GBC offers several options for MBA students looking to build a solid academic foundation in global business. Review the tabs below for more information. Send an email to MBA Global Programs with any questions.
Global Business Forum
The Global Business Forum (GBF) is an engaging MBA class and discussion forum where professionals from around the world share their insights into the complexities of doing business globally – differences encountered, obstacles overcome, advantages discovered, and solutions developed.
The GBF is intentionally designed to connect students directly with global business leaders. Students are offered opportunities to lead Q&A discussions, summarize presentations for speaker follow-up, and engage in 1:1 meaningful conversations with speakers.
Who can participate in GBF?
MBAs, graduate students from other UW departments, faculty, and staff are welcome to participate. Enrollment for credit in the Global Business Forum (IBUS 500) during two academic quarters, for Full-time MBAs and Evening MBAs, is a requirement for the Global Business Program Certificate.
GBF schedule
The Global Business Forum takes place Mondays, 5:00-5:50 PM. Each quarter offers diverse discussions under a uniting global business theme. Christina Fong is the lead faculty for GBF.
Fall 2025: Doing Business with Central and South America
The GBF will host executives who have worked in Central or South America or have built and maintained significant relationships with companies in this area to share their insights. Executives will be asked to compare and contrast their experiences in Central/South America with business experiences in the US and other countries, to discuss and identify opportunities in this exciting area, as well as the possible pitfalls of doing work in Central/South America.
Winter 2026: The Global Sports Arena: Business, Culture, and Impact
In celebration of Seattle hosting the 2026 FIFA World Cup, Global Business Forum will host a dynamic speaker series that will delve into the multifaceted world of global sports. This series will feature industry leaders and experts who will explore various aspects of sports across the globe, including marketing, operations, management, and the economic impact of sports around the world.
Spring 2026: Managing Macroeconomic Trends
How do business leaders leverage and mitigate risks associated with trade disruptions? This quarter will take an in-depth look at the critical role that trade between nations plays in the perpetuation of business across the globe. We will invite leaders to discuss how they deal with tariffs and trade regulations, how they manage the import and export of valued goods and products, and complex interplay between trade and macroeconomic forces in business.
International courses
University of Washington Foster School of Business students interested in global business can select from a variety of elective courses in the Foster School, at an MBA exchange partner school, or in another UW graduate department.
Enrollment in international course electives is a requirement of the Global Business Certificate Program. A wide variety of international electives are offered in various UW graduate departments including the Jackson School of International Studies, Evans School of Public Affairs, Department of Political Science, Law School and Department of Communications.
400-level international undergraduate courses are available at the Foster School. MBA students may take up to two undergraduate courses with pre-approval from the MBA Program Office. Check with Undergraduate Program Office for an academic course schedule.
This is not an exhaustive list; changes are made every quarter. For a complete list, contact the associated academic department or view the current UW course catalog.
To see descriptions of elective course content, view MBA Course Descriptions.
Accounting
Seminar in International Accounting
Business Communications
Crosstalk: Communicating Across Cultures and Professions
Business Economics
Competing in the Global Economy
Financial Markets
International Finance
International Financial Management
Finance
International Financial Management
Asian Capital Market Structure
International Business
Global Business Forum
International Business Consulting
International Trade Policy
Perspectives on International Business
Foundations of International Business
Cross-Cultural Conversations on Contemporary Issues
Global Business Study Tour
Selected Topics in Global Business
Management
Deal-Making in the Global Arena
Managing Effectively Across Cultures
Marketing
International Marketing
Operations Management
Global Logistics Management
Seminar in Global Trade, Transportation and Logistics
Course titles and numbers are subject to change. Current quarter course schedules can be viewed on the UW course catalog website.