MS in International Business
Located in the heart of Washington, D.C., where business and policy intersect, the GW School of Business (GWSB) affords students unmatched access to unique learning experiences and internship opportunities. Our city is home to approximately 180 resident embassies and organizations of international consequence — and GWSB has established relationships with institutions such as the World Bank, the International Monetary Fund, the Organization of American States, the Inter-American Development Bank, and the Carnegie Endowment for International Peace, among others.
Tapping into this network of global organizations, the GWSB Department of International Business has built a widely respected reputation throughout academia, and more importantly, throughout the international business community. It is this solid reputation and academic integrity, along with a transformative study-abroad component, that provide the foundation for GWSB’s Master of Science in International Business (MSIB) degree. Students in the MSIB program complete two consulting courses — one working overseas with a client, and the other for an international organization here in Washington, D.C. They also participate in a professional seminar, which includes resume, interview and technical skills workshops as well as advice sessions from employers and alumni.
The MSIB program will instill you with the knowledge and expertise you need to keep pace with the constantly changing global business environment, and allows you to do so in an environment that is multicultural to its core. A broad selection of electives gives you the flexibility to tailor your degree to emphasize your specific career interests.
- Learning Objectives
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Learning Objectives
- Assess the opportunities and challenges of doing business in global markets
- Analyze the similarities and differences in economic, political, and regulatory environments
- Develop skills, knowledge and tools to analyze opportunities, risks and competition in the global business environment
- Evaluate the influence of multinational firms, international institutions, governments and non-government organizations on a national and global scale
- Formulate strategies that generate and leverage a firm’s competitive advantage in the global arena
- Effectively manage and lead multinational and multi-cultural human capital
- Connect With Us
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Join our LinkedIn group to connect, network, and get acquainted with fellow GWSB grad students in your academic program, and learn about upcoming professional development opportunities, student engagement events, online events and more. Please note: this group is only open to current students and alumni.
- Contact Information
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Faculty Director
Robert Weiner
[email protected]
(202) 994-5981
About the Academic Program
The MSIB program is an interdisciplinary program that provides students with strong foundations to analyze the problems at the heart of international business, finance, and economics. The combination of rigorous analytics with first-hand experiential learning in the form of required study abroad, client consulting projects, and a professional practicum prepares for global business careers. Our evening classes accommodate the busy schedule of working professionals and encourage full-time students to explore internships. MSIB’s work/study balance helps students succeed in the program while preparing for professional careers.
Our school is nationally and internationally-ranked for International Business, and has been for decades. The Financial Times ranks the GW International Business Department #1 in the U.S. and #2 worldwide. Our teachers as well as our students are highly diverse, with gender parity among both faculty and students.
2024 International Champions
Congratulations to our outstanding MSIB students Era Andriambololona and Anja de Waal, along with Seth Amo-Nyarkoh from the GW International Development Studies Program, for their remarkable achievement in winning the 2024 IFC Impact Challenge! Competing against more than 190 teams from around the globe, GW emerged victorious in the final round, surpassing teams from Cambridge University and Harvard University/Tsinghua University. Their innovative proposal combats the marine plastics crisis while creating opportunities for women seaweed farmers. As a reward, they have each been granted a paid fellowship with the IFC to further their experience in the field.
2024 National Champions
Congratulations to Sarah Bodewes and her teammates for placing 1st in their division for the 25-minute presentation (and runner-up for their 90-second presentation) in the 2024 International Business Ethics and Sustainability Case Competition hosted by Loyola Marymount University in LA on behalf of the GW Center for International Business Education & Research (GW-CIBER).
2023 Finalists
Congratulations to MSIB student Yaqi Zhang and her teammates for making the finals of the graduate division of the 2023 National Association of Small Business International Trade Educators (NASBITE) annual export strategy case competition.
2022 National Champions
Congratulations to GWSB grad students Annie Nguyen, Hilal Uyanik and Liwei Xu for winning the graduate division of the 2022 National Association of Small Business International Trade Educators (NASBITE) annual export strategy case competition. Special thanks to Professor Anna Helm, Alexis Gaul, and David Ruda of GW-CIBER for guiding the case team throughout the process.
About Our Location
Our downtown Washington, D.C. campus is just a short walk to the city's business district, Smithsonian museums, and premiere worldwide institutions such as the World Bank and the International Monetary Fund. Washington, D.C. is an amazing place where you can find a balance between work and fun. Come study, meet ambitious, interesting young people from around the globe, and experience a world capital.
Videos
Learn more about the MS in International Business program at the GW School of Business.
MSIB Program Director Robert Weiner discusses our partnership with the Financial Times in delivering hands-on international business learning.
Founding MSIB Director and Associate Professor of International Business and International Affairs Liesl Riddle discusses the launch of the MSIB program in Fall 2019 and our partnership with the Financial Times in providing our students with a global perspective on business.
Degree Requirements
The following requirements must be fulfilled: 33 credits, including 13.5 to 15 credits in required courses and 18 to 19.5 credits in elective credits courses.
| Code | Title | Credits |
|---|---|---|
| Required | ||
| IBUS 6503 | International Business Cornerstone | |
| IBUS 6504 | International Business Consulting Capstone | |
| MBAD 6224 | Decision Making and Data Analysis | |
| MBAD 6240 | Competition in the Global Economy | |
| SMPP 6204 | Strategy Concepts | |
| Study-abroad capstone | ||
| Students complete 1.5 to 3 credits in coursework from a study abroad opportunity as part of their capstone experience. | ||
| Electives | ||
| IBUS-focused electives | ||
| 6 to 7.5 credits in any IBUS courses taken at the 6000 level or above. | ||
| Additional Electives | ||
| 12 credits in graduate-level coursework. Students are encouraged to use these credits to pursue a graduate certificate related to their career goals. | ||
- Combined Degree Options
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This degree may be combined with a bachelor's degree through GWSB's new 4+1 Program, which enables students to complete both a bachelor's and a master's degree in five years. 4+1 Program options, eligibility and degree paths are outlined on the 4+1 Program page.
- Sample Course Sequencing
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Sample Course Sequencing – Fall Start
Fall 1 (12 credits)
- Financial Accounting (3 credits)
- Competition in the Global Economy (3 credits)
- International Economics (3 credits)
- Big Data for International Business (3 credits)
Spring 1 (15 credits)
- Finance (3 credits)
- Strategy Concepts (3 credits)
- International Business elective 1 (3 credits)
- International Business elective 2 (3 credits)
- Capstone 1 (3 credits)
Summer 1 (6 credits)
- International Business Finance (3 credits)
- Capstone 2 (2 credits)
- Professional Seminar (1 credit)
Semester-Abroad (LTSA) Option
The GW School of Business has partnered with top 20 top business schools around the world to provide students access to hundreds of additional electives, semester-long immersion in another culture, and exposure to another business perspective. The semester-abroad program, also known as Long-term Study Abroad (LTSA), counts towards the MSIB Capstone 1 (study abroad) requirement, and allows MSIB candidates to complete their 6 elective credits and Capstone 1 requirement in their fourth semester. Students choosing this option should plan to take their other required courses prior to their semester abroad.
GWSB’s Global & Experiential Education (G&EE) oversees selection, placement and advising. Students are encouraged to attend the LTSA information sessions in September and January to learn more about each partner school. A current list as well as Information Session dates can be found on the Global and Experiential Education LTSA page. For more information, contact G&EE at [email protected].
Admissions
Admission to the MSIB program is highly competitive and enrollment is limited. Students operate in two cohorts throughout the academic year.
Due to the rolling admissions policy, it is highly recommended that candidates submit applications early. The candidate’s major and trend in grades, personal achievements, and letters of recommendation also affect the admission decision. This program seeks social, ethnic, cultural and geographical diversity in its student body.
- Prerequisites
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- Bachelor’s degree from a regionally accredited college or university
- Strong academic performance
- Demonstrated professional interest in international business
- Successful completion of foundational statistics and economic courses is strongly encouraged
- Admissions Process
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Applying to a program at the GW School of Business may seem like a complicated process, but the GWSB admissions team is here to help. The application process for this program can be found on our How to Apply page. All application materials should be sent to the GWSB Graduate Admissions Office. The GRE or GMAT test is not required — however, if you feel that submitting your scores will strengthen your application, you are welcome to submit them. We also offer a wealth of resources to help you finance your degree, from scholarships and fellowships to loans and work-study arrangements.
- Application Requirements
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To be considered complete, the following must be included in the application:
- Completed online application form
- Application fee (non-refundable)
- Current résumé uploaded through the online application system
- One letter of recommendation from a professional and/or academic reference
- Statement of Purpose: In no more than 500 words, describe how this program fits into your professional life and your career objectives.
- Additional Application Requirements
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- Upload copies of your transcripts from all colleges/universities attended, whether or not the program was completed or the credit appears as a transfer credit on another transcript. Note that admitted students will be required to submit official, sealed transcripts with proof of bachelor’s degree. There is no need to submit them at the time when you first apply.
- The GRE or GMAT test is not required for this program — however, if you feel that submitting your scores will strengthen your application, you are welcome to submit them. Learn more about our test-optional policy on the How to Apply page. GW School of Business applicants interested in taking the exam can benefit from 10% off any Kaplan GMAT or GRE preparation course. Use discount code GWUSB10.
- International Applicants
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Applicants who require a visa to study in the United States must also fulfill additional requirements in order to be considered for admission to a graduate program at the School of Business. Please visit our How to Apply page for further details.
Admissions Process
Applying to a program at the GW School of Business may seem like a complicated process, but the GWSB admissions team is here to help. The application process for this program can be found on our How to Apply page. All application materials should be sent to the GWSB Graduate Admissions Office. The GRE or GMAT test is not required — however, if you feel that submitting your scores will strengthen your application, you are welcome to submit them.
Application Deadlines
Candidates seeking financial assistance and international students requiring visas are encouraged to apply early. Only completed applications, with all required materials, will be considered for admission.
- Spring 2025 - Rolling. Upon seat availability.
- Summer 2025 - January 15, 2025
- Fall 2025 - January 15, 2025
Please note that admission to the following programs is only offered for the Fall semester: Global MBA, Accelerated MBA, Master of Accountancy in Accounting Analytics, M.S. in Business Analytics, and the Graduate Certificate in Business Analytics. Summer admissions deadlines apply only to the Online MBA and Healthcare MBA programs; admission to all other programs is only offered for the Fall and Spring semesters. The MS in Finance and MS in Applied Finance programs, as well as our doctoral and executive education programs, each have different admissions deadlines.
Tuition and Other Costs
Explore tuition rates and fees, view health insurance and housing costs, and more.
- Tuition and Fees
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Please visit the Student Accounts Office for a complete list of tuition rates and fees.
- Other Expenses
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- Student Health Insurance
GW offers voluntary comprehensive health insurance through Aetna Student Health. All F-1 and J-1 international students are automatically enrolled. See the Student Health Insurance page for rates and other important information.
- Housing
View information about on-campus and off-campus housing for full-time GW graduate students.
- Student Health Insurance
Financial Resources
From scholarships and fellowships to loans and work-study arrangements, we offer a wealth of resources to help you finance your degree.
- GWSB Fellowships and Financial Support
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The GW School of Business offers merit-based fellowships to incoming students at the time of admission. While applying to graduate degree programs at GWSB, prospective students may opt in to be automatically considered for all fellowship award opportunities funded by the School of Business as well as various university-funded tuition awards administered by the Office of Graduate Student Assistantships and Fellowships (OGSAF). Unless otherwise stated, no separate application is required.
In limited circumstances, current students may also be eligible for merit-based tuition fellowship awards.
- Office of Graduate Student Assistantships and Fellowships
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The Office of Graduate Student Assistantships and Fellowships (OGSAF) maintains a comprehensive database of GW and external fellowships to support graduate-level study and/or research. Incoming and current students are encouraged to browse the OGSAF website for information about additional merit-based funding opportunities.
- Federal Financial Aid
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U.S. Citizens and eligible non-citizens may qualify for:
- Federally sponsored education loans through the Federal Direct Unsubsidized Loan and Federal Graduate PLUS Loan Programs
- Need-based financial assistance through the Federal Work Study Program, which allows students to earn income while working part-time at pre-approved organizations during their program
To apply for federal financial aid, submit the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) by the appropriate deadline using GW’s FAFSA school code: 001444. Please note that students must apply for federal financial aid each academic year.
Visit the Office of Student Financial Assistance for details about eligibility criteria, application steps, and deadlines. Information about alternate private and federal loans is also available.
- Tuition Discounts
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Employer Discounts
The GW School of Business offers a tuition discount to current employees of the following companies:
- Leidos
- Lockheed Martin
- Organization of American States (GS/OAS)
- SAIC
Please note that eligible programs vary by employer. View details about eligibility, conditions, and the application process.
- Veterans and Military
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Nationally recognized as a top military- and veteran-friendly university, GW offers a wealth of services and benefits to student veterans, military personnel, and dependents of the United States Armed Forces. As a proud participant in the Yellow Ribbon Program, GW funds tuition expenses exceeding the maximum base pay amount covered through the GI Bill®, and its contributions are matched by the Department of Veteran Affairs.
For more information about the Yellow Ribbon Program and other education benefits, visit GW Veteran & Military Services (VMS).
GI Bill® is a registered trademark of the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs (VA). More information about education benefits offered by VA is available at the official U.S. government website.
- Student Employment and Internships
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The F. David Fowler Career Center supports GWSB student and alumni professional development by providing career management resources, career fairs and expos, and employer information sessions. GWSB students also have access to employment services and resources provided through GW’s Center for Career Services.
Handshake is the official online recruiting platform and event calendar for the F. David Fowler Career Center and the Center for Career Services. To search for jobs and internships, find and register for events, and connect with career coaches, log in to Handshake.
Federal Work Study
The Federal Work Study Program is a federally-funded and need-based work program that allows GW students to earn income through part-time employment during the academic year at GW and other pre-approved organizations. Graduate students interested in the program must submit the FAFSA and apply through the Office of Student Financial Assistance.
The Center for Career Services provides awarded students assistance with finding positions. Visit the Center for Career Services for information about the Federal Work Study Program at GW.
International Students
Students studying at GW on F-1 or J-1 visas may have additional restrictions on their employment due to visa regulations. F-1 Students are required to obtain Curricular Practical Training (CPT) authorization from the International Services Office for all paid, off-campus internships and employment. GW-sponsored J-1 Exchange Visitors are required to obtain employment authorization for all employment, whether on-campus or off-campus.
For more information about the CPT application process, see GWSB Global & Experiential Education’s Curricular Practical Training page.
For information about how your visa status may affect your employment options, please visit the International Services Office.
- Billing and Payment Processing
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The Student Accounts Office manages all student accounts and processes student bills, refunds, disbursements, payment plan enrollment, employer reimbursements, third party billing, and financial holds. For inquiries regarding your Student eBill, tuition and fees, or payment options and due dates, visit the Student Accounts Office.