The MS in International Business program at the GW School of 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

  • 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

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Faculty Director

Robert Weiner
[email protected]
(202) 994-5981

About the Academic Program

Financial Times ranking graphic

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.

GW-CIBER 2022 Nasbite competition award winners graphic

 

National Champions

Congratulations to GWSB grad students Annie Nguyen, Hilal Uyanik and Liwei Xu for winning the graduate division of the 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. We’re #GWSBproud of this team!

About Our Location

The World War II Memorial in Washington, D.C.

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 GWSB Vice Dean for Strategy 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

MSIB Curriculum and Course Requirements

The following requirements must be fulfilled: 33 credits, including 27 credits in required courses and 6 credits in elective courses.

Required
Core courses
MBAD 6211Financial Accounting
MBAD 6235Finance
MBAD 6240Competition in the Global Economy
IBUS 6290Special Topics (Big Data for Internat. Business)
IBUS 6290Special Topics (Economics for Global Business)
SMPP 6290Special Topics (Strategy Concepts)
IBUS 6301International Business Finance
Capstone
Students complete 6 credits of coursework as part of their capstone experience, 3 credits from a study abroad opportunity and 3 credits in the following courses:
IBUS 6290Special Topics (International Business Consulting Capstone )
IBUS 6290Special Topics (International Business Professional Seminar)
Electives
6 credits in any IBUS courses taken at the 6000 level or above.
 

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. This is a cohort-based program and students may apply to start the program in either the fall or spring semester.

Due to the rolling admissions policy, it is highly recommended that candidates submit applications early. We take a holistic approach to reviewing applications and each candidate’s major and grade trends, personal achievements, and letters of recommendation also affect the admission decision. The MSIB program seeks social, ethnic, cultural and geographical diversity in its student body.

  • 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

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.

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
  • Two letters of recommendation from professional and/or academic references
  • Statement of Purpose: In no more than 500 words, describe how this program fits into your professional life and your career objectives.
  • 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.
  • GMAT Score or GRE Score (optional): Test date must be within past five years. GMAT code: QK4-4F-40; GRE code: 5246. Not eligible for a test waiver? GW School of Business applicants can benefit from 10% off any Kaplan GMAT or GRE preparation course. Use discount code GWUSB10.

International applicants must submit one of the following: an official TOEFL score of at least 80 (internet-based test) or 550 (paper-based test), an official IELTS score of 6.0 with no individual band score below 5.5, a PTE Academic Score of at least 53, or an official Duolingo English Test (DET) score of at least 105. Test date must be within the past two years. TOEFL code: 5246

Please note that, if you achieve the following scores, you are also exempt from taking EAP courses: an official TOEFL score of at least 100 (internet-based test) or 600 (paper-based test), an official IELTS score of 7.0 with no individual band score below 6.0, a PTE Academic Score of at least 68, or a DET score of at least 120. Test date must be within the past two years.

Exceptions to this requirement:

  • You have earned a bachelor, master, or doctoral degree from an institution in which English is the language of instruction and the official language of the country in which the university is located. In addition to the United States, applicants from the following countries are exempt from this requirement.
  • You have earned a bachelor, master, or doctoral degree from an institution that is accredited by a U.S. regional accrediting agency — see the list of approved schools.

 

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 - N/A (Spring 2023 deadline coming soon!)
  • Summer - N/A (Spring 2023 deadline coming soon!)
  • Fall - July 1, 2022

Please note: Summer deadlines only apply to the Master of Accountancy (MAccy) program. MAccy students requiring an F1 visa should limit their applications to the fall or spring semesters only.

 

Tuition and Other Costs

Explore tuition rates and fees, view health insurance and housing costs, and more.

Please visit the Student Accounts Office for a complete list of tuition rates and fees.

  • 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.

Financial Resources

From scholarships and fellowships to loans and work-study arrangements, we offer a wealth of resources to help you finance your degree.

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.

For more information, explore the GWSB Fellowships and Financial Support page.

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.

U.S. Citizens and eligible noncitizens 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.

Employer Discounts

The GW School of Business offers a tuition discount to current employees of the following companies:

  • Booz Allen Hamilton
  • Leidos
  • Lockheed Martin
  • Organization of American States (GS/OAS)
  • SAIC

Please note that eligible programs vary by employer. For details about eligibility, conditions, and the application process, visit the Employer Tuition Discounts page.

Grad2Grad Program

GW undergraduate students who continue their studies at GW by enrolling in certain graduate degree or certificate programs may qualify for a 10 percent graduate tuition reduction through the Grad2Grad program. For information about eligibility and the application process, visit the Grad2Grad page.

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.

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.

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.

 

Next Steps

Apply Now

Applications are submitted through the GW Student Portal. You can sign up for an account if you don't have one.

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