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The Thunderbird MBA in Global Management is tailored to your need to succeed in an ever-evolving global marketplace. But that is not where the customization ends. In fact, it begins with you.


Traditional vs Accelerated Program Courses

Your program option is determined by your experience

If you have an undergraduate major or minor in business - or completed courses in accounting, data analysis/statistics, finance and management -- or have at least five years work experience including a year or more managing a budget and staff, you may choose the accelerated program. You rocket through certain core courses, cover others along with elective focus area courses and optional language courses to complete your Thunderbird MBA-GM in 11 or 16 months.

If you do not fit that profile, you may choose the traditional program that positions you just as effectively by covering all core, elective focus area and optional language courses in 15 or 20 months. In either case, program length varies based on whether you include an internship prior to graduation.

MBA-GM Program Comparison
Traditional
Accelerated
A 60-credit program A 46.5-credit program
Designed for professionals with varying undergraduate backgrounds and work experience. With a major or minor in business, or the completion of courses in accounting, data analysis/statistics, finance, and management, or a minimum of 5 years work experience including 1 year managing a budget and staff — students may accelerate through certain courses.
Includes a summer internship option Includes a summer internship option
Both programs require an ability to converse in a second language upon graduation.


Both programs include business, management and international studies courses and allow students to choose a focus area.
Full-Time Program Start Dates
Full-Time Program Start Dates:

Thunderbird is the oldest — and only — graduate management school focused exclusively on global business and the only MBA School that requires all graduates to:

  • Possess second-language proficiency
  • Undertake a global experience
  • Complete a global enterprise course
  • Complete three professional development courses focused on leadership development