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Learn more about admissions requirements and the process of applying to Thunderbird's Global MBA On-Demand program.


Admissions Standards & Requirements

Application Requirements

  • A completed application form
  • Two letters of recommendation
  • Personal essays
  • One copy of transcripts from all post-secondary institutions, validating completion of a four-year degree or equivalent
  • GRE Revised Test (taken after August 1, 2011) or GMAT scores (sent directly from Pearson Vue using Thunderbird's code for reporting scores: P5K-H3-21)*
  • A current resume
  • TOEFL or IELTS English language exam is required for non-native English language students
  • Non-refundable application fee of $125.
  • For detailed information, please also see the Application Checklist.

*GMAT or GRE required for application, but highly experienced candidates may apply for a Test Waiver.

Evaluation Process

  • Assessment is based on a qualitative evaluation of the admissions documents you provide.
  • Once your application is complete, it is presented to the Executive Admissions Committee for evaluation.
  • Acceptance decisions are made on a rolling basis and are accepted throughout the year. Each application is considered for the next entering class, so the sooner you complete the process, the sooner a decision is made.
  • If your native language is not English and you did not receive your qualifying degree in a country where English is the primary/native language, a TOEFL or IELTS score must be sent to Thunderbird. For the TOEFL, you must receive a minimum of 600 (paper-based test), 250 (computer-based test), or 100 (internet-based test). For the IELTS, you must receive a minimum score of 7.0.

Program Requirements

  • Global MBA On-Demand degree requirements must be completed within five calendar years of your initial enrollment. Courses completed earlier than five years before the effective date of graduation may not count toward degree requirements.
  • You must maintain a minimum cumulative grade point average of 3.0. If you do not maintain the appropriate cumulative grade point average, you will be placed on academic probation for one term. Failure to achieve a 3.0 minimum cumulative grade point average after one term on academic probation results in dismissal from the program. Note: When filed with the Registrar's Office, all grades are final and are not subject to change by reason of a revision of the instructor's judgment. Changes may be made only to correct an error in computation or transcription.

Conduct

  • As a student in the Global MBA program, you are preparing yourself for a career in which you will likely be given supervisory responsibilities at a senior corporate level. You are, therefore, expected to demonstrate maturity, self-discipline and ethical behavior throughout the period of your study.
  • The School may cancel your registration at any time for conduct deemed inconsistent with the maturity expected of an international executive.
  • You must abide by the Honor Code, which is available on the Web site and printed on the Global MBA On-Demand Application for Admission.

On-site Seminar Visa Requirements

  • You are required to have an appropriate visa for each of the on-site seminars (both in the U.S. and internationally). While we will assist you with the proper paperwork needed, you are responsible for the fees to obtain a visa.
  • International locations vary each year. You may or may not need a visa for particular locations.Please check with the consulate of each country to verify the process for obtaining a visa based on your citizenship.

Technical Requirements

  • To participate in the program effectively, you must have an up-to-date computer system and related software.
  • Your computer must provide access to the Internet for course information, as well as interaction with faculty, other students and the Global MBA administration.
  • Selected course materials may be distributed on CD-ROMs. Your computer must be multimedia compatible.

Your computer must meet or exceed the following standards:

Minimum Requirements
Recommended Requirements
Windows XP Desktop or Laptop
Windows 7 Laptop
1.2 Ghz Processor 1.2 Ghz Dual-Core Processor or greater
512MB of RAM 2 GB of Ram
60G Hard-drive (available space)  100G Hard-drive (available space)
DVD ROM  DVD-RW Combo drive
  512KB Video Card
Broadband Internet Access (1.5 Mbps downstream and 384 kbps upstream) Broadband Internet Access (15 Mbps downstream or greater, 1 Mbps upstream or greater)
Headset with microphone Headset with microphone
Webcam Webcam
Software
Internet Explorer 7 Adobe Flash Player 10.1
Media Player 9 Adobe Reader 9
Microsoft Office Suite 2010 (Student Discounts Available) Most students use free Instant Messaging (like Skype, Google Talk, or MSN Messenger) for communicating with teams and cohort.

Thunderbird recommends the above hardware and software requirements. These products are known to have conflicts/issues with program content and delivery:

  • Operating Systems (Mac, Vista, Linux)
  • Browsers (IE 9, Safari and Chrome)
  • Software (Office for Mac, OpenOffice)
  • Dial-up Internet Access
This list is not all inclusive and students utilizing products other than the minimum or recommended above will not receive Helpdesk support. Please contact us if you have specific questions. Global MBA students are also responsible for Internet provider access fees.

Note: Program policies are subject to change. At any time, the Global MBA On-Demand program reserves the right to make whatever changes it deems appropriate in course scheduling, assignment of instructors, and prerequisites.

LINKS: Other Helpful Information

Admissions checklist »
GMAT Admissions exam »
GRE Revised Test »
TOEFL English Language Exam »
Online application (Embark) »