M.A. in English
The Master of Arts (M.A.) in English at UNCW is a flexible and student-centered program...
Masters of Business Administration - International
Wilmington, North Carolina
INTAKE: Jan & Aug
Program Overview
The UNCW International MBA is part of the International Business School Alliance (IBSA) Dual Degree Master's Program, making it a truly unique offering. Students begin with core MBA modules, often at UNCW, then choose a specialization for their second semester, which is completed at one of UNCW's international partner universities in Europe (e.g., Germany, Spain, France). This structure allows for an unparalleled international experience, blending intensive training in business fundamentals with specialized knowledge in a global context. The program is specifically geared towards motivated and adventurous students, preparing them for leadership roles in a globalized economy with a strong foundation in global business cultures and practices.
STEM Designated: Significantly, the entire MBA program at UNCW, including the International MBA specialization, is STEM-designated. This is a major advantage, particularly for international students on an F-1 visa. This STEM designation makes them eligible for a 24-month Optional Practical Training (OPT) extension after their initial 12 months of post-completion OPT, providing a total of up to 36 months of work experience in the U.S. post-graduation. This reflects the analytical and data-driven focus embedded within the curriculum, preparing graduates to navigate complexities in a technology-driven marketplace.
Curriculum: The IMBA curriculum begins with a core set of intensive modules, typically covering fundamentals of marketing, finance, and strategy with an international focus. These core courses at UNCW might include International Finance, Global Marketing Strategies, Global Strategic Analysis, Human Resource Management in the Global Environment, Business Analytics, and Global Operations Management. For the second semester, students delve into a specialization at a partner school. Specializations available at different partner universities include International Logistics and Supply Chain Management (Germany), International Marketing (Spain), Sustainable Risk Management (France), and International Finance and Investments (UNCW, USA). The program culminates in a thesis, which is completed in the third semester, often at the second university, requiring students to apply their specialized knowledge to a research topic. The curriculum emphasizes intercultural communication skills and critical thinking in global business.
Research Focus: While the IMBA is a professional degree, its culminating thesis component fosters a strong applied research focus. Students are expected to demonstrate critical awareness of complex global business issues and synthesize information to analyze events and cases. The research typically involves applying analytical tools to international business problems within their chosen specialization, whether it's financial research methods, logistics networks, or sustainable business risk management. Faculty members guide students through this research process, encouraging them to develop solutions to real-world challenges in global contexts, which provides a strong foundation for data-driven decision-making.
Industry Engagement: The UNCW IMBA program places a high value on industry engagement and practical experience. Through its unique dual-degree structure, students gain exposure to different business environments and practices in two countries. The program actively fosters networking opportunities with cohort members, alumni, and professionals in the field, including those from partner institutions and their local industries. Many students undertake internships, leveraging the extensive alumni network and career center resources. This focus on experiential learning and building connections with global businesses ensures that graduates are well-prepared to step into executive-level tasks in multinational corporations and contribute effectively to the global workforce.
Global Perspective: The very essence of the UNCW International MBA is its deeply embedded global perspective. The program's design, which requires study in two different countries and the attainment of two master's degrees, inherently provides an immersive international experience. Students are exposed to diverse teaching styles, different cultural and communication styles, and the nuances of doing business across various international markets. The curriculum explicitly addresses global implications of multinational decisions, international trade policy, cross-cultural management, and geopolitical risks. This comprehensive global exposure cultivates empathetic global citizens who are prepared to navigate the complexities and leverage the opportunities of the interconnected world economy.
Location
Wilmington, North Carolina
Score
IELTS 6.5
Tuition Fee
USD 24198
Postgraduate Entry Requirements
Academic Qualifications: Applicants for postgraduate programs typically require a minimum academic achievement of 70% or above in their bachelor's degree.
English Language Proficiency:
- IELTS: Overall band score of 6.5 or 7.0 with a minimum of 6.0 in each component.
- TOEFL: Overall score of 79 or higher.
- DET (Duolingo English Test): Minimum score of 110.
The University of North Carolina Wilmington (UNCW) offers a variety of scholarship opportunities designed to support and attract talented international students. These scholarships aim to make education more affordable while recognizing academic excellence, leadership, and community involvement.
Merit-Based Scholarships: UNCW provides merit scholarships for international students based on academic achievements, standardized test scores, and other criteria. These awards can significantly reduce tuition costs and are often renewable for multiple years based on maintaining good academic standing.
International Student Scholarships: Specific scholarships are available exclusively for international students, such as the International Student Scholarship which rewards outstanding academic performance and leadership qualities. Eligibility and award amounts vary each year, encouraging prospective students to apply early.
Departmental Scholarships: Many academic departments at UNCW offer scholarships targeted to students within their programs, including international students. These scholarships recognize excellence in fields such as business, marine science, and the arts, and often require separate applications or nominations.
External Scholarships and Financial Aid: UNCW encourages international students to explore additional funding options through external organizations, governments, and private foundations. The university’s financial aid office provides guidance on locating and applying for these scholarships.
A Master of Business Administration (MBA) with an International focus, particularly the unique dual-degree International MBA (IMBA) offered by the University of North Carolina Wilmington (UNCW) through the International Business School Alliance (IBSA), is designed to prepare graduates for leadership roles in a globally interconnected business environment. This program provides not only core business acumen but also an unparalleled international perspective and specialized knowledge, enhanced by its STEM designation. Graduates are highly sought after by multinational corporations, international organizations, and companies navigating global markets.
International Business Consultant: Graduates leverage their comprehensive understanding of global markets, cross-cultural dynamics, and strategic management to advise companies on international expansion, market entry strategies, mergers and acquisitions, and optimizing global operations. They work for consulting firms or as independent consultants.
Global Marketing Manager/Director: These professionals are responsible for developing and implementing marketing strategies for products and services across different international markets. They understand cultural nuances, global consumer behavior, and digital marketing trends to build strong global brands.
International Finance Manager/Analyst: Specializing in international finance, graduates manage financial operations for multinational corporations, including foreign exchange risk management, international investments, trade finance, and cross-border financial planning and analysis. They might work for banks, investment firms, or corporate finance departments.
International Supply Chain Manager/Logistics Director: With expertise gained from specializations like International Logistics and Supply Chain Management (e.g., at Hochschule Bremen), graduates optimize global supply chains, manage international transport, sourcing, and procurement, and ensure efficient flow of goods across borders.
Global Operations Manager: These roles involve overseeing the production and delivery of goods and services on a global scale. Graduates are responsible for improving operational efficiency, managing international manufacturing facilities, and ensuring quality control across different regions.
International Product Manager: Graduates develop and manage products for global markets, from conception to launch and beyond. They understand market needs in different countries, coordinate with international teams, and adapt products for diverse cultural and regulatory environments.
International Business Development Manager: These professionals identify and pursue new business opportunities in foreign markets. They build relationships with international partners, negotiate contracts, and drive revenue growth through strategic alliances and market expansion initiatives.
Foreign Direct Investment (FDI) Specialist: Graduates can work for government agencies, economic development organizations, or private firms, attracting and facilitating foreign direct investment into specific regions or countries, or advising companies on their outbound FDI strategies.
Trade Relations Specialist/Analyst: Working for government trade departments, international organizations (e.g., WTO), or large corporations, these professionals analyze international trade policies, agreements, and regulations, and facilitate cross-border trade relationships.
Human Resources Director (International/Global Focus): Graduates with a strong understanding of global human resource management models and cultural differences can lead HR initiatives for multinational corporations. They manage international recruitment, expatriate assignments, global compensation, and cultural integration within diverse workforces.
