If you want to pursue a career in business, you are on the right path: plenty of opportunities are waiting for you. Two of the most common degrees in business administration and similar degrees are international business and business administration – both of these programs are about economic methods and procedures. The growth of globalization has increased the demand for international business degrees, which means more chances for you to develop your career.

There are different opinions about both degrees because many think pursuing an international business degree is better than business administration. So, if you are torn between these two business degrees and want to learn more about their differences and similarities, this article will be the right guide for you.

What Is International Business?

As the name suggests, an international business degree focuses on global business. With this degree, students can better understand economics, legal issues, or politics in global enterprises. Also, students become knowledgeable about the challenges international businesses face.

Some general bachelor's degrees for international businesses include:

Bachelor of Science in International Business (BSIB) – Focuses on import/export policies and trade controls.
Bachelor of Business Administration (BBA) – Teaches and prepares you to work in international business, finances, and trade.
Bachelor of Science in Business Administration (BSBA) – Teaches international and cultural differences and issues they might encounter in international business.

Depending on your dedication, you can complete a Bachelor's degree in International Business within three to four years. Many universities' programs include internships or international exchange so that students can explore the diversity of cultures and gain professional experience abroad.

For some international business graduates, studying or gaining work experience abroad is beneficial because it exposes them to different cultures. However, these bachelor's degrees can help you gain leadership skills, positions, or other advanced roles.

With an international business degree, you can choose to study a specific field of business. But, when searching for a job, there are some related professional qualifications, such as:

Marketing - Chartered Institute of Marketing (CIM)HR – Chartered Institute of Personnel and Development (CIPD)
Management -Chartered Management Institute (CMI)

What is Business Administration?

If you want to learn more about managing an organization’s time, resources, and people, then a business administration degree is the one for you. This broad field includes plenty of opportunities for growth, different roles, and professional settings. People who work in business administration ensure that organizations and businesses run efficiently and profitably, so you need to have a wide range of skills and knowledge in different areas.

There are three degrees in business administration that you can consider:

Associate Degree: the degree takes two years to complete, and its main focus is on subjects such as management, fundamentals of business, communications, and business software.
Bachelor's Degree: this program takes four years to complete, and it covers practices such as strategies planning, organizational leadership, and business-oriented computer applications.
MBA Degree: this is a master’s program taking one or two years to complete. It focuses on topics such as accounting, finance, marketing, international business, ethical leadership, or advanced management concepts.

A business administration program aims to cover every topic related to business, and it sort of acts as the essential foundation for teaching business administration concepts. Once you start learning these, it will be easier for you to understand the dynamics of business operations.

International Business vs. Business Administration: Key differences

International Business vs business administration: two similar yet different degrees. If you want to pursue a degree in either of these programs, it can be difficult to distinguish between them and their primary purposes. Below, you can find some essential differences to help you decide on one of these degrees.

Curriculum

Although both degrees help students develop leadership skills and provide them with international experience, the curriculum of an international business degree differs from a business administration degree.

With an international business degree, the curriculum covers topics related to global business, hence the name. The program includes general international business topics, such as:

International trade - known also as the exchange of goods and services between two countries or more.
International monetary system –includes multinational corporations and investors, or financial institutions.
Customs duty –includes taxes imposed on goods that go across borders. Taxes increase revenues and protect companies from any inconsistency during foreign trade.
Government dynamics – deals with the international legal and political systems that every business has to deal with.

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On the other hand, a business administration program is more detailed in that it covers specific principles, practices, or courses such as:

Management Theory and Practice;
Business Communications and Critical Thinking;
Principles of Accounting I;
Principles of Accounting II;
Computer Applications and System.

Skills

Besides introducing you to businesses in different cultures, an international business degree offers a wide range of skills, including:

Critical thinking,
Teamwork,
Planning and management,
Research and analysis.

Also, when international business students study or work abroad, they can develop transferable skills such as flexibility, learning new languages, cultural awareness, global marketing, international business law, or international macro policy.

However, for business administration, you should expect to develop more or less the same skills as an international business student, but there are some additional skills, such as:

Relationship building – you will develop relationships with coworkers, clients, customers, or professionals throughout your career.
Practical Marketplace Knowledge and Experience – internships are beneficial for your practical knowledge, and you could also ask questions about whether you can get experience with this Degree.
Strategic thinking – business courses by professors will provide you with in-depth knowledge on business strategy and marketing.
Ethical business practices and principles - allow your employers and clients to know that you will work with integrity and are responsible.
Goal setting – whatever your career, setting goals can help you become a great businessman or businesswoman.

Career opportunities

If you're thinking of getting a bachelor's degree in international business, you should expect versatile career opportunities. Here are some standard job titles for international business graduates:

Business development director;
International marketing director;
Financial analyst;
Policy analyst;
International trade and customs manager;
Economist.

The international business allows you to work in industries such as franchising, marketing, distribution, or international trade.

On the other hand, students with a bachelor's degree in business administration can work in diverse industries such as finance, insurance, banking, trade, or government. But, here are some common career opportunities you can get:

Accountant,
Business manager,
Chief executive officer (CEO),
Chief financial officer (CFO),
Data analyst,
Financial analyst,
Health services administrator,
Logistics manager,
Market research analyst.

Salary and job outlook

One of many benefits of an international business degree is the salary, although it depends on your business, who you work for, and where. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, the annual salaries for those working with international businesses are:

International Financial Management - $134,180
Financial Analyst - $83,660
International Marketing Manager - $142,170
Research Analyst - $81,590
Logistics Manager - $86,100

A business administration degree has rich opportunities, literally. According to BLS, these are the expected annual salary of a business administration degree holder include:

Personal finance advisor - $90,640
Budget analyst - $75,240
Logisticians - $74,590
Financial analyst - $84,300
Insurance underwriter - $69.760

Most of the business administration jobs enjoy a faster than average job growth. For example, management analysts have a 14% job outlook, financial management has a 17% job growth rate, and marketing management enjoy a 10% job outlook.

The Bottom Line: Which One Is Right For You?

When analyzing career opportunities, salary, and skills, it becomes evident that international business has more advantages than business administration. However, it's all about personal preferences and what you want to pursue as your career.

If you want to explore new places and cultures, then the international business is the right major for you. But, if staying local is your cup of tea, then go for business administration. Both degrees provide you with various skills that are beneficial to you both professionally and personally.

International Business vs Business Administration: How Do They Differ?