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Uniting global business education with environmental law equips you with the knowledge, skills and aptitude to create sustainable prosperity worldwide. The curricula at Thunderbird and Vermont Law School allow you to fully immerse yourself in these disciplines - setting you on a course to change yourself...and change the world.


Degree Details: MBA and MELP

Thunderbird MBA Curriculum

Thunderbird's #1 ranked full-time MBA is offered in both a traditional and accelerated format. The traditional degree requires 60 credit hours. The accelerated degree requires 45 credit hours and is open only to eligible individuals who meet certain undergraduate or professional criteria.

Core Curriculum

The core curriculum required of all MBA students focuses on business analysis and leadership skills, analytical tools and grounding in key emerging business areas. Students in the accelerated program take compressed Accounting, Finance, Data Analysis, Competing through People and Competing through Strategy courses; all other courses are the same for both programs.

Note: Students pursuing a MELP/MBA dual degree will not be asked to declare a focus area. They will be listed as having a "Custom Focus." In addition, the "Global Business Plan/Integrative Experience" required of other MBA students has been waived for MELP/MBA dual degree candidates.
Read more about MBA curriculum »

Transfer Credits

Thunderbird will accept 15 MELP transfer credits from Vermont Law School as electives. Students are therefore required to take 45 MBA credits at Thunderbird for the traditional program or 33 credits for the accelerated program.

Upon successful completion, the following Vermont Law School courses are designated as transfer credits:

  • Constitutional Law
  • Contracts
  • Property
  • Torts

Vermont Law School MELP Curriculum

Vermont Law School's Master of Environmental Law & Policy program requires 30 credit hours.

Core Curriculum

Not just for lawyers, the MELP program gives students a comprehensive knowledge of the policies and laws shaping the solutions to these problems. VLS™'s world-renowned faculty teach an innovative curriculum comprised of traditional law offerings and MELP-specific courses designed to benefit graduates in the public and private sectors. Experiential learning opportunities with state and federal agencies, advocacy groups, and international organizations ensure that MELP graduates are prepared for real-world situations the first day on the job.
Get specifics on MELP Curriculum »

Transfer Credits

Vermont Law School will accept up to 9 MBA transfer credits from Thunderbird. Students are therefore required to take 21 MELP credits at VLS.

VLS will accept any credits earned at Thunderbird in transfer, with the following exceptions:

  • No credits earned prior to matriculation in the MELP program at VLS or another ABA-accredited law school will be accepted.
  • No credits earned for internships, in language classes or in courses that duplicate offerings at VLS will be accepted.