to making education more affordable, with scholarship and financial aid options designed to help you manage costs and invest in your future.

Tuition and Financial Aid

Study Business at GCU’s Phoenix Campus

Experience campus life in Phoenix, AZ, while connecting with peers, faculty and resources that support your academic and personal growth in a vibrant community.

Campus Life

Schedule Classes Around Your Life

With flexible online options, you can pursue your degree while balancing work, family and other commitments, making it easier to stay on track toward your goals.

Online Learning

Coursework

What Will I Study in the International Business Degree?

In GCU's BS in International Business you will study key business disciplines alongside global-focused topics. You will explore international markets and supply chains and build skills in communication, analysis and strategic decision-making. This program can prepare you to navigate the complexities of global business environments and identify opportunities to grow in a connected economy.

In this online international business bachelor's degree, you will study topics such as:

Global business environments

Examine international markets, trade concepts, currency considerations and strategies organizations use to enter and operate in global markets.

International finance and economics

Study financial systems, foreign exchange, economic principles and how global financial environments impact business planning and decision-making.

Global supply chain and operations

Learn how goods and services move across global networks, including logistics, sourcing, inventory management and supply chain strategy.

Cross-cultural communication and negotiation

Develop skills to communicate and negotiate effectively across cultures, with an emphasis on understanding how cultural differences influence business interactions.

Legal and ethical global practices

Explore international law, ethical considerations and compliance issues that influence global business operations and decision-making.

Strategic analysis and decision-making

Apply knowledge from across business disciplines in a capstone experience that focuses on strategy, collaboration and solving complex business challenges.

Careers

What Can I Do With an International Business Degree?

This program is designed to provide graduates with the skills necessary for dynamic careers in international trade, logistics, global marketing, risk management and foreign market analysis. These skills can be used within multinational corporations, government agencies and non-governmental organizations.

Some careers in business you can pursue with this degree include:

Business operations specialists

Chief executives

General and operations managers

$80,920

Median annual wage for business and financial occupations in May 2024^{(See disclaimer 1)}

942,500

Openings expected for business and financial occupations, each year, from 2024 to 2034^{(See disclaimer 2)}

FAQ

Frequently Asked Questions

Explore these frequently asked questions as you consider an international business degree from GCU.

Is a Bachelor of Science in International Business worth it?

A Bachelor of Science in International Business can be worth it if you are interested in working in a global marketplace and want to build a strong foundation in business with an international focus. This degree teaches you skills in cross-cultural communication, global strategy and business operations.

As businesses continue to expand internationally, there may be opportunities to apply these skills in areas such as global supply chains, international marketing and business development. Your experience and career goals will help determine how you use this degree and which opportunities you choose to pursue.

Is international business a hard major?

An international business major can be challenging, but it is designed to be manageable with effective management and study habits. You will explore a range of business topics along with global concepts such as international markets, cultural differences and global strategy.

With support from faculty and consistent effort, you can build your understanding step by step and continue progressing throughout the program.

What skills do students develop in the BS in International Business degree?

In this international business program, you can develop skills that support working in complex, fast-moving global environments. These may include adaptability when navigating various markets, research and data interpretation to evaluate global trends, and problem-solving in situations involving multiple regions or stakeholders.

You may also strengthen your cross-cultural communication and collaboration skills while learning how to work effectively with people from diverse backgrounds. These concepts can help you develop global leadership and negotiation skills that support decision-making in international business settings.

The program may also help you assess risk, understand geopolitical influences on business, and make informed decisions in uncertain or changing conditions. These skills can help you approach global business challenges with a broader perspective and greater awareness.

What industries value an international business degree?

An international business degree can be applied across a variety of industries that operate on a global scale. These may include industries such as manufacturing, logistics, finance, technology and retail, where organizations often engage with international markets, suppliers or customers.

You may also find opportunities in industries like consulting, government or nonprofit organizations that focus on global initiatives, trade or economic development. The versatility of this degree allows you to explore roles in different sectors depending on your interests and career goals.

What is the difference between international business and business administration?

The primary difference between international business and business administration is the scope of focus. A bachelor’s in business administration degree typically covers core business functions such as management, marketing and finance within a general or domestic context.

An international business degree includes these foundational areas but places additional emphasis on how business operates across countries and cultures. This may include topics such as global markets, international trade, cross-border operations and the impact of cultural and geopolitical factors on business decisions.

Can an international business degree lead to a graduate program?

Courses

Program Curriculum

Credit Summary

General Education Requirements34-40 credits

Major64 credits

Open Elective Credits16-22 credits

Degree Requirements120 credits

General Education Requirements

General Education coursework prepares Grand Canyon University graduates to think critically, communicate clearly, live responsibly in a diverse world, and thoughtfully integrate their faith and ethical convictions into all dimensions of life. These competencies, essential to an effective and satisfying life, are outlined in the General Education Learner Outcomes. General Education courses embody the breadth of human understanding and creativity contained in the liberal arts and sciences tradition. Students take an array of foundational knowledge courses that promote expanded knowledge, insight, and the outcomes identified in the University's General Education Competencies. The knowledge and skills students acquire through these courses serve as a foundation for successful careers and lifelong journeys of growing understanding and wisdom.

Competency

4 Total Credits

Course Description

Upon completion of the Grand Canyon University's University Foundation experience, students will be able to demonstrate competency in the areas of academic skills and self-leadership. They will be able to articulate the range of resources available to assist them, explore career options related to their area of study, and have knowledge of Grand Canyon's community. Students will be able to demonstrate foundational academic success skills, explore GCU resources (CLA, Library, Career Center, ADA office, etc), articulate strategies of self-leadership and management and recognize opportunities to engage in the GCU community.

Competency

9-12 Total Credits

Competency

4 Total Credits

Competency

11-12 Total Credits

Course Description

Graduates of Grand Canyon University will be able to use various analytic and problem-solving skills to examine, evaluate, and/or challenge ideas and arguments (mathematics, biology, chemistry, physics, geology, astronomy, physical geography, ecology, economics, theology, logic, philosophy, technology, statistics, accounting, etc.). Students are required to take 3 credits of intermediate algebra or higher.

Competency

6-8 Total Credits

Course Description

Graduates of Grand Canyon University will be able to demonstrate awareness and appreciation of and empathy for differences in arts and culture, values, experiences, historical perspectives, and other aspects of life (psychology, sociology, government, Christian studies, Bible, geography, anthropology, economics, political science, child and family studies, law, ethics, cross-cultural studies, history, art, music, dance, theater, applied arts, literature, health, etc.). If the predefined course is a part of the major, students need to take an additional course.

Core Courses

BIT-200

4 Total Credits

ACC-240

4 Total Credits

Course Description

In this course, students examine basic accounting concepts and explore how accounting information assists business leaders in making financial decisions that increase profitability and contribute to competitive advantage. There is specific emphasis on the analysis of financial statements in the business decision-making process, budgeting, and factors businesses must consider when determining appropriate pricing of goods and services. Prerequisite: MAT-134, MAT-144, MAT-154, or higher subsequent math course.

BUS-340

4 Total Credits

Course Description

This writing-intensive course is a comprehensive study of the legal and ethical issues of concern to business, including those areas of the U.S. legal system that are most relevant to business, such as the law of torts, strict liability, intellectual property, and contract law. It explores the role of ethics and values in business decision making and approaches these subjects from the perspective of the stakeholders as opposed to an economic interpretation of the firm and its responsibilities.

MKT-315

4 Total Credits

Course Description

This course introduces models and practices used by contemporary marketers in fast-paced, dynamic, domestic and global markets, including the marketing concept and processes for developing, implementing, and assessing the effectiveness of marketing plans. Building from a foundational understanding of consumer behavior and marketing research, students examine the development and implementation of marketing mix strategies and tactics with an emphasis of how marketing integrates within all aspects of business.

BUS-390

4 Total Credits

Course Description

This course surveys the global business environment with an emphasis on international markets and the global supply chain that impact all organizations and consumers. Students learn about basic international trade and currency issues and strategies to enter global markets successfully. Students focus on communication tools and negotiation tactics to enhance their cultural competence and business acumen.

BUS-352

4 Total Credits

SCM-400

4 Total Credits

ECN-351

4 Total Credits

Course Description

This survey course covers the basic concepts of microeconomics and macroeconomics. The course begins by addressing the fundamental concepts of scarcity, choice, opportunity cost, and comparative advantage. The course builds on these fundamentals to explain the market forces of supply and demand, market efficiency, the economics of the public sector, and the firm's behavior under competitive market conditions. The second half of the course focuses on basic macroeconomic concepts, including measurement of national income, economic growth, and productivity. In addition, this course covers the monetary system and the classical theory of inflation.

MGT-420

4 Total Credits

Course Description

Drawing upon real-world management situations, this course is a study of individual and group behavior in organizations through detailed coverage of the functions of management, individual differences/diversity, leadership, motivation, decision making, organizational design, and organizational change and development. Emphasis is placed on how an understanding of organizational behavior leads to effective management practice.

SCM-450

4 Total Credits

FIN-350

4 Total Credits

BUS-460

4 Total Credits

Course Description

This course provides a strategic framework for the discipline of global competitive intelligence (GCI). Students learn to conduct comprehensive cross-border analysis of markets, competitors, and geopolitical landscapes to provide actionable intelligence for decision-making. The curriculum highlights include navigating complex regional data-gathering challenges to applying modern data analytics and AI tools for data-driven decision-making. The course emphasizes the synthesis of information to assess regional market opportunities, competitor strategies, and cross-border risks. Prerequisites: BIT-200 and BUS-390.

BUS-462

4 Total Credits

Course Description

This course introduces students to the fundamental legal principles and ethical considerations governing international business transactions and operations, viewed within their broader geopolitical context. Topics include international law, global trade and investment, intellectual property protection, contract considerations across borders, and key compliance areas. The course examines common ethical dilemmas faced in global contexts, introduces frameworks for responsible decision-making, and explores how geopolitical dynamics influence the international legal and ethical landscape for businesses. Prerequisite: BUS-340.

ECN-450

4 Total Credits

Course Description

This course provides a study of interrelationships between the international monetary environment and financial planning for corporations with overseas operations. The topics covered include the international monetary system, the foreign exchange market, managing exchange exposure, political risk management, import/export financing, and international performance evaluation. Prerequisites: FIN-350 and either ECN-362 or ECN-351.

BUS-464

4 Total Credits

Course Description

This course examines how cultural factors influence decision-making and negotiation in international business, with an emphasis on the role of effective cross-cultural communication. Students learn how cultural values shape communication, negotiation, and decision-making strategies, and how to navigate these differences. The course provides frameworks for building and applying foundational skills in preparing for and conducting global business interactions. Prerequisite: BUS-390.

BUS-485

4 Total Credits

Course Description

This writing-intensive course is built around a team-based simulation requiring a high level of peer interaction and collaboration and serves as the capstone experience in business and management, introducing students to functional, business, and corporate strategy from the perspective of a strategy analyst. Tools and techniques are applied to the student’s previous knowledge of accounting, finance, management, analytics, marketing, economics, entrepreneurship, and leadership acquired through their individual programs of study. Students integrate strategic analysis to demonstrate mastery of a wide variety of business domains. Prerequisites: MGT-420 or MGT-422HN; FIN-210 or FIN-350; and MKT-245 or MKT-315.

GCU cannot and will not promise job placement, a job, graduate school placement, transfer of GCU program credits to another institution, promotion, salary, or salary increase. Please see the Career Services Policy in the University Policy Handbook.
Please note that this list may contain programs and courses not presently offered, as availability may vary depending on class size, enrollment and other contributing factors. If you are interested in a program or course listed herein please first contact your University Counselor for the most current information regarding availability.
Please refer to the Academic Catalog for more information. Programs or courses subject to change

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Develop Your Global Business Knowledge

Take the next step toward a global business future with GCU’s BS in International Business. This program can help you grow your knowledge and develop your business skills.

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The earnings referenced were reported by the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), Business and Financial Occupations, as of May 2024, retrieved April 2026. Due to COVID-19, data from 2020 to 2023 may be atypical compared to prior years. BLS calculates the median using salaries of workers nationwide with varying levels of education and experience. It does not reflect the earnings of GCU graduates in business and financial occupations, nor does it reflect the earnings of workers in one city or region of the country or a typical entry-level salary. Median income is the statistical midpoint for the range of salaries in a specific occupation. It is very unlikely that a median salary will reflect an entry-level salary. It represents what you would earn if you were paid more money than half the workers in an occupation, and less than half the workers in an occupation. It may give you a basis to estimate what you might earn at some point if you enter this career. Grand Canyon University can make no guarantees on individual graduates’ salaries. Your employability will be determined by numerous factors over which GCU has no control, such as the employer the graduate chooses to apply to, the graduate’s experience level, individual characteristics, skills, etc. against a pool of candidates.
COVID-19 has adversely affected the global economy and data from 2020 to 2023 may be atypical compared to prior years. Accordingly, data shown is effective August 2025, which can be found here: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, Occupational Outlook Handbook, Business and Financial Occupations, retrieved April 2026.

What Is an International Business Degree?

Why Choose GCU for Your BS in International Business Degree?

What Will I Study in the International Business Degree?

What Can I Do With an International Business Degree?

Pursue Your International Business Degree at an Accredited Institution

Frequently Asked Questions

Program Curriculum

General Education Requirements

Core Courses