MBA in International Business Syllabus (2025-26): All Semester Subjects List in India

An MBA in International Business is a popular specialization that focuses on international business practices and operations. The program prepares you for the global business landscape by strengthening both your foundational and functional expertise. 

The two-year coursework combines a host of key subjects and elective options, including Entrepreneurial Practice, Business Communication (WAC), Business Research Methods (R/Python), International Financial Management, and International Business Management. There are four semesters, each spanning six months. 

You can aim for top roles such as International Trade Manager, Global Operations Manager, and Import Manager after completing your degree from a reputed institution. 

Read on to explore the complete MBA in International Business syllabus, the career opportunities offered by this program, and much more. 

What is an MBA in International Business?

An MBA in International Business covers 4 semesters across 2 years. The core modules and elective options covered during the coursework strengthen your fundamental business knowledge and functional expertise. 

The core subjects covered throughout the program boost your theoretical knowledge. The elective options introduced in the second year help you excel in practical business settings. 

We will learn more about the MBA in International Business syllabus throughout the blog. Before that, however, let’s take a quick look at the top job roles and industries offered by the program: 

Job Roles	Industries
International Trade Manager	Consulting
Global Operations Manager	Travel and Tourism
Import Manager	E-Commerce
International Relations Specialist	Agriculture
International Logistics Manager	Multi-National Operations
Global Supply Manager	International Trade and Finance
Export Manager	Imports and Exports

MBA in International Business: 1st Year Syllabus (Sem 1 & 2 Subjects)

The first year of the online MBA in International Business program from Manipal University Jaipur introduces you to the foundational concepts of international operations and business procedures. There are only core subjects at this stage. 

Read below to explore the first year key subjects, their learning objectives, and key skills developed.

MBA in International Business: 1st Year Course Overview & Structure

• Key Subjects: Entrepreneurial Practice, Business Communication (WAC), Managerial Economics, Business Research Methods (R/Python), and Operation Management, among many others. 
• Learning Objectives: To help you develop a strong understanding of the basics of international business management, so you can leverage the theoretical knowledge gained to devise innovative solutions for complex business issues. 
• Skills Learned By Students: Leadership, Communication, Business Law, People-Management, Decision-Making, Problem-Solving, Interpersonal Abilities, and Business Strategy. 

MBA in International Business: 1st & 2nd Semester Subjects

The first year of the MBA in International Business offered on the Online Manipal platform covers 14 core subjects, equally divided across 2 semesters. Here’s a look: 

Semesters	Subjects
Sem 1	Entrepreneurial Practice Business Communication (WAC) Managerial Economics Financial Accounting Data Visualization (Excel/Tableau) Organizational Behavior Marketing Management
Sem 2	Business Research Methods (R/Python) Operation Management Human Resource Management Management Accounting Financial Management Legal Aspects of Business Business Communication (VAC)

Also Read: Why is an MBA in International Business worth the investment?

MBA in International Business: 2nd Year Syllabus (Sem 3 & 4 Subjects) 

The second year of an MBA in International Business serves as your exposure to the real-world business challenges. You take all your learnings from year 1 and implement them in a practical business setting. The elective subjects are introduced this year to prepare you for highly targeted roles ahead. 

Read on to explore the key and elective subjects taught in the second year, their learning objectives, skills developed, and internship opportunities available. 

MBA in International Business: 2nd Year Course Overview & Structure

• Key Subjects: Strategic Management, Term Paper, International Business Management, and Project Study. 
• Elective Subjects: International Financial Management, International Marketing, Foreign Trade of India, and Global Logistics and Distribution Management are just a few specializations.  
• Learning Objectives: To strengthen your functional business skills so you can leverage them to understand and address complex business challenges.
• Skills Learned By Students: International finance, Export-Import, Foreign Trade, and International Marketing, among others.
• Internship Opportunities: Value-driven internship opportunities that give you a real-world feel of how businesses actually work. 

MBA in International Business: 3rd & 4th Semester Subjects

Discover the complete list of core and elective subjects covered in the second year (3rd and 4th semesters) of an MBA in International Business program below. 

Core Subjects

Semesters	Subjects
Sem 3	Strategic Management  Term Paper
Sem 4	International Business Management  Project

Elective Subjects

The table below lists all the elective subjects taught in the second year of an MBA in International Business program. Ensure you select an option that aligns with your interests and career goals. 

Semesters	Subjects
Sem 3	International Financial Management International Marketing Management of Multinational Corporations Export-Import Management
Sem 4	Foreign Trade of India Global Logistics and Distribution Management International Business Environment and International Law Export-Import Finance

Useful Read: What can I do with an MBA in International Business?

FAQs

1. What are the subjects taught in the first year of the MBA in International Business?

The first year of the MBA in International Business comprises only the mandatory core subjects. Here’s a look at the  semester-wise distribution of these subjects:

Semester 1

• Entrepreneurial Practice
• Business Communication (WAC)
• Managerial Economics
• Financial Accounting
• Data Visualization (Excel/Tableau)
• Organizational Behavior
• Marketing Management

Semester 2

• Business Research Methods (R/Python)
• Operation Management
• Human Resource Management
• Management Accounting
• Financial Management
• Legal Aspects of Business
• Business Communication (VAC)

2. What are the eligibility criteria for an MBA in International Business?

The eligibility criteria for an MBA in International Business have been shared below:

• Candidates must have a 10 + 2 + 3-year bachelor’s degree from a recognized university/institution or an equivalent qualification as recognized by the Association of Indian Universities.
• Candidates must have a minimum of 50% marks in aggregate in graduation. 
• Those in reserved categories must achieve at least 45%.

3. Can I take an online MBA in International Business?

Yes, you can definitely take an online MBA in International Business. These Online MBA degrees offered by reputed institutions are widely recognized by recruiters today. An online learning format offers you the flexibility to study while working. So get yourself enrolled in an accredited program and learn at your own pace through live and recorded classes. 

4. What is the scope of an MBA in International Business?

An MBA in International Business can help you land top jobs across various industries. Here is a look at the career opportunities and industries offered: 

Job profiles: 

• International Trade Manager
• Global Operations Manager
• Import Manager
• International Relations Specialist
• International Logistics Manager
• Global Supply Manager
• Export Manager

Industries: 

• Consulting
• Travel and Tourism 
• E-Commerce 
• Agriculture 
• Multi-National Operations
• International Trade and Finance 
• Education Technology
• Hospitality Management
• Imports and Exports

5. What are the elective subjects covered in the MBA International Business course?

The elective subjects or specializations are introduced in the second year of an MBA in International Business. Here is a look at the semester-wise distribution of these subjects: 

Semester 3

• International Financial Management
• International Marketing
• Management of Multinational Corporations
• Export-Import Management

Semester 4

• Foreign Trade of India
• Global Logistics and Distribution Management
• International Business Environment and International Law
• Export-Import Finance

6. What is the average starting salary after completing an MBA in International Business course?

The average starting salary for each role varies by organization, candidate skills and qualifications, and other relevant factors. For instance, the average salary for a Global Operations Manager (one of the most popular job roles after an MBA in International Business) ranges from INR 9 LPA to INR 13 LPA. 

7. What are the subjects covered in the MBA 2nd year International Business? 

The 2nd year of an MBA in International Business covers both core and elective subjects. Here is a look:

Core Subjects: 

• Strategic Management
• Term Paper
• International Business Management 
• Project Study

Elective Subjects:

• International Financial Management
• International Marketing
• Management of Multinational Corporations
• Export-Import Management
• Foreign Trade of India
• Global Logistics and Distribution Management
• International Business Environment and International Law
• Export-Import Finance