International MBA (IBEAR)

The Capstone Course of the IBEAR MBA Program is its 5-unit International Business Consulting Project (IBCP) which are done in Terms 4 & 5. IBCP is a unique hands-on learning experience, which is based on a 4-month business consulting engagement. Teams of IBEAR MBA students work with their IBCP clients to build strategies and develop solutions for one their client’s key business issues.

International and domestic research travel is a key component of most projects; costs are covered by client sponsorship fees. Each project requires deep analysis which is grounded in field research. The idea is to impart practical learning of executive decision making skills in a real-world business environment.

IBCP clients include Fortune 1000 companies, small and medium sized firms and startups. IBEAR MBA students have executed over 250 IBCP projects on topics such as market entry, market growth strategies, mergers and acquisitions, supply chain management, finance, etc. in the U.S., Asia, Latin America and Europe. Each student team is guided by a faculty practitioner with global consulting experience.

Participant Profile

Average Class Size: 55

Number of Countries Represented: 12-15

Median GMAT: 630

Average Age: 36

Average Years Work Experience: 12

Advanced Degrees: 30%

Married Students: 60%

Undergraduate Majors

Business: 25%

Science & Engineering: 40%

Humanities & Social Studies: 20%

Economics: 10%

Computer Science: 5%

Pre-MBA Career Industries

High Tech / Engineering: 20%

Financial Services / Banking: 20%

Consulting: 10%

Consumer Services / CPG: 35%

Other: 15%

Participants By Region (Typical Class)

Asia: 65%

North America: 15%

Latin America: 15%

Other: 5%

In order to graduate, IBEAR MBA students take 56 units over 12 months starting in June. (In the Two-Year MBA, students take 62 units over 20 months). Your 56 units are comprised of 17 units of Required courses (non-waivable), 21 units of functional Core courses (you may waive out of a core course and substitute it with an elective), and 18 units of Elective courses. Students can customize an IBEAR MBA program that best suit their needs. 

This intensive double-time program begins in late June 2023 and ends in late June 2024. It begins with a required two-week transition program to assist international and domestic participants to understand the strategic importance of communications and interpersonal effectiveness. The transition program includes communications skill-building, teambuilding, and activities for the participants to get to know each other and to better understand cultural differences among the classmates.

Core Courses (non-waivable)

GSBA 523 Communication for ManagementUnits: 3
GSBA 529 Strategic Formulation for Competitive AdvantageUnits: 3
GSBA 543 Managerial Perspectives Units: 3
GSBA 583 The Global Context of Business (IELP) Units: 2
GSBA 584 International Business Consulting ProjectUnits: 3
FBE 529 Financial Analysis and Valuation Units: 3

Functional Courses (available for challenge waiver exams)

GSBA 510 Accounting Concepts and Financial Reporting Units: 3
GSBA 524 Data Science for Business Units: 3
GSBA 511 Microeconomics for Management Units: 3
GSBA 528 Marketing Management Units: 3
GSBA 534 Operations Management Units: 3
GSBA 548 Corporate Finance Units: 3
GSBA 549 The Firm in the National and International Economy Units: 3

Complete a selection of graduate business elective courses (500-level ACCT, BAEP, BUCO, DSO, FBE, GSBA, MKT or MOR courses) sufficient to bring the total units completed to at least 56.

Get the flexibility and choice you need to pursue the career of your choice! The curriculum has been designed keeping in mind the needs of mid-career professionals who would like the option to pursue a specialization that will advance the career outcomes they are seeking, while retaining the unique cohort experience of the IBEAR MBA Program. Whether a student is looking to make a career change or wanting to advance in their industry, the IBEAR MBA curriculum will help them create their own unique experience.

• 12-Month Classic With Flexibility - This is designed for individuals with an engineering or science background. It is designed for someone who may want to transition into a business career in the future.
• 12-Month With Additional Personalization – This option allows for maximum flexibility and is designed for students looking to create a specialization in an area of their choice. In addition to the 18 units of electives, you may waive up to 21 units of core classes and substitute these with elective courses of your choice from a basket of 100+ electives offered by the Marshall School of Business or choose from electives in other USC graduate schools as long as these are offered to Marshall School of Business students.

The entire IBEAR MBA program is STEM certified, as of Spring 2023.

A core of essential courses is designed to build the foundation with quantitative and analytical skills required of all leading executives, develop collaborative talent, cultivate innovation, build methodical skills, and expand the student's vision and ethical framework with a global perspective.

An individualized program of study allows students to acquire knowledge and skills in their preferred STEM-related disciplines. International graduates are able to apply to extend their 12-month OPT by an additional 24 months, potentially expanding their employment opportunities within the U.S.

IBEAR MBA students also have the option to add certificate programs in numerous areas of specialization such as Business Analytics, Financial Analysis & Valuation and Supply Chain Management.