Which Topics Are Taught in an International Trade Course?
An international trade degree program is aimed toward students with an interest in international business but with a more thorough grounding in history and political science. Read on to learn more about courses in this field.
Overview of Topics in International Trade
Multinational corporations cannot afford to make decisions without considering the ramifications of those decisions in all the countries where the company operates. Courses in international trade can help you combine business skills with a foundation in global culture, history and politics. To understand international trade, you need to be grounded in topics such as international business, global economic systems, political history and international relations.
Important Facts About This Area of Study
| Common Courses | Finance, business, history, political science, marketing, economics |
| Degree/Certificate Levels | Bachelor's degree, undergraduate certificate |
| Online Availability | Some online courses are available |
| Concentrations | Options may include global business management, applied international economics and trade compliance law |
| Job Outlook (2021-2031) | 5% growth (for sales managers)* |
| Median Salary (2021) | $127,490 (for sales managers)* |
Source: *U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics
International Business
International business takes place in the context of a multinational economy. Courses in this area can give you a stronger understanding of how to conduct business and trade across national borders. Specific topics covered in international business courses include trade theory, global supply chain management, negotiations, diplomacy, international investment and import and export strategies.
Global Economic Systems
International trade works across various economic systems. Every country's economy is impacted by different factors. In courses on global economic systems, you learn about the individual components of each economic system to get a clearer idea of how these systems impact their respective economies.
Political History
The end of the Cold War had a dramatic effect on the prospects of international trade operations with formerly communist nations. In a course on political history, you may learn about how the Cold War contributed to the rise and expansion of globalization. Particular consideration is given to the political, cultural and economic aspects of the new global community that arose from the ashes of the Cold War.
International Relations
Studying relationships between nations provides a framework for examining issues in contemporary society. Using this framework based on relations between countries, you'll gain a better understanding of current events and how current events influence international trade.