The international business major prepares you to understand and navigate the complex forces shaping business activity across the world. At Drexel University’s LeBow College of Business, you’ll build a strong foundation in global trade, international finance, economic development and the strategic management of multinational corporations while developing the analytical, problem-solving and communication skills employers value.
U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics
Class of 2025
Business is global, and organizations need professionals who can navigate international markets with confidence. At Drexel LeBow, you’ll learn from faculty with internationally recognized expertise in international trade, finance and global business while gaining practical experience that prepares you for careers around the world.
Our international business major combines perspectives from business, economics, finance, management and marketing to help you understand how organizations compete across countries and cultures.
Drexel LeBow’s BSBA in International Business:
The international business curriculum integrates coursework in international business, economics, finance, management and marketing. Through applied analysis, case studies and research projects, you’ll examine global trade, international finance, economic development and the strategic management of multinational corporations while learning to evaluate international market opportunities, manage risk and make informed decisions across diverse global contexts.
Students can further personalize their academic experience through opportunities such as:
This course provides students with a comprehensive overview of multinational enterprises (MNEs) including the environment in which they operate, the economic and socio-political impacts of their activities on other and home countries, and the strategic approaches MNEs employ to remain competitive in the global marketplace. This course is conducted in a seminar format, featuring team presentations and case-based discussions. As an elective, it provides additional depth for interested students. Students will learn to apply key concepts, analyze real-world situations, and communicate evidence-based recommendations.
This course explores how global trade shapes economies, industries, and societies in an era of digital transformation, supply-chain realignment, and sustainability challenges. Students learn the core theories of international trade and apply them to current issues such as trade wars, carbon border taxes, digital services, and the geopolitics of globalization. Emphasis is placed on using data, policy cases, and simulations to understand trade dynamics, protectionism, and economic integration in the 21st-century global economy. As a required course, it supports progression in the program. Students will learn to apply key concepts, analyze real-world situations, and communicate evidence-based recommendations.
Examines major issues in international finance and open-economy macroeconomics. Develops models of international monetary interdependence and applies them to real-world examples. Covers determinants of exchange rates, interest rates, balance of payments and national income accounting, international macro policy, restructuring the international monetary system, and globalization of financial markets. Additional topics include alternative exchange rate systems and overview of various 21th century global financial arrangements. As an elective, it provides additional depth for interested students. Students will learn to apply key concepts, analyze real-world situations, and communicate evidence-based recommendations.
This course examines, economic, political, legal and social factor formulating the strategy of international business. As an elective, it provides additional depth for interested students. Students will learn to apply key concepts, analyze real-world situations, and communicate evidence-based recommendations.
In this course, students engage in original research under guidance from the instructor including on-going meetings, in person or on-line, for an exchange of ideas and discussion. The course provides a recap of international business and additional topics not covered in previous international business classes. The research project provides students with an opportunity to explore a topic or industry of interest and produce a research paper of high quality that can be used as a writing sample for graduate school or career advancement. As a required course, it supports progression in the program. Students will learn to apply key concepts, analyze real-world situations, and communicate evidence-based recommendations.
Through the Drexel Co-op program, students alternate classroom learning with full-time professional experience through University-approved employers. With plans of study that allow for up to three co-ops, you can gain as much as 18 months of practical experience while building professional networks, developing career clarity and applying classroom knowledge in real-world settings.
Graduate with as much as 18 months of experience in the workplace
LeBow Class of 2024
Our students have done their LeBow co-ops in a variety of organizations, both locally and around the world.
World Trade Center of Greater Philadelphia; International SOS Assistance Inc.; ISG Korea Corporation; FMC Corporation; PriceWaterhouseCoopers Consulting (Vietnam); Pfizer
Co-op is just one way to gain real-world experience at LeBow. Many students also expand their experience through consulting courses, case competitions, research projects, international residencies, industry events, alumni mentorship and other hands-on learning opportunities.
Many of these opportunities are made possible through the Dana and David Dornsife Office for Experiential Learning, where students work on real and simulated projects with industry partners. Partners have included organizations such as Unilever, the Philadelphia 76ers, Boeing, PwC, and nonprofit and governmental agencies.
I felt that if I studied entrepreneurship and learned the fundamentals of business then no one would be able to take my business away from me. If it wasn’t for Drexel I wouldn’t have the confidence in such a high-stress, high reward environment.
Aquiera Halsey ’11
Manager, Oncology Quality Data & Cancer Registry
Thomas Jefferson University Hospital
Read more about AquieraAn international business degree prepares you to work across industries, markets and cultures. Graduates are equipped with the analytical, strategic and cross-cultural skills needed to help organizations succeed in global markets.
International business graduates are well prepared for careers in:
The program also provides a strong foundation for graduate study in business, economics, international relations and public policy, as well as globally focused careers in public service and international development.
Learn more about international business career opportunities
The international business major is a good fit for students who are curious about global markets, enjoy learning about different cultures and want to understand how businesses operate across countries. If you’re interested in economics, finance, management or marketing and like solving complex problems, this major can help you develop the analytical and communication skills needed to succeed in a global business environment.
No. You do not need to know another language before starting the program. Students have opportunities to study a foreign language as part of their education, and language skills can complement an international business degree, but they are not required for admission to the major. Your academic advisor can help you explore language study based on your interests and career goals.
While all business students develop a strong foundation in core business disciplines, the international business major focuses on how organizations operate across countries and cultures. Students examine topics such as global trade, international finance, economic development and multinational strategy while learning how political, economic, cultural and ethical factors influence business decisions around the world. It’s a strong choice for students who want to prepare for careers in an increasingly interconnected global economy.
All undergraduate applications are processed through Drexel University’s central admissions portal. Have questions about applying to LeBow? Our undergraduate enrollment team is here to help.
Find the information you need to plan for your education through Drexel Central. Review tuition and fees, estimate the cost of attendance, and explore financial aid resources, including scholarships, grants, loans and payment options.
Our staff is ready to help you with any questions you may have about the application process, including which program is right for you. We look forward to hearing from you.
Caitlin Brady
Director, Undergraduate Programs and Recruitment
(215) 571-3570 cem398@drexel.eduGerri C. LeBow Hall 333
