The survey results are in, and Illinois State University achieved the rank of fourth overall on Study.com’s list of top international business programs nationwide.

“Congratulations on your placement in our top 50 schools for international business!” said a representative of the website in an email to the Illinois State program’s faculty. “Over 40 million visitors per month use Study.com to research potential schools, degrees, and careers, and this list of the top 50 international business degree programs will help our users and potential students learn about your school’s excellent international business program.”

When compiling the guide and determining rankings, Study.com placed a high value on student input from an online survey, as well as such factors as the quality of faculty, available academic and career resources and the breadth of opportunities on hand for program participants.

Director of the Carson and Iris Varner International Business Institute at Illinois State Barbara Ribbens received an email from Study.com in November 2018, which included the survey for students to share their insights about the quality of the ISU program.

“I looked at Study.com and realized it was one of many of the places high school students might look to explore various college majors. I decided to send the survey link to the current juniors and seniors, as well as the most recent alums and see what happened,” she recalled.

Upon learning of the ISU College of Business’ strong placement in the list of top institutions, Ribbens expressed her appreciation for the students and alumni who followed through with the survey.

“We now have a very favorable ranking and description out there for high school students to find,” she said.

Illinois State is the only public university in the state with an international business program, and Study.com applauded the university for incorporating foreign language and study abroad requirements into the curriculum.

Illinois State is the only public university in the state with an international business program, and Study.com applauded the university for incorporating foreign language and study abroad requirements into the curriculum.

As the online guide observed in the entry about Illinois State, “Survey responses submitted by students were extremely positive, noting the program’s unique study abroad and real-world experience opportunities, as well as the excellent staff and program director. Students feel that they leave the program prepared to be competitive in the job market. One student said that ‘The international business degree at Illinois State University goes above and beyond the required business essentials. This program offers valuable cultural insight and broadens the global perspective of business students to be able to adapt to the ever changing and globally connected work environment.’”