International Business

In today’s fast-paced global economy, companies seek professionals capable of navigating different markets, cultures and demographics. Our International Business program provides a time-efficient, comprehensive experience to keep you competitive in today’s workforce. You will acquire proficiency in fundamental areas — such as leadership, management and negotiation — and examine these skills within a global context. With assistance from experienced faculty, we prepare you to excel within an increasingly interconnected industry.

International business meeting

Certificate

Earn a certificate in two semesters

View of San Francisco's Salesforce Tower from the marina

How to Apply

International students welcome

International business traveler

Brochure

Get program details in a printable file

About the International Business Program

Why Enroll in the International Business Program?

Short and Satisfying
Eight courses total. Finish in just two semesters. Semester option available.

High Demand for Higher Qualifications
Become proficient in the essential skills needed for the current global market.

Focus on Your Interests
Choose from a variety of elective courses to suit your career needs.

In Good Company
Study in San Francisco, a cosmopolitan center of culture and innovation.

Living in San Francisco
Enroll, free of charge, in A U 110 Living in San Francisco to learn more about and experience the City of San Francisco.

Optional Practical Training
Optional Practical Training (OPT) offers international students the opportunity to work up to one full year in the United States after nine months of full-time study. See OPT.

Short-Term Study Abroad Opportunity
Academic certificate students will have the opportunity of engaging short-term study abroad program run by our international university partners either in winter or summer. Partial scholarship may be provided.

Industry Statistics

200,000 Projected Job Openings for Business Operations, 2014 - 20241

$65K - $166K Annual Salary for Business Development Manager in San Francisco2

12016 Bureau of Labor Statistics
22019 Nelson Advisor and Salary Guide

Cost and Length

Cost: $13,440
Length: Two Semesters
When to Start: Fall, Spring, Summer (domestic students only)

CalJOBS

CalJOBS connects dislocated workers with employment training opportunities. SF State is an eligible training provider.

What Students Say

Sota Watanabe, International Business Student

Sota Watanabe

Student from Japan

“San Francisco and Silicon Valley are amazing places for people who are involved in the information technology space. Through the internship and daily activities, I learned a lot and enhanced my skills. After returning to Japan, I founded my own startup. Now I know how to work in Japan and the US. The IBUS program helped me become a global leader.”

Emma Creighton, International Business Student

Emma Creighton

Student from New Zealand

“I had the pleasure of studying International Business abroad at SF State, fall and spring of 2020. I was welcomed warmly with open arms from the Center for Global Engagement staff and wider network and never looked back…”
 
 

Luis Machado Ramirez, International Business Student

Luis Machado Ramirez

Student from Venezuela

“The highlight of the program was to learn how important it is to develop cultural skills to be successful in the business world. With this program I was able to review all business concepts that I learned when I studied my undergraduate degree in Business and Administration in my home country Venezuela…”
 

News and Events

AACSB Accredited Logo

AACSB Accredited

The College of Professional & Global Education offers this certificate program in partnership with the Lam Family College of Business, which has been accredited by the Association to Advance Collegiate Schools of Business (AACSB) International since 1964. The Lam Family College of Business provides a high-quality business education to a diverse learning community through innovative teaching, research and support. The college is one of just five percent of all business schools worldwide that meet the rigorous standards for this accreditation.

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