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.
I've heard there are two versions of the IB Major?
Please note that the IB major “tracks” are being discontinued as of the 2026 catalog, at which time all IB majors will be pursuing the “Global Skills Track” version of the IB major, which provides maximum flexibility so students can customize their degree plan.
For those in the 2024 catalog earlier, there are (technically) two versions of the IB major: the “Foreign Language Track” and the “Global Skills Track.”
Nearly all IB majors opt for the Global Skills Track, which replaces some very restrictive requirements on language and culture coursework with room for free electives. Student can then use those free electives to study a language and/or take culture classes without the restrictions associated with the Foreign Langauge Track.
Although the technical requirements differ by catalog, the differences between the two tracks can generally be sumamrizd as follows:
| Global Skills Track | Foreign Language Track |
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Given the limited course offerings, completing the Foreign Language Track within a standard 4-year timetable is exceptionally difficult, so students who are not sure about what track to pursue should contact the Center for Global Business to discuss their options.
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, which typically amounts to 18-24 credit hours of language studies.
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.