International MBA Program

You've got the smarts. And the drive. Now all you need is one more thing to launch your career. An MBA with an international focus (IMBA) from the Fogelman College of Business will get you noticed by all the top global corporations. And after they take notice, you'll be doing what you love in a challenging international business environment.

Business firms are increasingly seeking managerial talent with the skills to assess global trends and build global strategies. The International MBA experience is for students who look beyond traditional educational boundaries. It is 'cutting edge' in both purpose and substance. In short, an International MBA will help you develop the business competencies, cultural skills, and global mind-set essential for success in your global endeavors. Students in the International MBA Program are given the opportunity to strengthen foreign language skills, expand cultural understanding, and to gain hands-on working experience through study abroad and overseas internship opportunities.  Such experiences are unique to a limited number of graduate programs across the nation.

The IMBA Program is tailored 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 Program is open to graduates of business, foreign language, liberal arts, and other four-year bachelor’s degree programs.

The IMBA is a full time, 21 month program (including one summer session).  Students earn 51 graduate credit hours upon graduation.  Electives and expanded overseas experiences are available based on student interest.

How To Apply

The University of Memphis' Application for Graduate Admission: Each applicant must complete and submit an Application for Graduate Admission electronically. You must be fully admitted as a graduate student in the University of Memphis system before you can be considered for the IMBA program. Use our electronic admission application to apply to Graduate School, file for readmission or to change your current degree program or student level. Application fees for initial admission are $35 application fee for domestic students and $60 for international students.

IMBA Applicant Profile: In addition to applying for admission to the University of Memphis electronically, applicants must complete the IMBA Applicant Profile form. Applicants must complete each section fully. In the section entitled "Language Skills," applicants are asked to select a "business track" based in part upon their foreign language expertise. Descriptions of the business tracks are provided in the IMBA brochure and on the website. Upon completion, the IMBA Application form should be submitted with the other required materials. Note: There is no additional fee to submit the IMBA Applicant Profile.

Resume: A current one-page resume should be included with your application materials.

Personal Statement: Each applicant must submit a "Personal Statement" as described on the "IMBA Application" form. The personal statement should include the applicant's goals and objectives and must not exceed 800 words. The statement must be completed in English.

Official Transcripts: Applicants must obtain an official transcript from all colleges and universities previously attended. Applicants who are completing a program should request transcripts showing course work to date. An official transcript showing the conferral of the degree will be required before enrollment. Copies of all transcripts should be sent directly to the IMBA Office who will in turn forward them to the Graduate Admissions Office. (NOTE: International students, see below for detailed instructions on Evaluation of Credentials.)

Letters of Recommendation/Reference: Each applicant must submit three (3) letters of reference. Letters should be from former instructors, professors, or other professionals who can provide relevant information on the applicant's intellectual ability, academic performance, work performance, and the applicant's potential for success in the IMBA program. Letters from personal or family friends or social acquaintances which provide only minimal information on the applicant's abilities are not considered helpful. In lieu of a letter, applicants may request references to complete a Recommendation for International MBA Program form which are provided in the application packet. Send letters and forms directly to the IMBA Office.

Test Scores: All applicants are required to take either the Graduate Management Admissions Test (GMAT) or the Graduate Record Examinations (GRE). Admission to the IMBA Program is competitive. Multiple criteria are considered and include official GMAT and/or GRE scores, cumulative grade point averages, etc. Registration and information is available on the official GMAT website, or by calling: GMAC at 1-609-771- 7330. The school code for The University of Memphis is 1459. Official test score results should be sent directly to University of Memphis Graduate Admissions Office. Unofficial score reports are not acceptable, but may be included with your application materials to start the review process. GMAT scores older than five (5) years are not acceptable. To find the test center nearest you, click here. The GRE test is also accepted for admission to the International MBA Program. More information is available at the official GRE website or to find the GRE test center nearest you and available test dates, click here.

ADDITIONAL ITEMS REQUIRED FROM INTERNATIONAL STUDENTS

Evaluation of Credentials: Applicants whose highest degree is from a foreign university must have their credentials evaluated. The university will accept evaluations done by any credentialing agency listed on the National Association of Credential Evaluation Services web site (http://www.naces.org). The course-by course report is required. For general information on the equivalency of international degreesclick here.

Affidavit of Support and Financial Statement. International applicants should be sure to complete the "Application for International Graduate Admission" portion andAffidavit of Support and Financial Statement form and return it by mail to Susan Cohn, Office of International Programs, University of Memphis, 102 Brister Hall, Memphis, TN 38152-3520. This document must be completed and submitted to the International Programs Office before the Form I-20 can be prepared.

Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL) Scores: All applicants who will be attending the University on a student visa and who are not native speakers of English and are not graduates of The University of Memphis must supply a minimum score of 550 on the paper or 213 on the computer-based Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL). Some degree programs require a higher TOEFL score; check department listings for specific requirements. Testing locations and other information can be obtained from http://www.toefl.org or by writing to TOEFL, Educational Testing Service, Princeton, New Jersey, 08540, U.S.A. All test scores must be sent directly from the testing agency to The University of Memphis, institution code R-1459.

Health Insurance: In the United States, health care costs are extremely expensive. International Students are often surprised by how amazingly high a doctor’s bill can be, for what seems to be a very simple treatment. Also, some students may be from countries where healthcare costs are paid by the government, or where there are special rates for students. This is not the case in the U.S. – here, F-1 visa students must pay for their own health care costs. To assist with part of those costs, F-1 visa students attending Tennessee Board of Regents (TBR) schools are required to have Tennessee Board of Regents-approved health insurance, before each semester of registration. This is not a University policy; it is a STATEWIDE policy for all schools under the supervision of the Tennessee Board of Regents. This insurance is in place to provide partial coverage for most injuries or illnesses suffered while students are enrolled. It is not meant to be a full-coverage healthcare plan; it is not a complete system of care. It is very useful for reducing the cost of most treatments that the average student may incur during their time in school. For details on the plan, what it covers, what it does not cover, and how to file a claim, please check the Official Insurance Company Website:https://www.pearceandpearce.com/PearceSite/Default.asp. For more information on the Tennessee Board of Regents, the supervisory board that requires you to purchase this insurance: http://www.tbr.edu/ or contact the policy-makers directly: phone: (615) 366-4400 fax: (615) 366-4464; Tennessee Board of Regents, 1415 Murfreesboro Road, Suite 350, Nashville, TN 37217.

All materials, with the exception of GMAT, GRE and TOEFL test scores should be sent directly to:

International MBA Program 
University of Memphis FCBE Graduate Programs Office 
101 Fogelman College Administration Building 
Memphis, TN 38152-3130

Enrollment in the IMBA Program is limited. Applicants should submit their application materials as early as possible.

Application Deadlines:
We are currently accepting late applications for highly qualified candidates.
Graduate Assistantship Decision: April 1st.

If you are an international student, all international documents (such as F1 visa and I20 certificate) must be completely processed by June 1st to avoid forfeiture of a seat in the program and, if applicable, the student’s graduate assistantship. 

Contact:

Dr. James M. Kierulff
Advisor, International MBA Program

University of Memphis
Graduate Programs Office
101 Fogelman College Administration Building
Memphis, TN  38152

Tel. (901) 678-3499
Fax. (901) 678-4705

jkerulff@memphis.edu