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College of Business
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International Business

Overview

Illinois State University is the only public university in Illinois offering a major in International Business. If you have studied a foreign language in high school, if you want to major in business, if you are interested in the international expansion of business, then this is the right major for you!

International Business is an interdisciplinary program, combining core courses in general business and foreign languages with advanced courses in international business. Students choose a specific concentration from marketing, finance, insurance, management, business information systems, or accountancy. Advanced courses in business look not only at international activities in the different majors, but also at the way cultures affect business and the legal environments of different countries.

Why Study International Business?

Careers in International Business are not necessarily located overseas or even in major cities. Many positions are in U.S.-based offices or divisions of international firms. Employers feel a program that provides a sound foundation in language, geopolitical studies and business subjects prepares a graduate to deal more effectively when a firm oversees contracts and to appreciate and to understand the overall operations of an international company regardless of where the employee is assigned.

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Financial Support

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Foreign Language Requirement

The BSIB program includes the requirement to develop ability in a second language beyond your native tongue. This is important preparation to a career focused on International Business. Given the variety of experiences and backgrounds, there are four routes to meet this requirement:

  1. The traditional route is to pass (with a C) the 116 level of a language if it is offered here (or 115 if that is the highest level offered here).
  2. If an international student and English is their second language, their admission level TOEFL score and successfully completing their degree in English meets the requirement. They will need to add two internationally focused class to complete the number of credits to get the BSIB degree. This courses can be either inside or outside the COB but must be approved by the Director of the Program if it is not already an area studies or elective of the BSIB program.
  3. If they are a heritage speaker of Spanish and confident in their Spanish skills, they can take either SPA 120 or SPA 240. Since both require 116 level to enter, successfully completing either of these courses documents their Spanish ability. If they are a heritage speaker of French, the same situation exists for them to complete FRE 236.
  4. If they are confident they have intermediate skills in another language, they should set an appointment with the IBI Director to set up ACTFL testing for both Speaking and Writing. They must achieve at least an average of Intermediate Mid level with neither result below Intermediate Low. The only restriction is that it must be a language tested by ACTFL (which adds 15 to the 7 offered at ISU). The student pays for the testing (less than $150) and must take one additional International course to replace 3 credits to complete the required number of credits to get the BSIB degree. This course can be either inside or outside the COB but must be approved by the Director of the Program if it is not already an area studies or elective of the BSIB program.