Frequently Asked Questions
What kinds of jobs can I get with an IB major?
Alumni who graduated with an IB are employed across industries and professions. Many choose to go into strategic consulting, marketing, management, and finance. Others pursue a career in the legal or hospitality professions. International business majors go wherever international business is taking place – and that’s just about everywhere.
What is the difference between the two IB major tracks?
Both IB Major Tracks require the following:
- UT Core Curriculum
- McCombs Core (including BA 353)
- International Trade (IB 350)
- International Business Operations (IB 378).
Beyond those classes, although specific requirements vary by catalog, in general the differences between the two tracks are:
Global Skills Track: Maximum ability to customize coursework, with room to add a minor or second major
- 9-12 hours of IB Elective Coursework
- 6 Upper Division Non-Business Hours
- 15 “Free Elective” Hours for use in customizing
- International Experience can be any UT study abroad program, including all May Term programs
Language Skills Track: Deep focus on single regional focus (usually a single country)
- 6 Hours of IB Elective Coursework
- 18-24 hours of foreign language required (must be predominate language in regional focus)
- 9 hours of area studies coursework specifically related to the geographic focus
- International Experience must be aligned with regional focus. Only select May Term programs are approved.
Do I have to study a foreign language as an IB major?
Students completing the Global Skills Track are not required to take a foreign language, although many choose to do so to varying levels of proficiency. However, student completing the Foreign Cultures Track are required to achieve intermediate proficiency and to complete 6 upper division hours of language coursework.
What is "Geographic Focus" and how do I get one?
Students pursuing the Foreign Cultures track are required to focus their language studies, area studies courses work, and international experience on a single geographic region. This is typically defined as a country, but in some instances may be broader. Student choose their regional focus in collaboration with their academic advisor, typically when starting to plan their international experience.
Can I add a minor or second major to my IB major?
The Global Skills Track lends itself very well to a minor – or even a second outside (non-BBA) major – as there are 15 elective hours built into the degree plan. Students in the Foreign Cultures Track may opt to add a few classes to secure a minor in their studied language, or may double-major in cultural studies associated with their regional focus.
How new is the IB major? How big is it?
The International Business major was first offered in 1962, and has remained a small but critical part of the student body at McCombs. IB majors make up about 1% of undergraduates at McCombs, but are far greater than that in terms of impact. And the small size means that IB majors get a high level of individualized support, including a dedicated adviser, career coaching, and mentoring by members of CGB’s Board of Advisors.
Who can I talk to about the IB major?
Students interested in the International Business major can schedule a time to meet with the Global Readiness Advisor anytime.