Why Major in International Business?
A major in International Business prepares students for a profession involving international politics, economics, knowledge about information processing and computer systems, and analytical and critical thinking skills. At Northwest, this interdisciplinary program provides knowledge of successfully operating a business in the global marketplace.
International business is more globalized than ever, and is the future of business. The information students learn affects nearly every business in the country. Students receive one-on-one advising from professors who specialize in the major, have doctorates in international business, travelled to most of the locations visited, and have personal experience and contacts internationally. Additionally, Northwest links to national and international area computer networks, offering students an unparalleled chance to explore the international arena.
Northwest's International Business major is accredited by the Accreditation Council of Business Schools and Programs (ACBSP).
Career Ready. Day One.
Northwest ensures students are career ready, day one through internships, field experiences and networking opportunities. Read Ashton's story »
Career Opportunities
91%
placement rate
More than 91% of students who graduated with a degree in international business obtained employment or continued their education within six months after graduation.
The following is a listing of common positions for graduates with an international business major:
- Account Manager
- Business Consultant
- Corporate Security Representative
- Media Marketing Coordinator
For a list of job placements by year, view the placement reports »
Northwest graduates have been employed at:
- Cerner
- Gragg Advertising
- Leon Technologies
- Peace Corps
*Based on self-reported data in recent years.
Profession-Based Learning Experiences
Study Abroad is an opportunity for students to apply hands-on international experience to their own academic development. Faculty members supervise short-term study abroad programs that prepare students before, during and after the program. Two types of study abroad programs are available – faculty-led and traditional study abroad.
The traditional program may be a semester, summer or year-long program and is taught by Northwest’s international partner institutions. Students from the business school have recently traveled and studied in China, Africa and Eastern Europe including Hungary, Austria and Czech Republic.
Study abroad is required international business majors.
For more information about study abroad opportunities »
New Venture Pitch Competition is designed for ambitious students and aspiring entrepreneurs to present ideas to business professionals, small business owners and potential investors. Students present their ideas to judges who in the future could represent their boss or client.
Student Organizations
Delta Mu Delta (DMD) is the national honor society in business administration. The purposes of DMD are to promote higher scholarship in training for business and to recognize and reward scholastic attainment in business subjects. To be eligible for membership, members should be of junior standing and in the upper 20 percent of their class.
For a full list of student organizations with in the School of Business »
Internships
Although internships are not required in the international business major, they are highly encouraged to gain real-world experiences.
Tanner Lantz |
The Northwest Difference
Founded in 1905, Northwest is a traditional campus with more than 7,200 undergraduate and graduate students. Located in the middle of everywhere, Maryville is two hours from Omaha, Nebraska and Kansas City, Missouri and 2 ½ hours from Des Moines, Iowa.
The Bearcat Advantage provides out-of-state students the opportunity to earn in-state tuition rates that can save more than $6,000. With the average undergraduate financial aid award of $5,467 for in-state students and $8,286 for out-of-state students, Northwest offers a quality education at an affordable price.
At Northwest, the American Dream Grant covers 100% of the tuition and fees for Pell-eligible students.

Save more than $7,200 over four years through our textbooks and laptop program.
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More than $19 million in scholarships and grants awarded annually.
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Students organizations, internships and profession-based learning experiences ensure students are Career Ready, Day One.
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Graduation Rate: 89th percentile of Northwest's national peer group.