International Business Graduate Certificate Programs

Updated: Dec 9, 2024

International Business is a growing industry in an increasingly globalized world. It promises a rewarding career for many business graduates who desire to travel and work abroad. Career options include international trade, marketing, corporate organization, logistics, planning, recruitment, compliance and regulation, and many other areas.

As this is a specialty area, earning an online International Business Graduate Certificate is an excellent idea to help you gain the niche business skills needed for this career type. Such certificates provide knowledge and skills applicable to potential employers that operate internationally, bridging culture, regulations, and borders for more accessible business.

What Are the Online International Business Graduate Certificate Requirements?

If an online international business graduate certificate is for you, you should know the application requirements for new students. Most schools will ask for the following as a minimum:

A bachelor's degree with a minimum 3.0 GPA
A master's degree in a relevant field, such as business, finance, law, or accounting
Official transcripts proving relevant qualifications
GRE and/or GMAT may be required; this varies by school
International students are welcome to apply to any college where their international qualifications reach equivalent scores. However, they must prove formal English language proficiency through such qualifications as TOEFL, IELTS, or PTEA. You may find some US colleges accept ELS 112
Several professional letters of recommendation
Full application fee
A personal statement and other supporting documentation

What Types of Classes Are Included in the Online International Business Graduate Certificate Curriculum?

An online international business graduate certificate can usually be completed in around a year or so of study. Enrolled students will generally find the following topics covered throughout the program:

Concepts of International Finance
Project Management
E-commerce
International Business & Culture
International Business & Enterprise
International Economics
Innovation & Product Design
Cross-border Supply Chain Management
Corporate Social Responsibility & Ethics
Cross-Cultural Management Skills
International Law & Regulation
International Marketing

What Type of Careers Can I Pursue with an Online International Business Graduate Certificate?

An international business grad certificate is helpful in the corporate world, but many industries find these skills valuable. Career pathways may include:

Arbitrator: An alternative to litigation for resolving disagreements, it is a good career option for those who understand cultural differences in business transactions to negotiate problems
Marketing (digital or traditional): Conventions and cultural sensitivities matter. As a marketing professional, you can coordinate marketing campaigns across borders without causing cultural faux pas
Financial Trading: Stocks, insurance, investments, and global trade often need to work through international regulations. Cross-border knowledge is often required when working on international deals
Supply Chain Management: Your international business qualifications are a valuable application for working across borders to move goods and services, operating through regulations and logistics
Compliance Executive: Countries have differing regulations based on national traditions and regulatory requirements for trade agreements. A Compliance Executive (or Officer) ensures everything complies with each set of regulations
Recruitment Consultant: Finding the right employee can sometimes mean searching internationally. You will understand how to search for international candidates as well as the processes and paperwork required for international hires
International Trade Consultant: You can work independently, advising businesses looking to expand into international markets