School of Global Management

Photos provided by Thunderbird School of Global Management

By Mandy Oaklander

School of Global Management

Originally a training base for Air Corps cadets during World War II, Thunderbird was transformed in 1946 into the world's first business school focused exclusively on international management. The school was founded by the commanding general of the U.S. Army Air Training Command, Barton Kyle Yount.

What began as a general's dream became a highly regarded business school the world over, offering full-time, distance, and executive MBAs. Its flexible timetable makes Thunderbird a sought-after school for those eager to finish B-school fast: Students are able to earn an accelerated full-time MBA in less than a year. Companies—particularly those in Arizona and those from abroad—value the international edge that Thunderbird students have over their peers. Among other things, Thunderbird requires MBA students to demonstrate proficiency in a second language before they graduate.

Photos provided by Thunderbird School of Global Management. Caption information provided by the school and BusinessWeek research.

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