Master of Business Administration - Accounting
The MBA program at the University of the Potomac typically consists of 12 courses, tota...
Master of Business Administration - International Business
Washington, D.C., Virginia
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Program Overview
The MBA with an International Business concentration at the University of the Potomac typically requires 36 academic credits for completion. The program structure begins with a strong foundation in core business administration principles. Students complete eight foundational MBA courses (24 credits) covering essential areas such as managerial accounting, economics, finance, marketing, human resources, information systems, and strategic management. Following this, they undertake four specialized courses (12 credits) specifically focused on International Business. This integrated approach ensures graduates develop not only deep expertise in global business practices but also the broader business acumen necessary to make effective strategic decisions and lead diverse teams in a cross-cultural environment. The program is generally designed for completion within approximately two years.
Curriculum: The 36-semester-hour curriculum for the MBA with an International Business concentration at the University of the Potomac begins with foundational MBA core courses, providing a solid business understanding. These typically include: "BUS 501 Managerial Accounting," "BUS 502 Managerial Economics," "BUS 503 Managerial Finance," "BUS 510 Strategic Management," "BUS 520 Human Resources and Organizational Behavior," "BUS 530 Marketing Management," "BUS 560 Management and Information Systems," and "BUS 570 Business Ethics." After establishing this foundational knowledge, students then transition to the four specialized International Business concentration courses: "BUS 640 International Business Law," "BUS 650 Global Leadership," "MGMT 650 Asia-Pacific Rim Management," and "MGMT 660 Global Negotiations." This curriculum is designed to provide graduates with a comprehensive understanding of international legal frameworks, cross-cultural leadership, regional business dynamics, and global negotiation strategies.
Research Focus: The University of the Potomac's MBA with an International Business concentration is highly applied, emphasizing the development of practical skills to analyze and solve real-world international business challenges, rather than on traditional academic research culminating in a thesis. The program aims to equip students to "identify problems related to U.S. and foreign businesses and to artfully respond to these challenges." Courses like "Global Leadership" and "Global Negotiations" involve analyzing international case studies, understanding diverse market dynamics, and developing strategies for cross-cultural communication and decision-making. The curriculum encourages critical thinking and the application of theoretical knowledge to practical scenarios, preparing graduates to navigate the complexities of global commerce with evidence-based solutions.
Industry Engagement: The University of the Potomac's MBA with an International Business concentration demonstrates strong industry engagement by aligning its curriculum directly with the demands of multinational corporations, international organizations, and global trade entities. The inclusion of courses such as "International Business Law," "Global Leadership," and "Global Negotiations" directly reflects the skills and knowledge sought by employers operating in cross-border environments. The program's core MBA curriculum also emphasizes developing competencies in "accounting and finance, management, marketing, and operations," all of which are crucial for effective international business practice. While specific industry partnerships may not be detailed, the practical and career-oriented nature of the program, coupled with its location in the Washington D.C. area, a hub for international organizations and global business, inherently provides opportunities for students to connect with relevant industries.
Global Perspective: The MBA with an International Business concentration at the University of the Potomac inherently possesses a strong global perspective, as its entire focus is on preparing professionals for the global marketplace. The program's learning outcomes explicitly state that graduates will be "equipped to identify and address challenges in both U.S. and international business contexts" and "excel as managers in U.S. business organizations, non-governmental organizations, and international entities." Dedicated courses like "International Business Law," "Global Leadership," "Asia-Pacific Rim Management," and "Global Negotiations" ensure a deep dive into the legal, cultural, economic, and political factors that shape international commerce. This comprehensive global focus, coupled with the university's diverse student population, fosters an immersive learning environment that prepares graduates to effectively lead in a multicultural and interconnected global economy.
Location
Washington, D.C., Virginia
Score
IELTS 6.5
Tuition Fee
USD 22250
Postgraduate Entry Requirements
Academic Qualifications: Applicants for postgraduate programs typically require a minimum academic achievement of 60% 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 79 or higher.
- PTE: Overall score of 59 or higher.
- DET (Duolingo English Test): Minimum score of 100.
The University of the Potomac is dedicated to making education affordable and accessible for international students by offering a variety of scholarship opportunities. These scholarships aim to recognize academic excellence, leadership potential, and financial need, helping reduce the overall cost of education for deserving students from around the world.
Merit-Based Scholarships: International students demonstrating strong academic performance may qualify for merit-based scholarships. These awards reward high GPA, outstanding achievements, and exceptional contributions in previous educational settings. Merit scholarships can significantly lower tuition fees and encourage students to maintain high academic standards throughout their studies.
Need-Based Scholarships: The university also offers need-based scholarships designed to assist international students facing financial challenges. Applicants are encouraged to submit detailed financial information during the admissions process to be considered for these scholarships, which aim to bridge the gap between the cost of education and the student’s financial resources.
Special Program Scholarships: Certain academic programs at the University of the Potomac provide dedicated scholarships for international students, especially in fields such as business administration, information technology, and cybersecurity. These program-specific awards support students pursuing careers in high-demand industries.
Graduates of the University of the Potomac's MBA with an International Business concentration are exceptionally well-prepared to thrive in an increasingly globalized economy. Their comprehensive grasp of international legal frameworks, global leadership, cross-cultural dynamics, and strategic negotiation makes them highly valuable assets to organizations operating across borders. The program's emphasis on practical application ensures that graduates can effectively manage global operations, identify new market opportunities, and lead diverse international teams, contributing significantly to a company's global expansion and success.
International Business Development Manager: Responsible for identifying and pursuing new business opportunities in international markets, including market entry strategies, partnerships, and global sales growth.
Global Marketing Manager: Develops and implements marketing strategies tailored for international markets, considering cultural nuances, consumer behavior, and competitive landscapes across different countries.
International Trade Specialist/Analyst: Works with companies or government agencies to navigate the complexities of international trade, including customs regulations, import/export procedures, tariffs, and trade agreements.
Global Supply Chain Manager: Oversees the entire international supply chain, from sourcing raw materials globally to logistics, distribution, and inventory management across multiple countries, ensuring efficiency and cost-effectiveness.
International Financial Analyst/Manager: Focuses on financial operations in a global context, including foreign exchange risk management, international investments, cross-border mergers and acquisitions, and global financial reporting.
International Human Resources Manager: Manages HR functions for multinational corporations, addressing global talent acquisition, compensation and benefits across different regions, international labor laws, and cross-cultural employee relations.
Management Consultant (International): Advises diverse organizations on their international strategies, market entry, operational efficiency in global contexts, and cross-border organizational challenges.
Foreign Service Officer/Diplomat (Commercial Attaché): Works for government agencies (e.g., Department of State, Commerce) to promote international trade, investment, and economic relations between countries.
International Project Manager: Leads and coordinates complex projects that span multiple countries or regions, managing diverse teams, cultural differences, and international stakeholders to achieve project goals.
Customs and Trade Compliance Manager: Ensures that an organization's international trade activities adhere to all relevant international and national trade laws, regulations, and customs requirements, minimizing risks and facilitating smooth cross-border movement of goods.
