Online Master of Science in International Relations and Business
Navigate the Global Economy with Confidence
In today’s hyperconnected and rapidly changing world, business strategy regularly goes beyond borders, and professionals with the right set of skills are capable of achieving global influence.
American University’s online Master of Science in International Relations and Business program is preparing the next generation of leaders to navigate complex international business environments across borders and cultures in private, public, and nonprofit sectors.
The MS in International Relations and Business is a joint degree developed by AU’s Kogod School of Business and the top-ranked School of International Service. Through this collaboration, students develop an advanced understanding of the intersection of business, foreign policy, and international affairs.
Top-Ranked Worldwide
The international relations master’s degree programs from American University’s School of International Service were ranked No. 8 worldwide by Foreign Policy magazine in 2018.1
AACSB Accredited
American University’s Kogod School of Business is accredited by the Association to Advance Collegiate Schools of Business (AACSB International). AACSB accreditation is known worldwide as the longest-standing, most recognized form of specialized and professional accreditation an institution and its business programs can earn.
Earn a Master’s in International Relations and Business Online
Learn how international commerce factors into the global economy and multinational business decisions.
Curriculum
The skills-based MS in International Relations and Business curriculum is designed to promote an advanced understanding of how the global economy, policy environment, and business strategy function collectively.
Through weekly online class sessions and coursework, students explore how international commerce and cultural differences factor into business decisions within the global economy. Online learning is supplemented with an in-person immersion experience in a global business hub and a culminating capstone project.
18-Month
Core Concepts
The curriculum helps students master an array of key business skills and understand corporate
responsibility and public policy on a global scale.
Accounting and finance
Marketing and business strategy
Management, innovation, and entrepreneurship
Negotiation and communication
Business and public policy
Global and international markets
Explore the MS in International Relations and Business curriculum.
Global Immersion Experience
Students gain global exposure during an in-person immersion experience in an international business hub. The immersion allows students to witness global business in action and learn about multinational corporations. Immersion themes and site visits vary by location.
During the immersion, students:
- collaborate with classmates on group projects
- visit businesses and organizations
- explore the culture of the host city
Develop a Global
Business Mindset
The MS in International Relations and Business curriculum explores business skills in a global context.
Connections in the
Nation’s Policy Hub
MS in International Relations and Business students benefit from the flexibility of an online program while still being able to take advantage of American University’s location in Washington, DC—home to some of world’s most prominent international organizations.
After graduation, students join the extensive alumni network from both the Kogod School of Business and the School of International Service. Our dedicated career services teams helps connect students with local and global organizations as well as to alumni who work at top companies worldwide.
Our Approach to Learning: Practice Makes Perfect
Throughout the online program, students will have the opportunity to gain real-life experience working for a DC-based company that aligns with their career goals. Working virtually as pro-bono consultants, students develop close relationships with local companies to help them grow and adapt to changing markets—all while building key skills that will give them a leg up in the job market.
This past spring and summer, six groups of students—ranging from first-year undergraduates to second-year MBA students—worked alongside six growing small businesses in the DC area through the Kogod in Practice initiative, to help these companies solve real business problems. Learn more about their experience in the initiative and how they produced results for their clients in our article here.
Career-Advancing International Business Skills
The online master’s in international relations and business program is designed to provide professionals within the business, foreign policy, and nonprofit fields with practical business strategies that will help their organizations make effective multinational decisions and navigate the global economy. Those with a business background will learn to apply skills with an understanding of international cultures and context, while international affairs professionals will learn to approach issues with a business perspective.
International Relations Skills
Intercultural communication
International economic organizations
Global markets
International negotiation
Corporate social responsibility
Business Skills
Finance
Accounting
Economics
Statistics
Management
Marketing
Business strategy
Using the skills learned in the program, students graduate ready to effectively lead teams from all over the world and manage across cultures, languages, and geopolitical challenges to make a global impact. Graduates may pursue careers in:
Business Policy
Consulting
Foreign Commercial Service
Foreign Commercial Policy
Nonprofits
Government
Management
Conduct Business Across
Borders and Cultures
Earn your master’s in international relations and business
online in just 18 months.
MBA vs. MS in International Relations and Business
When choosing which business degree is the right fit, applicants should consider their career goals and how they plan to use the skills learned through the program. The Kogod School of Business currently offers an online MBA program in addition to the online MS in International Relations and Business program.
Master’s in Business
Administration
Students should choose this path if they are seeking a more traditional business degree and want to advance skills in management, strategy, finance, accounting, leadership, marketing, and operations.
Master’s in Int’l Relations and Business
Students should choose this path if they want to focus on the same core business skills as an MBA degree but use those skills in an international context, such as working on international assignments or influencing global policy.
Applying to the Online Master’s in International Relations and Business Program
Applicants must have a bachelor’s degree from an accredited college or university to apply. GMAT and GRE scores are not required.
To complete the application, candidates must submit the following:
- Online application
- Application fee
- Two personal essays
- Résumé
- Letters of recommendation
- Transcripts
Application Deadlines
Kogod accepts applications on a rolling basis. Those who submit an application by the priority application deadline will receive an earlier admissions decision and an application fee waiver.
The final deadline for the July 2023 cohort is May 22, 2023.
Learn to Make Business Decisions with International Impact
Take the next step and earn your master’s in international relations and business online.
1 The Best International Relations Schools in the World, Foreign Policy magazine, 2018. Accessed April 2019.arrow_upwardReturn to footnote reference