Degree Overview: Master’s Degree Program in International Commerce and Policy
Majors Overview May 8, 2015Get information about master’s degree programs in international commerce and policy and their education requirements, coursework, career choices, job and wage outlook, and continuing education choices.
Master’s Degree Programs in International Commerce and Policy
While many schools offer graduate classes in international commerce and policy, full master’s degrees in that field are offered by very few. Some offer similar programs in international commerce coupled with diplomacy. Coursework in an international business master’s degree is devised to focus on business between nations and economics; curricula in international relations master’s degree programs emphasize trade, politics, and government.
Opportunities to study abroad, along with internships, may be offered by the program. Professionals from places like the Federal Reserve or the U.S. Department of State may be among instructors. Graduation requires about 37–42 credits. Students can complete these programs within 12–18 months. Graduates may also have continuing education options.
Education Requirements
Admission criteria typically require incoming students to hold a bachelor’s degree or its equivalent program in international commerce and policy. Specific undergraduate coursework, such as microeconomics and macroeconomics, may be requirements in the program.
Coursework
Both the business and trade components of the degree as well as the economic and political aspects are reflected in the coursework. Core coursework may include topic areas such as:
•Global political economics
•Global trade relations
•International issues of the World Bank
•Creating new ventures
•International policy analysis methods
•Macroeconomics and investments
•Politics and policies
•Cross-cultural management
•Cultural influences on world economics
Career Choices
Graduates of the program may seek careers in international commerce and policy within the public service and private businesses. Employers of these professionals include organizations and businesses with an emphasis on governance, trade, investment or development. Program graduates may choose from popular career options such as:
•Foreign service economics officer
•Private international entrepreneur
•Corporate planner
•Global marketer
•Economist
Job and Wage Outlook
Over the 2012 – 2022 decade, a job growth of 14% has been predicted for economists (U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics).
Continuing Education Choices
Graduates may seek both informal and formal continuing education to update their skills and knowledge in a time of growing complexity of global trade and financial instruments as well as economic change. They must also stay current in their knowledge of new regulations and laws.
