International, (IMBA)

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The International MBA is designed to assist students in meeting their goal of acquiring knowledge of international business, even if they do not have a traditional business background or a second language. The International MBA is open to graduates of business, foreign language, or liberal arts programs. It is a full-time, lock-step program (including one summer), with a minimum of 36 credit hours of required coursework.

Coursework for the International MBA degree includes 30 hours of business core coursework, identical to the other MBA programs in the Fogelman College of Business and Economics. The IMBA includes an additional 6 credit hours, 3 of which are devoted to an international experience (study abroad and internship abroad). Students secure an appropriate internship (with some assistance from the IMBA program, but ultimate responsibility for obtaining the internship lies with the student), which must be approved by the IMBA program before academic credit may be awarded.

Program objectives are: (1) An understanding of the general context of business in society including: ethical and global issues; influence of the political, legal, social, and technological environment; the impact of demographic diversity on organizations; and knowledge of the essential foundations of the functional areas of business. (2) Acquisition of a professional-level knowledge of: financial reporting and analysis; managing organizations; strategic use of science and technology; and creating value in the global arena. (3) Competence in business communication in a foreign language (except in the World Regions Track). (4) Building knowledge and skill in the operation of one or more international businesses. (5) Ability to compete effectively for jobs in the profit and not-for-profit sector.

Program Admission:

Applicants must have:

An undergraduate degree from an accredited college or university.
A Graduate School application for admission and have paid the appropriate fee.
An official transcript from each college or university attended with course by course credential evaluations (from a credential evaluation organization that is a member of the NACES) for degrees earned from accredited foreign educational institutions.
Satisfactory performance on undergraduate course work and a recent (5 years or less) GMAT or GRE examination score.
Acceptable TOEFL score for international applicants.

All applicants to the International MBA program must also submit a current resume, personal statement, three letters of recommendation, and an IMBA Applicant Profile form. Students must also pay the $500 seat fee (which is subsequently applied to their first annual program fee). Qualified applicants enter the program during the Fall Semester only. The program website is www.memphis.edu/internationalmba.

Program Requirements:

Language and Culture Options

The International MBA Program offers three (3) Business Track options. Students must choose from one of the following:

Regional Business Track: for U.S. students with three years (six semesters) of foreign language proficiency. Students in this track will concentrate on the business practices, culture and language of the students’ preferred region of the world.
World Region Business Track: for U.S. students who wish to specialize in the practice of business in geographical regions where English is the accepted business language.
U.S. Business Track: for international students who have English as their second language. This track provides in-depth exposure to U.S. business practices and culture.

Coursework

Core Knowledge and Skills (30 hours)

International MBA Program Requirements (6 hours)

Business Language (differs by track) (3 hours)

Study Abroad Academic Requirements and Fees

Grades for classes undertaken during a study abroad experience at one of the University of Memphis’ partner institutions overseas will be transferred back to the University of Memphis and are subject to the university’s policy on graduate transfer credit. Credit toward a degree does not transfer automatically; however, the program is designed for students who study abroad so every reasonable effort is made to transfer credit from partner institutions. Grades earned at another institution will not be computed in the university cumulative grade point average, nor will they be accepted for transfer, unless they are “B” (3.0) or better. No credit will be transferred unless it meets with the approval of the International MBA advisor or program graduate coordinator. Transferred courses from overseas partner institutions will appear on student transcripts as BA 7920 with a “Satisfactory” (S) grade. Students will need to obtain an evaluation of their overseas transcript by a professional credential evaluation firm (for a list of such firms, please visit www.naces.org). The evaluation firm must receive the transcript directly from the overseas university and submit a course by course evaluation directly to the IMBA Program advisor. Evaluations or transcripts issued to the student cannot be used in the transfer credit process. Fees charged to the student for such services vary by evaluating agency and is the responsibility of the student.

International MBA students are required to pay any fees required by the University of Memphis International Programs Office related to study abroad. Students are also responsible for round-trip airfare, passport fees, books, medical insurance, and any other expenses related to studying and interning abroad.

IMBA Graduate Assistantships

Graduate assistantships are available to students enrolled in the International MBA program. Graduate assistantships are competitive and are awarded only to highly qualified applicants. Graduate assistantships require students to supply 20 hours of service to the University of Memphis per week. Graduate assistants who work at least 10 hours per week are classified as in-state students for fee-paying purposes for the term of their appointment, only. In-state graduate assistants working at least 10 hours per week receive a waiver of ONE HALF of tuition and fees during the academic year. Graduate assistants who work 20 hours per week receive full waiver of tuition and fees during the academic year. (Tuition and fee benefits do not apply to study abroad or the summer semester.) University supported graduate assistants are expected to carry at least a 9-credit-hour load each semester of the academic year. Graduate assistants must maintain a 3.0 GPA to retain their assistantships.