Thunderbird terminates MBA degrees as part of ASU takeover

Thunderbird, the Arizona business school that is widely regarded as the most international school in the US, is to terminate all its MBA programmes following its takeover by Arizona State University. Programmes at ASU’s Carey school of business will be unaffected by the moves.

The deal between the two institutions was finalised last week, following months of negotiations. Former IMD professor Allen Morrison has been named chief executive and director-general of Thunderbird.

Thunderbird will now concentrate on masters degrees in international management, according to ASU President Michael Crow. “We are restoring the historical focus,” he says. In addition, Thunderbird will be able to draw on the resomurces of the wider university for its executive education programmes in areas such as sustainability, according to Prof Crow.

Degree programmes now offered by Thunderbird will include a one-year Master of Global Management for experienced managers and a two-year Master of Art in Global Affairs for those with little or no previous work experience. Thunderbird will also issue graduate certificates in Global Management, Global Affairs and Global Development.

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