University of Richmond the degree of Bachelor of Arts (First Class Honours) Business Administration (International Business)

Description

The University of Richmond (UR), a premier private liberal arts institution founded in 1830 in Richmond, Virginia, is renowned for its rigorous academics, innovative programs, and commitment to fostering ethical leaders in a global context. Home to approximately 3,900 undergraduates across its five schools—including the acclaimed E. Claiborne Robins School of Business (Robins School)—UR emphasizes interdisciplinary learning, experiential opportunities, and a supportive community where 70% of students study abroad. Ranked #22 in National Liberal Arts Colleges and #8 for Most Innovative Schools by U.S. News & World Report 2026, and #18 among the best liberal arts colleges by Niche 2025, UR’s degrees are globally respected for blending liberal arts breadth with professional depth. The Bachelor of Arts (BA) in Business Administration with a concentration in International Business, when pursued through the Robins School’s honors program, culminates in a First Class Honours designation for top-performing students (equivalent to a GPA of 3.7+ or summa cum laude). This elite degree certificate or diploma equips graduates with strategic business acumen, cross-cultural expertise, and leadership skills for multinational careers, distinguishing holders as high achievers in international business, global trade, and corporate strategy.

A Legacy of Excellence in Business and Global Engagement

Established in 1949 and named for philanthropist E. Claiborne Robins in 1986, the Robins School of Business integrates UR’s liberal arts foundation with cutting-edge business education, producing alumni who lead at Fortune 500 firms, startups, and international organizations. Ranked #17 in Poets&Quants’ Best Undergraduate Business Schools 2025 (up from #18 in 2024), #15 for career outcomes, #21 for admissions standards, and #25 for academic experience, Robins emphasizes ethical decision-making, innovation, and global immersion—over 50% of students participate in study abroad via partnerships in 30+ countries. The school’s honors program, available to students with a 3.30+ GPA and 3.5+ in major coursework, adds advanced research, thesis work, and faculty mentorship, resulting in a First Class Honours BA diploma noted on transcripts and the degree certificate. This legacy is embodied by alumni like David Rubenstein (co-founder, Carlyle Group, a global investment firm) and Chris Ullman (former VP Communications, Yahoo! and Citigroup), who exemplify Robins’ impact on international finance and global business leadership.

Diverse Degree Programs and Diplomas

Robins offers a flexible curriculum where all undergraduates begin in the School of Arts & Sciences before declaring majors, ensuring a well-rounded foundation in humanities, sciences, and ethics. The BA in Business Administration (International Business concentration) requires 30-36 units (120 credits) over four years, including pre-business prerequisites (e.g., ECON 101, ACCT 201, MATH 211) and core business courses (e.g., BUAD 203 Strategy, MKT 320 Marketing, FIN 360 Finance). The honors track demands a senior thesis or capstone project, with First Class Honours awarded to those excelling in advanced seminars like IBUS 411 Global Strategic Management. Key highlights include:

• Core Structure (BA Business Administration – International Business): Mandatory courses in organizational behavior (MGMT 330), operations (MGMT 340), and strategy (BUAD 497, substituted by IBUS 411 for international focus), plus concentration electives like international economics, global marketing, and cross-cultural management. A required semester abroad (e.g., via UR’s Valhalla program in Asia or Europe) ensures practical exposure to international trade, foreign markets, and global supply chains. Honors students complete 3.5+ units of distinguished major work, culminating in a thesis on topics like sustainable global business.
• Admission and Progression: Entry requires a 2.7+ GPA after three semesters, including prerequisites; honors eligibility starts at 3.30 cumulative GPA and 18+ units. International applicants need TOEFL/IELTS scores and SAT/ACT (optional but recommended, average 1350-1470 SAT). Transfer students must meet a 2.7 GPA with 12+ units.
• Variants and Specializations: As a secondary concentration (pairable with majors in accounting, finance, or economics), it supports joint degrees like BA/BS in Global Studies or languages. Non-honors options include minors in international business; shorter certificates in entrepreneurship or leadership provide pathways. Compulsory elements include quantitative analysis, ethics, and experiential learning via UR’s guaranteed $5,300 summer funding for internships or research.

All graduates receive a University of Richmond BA diploma, with honors notation for First Class achievers.

Why Pursue a BA in Business Administration (International Business) with First Class Honours at the University of Richmond?

Pursuing this honors degree at UR immerses you in a collaborative environment with small classes (average 20 students), dedicated career advising via the Center for Professional & Skills Development, and access to the Spider Business Hub for hands-on ventures. Over 95% of 2024 grads interned in business roles, contributing to a 99.8% two-year employment rate (100% for Class of 2023), with average starting salaries of $75,000+ in global consulting, multinational corporations, and investment banking at firms like Deloitte, Goldman Sachs, and PwC. Affordable merit aid (average $45,000/year) and need-based packages cover 100% demonstrated need without loans, while the vibrant campus—featuring Division I athletics and 300+ clubs—builds lifelong networks. For international business aspirants, the honors distinction signals elite preparation for MBA programs (e.g., at Wharton or INSEAD) or roles in export management and emerging markets.

In summary, the University of Richmond Bachelor of Arts (First Class Honours) in Business Administration (International Business) is a prestigious degree certificate that merges liberal arts inquiry with global business prowess. For driven students eyeing international commerce and leadership, UR’s honors BA delivers unparalleled distinction and opportunity. Explore programs at richmond.edu to pursue your elite diploma.