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Director of international operations education requirements

Updated January 8, 2025
4 min read

There are several educational requirements to become a director of international operations. Directors of international operations usually study business, accounting, or finance. 63% of directors of international operations hold a bachelor's degree, and 22% hold an master's degree. We analyzed 1,258 real director of international operations resumes to see exactly what director of international operations education sections show.

The most common colleges for directors of international operations are the Wayne State University and the Wayne State University.

There are also many online director of international operations courses to help get the education required to be a director of international operations.

There are certain director of international operations certifications that you should consider. These director of international operations certifications include Certified Manager Certification (CM) and Certified Management Accountant (CMA).

What education do you need to become a director of international operations?

What degree do you need to be a director of international operations?

The most common degree for directors of international operations is bachelor's degree, with 63% of directors of international operations earning that degree. The second and third most common degree levels are master's degree degree at 22% and master's degree degree at 7%.
  • Bachelor's, 63%
  • Master's, 22%
  • Associate, 7%
  • High School Diploma, 2%
  • Other Degrees, 6%

What should I major in to become a director of international operations?

You should major in business to become a director of international operations. 31% of directors of international operations major in business. Other common majors for a director of international operations include accounting and finance.

Most common colleges for directors of international operations

Directors of international operations often get their degrees at Wayne State University, Michigan State University, and Pace University. Here are the most common colleges for directors of international operations in the US based on their resumes.
Director of international operations common collegePercentages
Wayne State University7.09%
Michigan State University6.38%
Pace University5.67%
Boston University5.67%
Northeastern University5.67%

Best majors for directors of international operations

RankMajorPercentages
1Business30.5%
2Accounting9.8%
3Finance8.7%
4Marketing5.5%
5Management4.8%

Best colleges for directors of international operations

The best colleges for directors of international operations are Northwestern University, University of Pennsylvania, and University of Southern California.

A director of international operations with advanced education typically earns a higher salary and has access to better jobs. That's why Zippia looked into the best colleges for directors of international operations. We based this list on several metrics: admissions rate, retention rate, mean earnings of graduates, the ratio of working vs. non-working students ten years after admission, the average cost of attendance, and median debt for graduates who become directors of international operations.

1. University of Pennsylvania

Philadelphia, PA • Private

In-state tuition

$55,584

Enrollment

10,764

2. Northwestern University

Evanston, IL • Private

In-state tuition

$54,568

Enrollment

8,451

3. University of Southern California

Los Angeles, CA • Private

In-state tuition

$56,225

Enrollment

19,548

4. New York University

New York, NY • Private

In-state tuition

$51,828

Enrollment

26,339

5. Pennsylvania State University

University Park, PA • Private

In-state tuition

$18,454

Enrollment

40,108

6. University of Texas at Austin

Austin, TX • Private

In-state tuition

$10,610

Enrollment

40,329

7. SUNY at Binghamton

Vestal, NY • Private

In-state tuition

$9,808

Enrollment

13,990

8. Northeastern University

Boston, MA • Private

In-state tuition

$51,522

Enrollment

13,760

9. Bentley University

Waltham, MA • Private

In-state tuition

$49,880

Enrollment

4,177

10. Lehigh University

Bethlehem, PA • Private

In-state tuition

$52,930

Enrollment

5,030

20 best online courses for directors of international operations

Advertising disclosure

1. International Business

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The International Business specialization is for learners who would like a thorough understanding of international business concepts, tools, and applications. This knowledge can be employed to advance in your current work, to prepare for international jobs and careers, and to generally understand the importance and role of international business practice on globalization and geopolitics. The specialization covers the global context of business, national cultures, human resources, marketing,...

2. International Business II

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This course, Introduction to the Global Business Environment II, focuses on managing organizations in the international economy. Building on Introduction to the Global Business Environment I, this second course focuses on organizational level and management issues in international settings. The course prepares students with practical as well as research-based knowledge and skills necessary to successfully operating an organizational across borders. This course utilizes an inquiry based approach...

3. International Expansion: A Blueprint for Success

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4.5
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An Action Plan to Profitably Expand Your Business Through International Sales and Partnerships...

4. Internal Audit: a Guide for Management

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4.5
(1,333)

Internal Audit, Risk Management, Compliance, Governance, Internal Controls, CIA, Audit Report, Audit Charter, IIA...

5. Fundamentals of International Business

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Studying international business is essential for everyone who wants to be a well-rounded modern individual. Understanding the main features of the international business environment, mechanisms of cross-border business activities, and motivations to engage in these activities, will help you to make sense of contemporary business context and navigate yourself in our complex world. This MOOC provides essential knowledge about international business, its key actors and recent trends. It combines...

6. International Organizations Management

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This course provides an introduction to International Organizations and the United Nations, and explores how business and management tools can be applied in these settings to achieve better, more effective results. With a focus on cross-sector partnerships in a changing world, the course offers you insights into the inner workings of international organizations and the challenges they face today. It will introduce you to effective, state-of-the art management tools and principles to help you...

7. Logistics Management: International Transport & Shipping

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Logistics Supply Chain Management Basics - Transport / Import - Export your Freight / Inventory by Air, Sea or Land...

8. Internal Controls - Design, Implementation and Monitoring

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Become a compliance specialist, maintain strong internal controls for SOX or FCPA, prepare for internal & external audit...

9. Bank Reconciliations & Cash Internal Controls

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Mastering Internal Controls and Cash Management: Safeguarding Business Assets and Ensuring Financial Accuracy...

10. ISO 9001:2015 Internal Auditor

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ISO 9001:2015 Quality Management System Internal Auditor...

11. Proper Segregation of Duties for Internal Control

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(480)

This course examines and discusses key roles and tasks that should be evaluated for proper segregation of duties...

12. International Project Management - Master Class

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4.4
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Take your project management skills to the next level and learn how to manage international projects...

13. Introduction to International Relations

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4.4
(417)

International Relations for beginners: history, theories, states, sovereignty, war, peace, int. organisations, economy...

14. Lead Auditor Tools for a Professional Internal Audit

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4.5
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Be a Pro Internal Auditor. This is the only course with 1-on-1 online meeting with the instructor & e-mail support...

15. Certified Internal Auditor (CIA) Part 3 - Full Study Course

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4.6
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Full study course and instructor support for the Certified Internal Auditor (CIA) Part 3...

16. Online International Diplomacy and Protocol Masterclass

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Learn the Art and Science behind hosting and attending International Diplomatic and Government Events & Visits...

17. Certified Internal Auditor (CIA) Part 1 - Full Study Course

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Full study course and instructor support for the Certified Internal Auditor (CIA) Part 1...

18. International Logistics & Transportation in Supply Chain.

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4.5
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Logistics Management, Supply Chain Calculation, Documents & Export Import Logistics, Logistics & Supply Chain Management...

19. Operations Management: Facilities Planning and Management

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Operations Management Training Program (Course 8 of 8)...

20. ISO 9001, ISO 14001 & ISO 45001 Internal Auditor

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Integrated Management System ISO 9001, ISO 14001 & ISO 45001 Internal Auditor...

Top 10 most affordable universities for directors of international operations

The most affordable schools for directors of international operations are Baruch College of the City University of New York, university of florida, and florida state university.

If the best universities for directors of international operations are out of your price range, check out these affordable schools. After factoring in in-state tuition and fees, the average cost of attendance, admissions rate, average net price, and mean earnings after six years, we found that these are the most affordable schools for directors of international operations.

1. Baruch College of the City University of New York

New York, NY • Private

In-state tuition

$7,262

Cost of attendance

14,046

2. University of Florida

Gainesville, FL • Private

In-state tuition

$6,381

Cost of attendance

21,034

3. Florida State University

Tallahassee, FL • Private

In-state tuition

$5,656

Cost of attendance

21,623

4. Brigham Young University

Provo, UT • Private

In-state tuition

$5,620

Cost of attendance

18,136

5. USF Sarasota-Manatee

Sarasota, FL • Private

In-state tuition

$5,587

Cost of attendance

13,043

6. University of South Florida

Tampa, FL • Private

In-state tuition

$6,410

Cost of attendance

20,456

7. California State University - Fullerton

Fullerton, CA • Private

In-state tuition

$6,886

Cost of attendance

17,645

8. Florida International University

Miami, FL • Private

In-state tuition

$6,556

Cost of attendance

19,434

9. USF St. Petersburg

St. Petersburg, FL • Private

In-state tuition

$5,821

Cost of attendance

19,849

10. SUNY Farmingdale

Farmingdale, NY • Private

In-state tuition

$8,306

Cost of attendance

16,091

Top 10 hardest universities to get into for directors of international operations

The hardest universities for directors of international operations to get into are Northwestern University, University of Pennsylvania, and University of Southern California.

Some great schools for directors of international operations are hard to get into, but they also set your career up for greater success. The list below shows the most challenging universities to get into for directors of international operations based on an institution's admissions rates, average SAT scores accepted, median ACT scores accepted, and mean earnings of students six years after admission.

1. Northwestern University

Evanston, IL • Private

Admissions rate

8%

SAT average

1,508

2. University of Pennsylvania

Philadelphia, PA • Private

Admissions rate

8%

SAT average

1,492

3. University of Southern California

Los Angeles, CA • Private

Admissions rate

13%

SAT average

1,445

4. Northeastern University

Boston, MA • Private

Admissions rate

19%

SAT average

1,466

5. Carnegie Mellon University

Pittsburgh, PA • Private

Admissions rate

17%

SAT average

1,507

6. New York University

New York, NY • Private

Admissions rate

20%

SAT average

1,419

7. Boston University

Boston, MA • Private

Admissions rate

22%

SAT average

1,420

8. University of Miami

Coral Gables, FL • Private

Admissions rate

32%

SAT average

1,365

9. Lehigh University

Bethlehem, PA • Private

Admissions rate

22%

SAT average

1,380

10. George Washington University, The

Washington, DC • Private

Admissions rate

42%

SAT average

1,380

Top 10 easy-to-apply-to universities for directors of international operations

The easiest schools for directors of international operations to get into are Mount Saint Mary's University, barry university, and oklahoma wesleyan university.

Some schools are much easier to get into. If you want to start your career as a director of international operations without much hassle, check out the list of schools where you will be accepted in no time. We compiled admissions rates, average SAT scores, average ACT scores, and average salary of students six years after graduation to uncover which were the easiest schools to get into for directors of international operations.

1. Mount Saint Mary's University

Los Angeles, CA • Private

Admissions rate

84%

SAT average

1,031

2. Barry University

Miami, FL • Private

Admissions rate

91%

SAT average

1,006

3. Oklahoma Wesleyan University

Bartlesville, OK • Private

Admissions rate

68%

SAT average

964

4. University of North Texas at Dallas

Dallas, TX • Private

Admissions rate

83%

SAT average

992

5. Holy Names University

Oakland, CA • Private

Admissions rate

70%

SAT average

849

6. University of the Incarnate Word

San Antonio, TX • Private

Admissions rate

88%

SAT average

1,044

7. Notre Dame de Namur University

Belmont, CA • Private

Admissions rate

82%

SAT average

983

8. Notre Dame College

Cleveland, OH • Private

Admissions rate

90%

SAT average

994

9. Kean University

Union, NJ • Private

Admissions rate

86%

SAT average

991

10. Wayland Baptist University

Plainview, TX • Private

Admissions rate

98%

SAT average

1,003

Average director of international operations salary by education level

Directors of international operations with a Master's degree earn more than those without, at $137,100 annually. With a Doctorate degree, directors of international operations earn a median annual income of $131,424 compared to $115,909 for directors of international operations with an Bachelor's degree.
Director of international operations education levelDirector of international operations salary
Master's Degree$137,100
High School Diploma or Less$92,170
Bachelor's Degree$115,909
Doctorate Degree$131,424
Some College/ Associate Degree$95,375

Director of international operations education FAQs

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Updated January 8, 2025

Zippia Research Team
Zippia Team

Editorial Staff

The Zippia Research Team has spent countless hours reviewing resumes, job postings, and government data to determine what goes into getting a job in each phase of life. Professional writers and data scientists comprise the Zippia Research Team.

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