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Frequently Asked Questions
Questions
1. Is Thunderbird only a graduate school?
2. Does Thunderbird have a part-time MBA degree program?
3. Does Thunderbird offer a virtual/online MBA program?
4. Does Thunderbird offer dual-degree options with other institutions?
5. Is Thunderbird accredited?
6. How is Thunderbird's MBA in Global Management currently ranked?
7. What qualifying exams must I take for admission into the Thunderbird MBA program?
8. How long will it take me to finish the full-time Thunderbird MBA in Global Management?
9. Is there a language requirement for the MBA-GM program?
10. What distinguishes a Thunderbird MBA in Global Management from other MBA programs?
11. How does Thunderbird help me advance my career?
12. Where can I find detailed information about courses and requirements?
Answers
1. Is Thunderbird only a graduate school?
Answer. Yes. Thunderbird is exclusively a graduate school (with no undergraduate programs). We offer a suite of graduate degrees for full-time and part-time students, as well as working professionals. However, the school also offers short, non-degree certificate programs, as well as language and culture programs, to working professionals and organizations through our Executive Education division.
2. Does Thunderbird have a part-time MBA degree program?
Answer. Yes. Thunderbird offers several part-time MBA in Global Management programs. Our top-ranked Executive MBA program is offered in two locations - on campus in Glendale, Arizona and on-site in Geneva, Switzerland. The 17-month program is designed for working professionals with eight or more years of professional experience and is offered in an alternate-weekend format in Arizona and in a series of one-week modules in Geneva. Thunderbird's Evening MBA in Global Management is a classroom-based program designed for working professionals in the Phoenix metropolitan area. Delivered outside of regular business hours, the traditional Evening MBA program can be completed in three years and the accelerated program can be completed in just over two years.
3. Does Thunderbird offer a virtual/online MBA program?
Answer. Yes. Thunderbird offers several MBA programs for distance-learning: Thunderbird's Global MBA On-Demand and the M-GM/MBA Dual Degree program with Indiana University. Coursework for both includes virtual interactions and seminars, and is complemented by onsite instruction at the Thunderbird campus (and at Indiana University's campus for the Dual Degree), as well as on-site study in international locations. A virtual program for Latin American Managers is also offered.
4. Is Thunderbird accredited?
Answer. Yes. Accredited by major agencies around the world, including AACSB International and NCA.
5. Does Thunderbird offer dual-degree options with other institutions?
Answer. Yes. Thunderbird offers several dual-degree options. Students enrolled in a full-time MBA program at any of our partner institutions can apply to Thunderbird’s full-time dual-degree program and graduate with a traditional MBA from their current school and a Master of Global Management from Thunderbird. Thunderbird also offers an MBA/Master of Global Management distance-learning dual degree with Indiana University’s Kelley Direct, as well as a dual-degree program with Vermont Law School in which students can pair a VLS law degree with any of Thunderbird’s full-time degrees.
6. How is Thunderbird's MBA in Global Management currently ranked?
Answer. Thunderbird is consistently ranked #1 in international business by a number of independent surveys and publications. See our complete list of rankings to learn how the rest of the world ranks Thunderbird.
7. What qualifying exams must I take for admission into the Thunderbird MBA program?
Answer. The Graduate Management Admission Test (GMAT). In addition, applicants whose native language is not English and who did not receive an undergraduate degree in an English speaking country are required to take the Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL).
8. How long will it take me to finish the full-time Thunderbird MBA in Global Management?
Answer. Traditionally 15 to 20 months, depending on whether you opt for an internship. The accelerated MBA in Global Management can be completed in 11 months to 16 months, depending on whether you do an internship.
9. Is there a language requirement for the MBA-GM program?
Answer. All MBA-GM students must demonstrate proficiency in a second language. This is a graduation exit requirement, not an entrance requirement.
10. What distinguishes a Thunderbird MBA in Global Management from other MBA programs?
Answer. A truly global approach. Thunderbird’s focus is global. Its perspective is international. Each course is interdisciplinary — drawing from functional business, international studies and the languages used in business. At Thunderbird, core business courses are taught from a global perspective. You explore the current challenges and issues faced by multinational companies. From a cultural perspective, you learn and experience international rules of engagement. To enhance understanding and sensitivity to the nuances of doing business globally -- including the fusion of business and culture -- you demonstrate proficiency in a second language. Just as important, courses are taught by world-renowned faculty who are not only experts in their specialty but also globally active consultants with field experience advising international organizations.
11. How does Thunderbird help me advance my career?
Answer. The Thunderbird Career Management Center (CMC) offers a wide variety of services to help you develop your career in global management — including career and internship fairs with blue chip employers, opportunities for interviews and informational sessions with recruiters, job postings, an electronic resume database and company information.
12. Where can I find more information about courses and requirements?
Answer. Please click here for the most current information about curriculum.