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, leaders 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, 40,000 Thunderbird alumni live and work in more than 140 countries. While the school's stellar international business curriculum and experience consistently earns Thunderbird the #1 in "international business" ranking from U.S. News & World Report and Bloomberg Businessweek, the robust alumni network earned Thunderbird The Economist's #1 ranking for "potential to network." Learn more about our rankings.

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.

The Program

Thunderbird offers a suite of top-ranked graduate degree programs and executive education courses designed for full-time students, recent graduates, seasoned professionals, corporations, individuals seeking professional development and more. Our programs include:

MBA in Global Management

Ask any recruiter today and you're likely to hear that a top-notch MBA by itself isn't nearly enough. They’are looking for skilled professionals with the global knowledge, awareness, sensitivity and experience to take their organization to the next level. They are looking for T-birds. With an MBA in Global Management from Thunderbird, you get a truly global perspective. A comprehensive understanding of global markets. The skills and experience to work with diverse cultures and companies. In a nutshell, you get the global education and experience to create lasting value for an organization, a community and the world.

Executive MBA

In todays competitive global marketplace, successful executives need more than traditional MBA skills alone they need cross-cultural skills, language proficiency and a keen understanding of the political and professional environments of global business. Thunderbird’s Executive MBA program offers just that. Designed for working professionals with more than eight years of professional experience.

Online Global MBA

Experience a world-class business school education from the convenience of any location with Thunderbird's Online Global MBA program, ranked among the top 5 distance learning MBAs in the world. Utilize Web-based technology and complete your MBA via the distance learning format in 19 or 28 months - with cohorts beginning in August, January and April. Access your coursework at anytime and enjoy a rich Web-based environment, including classes, interactive chats, bulletin board postings and collaboration with global professors and classmates. While 75 percent of your learning is conducted on the Web, 25 percent takes place at on-site regional business environment seminars in locations around the globe - making our Global MBA a truly global experience.

Distance Learning Global MBA for Latin American Managers

If you want to succeed in the global marketplace with an MBA in international management, but you're unable to attend a face-to-face program on campus because of your current job, family obligations or economic limitations, this program offers what you need: a joint distance-learning MBA program from two globally focused universities – Thunderbird and Tecnológico de Monterrey. Earn your Global MBA with a specialization in Latin America by attending distance-learning satellite classes with students across Latin America and in certain areas of the United States.

Distance Learning Dual Degree with Indiana University's Kelley Direct

Many top MBA programs offer you international specialization and distance learning. But only one 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 Global Management) in just 28 months while pursuing your career path. While 80 percent of your learning is conducted on the Web, 20 percent takes place at on-site regional business environment seminars with your classmates in locations around the globe - making our Distance Learning Dual Degree a truly global experience.

Master of Arts in Global Affairs and Management

You want a career in the real world, dealing with important issues - international conflict resolution, sustainable economic development, humanitarian relief and human rights. It's time to expand your talents. Broaden your perspective. Open up your world. Thunderbird's Master of Arts in Global Affairs & Management offers you the cross-training in international business and global affairs needed to address complex issues in diplomacy, business and society. The world is calling. Are you ready?

Master of Science in Global Management

No matter what your undergraduate degree is in – or where your professional life has taken you – Thunderbird’s Master of Science in Global Management is the degree you need to prepare for a new future in global business. Designed for students with little to no business education or experience, this degree can broaden your global mindset and your global opportunities in just 16 months, giving you a comprehensive education in international business and cross-cultural interaction to prepare you for entry-level management positions the world over.

Master of Science in Global Finance

In today's global economy, general finance skills aren't enough. To successfully manage an organization's fiscal efforts in a business world where borders no longer apply, you need global finance skills. You also need the ability to orchestrate global financial ventures with not just a keen understanding of economics but an in-depth understanding of economics from a socio-political and cross-cultural perspective. When you speak the language of global finance, you speak the language of sustainable global business. Gain those skills through Thunderbird's Master of Science in Global Finance program.

Master of Science in Global Marketing

Every culture and region of the world has societal differences, cultural preferences and sensitivities. In today's global society - where virtually every business operates across borders - marketing must appeal to these preferences and sensitivities. It must be customized at every step - whether it's global brand management, new market entry planning, or strategic messaging and positioning for a new product. To successfully navigate these complex marketing issues, organizations need more than marketing generalists - they need global marketing professionals. Individuals who understand the nuances of a multi-cultural marketplace. Get started today with Thunderbird?s Master of Science in Global Marketing program.


Post-MBA Master of Global Management

If you earned your traditional MBA within the last five years – and want to broaden your global awareness and global career opportunities – Thunderbird’s Post-MBA Master of Global Management (M-GM) is the perfect fit, adding a global dimension to your existing business foundation and preparing you to succeed in a rapidly globalizing marketplace.

Classroom Executive Education Programs

Conducted in a short-program format, Thunderbird’s classroom-based executive education courses offer you an excellent opportunity to get a first-hand taste of the unparalleled curriculum, world-renowned faculty, diverse student body and life-changing global education available at Thunderbird.

Online Certificate Programs

Looking for a competitive advantage for a changing world? Thunderbird's online certificate programs combine the world's leading international business school, renowned faculty and up-to-the-minute global business content with the flexibility of the Internet. Accessible, convenient and replete with the most insightful, up-to-date global business content from the world's #1 ranked school in international business, Thunderbird's online certificate programs are available anywhere in the world with an Internet connection.

The Faculty

Read about Thunderbird's world-recognized and respected global business faculty.

Application Procedure

Visit www.thunderbird.edu to learn about admissions procedures for each program. E-mail admissions@thunderbird.edu for details.

To enroll in an executive education program, e-mail thunderbirdonline@thunderbird.edu or call 800 457-6959 or +1 602 978-7588.

Location

Learn more about our global locations.

Pre-MBA Course

Thunderbird offers a series of graduate school preparatory programs for students entering our MBA or Master's programs.