Business majors are among the trendiest choices of aspiring and ambitious students. Indeed, you can find countless chances to establish a flourishing career with most business majors. Among them, degrees in business administration and international business are 2 promising majors for students.
If you need clarification on these 2 business majors, this guide can help you. A business administration vs. an international business degree is a hot topic among business students. However, the ultimate decision entirely depends on your preferences.
For example, if you are interested in administrative work, business administration is for you. In addition, you can lead your fellow teammates and make decisions. Then, business administration will be a perfect major for you.
On the other hand, you will like international business more if you love travelling to new places, meeting new people, etc. Moreover, you must work on your communication skills apart from business basics. Let’s find out the right career path for you, shall we?
A Quick Definition of a Business Administration Degree
A brief review of business administration will be useful before you leap to the business administration vs. international business conflict. Business administration is one of the most common degrees for students. In addition, the degree or program is designed to offer an in-depth understanding of different business-related topics.
After obtaining the degree, you must have learned how a business is operated and managed. What are some basic topics that business administration will cover? You will learn various business topics, including accounting, finance, marketing, etc.
It won’t be an exaggeration to say that business administration lays the pillar of business management and education among students. Hence, you must pursue business administration as a major to know how a company works.
What are some business administration major programs? You can consider the following 3 degrees in business administration:
Associate Degree
You can easily earn an associate degree in business administration, which takes only 2 years. However, this degree covers the following subjects, such as:
- Fundamentals of business
- Business Software
- Communications
- Business management and more
Bachelor’s Degree
This is one of the most in-demand degree programs among students who want to pursue business administration majors. On a related note, a bachelor’s degree in business administration will take 4 years to complete.
In addition, the degree will let you focus on specialities like:
- Strategic planning
- Business-oriented computer applications
- Organisational leadership
Thus, you can gain many real-life experiences and practices through a bachelor’s degree in business administration.
MBA Degree
Not to mention, a Master’s degree in business administration is one of the most anticipated majors by students. The degree can take 1 or 2 years to complete, depending on your chosen school.
On the other hand, this particular degree focuses on the topics mentioned below:
- Marketing
- Finance
- Accounting
- Ethical leadership
- International Business
Apart from these, you will also earn expertise in advanced business management concepts.
What Do You Mean by International Business?
Before digging deeper into the difference between business administration and international business, you must understand internal business. As the name suggests, a business major degree in international business focuses on global business operations. How is this any different from a business administration degree?
By pursuing international business, students can better understand legal business issues, economics, politics in global enterprises, etc. Additionally, students can find solutions to international business challenges after completing a competent international business degree.
However, what are some prominent degree courses in international business? Well, you can try any of the following general bachelor’s degree courses:
Bachelor of Business Administration
Yes, a BBA or Bachelor of Business Administration degree is a part of international business. Are you interested in international business management, trade, and finance? Then, you should opt for a BBA degree to understand how a business works.
BSIB or Bachelor of Science in International Business
This degree program lets you concentrate on import and export policies and trade controls of businesses and master them. A Bachelor of Science in International Business degree can take 3 to 4 years.
Bachelor of Science in Business Administration
Businesses across the globe work differently, and there are possible cultural and ethical differences. If you want to clarify such cultural and international differences and problems across businesses, then this curriculum is a must.
On a related note, any bachelor’s degree in international business offers students exposure to different cultures. Thus, you can earn communications and leadership skills, advanced positions, and more after completing an international business major.
For more specifications, you can opt for some associated professional qualifications while searching for a job. You can pursue courses in Management and Marketing if you want to select a particular field of international business.
Differences between Business Administration and International Business
Both business administration and international business resemble each other in many ways. Additionally, you can find evident differences between them. Therefore, selecting from the business administration vs. international business debate can be hard for you as a student.
However, we hope the key differences between these 2 popular business majors might help you. Let’s check potential comparisons of business administration and international business.
Curriculum
The major similarity between business administration and international business is that both majors are designed to help students with leadership skills and familiarise them with international experience. However, the differences between international business and business administration are quite prominent.
For example, international business lets you deal with global business. Moreover, the topic covers the following business topics:
- The international monetary system consists of the significance of multinational investors, financial institutions or corporations.
- In addition, you learn about international trade, which indicates the exchange of products and services between 2 or more countries.
- Government dynamics help you understand the international political and legal systems all businesses must go through.
- Customs duty, on the other hand, covers taxes applicable to goods that pass borders. In addition, taxes boost revenues and secure companies from issues while dealing with foreign trade.
On a contrary note, business administration programs cover definite principles, practices, etc., in a more detailed way. For example, you will learn the following topics while pursuing a business administration degree:
- Principles of Accounting
- Computer Applications
- Business Communications and Critical Thinking
- Management Theories along with Practices
Specific Objectives
The conflict between business administration vs. international business can be more powerful if you look at the objectives of particular business majors. For instance, business administration courses focus on the following purposes:
- Development of strategic plans utilising diverse marketing information
- Understanding the significance of information technology to business operations
- Solutions to organisational issues by using management and human resources principles
- Application of critical thinking concepts
- Learning how to use data tools to collect information about a business
- Building sustainability by applying financial management principles
- Learning how to make operational decisions based on related information
On the other hand, international business courses offer the following objectives:
- Pointing out differences between the risks imposed by domestic and international companies
- Knowledge and skill in how to manage different risks of international business
- Political and social factors impacting international business
- Diverse cultures and customs influencing an international business
- Knowledge regarding foreign markets, such as their functions, sizes, participants, and more
Career Perspectives
Both international business and business administration degrees provide students with a vast array of career opportunities. However, you can expect some basic differences in your position depending on your choice: Business administration or international business.
For example, you can work in banking, finance, government, or trade industries after completing a bachelor’s degree in business administration.
Now, let’s check out some common job roles you can apply for after graduation with business administration as a major:
- Business Manager
- Logistics Manager
- Data Analyst
- Accountant
- Chief Financial Officer or CFO
- Market Research Analyst
- Health Services Administrator
- Chief Executive Officer or CEO
- Financial Analyst
On the other hand, international business pushes you to work in industries like marketing, franchising, international trade, and distribution.
Moreover, you can expect the following roles with a graduate degree in international business:
- Policy Analyst
- Business Development Director
- Economist
- Financial Analyst
- International Marketing Director
- International Trade and Customs Manager
Salary Expectations
International business takes the lead over business administration in terms of salary expectations. Internal business degrees can earn you more than business administration degrees, depending on your industry and who you work for.
So, you can choose the former from the international business vs. business administration conflict if you want a higher salary. Now, let’s review the different annual salaries of professionals working with international business, according to the Bureau of Labour Statistics:
- Logistics Manager: $86,100
- Finance Analyst: $90,821
- International Marketing Manager: $142,170
- Human Resources Manager: $105,554
- International Business Development Manager: $84,910
- International Supply Chain Manager: $114,636
- Research analyst: $81,590
- Business Analytics Manager: $83,772
- International Product Manager: $94,732
- International Brand Manager: $122,712
You can expect the following annual salary ranges according to respective designations if you complete a bachelor’s degree in business administration:
- Insurance Underwriter: $69,760
- Financial Analyst: $84,300
- Personal Finance Advisor: $90,640
- Fundraiser: $55,640
- Budget Analyst: $75,240
- Market Research Analyst: $63,230
- Logisticians: $74,590
- Appraisers and Assessors of Real Estate: $54,010
- Accountant and Auditor: $69,350
- Management analyst: $82,450
Final Words…
Hopefully, you can spot the major differences between business administration and international business. Both business majors have their advantages. International business courses and career options are more valuable.
However, this doesn’t restrict you from choosing business administration as your major. You must focus on what you like. If you love exploring the world and concentrating on international business relationships, you can go with international business. Otherwise, you can stick to business administration.
