B.A. in French/German/Spanish plus a Masters of International Business

Highly qualified and highly motivated students in languages and international business may apply for this joint degree program which leads to an undergraduate degree in French, German, or Spanish, plus a Masters of International Business in five years. This demanding program combines classroom study in the chosen second language with the international business curriculum. There will be at least one mandatory internship. Recommended study or work experience abroad, usually an academic load of 12+ hours and taking courses in summer as necessary, one can complete the program in five years. Admission to the M.I.B. program is contingent on meeting entrance requirements to the J. Mack Robinson College of Business.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the difference between an MIB vs. MBA?

The 5 year joint degree program is only open to students who are interested in the MIB degree, not the MBA.  The Master of  International Business (MIB) degree requires a student to be proficient in a language other than their native tongue and a mandatory internship is required once classes are completed.   The MIB degree is a specialized masters degree which presents strong international skills and experience coupled with a functional focus.   The Master of Business Administration (MBA) is a general degree and does not require proficiency in another language nor an internship abroad.    

Can you major in other languages outside of French, Spanish or German?

No.  At this time, these are the only accepted languages.

Who is the academic advisor in Arts & Sciences for the undergraduate portion of the 5 year joint degree?

The academic advisor for the 5 year joint degree program is  Mimi Haley.   Her office is located in Rm. 418 General Classroom.   Faculty advisors within Modern & Classical Languages are:

French –    Dr. David O’Connell

German –  Dr. Robin Huff

Spanish –  Dr. German Torres

How far in advance should you begin the masters application?

You should start your application process at least two semesters prior to the semester you wish to start graduate courses.  Be mindful of application deadlines.

What are the application deadline dates?

Can I submit a hard-copy application?

Yes, although electronic applications are preferred.   The application can be found on-line at http://robinson.gsu.edu/apply/index.html.  You will check the MIB/BA in a Foreign Language box.

Is there an application fee?

Yes.  Currently the fee is $50.00

What is the (GMAT) Graduate Management Admissions Test process?

The GMAT is a standardized exam which most graduate business programs require for admission.  Based on the application deadlines, you should plan to take the GMAT one or two semesters prior to requested entry.   You must register to take the on-line exam. The exam, which is electronic, takes approximately 4 hours.  You will know your unofficial score at the end of the exam. 

Does GSU offer GMAT prep courses?

Yes.  Go to   http://www2.gsu.edu/~wwwmat/students/prep/gmat.html for additional information.

There  is also GMAT prep classes offered through the Office of Executive Education.  Send an email to dporter@gsu.edu for additional information.   Students are highly encouraged to consider a prep course.

Are international students allowed more time to take the GMAT than American students?

No.  

Do 5 yr. students need to do supplemental forms (immunization, etc.)?

No.  Since you are already a GSU student, these forms are already on file.

HOPE?

A student may receive the HOPE scholarship for up to 127 attempted hours.   Attempted hours include remedial courses and all courses in which a grade of W, WF, F, I , IP and U was received and courses not accepted when a student transfers from another school. 

Once you are accepted and enrolled in the graduate portion of the program, you will begin to pay graduate tuition fees. 

What is the MIB enrichment program fee?

MIB candidates will pay a program fee of $1,200 per semester for their first three semesters for a total of $3,600. The fee will be collected at the same time as payment of tuition. The fees are used to help support internship development and other services unique to the delivery of the MIB program.

Do you need work experience to apply to the program?

Work experience is not mandatory for admission into the MIB program.

Worst case scenario in the event a student does not successfully meet the entrance requirements of the Robinson College of Business?

If a student decides not to pursue the 5 year joint degree program, he/she can graduate with their BA in Modern & Classical Languages.

Internship vs. study abroad?

Your internship, which is a minimum of 4 months and occurs at the end of your program, is a requirement of the Master of International Business program.    Study abroad opportunities are not a required component of your program but are highly encouraged as a way to gain additional international exposure, improve your language skills and have an opportunity to meet with companies in-country.

Which countries and companies have hosted MIB interns (representative list):

• Brazil, Chile, Mexico, Germany, France, Kyrgyzstan, Russia, Thailand, Hong Kong, Japan, Spain, Australia, Vietnam, Singapore, Costa Rica, Puerto Rico, Honduras, Argentina, Chile, Belgium, Tunisia, El Salvador and the United States. 
• Motorola, Siemens, Daimler-Chrysler, Coca-Cola, BellSouth International, AJC, Messe-Frankfurt, APCC, Accenture, IBM, Quant, Summit Bank, Thomson,  A.C. Nielson and others.  

When do you apply for graduation?

You should apply for graduation approximately two semesters before your anticipated graduation date.

Do you get both degrees together?

Yes, both degrees are conferred at the same time.   When you are ready to graduate,  you must apply for both undergraduate and graduate graduation.     

What kind of jobs and what is the pay scale for new graduates?

Just as with any job opportunity, the pay scale depends on the portfolio that the student has compiled.  In the case of a student wanting to work in international business, the following factors will have a bearing:

Functional area / identity with a discipline

Language skills

Past work experience

Opportunities for international placement vary significantly from company to company.  Some companies have a policy that international opportunity follows time working on the domestic side.   Other companies have a large percentage of the business which is internationally focused and consequently hire into the division.  Some companies look for someone whom they believe can handle the international assignment. 

Where are your graduates working now? (representative list)

AJC Foods, BellSouth International, The Coca-Cola Company, Citigroup, World Trade Center – Atlanta, AC Nielsen, Equant, Timken,  Dominos  International, Vitrex, Siemens.

For further information please contact:

Questions regarding B.A. degree:
Mimi Haley mhaley@gsu.edu
Office of Academic Assistance Advisor
College of Arts & Sciences
418 General Classroom Building
Call for appointment: 404.413.5000
 

Questions regarding M.I.B. degree:
Paula Huntley phuntley@gsu.edu
Institute of International Business
J. Mack Robinson College of Business
 

Dept. of Modern & Classical Languages
Faculty Advisors:
French: Dr. O’Connell doconn@gsu.edu
German: Dr. Huff rhuff@gsu.edu
Spanish: Dr. Torres mclgmt@langate.gsu.edu