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Language Requirements

English is the language of instruction for the Executive MBA program in all locations.

The study of modern languages and cultures has long distinguished Thunderbird from other graduate business schools. Thunderbird incorporates language instruction into the overall educational experience to help students strengthen their global mindset--which helps set Thunderbird alumni apart from other MBA graduates. The language program is taught in an intensive format and includes exposure into cultural norms and indicators associated with a language.

Language instruction through Thunderbird is offered in Arabic, French, German, Japanese, Mandarin Chinese, Portuguese, Russian and Spanish. To earn your MBA degree from Thunderbird, you must reach a specified level of proficiency in a language that is not your native language. There are a few ways to meet this requirement.

If English is not your native language and you demonstrate through the admissions process your ability to both study at the graduate level and conduct basic business in English (a basic requirement for admission), you will have met the language requirement and no additional courses are needed (but remain optional if you would still like to pursue another language). The language requirement waiver is determined during admissions process and the school reserves the right to verify your English-language abilities through TOEFL or IELTS testing as needed.

If your native language IS English and you already speak a second language, you have several options available, as noted below.

If your native language IS English and you do not yet speak a second language at intermediate proficiency, you may also choose from options below.

Option 1

If your mother tongue is English but you already speak another language, you can test out of the language requirement by successfully completing the Oral Proficiency Interview (OPI) which is administered through Language Testing International (LTI). You will be required to meet the stated levels of accomplishment depending on the language chosen. The fee for this test is an additional expense. More information is available through the admissions process. Feel free to contact us with any questions along the way.

Option 2

You can take the Thunderbird language curriculum offered through the Executive MBA program. The language curriculum will be offered in modular format for each Executive MBA cohort. This program is 6 credits and is offered in an intensive format during each cycle of the Executive MBA program for an additional fee of $6,000. This fee includes lodging on campus, most meals, and all books and interactive materials. Successful completion of this coursework automatically fulfills the language requirement.


Option 3

You can take language classes somewhere other than Thunderbird (online, self-study or in your home region), any time before or during your Executive MBA studies, and test out of the language requirement through the process noted in Option 1. Please note that this requirement must be completed prior to graduation.