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Admissions Standards & Requirements

For Admission

The basic qualifications for the Executive MBA include:

  • An undergraduate degree (bachelor's or equivalent)
  • Intellectually capacity for doing graduate-level coursework in an accelerated format
  • A minimum of eight years of full-time work experience in a professional work environment (or equivalent -- there may be exceptions for those adult learners who earned a bachelor's degree after their early 20s, for those who took advanced university studies such as a law, medical or Ph.D. programs, etc).
  • Have spent at least three years in a position where managerial decision-making is involved (managing people, complex projects, overseeing budgets, etc), or having a recent promotion to a position where an MBA could add significant value. This includes entrepreneurs, researchers, etc
  • Make a strong personal commitment to the time requirements of the program

The GMAT is NOT required for the Executive MBA.

Instead of the GMAT, the program assesses candidates based on a holistic review of their academic backgrounds, their CV and work history, their stated objectives and potential for success. We look for candidates who have made solid progress in their careers, demonstrate potential for leadership positions and have a passion for global business engagement.

All candidates will conduct three admissions interviews with Thunderbird professors (by phone or in person, when possible), which help us to assess these various factors. Candidates are assessed on their potential to contribute to the learning of other participants, their abilities to handle graduate-level course work and their motivtations and capacity for managing course work with their ongoing professional demands (see below).

Note: For non-native English speakers, the TOEFL (Test of English as a Foreign Language) may be required of some candidates who do not conduct work in English or who have no prior immersion in an English-language setting (depending on their language of heritage, academic training and exposure to English). Whether or not the TOEFL is required can be determined by engaging the Executive MBA staff early in the admissions process.

Candidate Selection

Candidates are selected on the basis of professional experience, former academic history, demonstrated career progress and leadership potential. Applicants will be assessed on various personal and professional factors in comparison to the competitive applicant pool and prevailing admissions standards, including their commitment to executive-level learning and program requirements.

Thunderbird seeks high-performing individuals who are dedicated to their progress and to contributing to the success of the overall Executive MBA cohort. We invite you to consider these questions before applying:

  • Do you bring a minimum of eight years of professional work experience, with at least three in a managerial position at or above mid-level?
  • Are you looking for a rigorous and rewarding academic program that fosters both your intellectual and personal growth while elevating the level of your career performance?
  • Are you ready to make a strong personal commitment to setting aside significant time for learning—and to contributing with equal commitment to the development and learning of your classmates?
  • Are you looking for a collaborative learning environment at an institution that is renowned in global management and dedicated to the highest academic standards?
  • Do you have (or are you confident that you can acquire) your company’s commitment to supporting your growth and career progress, including the necessary time away from the office for your studies?
  • Would you be proud to be a lifetime member of a worldwide professional network that is dedicated to promoting global citizenship, international collaboration, and sustainable and ethical business success?

If you answered "yes" to the above questions, we look forward to working with you through the application and enrollment process!