MIB Curriculum
The MIB is an innovative hybrid of an MBA and an international affairs degree. The two-year program builds core business skills combined with the international knowledge necessary for working in a changing global environment. The integrated MIB curriculum ensures that students not only understand how organizations operate, but also the complex context in which they operate.
Launching in September 2023, a revised curriculum responds to shifting global challenges and has an increased focus on sustainability - environmental, economic, social, systemic. The new curriculum embeds career-ready programming with topics ranging from data literacy to cross-sector partnerships to inclusive growth. The foundational tenets of the original program remain in place: building strong core business skills; providing broad context with courses in international affairs, law, and economics; and a focus on careers across sectors.
Students may either enroll in the main MIB degree or apply to enroll in the specialized Quantitative Management track (MIB:QM), which is a STEM-designated track that may allow eligibility for OPT visa extensions. Both tracks feature the following curricular elements:
- A core business curriculum
- Classes across a breadth of Fletcher disciplines: law, economics, and policy
- Two fields of study to allow for specialization and focus
- A practically-oriented capstone to accelerate career-ready skills
- Four semesters and 16 courses (48 credits) to complete
The boxes below outline the curricular specifics of each track. The curriculum outlined below will be effective for students enrolling in September 2023 and after.
For a list of courses that have been designated as QM-eligible, see here
MIB Business Core
- Strategic Management
- Corporate Finance
- Accounting
- Leadership
- Sustainable Business
- Marketing or Supply Chain Management
MIB:QM Business Core
- Strategic Management
- Corporate Finance
- Accounting
- Leadership
- Sustainable Business
- Marketing or Supply Chain Management
MIB Breadth Requirement
Students take one class each from the following Fletcher divisions:
- Diplomacy, History, and Politics
- International Law and Organizations
MIB:QM Breadth Requirement
Students take one class each from the following Fletcher divisions:
- Diplomacy, History, and Politics
- International Law and Organizations
MIB Fields of Study
Students choose two specializations: one Global Affairs field and one International Business field from the following list:
MIB:QM Fields of Study
Students choose two specializations: one Global Affairs field and one International Business field from the following list:
MIB:QM Economics Core
Required economics coursework completed prior to enrollment; elective economics courses optional
MIB Quantitative Management (QM)
Required to take one QM-eligible courses. Options include macroeconomics, GIS applications, data science, and econometrics.
MIB:QM Quantitative Management (QM)
One required course (Data Science for Global Applications) and three additional courses that have been designated as QM-eligible
MIB Capstone
Choose one of the following:
- Client-based capstone project completed by taking the Fields Studies in Global Consulting course
- Independent client-based capstone, or capstone with practical application
- Internship for credit
MIB Curriculum - QM Track
What is the difference between the MIB and the MIB:QM track?
All MIB students complete a core curriculum that includes courses in foundational business studies, international law, international affairs, and economics. All MIB students complete the same number of courses and two fields of study, one in international business and one in international affairs. However, the MIB:QM track is more oriented towards data and quantitative skills, including some additional core courses and electives.
What courses are included in the MIB:QM track?
All students in this track complete a core course in data analytics in addition to several quantitatively focused electives. Elective options include advanced microeconomics and macroeconomics, GIS, data science, and programming, among others.
What are the advantages of pursuing the MIB:QM track?
The Quantitative Methods track signals a high degree of quantitative competency to employers in a data-intensive world. This track supports students who are looking to build a career that relies on quantitative literacy and analytical skills. It demonstrates to employers a guaranteed quantitative ability to support work in data, technology, finance, consulting, and other areas.
Optional Practical Training (OPT) STEM Extension
Are international graduates of the MIB:QM track eligible for an OPT STEM Extension?
International students who graduate from the MIB:QM may be eligible for a STEM extension of their OPT work permit. Details on the process and parameters can be found here.
Why is the OPT STEM extension desirable?
If you are currently working on post-completion OPT and you have completed the MIB:QM track, you may be eligible for a 24-month extension of your OPT beyond the original 12-month permit. This extension applies only if certain requirements are met.