Master of Social Work - Traditional
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M.A. in International Trade
Buffalo, New York
INTAKE: Jan & Aug
Program Overview
The M.A. in International Trade at UB is a 30-credit hour program, typically completed within one to two years for full-time students, though a part-time option is also available. The program is designed to provide "high-impact experiential learning" and develop "skills employers are looking for," focusing on the intricate dynamics of international business, multinational corporations, foreign direct investments, and global financial markets. It offers a firm theoretical and methodological foundation, making it suitable for both immediate employment and for those who wish to pursue further doctoral or professional degrees.
Curriculum: The 30-credit curriculum includes required courses and a significant number of electives, culminating in either a research project or a competency portfolio. Required courses often include "Univariate Statistics in Geography" (or Multivariate Statistics), "Introduction to International Business and World Trade," "Environmental Governance," and "International Development." Elective courses allow students to delve into specialized areas, such as "Research Methods in Geography," "Spatial Data Science," "Transportation," "Urban Geography," "Integrated Environmental Management," "Global Business Landscapes," "Macro Issues in Trade," and "The Asia-Pacific Economy." Students can also take electives in other fields like Economics, Management, Political Science, Law, or Foreign Languages, providing interdisciplinary breadth.
Research Focus: The M.A. in International Trade at UB emphasizes the critical assessment of globalization and its impact on societies, economies, and the environment. The program's research focus delves into the growth of multinational corporations, foreign direct investments, international trade flows, and the internationalization of capital and financial markets. Students are trained to understand new international divisions of labor and the rapid development of technology and innovation. Faculty members within the Department of Geography engage in research that often incorporates spatial analysis, economic geography, and development studies, providing a geographical understanding of global economic processes. The culminating research project or competency portfolio allows students to apply their theoretical and methodological knowledge to real-world international trade issues.
Industry Engagement: The M.A. in International Trade program at UB is highly career-oriented, specifically designed to prepare students for employment in various sectors. The curriculum is developed to equip students with skills highly sought after by employers, such as policy and data analysis at various geographic scales, and understanding the mind and behavior of human beings for effective international interactions. The department "highly encourages students to consider internships to expand their learning experience," recognizing the value of practical exposure to the international trade landscape. Graduates are prepared for roles in government agencies, brokerage firms, international banks, transport carriers, international trade management companies, and trade and location consulting firms.
Global Perspective: The M.A. in International Trade program at UB inherently offers a strong global perspective, as its core focus is on understanding the dynamics of world trade, international business, and the process of globalization. The curriculum explores international business cultures, global economic geographies, macro issues in trade and development, and spatial problems of multinational corporations. By examining issues such as new international divisions of labor and the global reach of technology, the program ensures students grasp the interconnectedness of the world economy. As part of a major public research university, UB attracts a diverse international student body and faculty, further enriching the classroom environment with varied global viewpoints and real-world insights into international trade.
Location
Buffalo, New York
Score
IELTS 6.5
Tuition Fee
USD 28210
Postgraduate Entry Requirements
Academic Qualifications: Applicants for postgraduate programs typically require a minimum academic achievement of 70% or above in their bachelor's degree.
English Language Proficiency:
- IELTS: Overall band score of 6.5 or 7.0 with a minimum of 6.0 in each component.
- TOEFL: Overall score of 90 or higher.
- PTE: Overall score of 61 or higher.
- DET (Duolingo English Test): Minimum score of 120.
The University at Buffalo (UB) offers a variety of scholarships and financial aid opportunities specifically aimed at supporting international students who wish to pursue their studies in the United States. These scholarships are designed to reward academic excellence, leadership, and community involvement, helping to make education more affordable for talented students worldwide.
Merit-Based Scholarships: UB provides competitive merit scholarships to outstanding international undergraduate and graduate students. Awards such as the International Student Academic Excellence Scholarship recognize high-achieving students based on their academic records, standardized test scores, and extracurricular involvement.
Graduate Fellowships and Assistantships: Graduate international students can apply for teaching assistantships, research assistantships, and fellowships which offer tuition remission and stipends. These opportunities allow students to gain valuable teaching and research experience while offsetting the cost of their education.
Departmental Scholarships: Many academic departments at UB offer scholarships tailored to students in specific programs or fields of study. These awards may consider academic merit, research interests, or financial need.
External Scholarships: UB encourages international students to explore external scholarship options from private organizations, governments, and international foundations that support study in the U.S. The university’s International Student Services office provides guidance on identifying and applying for such funding sources.
A Master of Arts (M.A.) in International Trade from the State University of New York at Buffalo (UB) is a career-focused program designed to equip students with a robust understanding of the theoretical, policy, and developmental aspects of international business and world trade. Housed within the Department of Geography, this program emphasizes a unique geographical perspective on globalization's processes and impacts, preparing graduates with the analytical skills and contextual knowledge essential for navigating the complexities of the global economy. UB's M.A. in International Trade prepares graduates for diverse roles in government, business, and education, ready to contribute to the dynamic world of international commerce.
International Trade Specialist: These professionals work for government agencies, trade associations, or private companies, advising on import/export regulations, tariffs, trade agreements, market entry strategies, and compliance.
Trade Policy Analyst: Graduates can work for government bodies (e.g., Department of Commerce, USTR), international organizations (e.g., WTO, UNCTAD), or think tanks. They research international trade agreements, analyze economic impacts of trade policies, and advise policymakers on trade strategies.
Global Supply Chain Manager: This role involves optimizing the flow of goods, services, and information across international borders. Graduates manage logistics, procurement, production, and distribution to ensure efficient and cost-effective global operations for multinational corporations.
Import/Export Operations Manager: These managers oversee the day-to-day operations of importing and exporting goods, including managing documentation, customs clearance, logistics, and ensuring compliance with international trade laws and regulations.
International Business Development Manager: Professionals in this role identify and secure growth opportunities in international markets. They conduct market research, develop market entry strategies, forge international partnerships, and drive sales for businesses seeking global expansion.
International Logistics Manager: Specializing in the movement of goods globally, these managers coordinate international transportation (sea, air, rail, road), manage warehousing, and optimize distribution networks to ensure timely and cost-effective delivery across different countries.
Customs Broker: Graduates can become licensed customs brokers, assisting businesses in navigating complex customs regulations, preparing necessary documentation, and ensuring that goods clear customs efficiently and compliantly.
International Marketing Manager: These roles involve developing and implementing marketing strategies tailored to different international markets and cultures. Graduates analyze global consumer trends, adapt branding, and manage international marketing campaigns for global brands.
International Economist/Financial Analyst: Graduates can work for international banks, financial institutions, or research organizations, analyzing global economic trends, foreign exchange markets, trade finance, and assessing financial risks associated with international business.
Trade Compliance Officer: These professionals ensure that all international trade activities of an organization adhere to relevant laws, regulations, and internal policies. They manage compliance programs, conduct audits, and mitigate risks associated with international trade transactions.
