International Business Finance UNITAR – Global Development Focus

Our International Business Finance master’s is offered with a global development focus in partnership with UNITAR (United National Institute for Training and Research).

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This Master of Science degree prepares diplomats/students for international economic and financial work, especially as it relates to United Nations institutions such as the World Bank and IMF, as well as regional development banks, including the IDB, CADB, and CAF. The degree equips global leaders serving national banks, as well as staff of economic and planning ministries, with the tools to maintain a healthy and prosperous economy and business environment in their countries.

Program Overview

Who is this program for?

Anyone currently working at the UN, related agencies and permanent missions, or students looking for a pathway into a UN career.

Program Length:

11 courses / 33 credits, designed to be completed in one year – 4 courses in fall, 4 courses in the spring, 3 courses in the summer semester.

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Program Format:

Courses are delivered 6:00-9:00 pm Monday-Thursday. The first week during each semester will be in person at 3 Times Square in Manhattan, following weeks classes meet over Zoom and/or online asynchronously. Non-UN students will be placed in a series of rotating internships for the duration of the program.

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Program Cost:

Significant scholarships are available for UN employees and their affiliates, so your total cost will be a fraction of the GSB tuition. To be considered for this scholarship you must work for the UN, an affiliate body, or member of the diplomatic corps. Proof of employment is required (ex: pay stub, valid photo ID, etc.). Contact Jakeem Easter at jeaster@touro.edu for scholarship eligibility and amounts.

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Start Date:

Classes start September 2. Please apply by August 25.

Admissions

Admissions Requirements

You’ll need to meet the Graduate School of Business MS admissions requirements which include a bachelor’s degree from an accredited institution or its equivalent and an undergraduate course with a minimum grade of “B” in Principles of Accounting and Principles of Finance.

If you have not taken these courses at the undergraduate level, you can enroll in our 1-credit MBAN 501 Intro to Finance course. This is a pass/fail course you take asynchronously, made up of 5 modules, to give you the foundation you’ll need in the master’s program. We can work with you so you can take this 1-credit course during your first semester of study along with your other courses.

How to Apply?

Complete the Touro application at apply.touro.edu/gsb. Learn more about what you’ll need for the application and how to apply.

What You'll Learn

You will gain a deep understanding of the legal, financial, and managerial aspects of conducting business in a global environment. The program builds expertise in navigating international law and regulation, managing cross-border operations, understanding global accounting standards, and strategically leading organizations within complex political and economic contexts. You will also develop critical skills in negotiation, diplomacy, leadership, and communication necessary for success in international markets.

  • International Law & Regulation: Understand evolving international legal frameworks, government regulation of businesses, and implications for global commerce.
  • Global Business Management: Learn to assess market attractiveness, manage foreign operations, mitigate political and currency risks, and design strategies for international expansion.
  • International Accounting: Master comparative accounting practices, currency translation, risk analysis, and global financial statement evaluation.
  • Financial Strategy & Markets: Analyze global securities, debt, and foreign exchange markets, along with advanced techniques in valuation and investment strategies.
  • Corporate Strategy Integration: Synthesize leadership, finance, marketing, and IT principles to build globally competitive strategies.
  • Political Economy & Development: Evaluate trade, finance, globalization, and international development policies and their influence on global governance.
  • Leadership & Negotiation: Develop cross-cultural leadership skills, negotiation tactics, and conflict resolution strategies in organizational settings.
  • Business Diplomacy & Communication: Adapt diplomatic practices to business crises, brand management, strategic communication, and digital-era diplomacy.
  • Global Management Practices: Apply world-class management models and practices to lead diverse, international teams effectively.

In addition to didactic classes, you’ll have hands-on experience at the UN that include: 

  • Regular visits to the UN to gain in-depth understanding of the organization
  • Workshops and meetings at UN departments and agencies
  • Internship priority access 

Curriculum

In addition to the hands-on experience at the UN, the primary distinction between the traditional MS in IBF program at GSB and the MS in IBF with a Global Development focus lies in the electives, which have been thoughtfully pre-selected to align with global development themes.

Below are the courses you will take:

  • International Law and Regulation
  • International Business
  • International Accounting
  • International Financial Markets
  • International Political Economy
  • Leadership
  • Negotiation and Conflict Resolution
  • A Modern Approach to Business Diplomacy and Communications
  • Managing and International Perspective of Work
  • Global Development
  • Capstone