Overview
The EUCLID / MBAIO (MBA in International Organizations) is a distance, non-resident study program. Students interested in a resident (campus-based) program are referred to the Executive MBA (specialization in International Organizations) program offered by the University of Geneva.
Its goal is to prepare graduate-level professionals for high-level positions in the vast realm of international organizations (intergovernmental, non-governmental, and multinational corporations).
Online MBA in International Organizations Overall Program Objectives
This Master’s degree program does not assume a strong background in business and economics.
It is a dual-purpose program that offers a classic MBA foundation while offering essential courses in International Organizations studies. Students who already have an MBA should consider the Master in Diplomacy and International Affairs (MDIA) instead.
In addition to covering MBA essentials, the MBAIO offers an in-depth examination of the vast field of global governance through international organizations, which includes intergovernmental bodies, international non-governmental organizations, and multinational corporations.
This program was primarily designed to train government staff already working in the field, but it is also suitable to prepare professionals and outstanding students for executive-level careers with international organizations.
The EUCLID / MBAIO is also a unique program in the sense that it is the only specialized MBA actually offered by an intergovernmental organization, thus allowing direct interaction with practitioners as well as opening rare internship opportunities at diplomatic missions and events.
Admission Requirements
– Applicants must have a Bachelor’s degree or its international equivalent, issued by an institution listed in the latest edition of the UNESCO-IAU handbook.
– Government-sponsored applicants (who are already government staff) may be admitted without a Bachelor’s degree if their level of education and experience is deemed sufficient. EUCLID may require these participants to complete bridge courses prior to enrolling in the MBAIO.
– Fluency in English (spoken and written) is required and will be tested.
– Students are expected to be in a position to dedicate 10 to 15 effective hours of study on a weekly basis.
Methodology
This program is offered on an asynchronous and open-enrollment basis with occasional sequencing in cohort groups.
The MBAIO is personalized for every student and consists in a sequence of courses which are delivered using the following methods / media formats:
– Standard textbooks
– DVD lectures
– MP3 podcasts and webcasts
– Internal EUCLID course packs
– Moderated conference calls
Typically, a course consists of a series of assigned materials that must be studied on an individual basis. Courses assignments include the composition of academic papers based on the textbooks, and the creation of quiz which should demonstrate the student’s grasp of the subject-matter scope and particulars.
Students are often connected in “pairs” or “trios” which allows them to interact and exchange on their coursework while moving along in the program at their own pace.
Each course is capped by an extensive 45-minute long oral examination which allows the supervising instructor to enter the composite final grade.
Overall, this program emphasizes the ability to understand systemic interactions as well as to express logical, respectful and persuasive arguments by means of publishable academic papers.
The ability to write professional, journal-grade papers is one of the essential objectives of this program. All students must complete the program having acquired and demonstrated graduate-level expertise in a specific aspect of economic development that will be of lasting interest to academia, government or the private sector.
The curriculum also calls for the ability to present oral reports or lectures (webcasts), delivered to the course tutor in MP3 or WMV format.
Courses:
EUCLID / MBAIO Course Sequence (including optional courses marked with *):
– International Academic Writing and Speaking
(ACA-401 + BCOM-252*) (2 UCH / 3 ECTS)
– Argumentation and Critical Thinking
(TPH-499) (2 UCH/3 ECTS)
– MBA Essentials
(MBA-MGMT) (5 UCH / 7.5 ECTS)
– Cultural Dimension of International Business
(ANTH-638) (2 UCH / 3 ECTS)
– Careers in International Relations*
(DIP-402) (2 UCH / 3 ECTS)
– MBA Economics Module
(MBA-ECO) (5 UCH / 7.5 ECTS)
– Diplomacy: Theory and Practice
(DIP-401) (4 UCH / 6 ECTS)
– International Law and Treaty Law
(LAW-INT) (3 UCH / 4.5 ECTS)
– Finance and Accounting for Non-Financial Manager
(FIN-249) (2 UCH / 3.5 ECTS)
– Introduction to the United Nations System
(DIP-801) (2 UCH / 3 ECTS)
– International Relations / 50 Thinkers*
(DIP-413) (4 UCH / 6 ECTS)
– Multilateral Diplomacy at the UN*
(DIP-405) (2 UCH / 3 ECTS)
– International Organizations I
(DIP-406A) (3 UCH / 3.5 ECTS)
– International Organizations II
(DIP-406B) (2 UCH / 3.5 ECTS)
– International Organizations (Energy)*
(NRJ-IGO) (3 UCH / 4.5 ECTS)
– Non-Governmental Organizations
(ORG-410) (3 UCH / 4.5 ECTS)
– Multinational Corporations
(ORG-CORP) (3 UCH / 4.5 ECTS)
– Master’s Thesis or Project*
(DIP-606) (3-6 UCH / 4.5 ECTS)
Each course is fully documented by means of a detailed syllabus (program syllabi are usually attached as an Annex to this document).
Optional Specializations:
In consultation with his or her assigned tutor, the student may pursue directed studies, for a value of 2-6 UCH / 3-9 ECTS, in the following areas of research and concentration:
à Intergovernmental Organizations
à International NGOs
à Multinational Corporate Governance
Credit Values
Credit values are expressed both in terms of USCH (US credit hour) and ECTS (European Credit Transfer System). Typically, 14 hours of classroom instruction over the course of 1 semester represents 1 USCH or 1.5 ECTS (plus self-study time), which is converted to the equivalent amount of study in the context of a distance program.
The total credit value for the completed program, according to international standards, is 36-40 USCH / 54-60 ECTS.
Accreditation
EUCLID (Pôle Universitaire EUCLIDE / Euclid University) is one of the 5 major international institutions, an exclusive group of 5 multilateral institutions which includes the United Nations University, the European University Institute, the World Maritime University, and the IMO International Maritime Law Institute.
Legally, EUCLID is a specialized intergovernmental university established by a multilateral inter-governmental agreement registered with and published by the United Nations Treaty Section under references I-49006 / I-49007 (treaties.un.org). Having the status of intergovernmental non-profit institution under public international law (like NATO or the World Bank), it offers degree programs which are accredited by the ministries of education of 8 EUCLID Participating States. It is the only university that enjoys accreditation by multiple governments spanning 3 continents (Americas, Africa, Asia-Pacific).
EUCLID’s institutional and program accreditation is also confirmed by 3 agreements signed with other intergovernmental organizations (ICCI, ECOWAS, CAFRAD).
This graduate program specifically follows EU and US guidelines for a master’s degree, and it is fully documented to facilitate international transfers. A standard EU ‘Diploma Supplement’ is available upon request after graduation.
For more information, visit:
– http://www.euclid.int/accreditation.asp
Peers and Alumni
Because EUCLID was established to train active diplomats and government staff, our students can be assured that their peers and fellow alumni will form a high-level network. Graduates (G) and students (S) include:
– an ambassador to France (G)
– a Ministry of Economic Development advisor (S)
– a senior UNGA elected official (S)
– a graduate accepted for a doctoral program at the University of Reading (UK) (G).