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International Business

Major in the McCombs School of Business

IB Major Image

Business operates within a global context, even for domestic companies. The global economy is constantly shifting and reorganizing because of trade wars, cybersecurity breaches, pandemics, and climate change.

The International Business Major (IB) at McCombs prepares students for these challenges by combining the intellectual and professional advantages of the McCombs core with customizable business or language skills needed to take that McCombs education global. IB students are able to craft their academic plan to focus on the development of foreign language and culture skills or a variety of business skills and expertise. Regardless of the track, IB students enjoy flexibility in their degree plan allowing them to make their own road, preparing them for positions in global business operations, government, or international agencies in the fields of economic development and international trade.

IB graduates who go directly into industry often start their careers in the domestic operations of an organization. Overseas assignments usually come after a few years with a company, although they may come faster if the student possesses specialized skills (e.g., language) needed by the company in its foreign operations. Alternatively, many opportunities exist domestically to advance to positions of coordinating global activities.

The IB major is also appropriate for students who plan to pursue graduate studies in fields where knowledge of international business is beneficial, such as law, international relations, and public policy.

Declaration Requirements

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Prospective University of Texas at Austin students should visit UT Admissions to learn about the application process and how to declare a major.

How to Declare

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Undergraduates currently enrolled at The University of Texas at Austin who wish to change to a business major need to apply for an internal transfer. McCombs School of Business accepts students for the fall and spring semesters.
Students are encouraged to attend an internal transfer information session and read more about the minimum requirements through the McCombs Internal Transfer website.

Required Courses

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View the School of Business undergraduate degree plans to learn more about the required courses for the finance major. Visit the course offerings page for up-to-date information on finance courses offered through McCombs.

Specializations

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The International Business major offers two specialized tracks. The language skills track focuses on the geographic region of the student’s choosing. The global skills track focuses on additional business or technical skills. All students must complete an international experience, typically involving studying abroad for a summer, semester or the completion of an international internship.

Personality

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Students in the International Business major are generally adventurous, adaptable, and receptive to new experiences. They are creative problem solvers, with a strong sense of direction and comfortable taking charge of their professional journey.

Skills

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  • Internal drive to succeed and persevere
  • Ability to operate and communicate in new or different environments
  • Independent thinking and ability to make decisions without direct guidance
  • Effective interpersonal communication skills
  • Ability to manage differing and competing cultural norms
  • Critical thinking, adaptability and real-time complex problem-solving
MAJOR ≠ CAREER

Your major does not always determine your career path. Many graduates pursue careers outside their field, depending on their interests and experiences.

EXPERIENCE + DEGREE = CAREER

It’s not just your major that matters! Make yourself marketable by gaining a variety of experiences in college. Read a few inspiring stories by professionals whose experiences led to great careers.

Contact a Texas Career Engagement career counselor today to find out how you can turn your major into a career.