Among the most popular online degrees in recent years has been the MBA — a widely applicable, ROI-conscious degree made more affordable and flexible through online delivery. Universities have also begun to expand their MBA concentration options to give students an added layer of control and customization, whether their interests lie in Project Management, Leadership, or Entrepreneurship.
But in an increasingly connected, global business environment, the International Business MBA is perhaps the most forward-thinking of all. In addition to traditional business core classes, students focus on business theory and practice across territorial, cultural, political, and socioeconomic lines — that is, business as it’s often seen today. As such, International Business curricula often incorporate communication and foreign language components, and many include study abroad opportunities. Each program, of course, is different, but quality online options are relatively hard to find. For your convenience, we’ve compiled our top 10.
Founded in 1883, The University of North Dakota has a total enrollment of 14,900, representing 50 states and 85 countries. US News ranks NDU among the top 100 public universities in the country, and Forbes, Princeton Review, and Washington Monthly have each highlighted the university. Classes are capped at 22, and the 21:1 student-to-faculty ratio supports a vibrant, collaborative learning environment while maintaining individualized instruction. Over 40% of classes consist of fewer than 20 students, and less than 10% have 50 or more. Alumni include 8 governors of North Dakota, a former Deputy National Security Advisor at the White House, CEO Sally Smith, Phil Jackson, Carl Ben Eielson, and Chuck Klosterman.
Bellevue University, founded in 1966, has a total enrollment of about 10,000 students and specializes in flexible, affordable online education for adults and working professionals. All course work is complete according to students’ individual schedules, and a variety of delivery methods – including accelerated cohorts, flex paths, MOOCs, certificates of completion, and course clusters — support a tailored and personalized educational setting. Further, Bellevue’s generous transfer policy may accelerate course work, and through the university’s learning platform, students have 24/7 access to course material, live chat with peers and instructors, collaborate via group discussion boards, and utilize other multimedia. As a Christian university, religious concepts may be integrated into curricula.
Gardner-Webb University, founded in 1905, has a total enrollment of about 4,300, split between undergraduate and graduate students. Ranked among the best national universities by US News, Gardner-Webb’s low student-to-faculty ratio — just 13:1 — supports an intimate, tight-knit learning community that promotes collaborative, personalized education. Nearly 70% of courses consist of fewer than 20 students, and none have 50 or more. The university also has excellent financial aid opportunities: 80% of undergrads receive some form of aid, and the average need met is over 75%. Gardner-Webb’s online education programs have significantly expanded in recent years and include 100% online, hybrid, and blended delivery to accommodate students’ individual schedules and learning styles.
Washington State University, founded in 1890, has a total enrollment of just under 30,000, most of which is undergraduate. Ranked among the top national universities, especially for military veterans, WSU emphasizes a hands-on educational approach and prepares students to become socially conscious global citizens, with a commitment to addressing economic, healthcare, sustainability, social opportunity, and security problems worldwide. (WSU students dedicate 10,000 hours to volunteer work each year.) With a 15:1 student-to-faculty ratio, courses are intimate and collaborative. Over 35% of the classes consist of fewer than 20 students, and only one in five has 50 or more. Washington State also makes an effort to cover costs: 60% of undergrads receive some form of aid, and the average need met is 65%.
Texas A&M International University, founded in 1970, has a total enrollment of 7,200, most of which is undergraduate. Ranked among the top 20 public schools in the region, the school has a 20:1 student-to-faculty ratio, which supports a vibrant, collaborative learning community while also allowing for individualized instruction. A third of classes have less than 20 students, and just 15% have 50 or more. Financial aid opportunities are widely available: 90% of undergrads receive some form of aid, and the average need met is nearly 70%. The school’s growing online presence includes degrees across a wide variety of fields — business, public administration, nursing, and education — and is designed to accommodate schedules of full-time professionals and adult learners.
Founded in 1968, Warner University is a small Christian liberal arts school in Lake Wales, FL, with an enrollment of just under 1,200 from 31 states and 27 foreign countries. US News ranks the school among the top 50 regional colleges in the South, and Warner ranks second in employment rates compared to the other 30 private colleges that make up the Independent Colleges & Universities of Florida. Warner’s 15:1 school-to-faculty ratio supports an intimate, tight-knit learning community, and courses focus on a hands-on, collaborative approach with tailored instruction. Over half of the classes have less than 20 students, and none have more than 49 students. Of its expanding online and adult programs — which includes 500 students — the average student age is 37.
Founded in 1910, Oklahoma Baptist University is a private Christian university about 30 minutes from Oklahoma City, with an enrollment of about 2,100 from 40 states and 35 foreign countries. One of the top-ranked schools in the region, OBU has been ranked in the top 10 for 25 straight years by US News, and Princeton Review ranked it among the best for 12 consecutive years. The university’s 15:1 student-to-faculty allows for a highly intimate, tailored educational experience; nearly 70% of classes consist of fewer than 20 students, and just 3% have 50 or more. Oklahoma Baptist also makes an effort for students in need of financial aid: over 70% of undergrads receive some form of aid, and the average need met stands at an impressive 90%.
Founded in 1971, Amberton is a private Christian university in Garland, Texas, with an additional campus in Frisco. Designed exclusively for adult learners and working professionals, Amberton emphasizes an extremely flexible, affordable education model that accommodates students’ individual schedule demands. All class sizes are limited to create a highly intimate, tight-knit educational community, and the school’s extensive online learning opportunities are even more freedom and academic independence with very little tech requirements. (For those that need help, tech support is available.) All students have access to academic advisors, library services, research assistance, and more. Amberton is accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission.
Founded in 1887, Benedictine University is a private Roman Catholic university outside of Chicago, with a total enrollment of just under 6,000. Both Forbes and U.S. News have ranked Benedictine among the best colleges in the country, including special recognition for business, and The Chronicle of Higher Education reported the university as the second-fastest growing campus in the country among private nonprofit doctoral universities from 2003-2013. The school’s 12:1 student-to-faculty ratio is among the lowest on our list, supporting an intimate, vibrant educational experience with individualized and collaborative learning opportunities. Over 70% of classes have less than 20 students, and less than 1% of have 50 or more. Financial aid is also available; nearly 80% of undergrads received some form of aid.
Fort Hays State University, founded in 1902, is the third-largest public university in Kansas with 14,658 students enrolled during the Fall 2016 semester. The demand for flexible and affordable education continues to increase and the Virtual College has responded. FHSU now offers more than 50, fully online associate’s, bachelor’s, master’s, and doctoral degrees. With a 16:1 student-to-faculty ratio, courses are highly collaborative while also maintaining an individualized approach. Fort Hays State also prides itself on affordability – tuition is among the lowest in the country. FHSU is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission.