Master of Global Business Administration (GBA)

The Master of International Business (MIB) combines the rigors of an MBA with the breadth in global affairs, preparing leaders to address complex challenges on the world stage. It is typically a two-year, full-time residential program. 

Students seeking additional rigorous STEM training should explore the Quantitative Methods (MIB:QM) track. 

The Master of Global Business Administration (GBA) degree is an online master’s program designed for mid-career professionals who want to advance their careers while continuing to work.

Students take core courses in corporate finance and international strategy as well as coursework that covers business foundations, global contexts and analytical tools. Elective credits give you space to tailor the degree to your unique interests. 

It’s the best of both. The program is designed to work into your busy schedule while providing you with opportunities to connect with faculty and peers in real-time. Time spent in virtual classes allows you to discuss what you’re learning on your own, or even unpack challenges you’re facing in your day job, with other people who care deeply about global affairs and making a difference through business. 

Immersions are one-week intensive in-person trips designed to accelerate and deepen your learning through hands-on experiences. Students complete two immersions, one international and one on Fletcher’s Boston-area campus. 

International immersions take place over four to five days in vibrant and relevant international locations in Asia, Europe or Latin America. Immersions allow you to delve into the business and geopolitical environments of a particular area, combining academic coursework with site visits to organizations in various sectors. You will interact with local alumni, get to know the particularities of the business context and understand the geopolitical challenges of operating in the region.

The on-campus immersion provides an incubator experience with a consulting client to kick off the capstone project and build the skills necessary to complete a real-world project. Seminars with Fletcher faculty on problem-solving frameworks, pitch development and group work serve as a foundation for the project ahead. You will come together to work in groups and refine your project plan. Additional activities in Boston and at Tufts are scheduled for networking. 

Yes, the capstone allows you to delve into real-world challenges with real-world organizations. The course builds skills in the classroom as you put them to the test in the lab with your client. Projects sit at the intersection of skill sets—from market sizing to demographic analysis to presentation techniques – and topic areas such as business strategy, government regulation and technical innovation.

You will work in groups directly with a capstone adviser. The capstone is kicked off at the beginning of the term with the on-campus immersion. You can learn more about capstones here.

Students typically complete the degree in 16-24 months. You can fast-track your degree by taking more credits at a time. Or if life and work get busy, you can adjust and take more time. 

Yes, many students are employer-sponsored. Reach out to your human resources department to see what kind of support your company offers. An admissions counselor can also advise you on the most effective ways to approach this conversation.

If you qualify for 100% of the Post-9/11 GI Bill benefit (Chapter 33), you are eligible to participate in the Yellow Ribbon Program. Fletcher is proud to support the program and offers a Yellow Ribbon scholarship award of $8,000 annually.

Yes, the program is designed with a flexible schedule suited to working professionals. Many students pursue the Global Business Administration degree to support them in advancing in their company or to help them pivot into their next venture. 

Over the course of their studies, students deepen their contextual knowledge of global affairs while honing their business skills. 

This prepares you to rise vertically in your company and puts you in line for a promotion to management positions or to pivot into a new career, from the military to business or from an NGO to a career in global consulting. Many students are also entrepreneurs and use the program to help them launch their own venture.