International Business
Major in the McCombs School of Business
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
ShowProspective 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
ShowUndergraduates 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 semester, only.
Students are encouraged to attend an internal transfer information session and check their eligibility to apply through the McCombs Internal Transfer website.
Find out more about the internal transfer process, including the procedures, requirements to apply, historical summary of acceptance, and additional opportunities.
Required Courses
ShowView the School of Business undergraduate degree plans to learn more about the major generally, or visit the Center for Global Business to learn about the required courses for the International Business major.
View the course offerings page for up-to-date information on international business courses offered through McCombs.
Specializations
ShowThe International Business major offers two specialized tracks, one with a focus on the geographic region of the student’s choosing and the other with the opportunity to focus on additional business or technical skills.
All student must complete an international experience, typically involving the study abroad for a semester or the completion of an international internship.
Personality
ShowStudents 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
Show- 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
Department of Business, Government, and Society
Email
BPPCertificate@mccombs.utexas.edu
Telephone
(512) 471-5921
Office Location
CBA