Master of Science

To apply to Thunderbird's Master of Science in Global Marketing program, simply follow the instructions below. If you encounter difficulties or would like additional assistance, contact our Admissions team at admissions@thunderbird.edu.


How to apply

Index of Contents:

1. Complete the Online Application Form
2. Undergraduate Transcript
3. Recommendations (2)
4. Test Scores - GMAT or GRE
5. TOEFL or IELTS (if applicable)
6. Personal Essays (2)
7. Submit Your Completed Application
8. Application Fee Payment
9. Deadlines
10. Review

Note: Qualified applicants will be invited to interview after an initial review of their completed application. All interviews are conducted by invitation only and will be part of the final admissions decision.

1. Complete the Online Application Form

You may access the online application at any time and complete the application in stages, if necessary.

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2. Undergraduate Transcript

Your transcripts should show that a degree was awarded to you after completing four (or more) years of university study in one of the following disciplines*:

  • Business (major or minor)
  • Economics
  • Mathematics
  • Engineering
  • Science

If your degree was completed in fewer than four years of undergraduate study, clarify your situation with the Admissions Office before applying.

Transcript requirements:

  • A transcript from every college or university you attended must be sent directly to Thunderbird.
  • Each transcript must list the courses you took, grades received and, if applicable, the date and title of the degree you received.
  • Each transcript must carry the official seal or imprint of the institution.
  • Applicants with education credentials from outside the U.S. must submit all documents in both the original language and a certified English translation.

*If undergraduate degree is not in one of the above disciplines, two years of relevant work experience is required.

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3. Recommendations (2) sent to Thunderbird through the "Personal Potential Index"

  • Each recommendation must be sent to Thunderbird through the "Personal Potential Index," directly from the person who recommends you to Thunderbird.
  • Recommendations may be from a current or previous supervisor and accurately comment on your management and leadership ability. If that's not possible, please explain why.
  • Recommendations are not considered part of a matriculated student's permanent record and are not accessible or subject to the Family Education Rights and Privacy Act of 1974.

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4. Test Scores - GMAT or GRE

These are mandatory — and used to assess your qualifications for advanced study in finance.

  • All sections of the tests (verbal, quantitative, analytical and writing) must be completed and documented on the score report for the test to be valid.
  • GMAT and GRE scores are valid for five years and must be sent directly to Thunderbird by the appropriate testing service.
  • Study for tests may be completed through the Thunderbird GMAT-Prep Program or courses offered by multiple other providers.

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5. TOEFL or IELTS (if applicable)

If your native language is not English, or you received a qualifying degree in a country where English is not the native language, Thunderbird requires that you take one of the following English proficiency exams:

  • Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL)
  • International English Language Testing System (IELTS)
  • Pearson Test of English (PTE) Academic exam.

Test scores are valid for two years, and must be sent directly to Thunderbird.

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6. Personal Essays (2)

You are required to write two personal essays. Your admissions packet provides questions you should answer and explains how to present information about yourself. Each essay should be 500 to 1,500 words long (1-3 pages). Topics are found on the application.

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7. Submit Your Completed Application

Direct any questions you have to the Thunderbird Office of Admissions, attn: Maureen Cameron at maureen.cameron@thunderbird.edu.

Admissions Office
Thunderbird School of Global Management
1 Global Place
Glendale, AZ 85306-6000 U.S.A.

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8. Application Fee Payment

Your non-refundable USD $125.00 application fee may be paid by check or credit card (in the U.S.) payable to Thunderbird School of Global Management.

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9. Deadlines

Deadlines for admissions can be found on the application.

Applications must be submitted within the review period for each trimester. Applications received after the review period will be considered on a case-by-case basis. Once your completed application is received, it is presented to the Executive Admissions Committee. Decisions take 4-6 weeks and official decisions are mailed to you.

If you receive a letter of acceptance, you must submit your USD $625.00 tuition deposit immediately to reserve your space. Admission is granted for the designated term only. Admission deferrals are discouraged. A non-refundable deposit is required on the rare chance that a deferral is granted.

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10. Review

Applications are reviewed on a rolling basis. Non-U.S. citizens must complete the financial certification procedure before an I-20 document can be issued. This process begins 120 days before the start of each trimester.

If you've submitted an application and want to check the status, e-mail maureen.cameron@thunderbird.edu for an update.

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