The Certificate in International Business is designed to offer international students and non-matriculated U.S. residents the opportunity to acquire competencies in international business in two semesters. Semester option is available.
The program consists of eight specified courses that focus on conceptual, theoretical and practical skills as well as overall knowledge of international business. The program prepares students to seek a career or advancement in international business.
The award of a certificate means the holder has completed the required courses at an acceptable level of academic accomplishment. The certificate indicates to a prospective employer that the University validates the certificate program in international business.
Students must complete two semesters of coursework from the International Business core and specialized courses. Students who have specific educational or career needs may be allowed to vary selection of courses in the program after consulting with and obtaining written approval from the Chair, Department of International Business.
Certificate in International Business - 24 Units
In pursuing the Certificate in International Business, students must complete the five core courses listed below. They also must complete three courses from the electives. The courses are offered on rotation each semester. Not all elective courses will be available each year. Course descriptions are available in the SF State Bulletin.
Core Courses - Complete All Three
| Code | Title | Units |
|---|---|---|
| IBUS 330 | International Business and Multicultural Relations | 3 |
| IBUS 590 | International Environmental Analysis | 3 |
| IBUS 690 | Global Strategic Management | 3 |
Electives - Select Five
| Code | Title | Units |
|---|---|---|
| IBUS 430 | Import-Export Management and Small Business Operations | 3 |
| IBUS 440 | Advanced Import-Export Management | 3 |
| IBUS 517 | Legal Environment of World Business | 3 |
| IBUS 531 | Cross-Cultural Innovation and Creativity in Business and Management | 3 |
| IBUS 576 | Global Entrepreneurship | 3 |
| IBUS 591 | Doing Business in Latin America | 3 |
| IBUS 592 | Doing Business in Greater China | 3 |
| IBUS 593 | Doing Business in Europe | 3 |
| IBUS 594 | Doing Business in Asia-Pacific Countries | 3 |
| IBUS 596 | Doing Business in Japan | 3 |
| IBUS 598 | Doing Business in Emerging Markets | 3 |
| IBUS 618 | International Human Resource Management | 3 |
| IBUS 620 | Research in International Business & the Global Market | 3 |
| IBUS 638 | Global Leadership and Cultural Competencies | 3 |
| IBUS 659 | Introduction to International Business Negotiation | 3 |
| IBUS 676 | Social Entrepreneurship in a Global Context | 3 |
This one-unit course introduces new students to the geographic, historical and environmental, socio-cultural and political context of the Bay Area, San Francisco and San Francisco State University. In addition, this course prepares students for success in their transition to living in San Francisco while preparing for life in San Francisco, building community, and learning about the campus and the surrounding area. The course is experiential and includes field trips throughout the city.
The course is optional, in-person/hybrid, and is offered to you free of charge. You are encouraged to take it to learn more about and experience the City of San Francisco. You can sign up when completing your course preference wishlist.
Global Business Communication Skills – This topic is delivered as Global Business Communication Skills I and II. The two CEU courses are designed to prepare students for a successful job or internship search and the professional skills needed to excel in this internship or job. These classes are not required for the certificate but strongly encouraged enrichment options if you are planning to apply for graduate school, Optional Practical Training (OPT), an internship or a job.