Starting next fall, the Thunderbird School of Global Management will inaugurate a new one-year MBA option called The Flexible Program, following the lead of many business schools outside the United States. Bloomberg Businessweek reports that after a decline in applications to two-year programs across the board this year, Thunderbird conducted an in-depth review of what employers and students are seeking in a business school. The hope is that by overhauling its curriculum, the school will meet an increasing demand for accelerated programs in the United States while reducing education investment costs for students.
The Flexible Program will allow students to complete a series of six modules in a condensed time span. Each module comprises no more than three courses, two of which are integrated, with professors collaborating to demonstrate how various subjects—such as strategy and finance—are interrelated. According to Thunderbird’s Web site, the curriculum is “designed for individuals working in international business who are looking for the academic credentials to complement their professional experience.” As one-year programs gain a footing in the United States, applicants might consider the option a feasible way to cut down on tuition costs and time commitment.