Thunderbird School of Global Management

The Business School

Founded in 1946, Thunderbird is the oldest graduate management school focused exclusively on global business. Regarded as the world's leading institution in the education of global managers, the curriculum is based on the principle that to do business on a global scale, executives must not only know the intricacies of business, but also understand the customs of other countries and be able to communicate with different cultures. Worldwide, 35,500 Thunderbird alumni live and work in more than 140 countries.

The character of a great business school is synonymous with its great thinkers, teachers and writers -- thought leaders who originate new ideas and perspectives and inspire a global following in their fields. Thunderbird's thought leaders are recognized for innovative teaching methods, global best business practices, and groundbreaking research as well as commentary and viewpoints on the global business scene.

Business School/MBA Rankings:
#1 - “International Business”
Wall Street Journal 2006 survey of corporate recruiters; 6th consecutive year
#1 - “International Programs”
U.S.News & World Report 2007; 11th consecutive year
#1 - “Regional Schools”
Wall Street Journal 2006 survey of corporate recruiters
#1 - “Global Business” Executive MBA
BusinessWeek 2005
#5 - “International Schools” (Top among U.S. schools)
Wall Street Journal 2006 survey of corporate recruiters
#7 - “Most Family Friendly - Best Business Schools”
Princeton Review 2007
#7 - “Greatest Opportunity for Minority Students-Best Business Schools”
Princeton Review 2007
#7 - “Best Overall in Latin America”
Latin Trade 2005

The Program

Thunderbird has several global business programs to meet your educational goals, career objectives and your schedule.

MBA in International Management (Full-Time Program)

Thunderbird's top-ranked MBA in International Management is taught through a global lens, by Ph.D.'s from around the globe, to students from 50 different countries. The MBA-IM from Thunderbird -- ranked #1 in Global Business year after year by U.S. News and World Report -- prepares you to take on the world.

Thunderbird and Indiana University Kelley Direct - MBA/MIM Dual Degree (Distance Learning)

Dual Degree Program
"Double Impact: Two highly marketable degrees. Two top-ranked schools. Both global and domestic perspectives. Online convenience and on-site experience at Indiana University, Thunderbird and Beijing, China. So you travel, work and learn."

The Thunderbird and Indiana University Kelley Direct MBA/MIM Dual Degree combines the top-rated distance learning MBA from Indiana University’s Kelley Direct with the top-ranked international management program from Thunderbird School of Global Management. So you achieve all your educational goals (a prestigious MBA and a world-recognized Master of International Management) in just 28 months while pursuing your career path.

Coursework includes Web-based interactions and information sharing. The remaining 20 percent is face-to-face interaction with your classmates and faculty during three on-site learning experiences at Thunderbird, Indiana University and Beijing, China. Because the curriculum includes simultaneous instruction in both domestic and international business aspects, you can begin to apply your new skills and knowledge to both from the beginning of the program.

Executive MBA Program-Europe Program

The EMBA programs combines a traditional MBA curriculum with in-depth international and language studies, plus overseas experience and exposure. Thunderbird’s Executive MBA-Europe program offered in Geneva, Switzerland. Designed for working professionals in Europe and the Middle East with more than eight years of professional experience, this unique program runs concurrently with Thunderbird’s top–ranked Executive MBA-US program, giving students in both cohorts multiple shared learning experiences and knowledge–sharing opportunities.


Global MBA On-Demand program (Distance Learning)

Utilize Web-based technology and complete your MBA via the distance learning format in 19 months. Access your coursework at anytime and have access to a rich Web-based, distance learning environment, including classes, interactive chats, bulletin board postings and collaboration with global professors and classmates.

Thunderbird’s Global MBA On-Demand program offers truly global, hands-on experiences, including one-week study abroad in both Geneva, Switzerland and Beijing, China.

Global MBA For Latin American Managers Program (Distance Learning)

Study with Thunderbird and its renowned partner, Tecnológico de Monterrey in Mexico – two dynamic, highly-ranked, globally focused institutions. Through live satellite broadcasting, local classes and virtual interaction, you learn and earn your Global MBA degree through an online program that also connects you with your classmates and professors.

The Global MBA for Latin American Managers program is offered at select Tecnológico de Monterrey campuses in Mexico and local sites in Bolivia, Colombia, Costa Rica, El Salvador, Peru and the U.S. (Miami, FL and Phoenix, AZ).