Frequently Asked Questions

Questions
1. When is my application due?
2. When will I hear about acceptance?
3. What’s the average class size?
4. When do classes start?
5. Do I have to take the GMAT?
6. How much is tuition and what’s included?
7. Can I get financial aid money to cover the Executive MBA program?
8. Do I have to take a foreign language if I already know one?
9. What degree do I receive at graduation?
10. What housing accommodations are available on the Thunderbird Arizona campus?
11. May I talk to someone in person about the program and the application process?

Answers

1. When is my application due?

Answer. We work on a rolling admissions basis, so we process applications through out the year.  The sooner you apply, the sooner you will have an admission decison.  For the program starting in September 2012, April 30, 2012 is the priority deadline and June 30, 2012 is the final deadline. Please call our office for more information (602-978-7384).

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2. When will I hear about acceptance?

Answer. Applications are accepted on a rolling admissions basis, so the sooner one applies, the sooner an acceptance decision is made.  Once we have received your complete application file and you have completed the admissions interviews, you will hear back from us within approximately two weeks.   

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3. What’s the average class size?

Answer. Classes range from 40-50 students, with 35-40 percent commuting from outside of Arizona.

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4. When do classes start?

Answer. Classes begin in September with an 8-day residential session on the campus in Glendale, Arizona. The alternating weekend format starts 2-3 weeks later.

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5. Do I have to take the GMAT?

Answer. No, the GMAT is not required for the Executive MBA program at this time. However, if your undergraduate GPA is less than 2.75 you may be requested to take the GMAT as part of the application process.

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6. How much is tuition and what’s included?

Answer. Tuition for the 2012-2014 Executive MBA program is $91,500. This includes:

  • Course tuition for the 49 credit program
  • Books and materials
  • Housing and some meals during mandatory residential weeks and international trips

It does not include meals or lodging on regular class weekends or airfare for the international trips. It also does not include tuition for those taking the optional second language program at Thunderbird. Tuition for that program is $6,000 and includes housing, some meals and all materials.

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7. Can I get financial aid money to cover the Executive MBA program?

Answer. Thunderbird's Financial Aid office can help you apply for a Federal Stafford Loan or a Private Alternative Loan.  Limited partial tuition scholarships are also available. 

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8. Do I have to take a foreign language if I already know one?

Answer. That depends. ALL students are required to meet the second language requirement to earn their MBA degree at Thunderbird. There are a variety of ways to meet this requirement, including classes at Thunderbird or elsewhere, and waivers through testing. For details please see language requirements.

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9. What degree do I receive at graduation?

Answer. Master of Business Administration in Global Management — the same degree Thunderbird full-time MBA students receive.

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10. What housing accommodations are available on the Thunderbird Arizona campus?

Answer. Thunderbird's Executive Inn offers discounted packages if you stay on a regular basis or if you stay for one night on an exam weekend. Check out accommodations. For details, call Patti Davidson, Executive Inn Manager, at 602-978-7113.

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11. May I talk to someone in person about the program and the application process?

Answer. In-person information sessions are held at various locations in the Phoenix metropolitan area throughout the fall and spring. For dates, times and locations, visit our Executive MBA Events page, e-mail emba@thunderbird.edu or call 602-978-7384. We also encourage you to contact our Admissions Team to arrange class visits or one-on-one consultations.

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