Program Mission
The International Business degree combines business, history, political science, and language courses to provide students with a strong interdisciplinary degree. As International Business graduates often initially enter their careers in positions requiring expertise in one or more traditional business areas (e.g. marketing, management, finance), studying an additional business area will make graduates more attractive to employers. Therefore, as part of the IB program, students are also required to earn a Minor in one of the designated traditional business disciplines.
The 24-credit International Business Minor is offered for business students who seek more specialized courses in the international area. To obtain the International Business Minor, non-business students must also complete additional general requirements for a business minor.
Academic Advisors come from the International Business program as well as from departments throughout the College of Business and Economics, with experience and expertise in a number of different disciplines. Students may choose an advisor who matches their interests.
International Business majors are encouraged to participate in work or travel opportunities offered through the program or in conjunction with other programs in the university or business community. Such programs include studies abroad and internships, both domestic and foreign.
Students intending to major in International Business are strongly encouraged to consult an advisor early.
The course components of an International Business degree can be found here. Below are other aspects of the International Business Programs.
Additional Opportunities for our Students
International Business Mentorship Program: Mr. Kent Ernest, recently retired VP of JR Simplot Company, mentors three IB seniors each semester. In weekly meetings students receive individual career tutelage and discuss international business topics.
“A Mile With My Majors”: Dr. Meredith Taylor Black, the director of the IB programs, has committed to walking a mile on the Boise Greenbelt with each of her International Business seniors. The purpose is to provide prospective graduates with the opportunity to discuss their experience at Boise State and be advised on their future career plans.
International Business Organization: IBO is a student-managed club advised by faculty in the International Business Department. Students are currently researching how to import products from a developing country and sell them in the local Boise community as a club project/fundraiser. In the past students have organized large events and trips to international companies domestically and abroad.
Internships: International Business students have been creatively fulfilling their internship requirements. Some have found unique and invaluable opportunities within the local community; others have gone abroad and interned with the State Department, US Commercial Service, or the Idaho Department of Commerce International offices in Taiwan, Mexico, and China.
Engagement with the International Business Community
Export Excellence: An Annual internship program in which Idaho companies partner with an expert from the Idaho District Export Council and an International Business student intern to develop a tailored market entry strategy for the companies participating in the program. This project is conducted annually in the Fall.
Heidelberg Project: A partnership between Boise State University and the University of Heidelberg, Germany that enables potential Idaho exporters to access in-market reconnaissance and planning services from the participating German and American student groups and faculty members. This project is conducted annually in the Spring.
Executive in Residence: The College of Business & Economics hosts an executive for up to one year in order to facilitate engagement between the academic and business communities. This year, Mr. Kent Ernest, newly retired Vice President of International Sales and Marketing of Idaho-based, multinational JR Simplot Company, is giving his time and expertise to the IB program and the College of Business and Economics. He provides students with practical knowledge to supplement what they learn in the classroom. He serves on the International Business Programs Advisory Council, guest lectures in a variety of classes, and heads the newly launched IB Distinguished Student Mentorship Program.
Guest Lectures: Idaho’s International Business community has been contributing to International Business courses for several years. In all classes, students have the opportunity to listen to experts in their fields. These include international lawyers, consultants for the World Bank, executives of international corporations, government administrators, etc.