Decrease font Decrease font
Decrease font Decrease font
Enlarge font Enlarge font
Enlarge font Enlarge font

Mastering the Business of English
The Thunderbird Language and Culture Programs (TLCP) offer a Pre-MBA/Master's Intensive English Program, uniquely designed for students who do not speak English as their native language. The program builds business English skills and confidence for international students entering Thunderbird's MBA program or another graduate business program.

Pre-MBA/Master's Intensive English

Program Dates

The Pre-MBA/Master's Intensive English Program is 10 weeks.

 Please contact us for more information and specific dates.  

Program Overview

  • Intensive, business English program designed for students needing or wanting to increase their confidence and skills
  • Class size averages only 8 students to ensure effective class interaction and individualized training
  • Pre-MBA focus develops English language skills specifically for U.S. graduate business programs
  • Internationally experienced faculty with graduate degrees provides culturally sensitive instruction
    Certificate of Completion provides proof of English language skills to MBA/Master's admissions directors and employers
  • Simplified pricing eliminates any "surprise" fees for course materials
  • Academic counseling provides each student with personalized attention

Program Content

  • Critical Listening Skills
    Develop listening comprehension and note-taking skills for MBA/Master's classes; enhance reading comprehension and test-taking strategies
  • Effective Academic Writing
    Learn American techniques for effective writing in the context of a graduate business school
  • Business Discussions and Case Studies
    Build discussion skills and a broad business vocabulary through the use of selected business readings and the case-study method
  • Culture Interactions
    Explore key cultural elements of American society including social, political, and educational insights
  • Strategic Reading Comprehension
    Enhance reading comprehension skills through learning and practicing various reading techniques
  • Presentation Skills
    Develop the delivery skills, organizational structure, rhetorical techniques, and confidence needed to give an effective presentation in English, and increase overall fluency in communicating content
  • Pronunciation Development
    Practice formal and informal English for everyday situations, and develop pronunciation skills

Prerequisites

  • Undergraduate degree
  • TOEFL score of 550 (213 computer-based total) (iBT 79), IELTS score of 6.5 or PTE score of 53-66
  • Minimum GMAT score of 520*

Business professionals and student spouses who have sufficient English skills may also apply and will be considered for admission on an individual basis.

*The minimum required GMAT score to attend the Pre-MBA/Master's Intensive English Program is 520. Admittance and attendance of the Pre-MBA/Master's IEP does not guarantee admission to Thunderbird's MBA or Master's programs if referral was not made by the Thunderbird admissions office.

Pre-MBA/Master's Intensive English Program

  • 10-week program
  • 25 hours of classroom instruction per week or 250 hours total
  • Required for international students who have TOEFL scores between 213-249 CAT (550-597 paper test) (iBT 79-99), IELTS score of 6.5, or PTE score of 53-66.
  • International students taking the Pre-MBA/Master's Intensive English Program are not required to take the two-week English language review course.

Tuition

Pre-MBA/Master's Intensive English Program (10 weeks): US$6,850

Deposit Fee
A USD$50 non-refundable fee will be required prior to sending an I-20 form for the 10-week Pre-MBA/Master's Intensive English Program. This fee will be applied towards the program tuition. A form to collect this fee will be sent to you.

Certification of Funds
If you are a foreign student and intend to acquire a student visa to enter the United States, you are required to certify that you will have adequate financial support for your studies at Thunderbird. Please view our Financial Certification for Foreign Applicants form for more information.

Contact Information

For program dates, fees, and other information on the Pre-MBA/Master's Intensive English Language Program, complete the Online Information Request form or contact our office directly:

Debisu Hyde
Associate Marketing Specialist
Thunderbird Language & Culture Programs

Executive Education
Thunderbird School of Global Management
1 Global Place
Glendale, AZ USA 85306-6000

Phone:
1-602-978-7822

Fax:
1-602-978-7979

E-mail:
debisu.hyde@thunderbird.edu

OR

Beth Stoops
Associate Vice President
Thunderbird Language & Culture Programs

Executive Education
Thunderbird School of Global Management
1 Global Place
Glendale, AZ USA 85306-6000

Phone:
1-602-978-7779

Fax:
1-602-978-7979

E-mail:
beth.stoops@thunderbird.edu