The International Business program, which is housed within UMSL’s College of Business Administration, earned its 15th consecutive top 25 ranking from U.S. News and World Report. (Photo by August Jennewein)
Majoring in international business wasn’t even on Annie Mbale’s radar when she was looking to transfer colleges. But then she started reading about the University of Missouri–St. Louis and discovered her career purpose.
“I was initially interested in international relations and never really thought about international business at all,” the Malawi native said. “Then I started looking at UMSL and reading about international business. I thought, ‘This is exactly what I want to do, so I’m going to study that.’”
Mbale, who is pursuing an MBA after receiving her bachelor’s degree in May, is not alone in noticing the benefits of the International Business program housed within UMSL’s College of Business Administration.
On Tuesday, the program received a No. 24 ranking from U.S. News & World Report, marking its 15th consecutive year in the top 25.
“The international business program has become our flagship product,” said Charlie Hoffman, dean of the college. “All business is global now, so we strengthened our entire curriculum to reflect that. The program has a halo effect on the entire college.”
Joe Rottman, program director and chair of UMSL’s Global Leadership and Management Department, said the 15-year streak recognizes the quality, relevancy and strength of the program.
“Fifteen years is an incredible milestone,” Rottman said. “Our brand intensifies with each passing year through our innovative programs, world-class faculty and exceptional students.”
In addition to campus courses, UMSL’s international programs include:
- more than 70 study abroad programs available in more than 40 countries
- annual study tours that lead student groups to locales around the world
- American student internships at overseas companies
- and foreign student internships at St. Louis-area businesses.
While the program’s long-term success isn’t the sole reason Mbale chose UMSL for her undergraduate studies, it was a large factor in her decision to pursue an MBA.
“I feel like if UMSL wasn’t a top program, I wouldn’t have come back for my master’s,” Mbale said. “That made my decision so easy because I’m going to one of the best schools.”
In addition to quality faculty and instruction, Mbale says leadership opportunities with the International Business Career Conference and International Business Honor Society also enhanced her education.
“My experience at UMSL has been amazing,” she said. “My first semester was just taking classes and having fun, but then I decided to enroll in the International Business Career Conference, which I loved. I think it’s one of the best things I’ve ever done at UMSL. It is student run and exposed me to several things I never thought about.”
