International Business and Trade Law: Program Overview, Universities, Careers & Salaries
Program Overview
Designed for students aiming to navigate the complexities of global commerce, this program offers a rigorous exploration of legal frameworks that shape international business operations. It equips learners with the analytical and strategic expertise needed to address cross-border challenges in trade, investment, and regulatory compliance.
- International Trade Law: Examines the legal rules and agreements—such as those established by the World Trade Organization—that govern the exchange of goods and services across national borders.
- Foreign Investment Regulations: Explores legal mechanisms and policy frameworks that regulate capital flows, ownership structures, and entry barriers in international markets.
- Transnational Contract Law: Focuses on the formation, interpretation, and enforcement of commercial contracts that span multiple legal jurisdictions.
- International Taxation: Addresses specialized tax principles and treaties that impact multinational corporations, including transfer pricing, tax avoidance strategies, and cross-border income reporting.
- Dispute Resolution in Global Commerce: Covers mechanisms such as international arbitration, mediation, and the role of institutions like the International Chamber of Commerce in resolving cross-border business conflicts.
- Regulatory Compliance and Corporate Governance: Investigates how multinational enterprises adhere to legal standards across diverse political and legal environments, including anti-corruption laws and data protection regulations.
International Business and Trade Law Graduate Trends (2010-2024)
International Business and Trade Law Career Pathways & Salary Outlook
The following table presents salary data for occupations typically aligned with International Business and Trade Law degrees, including Lawyers and Law Teachers, Postsecondary. These career paths represent common employment outcomes but are not guaranteed for all graduates. Salary ranges vary by location, employer, experience level, and specific role requirements. Nationally, these occupations employ approximately 770,550 professionals.
National Average Salaries
| Occupation | Median Salary | Salary Range | Total Employment | Hourly Rate |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Lawyers 23-1011 | $151,160 | $72,780 - $239,200 | 747,750 | $72.67 |
| Law Teachers, Postsecondary 25-1112 | $126,650 | $58,330 - $239,200 | 22,800 | N/A |
International Business and Trade Law Salary Map by State
Geographic location significantly impacts earning potential for these careers. Average salaries range from $79,245 in Mississippi to $172,710 in Delaware—a 118% difference. The highest-paying states include Delaware, Massachusetts, and Colorado. Nationwide, these occupations employ over 770,550 professionals across all states. Explore the interactive map below to compare regional compensation and identify optimal markets for your career goals.
Average Salary Range:
Top Universities for International Business and Trade Law by Graduate Enrollment
Below are the top 16 institutions offering International Business and Trade Law programs for the 2023-2024 academic year (the most recent data reported as of 2025), ranked by the number of graduates. The highest graduate enrollment in International Business and Trade Law is found at Georgetown University (GU) (97 graduates), Golden Gate University (GGU) (60 graduates), University of Southern California (USC) (48 graduates), Columbia University in the City of New York (28 graduates), and American University (AU) (16 graduates). Combined, these colleges produced 337 graduates across all degree levels. Program availability varies by award level, including Associate, Bachelor's, Master's, and Doctoral degrees at participating universities and schools.
| College Name | Award Levels | Graduates | Location | Control | Website |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Georgetown University (GU) |
Master's
|
97 | Washington, District of Columbia | Private | georgetown.edu |
| Golden Gate University (GGU) |
Master's
|
60 | San Francisco, California | Private | ggu.edu |
| University of Southern California (USC) |
Master's
|
48 | Los Angeles, California | Private | usc.edu |
| Columbia University in the City of New York |
Post-Master's
|
28 | New York, New York | Private | columbia.edu |
| American University (AU) |
Master's
|
16 | Washington, District of Columbia | Private | american.edu |
| New York University (NYU) |
Master's
|
16 | New York, New York | Private | nyu.edu |
| Case Western Reserve University (CWRU) |
Master's
|
14 | Cleveland, Ohio | Private | case.edu |
| Texas A & M University |
Bachelor's
Postbac Cert.
|
13 | College Station, Texas | Public | tamu.edu |
| University of Washington (UW) |
Master's
|
12 | Seattle, Washington | Public | washington.edu |
| University of Florida (UF) |
Master's
|
10 | Gainesville, Florida | Public | ufl.edu |
| University of Pittsburgh |
Post-Master's
|
8 | Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania | Public | pitt.edu |
| University of Oklahoma (OU) |
Master's
|
7 | Norman, Oklahoma | Public | ou.edu |
| Thomas Jefferson School of Law (TJSL) |
Master's
|
3 | San Diego, California | Private | tjsl.edu |
| Pepperdine University |
Master's
|
2 | Malibu, California | Private | pepperdine.edu |
| University of Denver (DU) |
Master's
|
2 | Denver, Colorado | Private | du.edu |
| Boston University (BU) |
Master's
|
1 | Boston, Massachusetts | Private | bu.edu |
Frequently Asked Questions
Find answers to the most common questions about International Business and Trade Law programs
How much can I earn with a International Business and Trade Law degree?
Salaries for International Business and Trade Law graduates vary by role and location. Lawyers earn a median of $151,160 annually, while Law Teachers, Postsecondary earn around $126,650. Geographic location significantly impacts earnings—professionals in Delaware average $172,710 compared to $79,245 in Mississippi. Approximately 770,550 professionals work in related occupations nationwide.
Salary data from U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics OEWS program, May 2024. Earnings vary by experience, employer, and market conditions.
Which universities have the largest International Business and Trade Law programs?
Currently 16 accredited institutions offer International Business and Trade Law degrees across the U.S. Programs with the highest enrollment include Georgetown University (GU) (97 graduates), Golden Gate University (GGU) (60 graduates), and University of Southern California (USC) (48 graduates).
Program size doesn't necessarily indicate quality—consider factors like faculty expertise, production opportunities, location, and available degree levels when choosing a school.
Data based on IPEDS program completions for 2023-2024 academic year. Numbers reflect programs where students graduated.
Is enrollment in International Business and Trade Law growing or declining?
Graduate numbers have increased over the past decade, rising from 91 in 2010 to a peak of 349 in 2020, before declining slightly to 337 in 2023-24. This represents a 270% increase overall from 2010.
The field remains specialized with steady interest, though opportunities are most concentrated in major metropolitan areas with active arts scenes like New York, California, and Illinois.
Graduate enrollment data from IPEDS, 2010-2024 academic years. Trends reflect reported completions at participating institutions.
What career paths are available with a International Business and Trade Law degree?
This degree prepares you for roles such as Lawyers, Law Teachers, Postsecondary, . Related occupations employ approximately 770,550 professionals nationwide.
Skills in project management, creative leadership, and collaboration also transfer to event planning, arts administration, marketing, and corporate training roles. Many professionals work freelance or on a project basis across theatre, film, and live events.
Career pathways mapped using CIP-SOC crosswalk from the National Center for Education Statistics. Employment data from BLS OEWS May 2024.
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