Saint Vincent's comprehensive international business curriculum prepares students for a career in business, especially working for and with global or multinational companies as well as other government and non-government organizations. The program offers hands-on experience in assisting firms with global marketing plans and export needs and ensures that students develop a high degree of proficiency in at least one foreign language. Students will graduate with the requisite business acumen, cultural awareness, and critical thinking skills to ethically address complex problems in international business dealings.
International business students are encouraged to travel during their studies. The Global Experience elective course involves a spring break trip where students explore the business environment and culture of a destination country. Past trips have included the Czech Republic, Peru, Portugal, and Germany. Additionally, students can travel to places like Brazil, England, Ireland, Italy, and China through class and campus ministry trips.
A highlight of the international business program is its emphasis on foreign language proficiency. All students must complete at least two courses in a foreign language at or above the intermediate level. Many students also choose to pursue a minor in a foreign language, enhancing their skills and career readiness. Saint Vincent offers courses in Spanish, French, German, Italian, and Chinese.
One of the standout features of the international business program at SVC is the opportunity to earn multiple certifications. All students are prepared to pass the NASBITE Certified Global Business Professional exam through their coursework. Additionally, depending on their chosen minor, students may graduate with certifications such as Lean Six Sigma Greenbelt, SAP Business One, or various other certificates offered by the McKenna School.
In today's global economy, international business knowledge is crucial. Students majoring in international business prepare for diverse careers, both international and domestic. All majors must complete a minor in a complementary field, training them for roles in areas like foreign exchange, global marketing, export-import operations, and more. Many also join the McKenna School’s SAP Business One program, leading to excellent careers with global companies.
Alumni will go on to successful careers as
Our students have secured jobs and internships at a variety of companies in their field.
“The international business major at SVC challenges students to become more well-rounded thinkers by exposing them to marketing, finance, politics, language, leadership, and more. During my time at SVC, I also had the opportunity to study abroad, allowing me to further expand my horizons. My experience at the McKenna School and the relationships I have built with my professors, advisors, and other staff is unmatched by any of my friends or colleagues who attended other schools.”
Business Development Manager for HR, Gartner
"The international business program at Saint Vincent allowed me the opportunity to study advanced-level foreign languages and allowed me to immerse myself in diverse cultures through programs in Taiwan, Mexico, England, Italy, and Spain—all while completing my coursework and the SAP program at Saint Vincent! These experiences, combined with the skills I gained during 4 different internships during my time at Saint Vincent, have paved the way for me to own and operate both a marketing consulting firm and a luxury jewelry brand, Preciosa Jewelry Co."
Chief Visionary Officer, Preciosa Jewelry Co.; Founder, Grace & Honey Consulting
“My experience at Saint Vincent College, especially the McKenna school, helped shape my personal and professional growth in many meaningful ways. Choosing international business as my starting major exposed me to a wide variety of courses that later helped me find my strengths and weaknesses, as well as with my decision to a second major in business economics. I established great relationships with professors who I know genuinely care for my success during and after graduation. SVC will always be home to me. I would not be where I am without the experience and knowledge I gained from there.”
Implementation Specialist, Stellar One, Inc.
The international business major is part of the Alex G. McKenna School of Business, Economics, and Government and supported by our core curriculum, where students delve into diverse academic subjects at both foundational and advanced levels to explore how different disciplines connect, fostering deeper self-understanding and proficiency in their chosen field of study.
Required Courses: 32-43 Credits
Choose 1 elective of the following:
Students are required to complete a minor in Accounting, Finance, Management, Marketing, Economics, or Operational Excellence. Majors are encouraged, but not required to study abroad for one semester.
Required Courses
International Business: This course uses participant-centered learning and guest lectures from public and private sector experts to prepare students for careers in international trade and the CGBP Exam for NASBITE certification. Students learn exporting fundamentals and related topics such as: globalizing a business, export readiness, U.S. export classifications, foreign market evaluation, international marketing data, market entry strategy, product and pricing strategies, global cultures, legal and compliance issues, logistics, documentation, financial risk, payment methods, and trade finance.
Global Marketing: This upper-level course focuses on how to conduct global marketing, enter, and operate in overseas markets. Key topics include the global economic environment, targeting global markets, international sourcing and production, global marketing strategies, and implementing global marketing mixes. Students engage with current events from the Wall Street Journal and participate in case studies and simulations.
International Finance: This course covers recent developments in international financial markets, the utilization of foreign exchange and derivative security markets, exchange rate determination, international asset portfolio theory, and financial risk management strategies.
The James and Margaret Tseng Loe Center for China Studies fosters cross-cultural understanding between China and the United States through cultural exchange and education, inspired by the integration of American and Chinese values. The Center is dedicated to the memory of Professor James Loe and Mrs. Margaret Tseng Loe.
Our Office of Global and Community Engagement connects students with study abroad programs that enrich their educational journey, align with their career aspirations, and develop skills and experiences to enhance their competitiveness in the global market.
