Although business schools in Europe have offered Masters in Management (MIM) degrees for many years, the degree is relatively new in the United States—but it’s growing fast! MIM programs (which typically take 10 months to complete) are a great way for recent graduates to develop the skills they need for a career in business even before they have the years of professional experience required by most MBA programs. An MIM degree can give you a leg up at the beginning of your career, particularly in today’s rapidly evolving economy.

In response to declining application rates for even the most prestigious MBA programs, many universities are adopting the traditionally European MIM degree program. These degrees are often more affordable than an MBA, and they’re accessible to students who have a solid undergraduate education but may lack extensive professional experience; with an MIM, young professionals can set themselves apart from their peers in many competitive industries. Furthermore, MIM programs often reflect more modern professional interests and values. In the United States, the Fuqua School of Business at Duke University offers an MIM program where students can gain international experience studying in China, and Ross School of Business at the University of Michigan offers multiple classes that focus on social responsibility and business ethics.

Why is it a good option for students educated outside the United States?

Pursuing an MIM degree is a great way for international students to gain academic and professional experience in America. Some of the country’s top business schools actively recruit international students—MIT’s Sloan School of Management offers a Masters in Business Analytics where 70% of its class comes from outside the United States! Since obtaining a work visa can be challenging for those at the beginning of their professional career, MIM programs may be more easily accessible than MBA programs, where applicants often have 5+ years of professional experience.

Several MIM programs allow students to concentrate in a specific field, many of which may be particularly interesting for international students. Yale’s School of Management offers a degree specifically in Global Business & Society, ideal for students seeking a degree that allows for greater international mobility. Hult’s program in International Marketing boasts a nearly 60% rate of graduates who change their country of work post-graduation! Specialized MIM programs like these can help professionals jumpstart their careers in the industry of their choice.

Who would be a strong candidate for a MIM Program?

MIM programs are typically designed with career-beginners in mind: most programs prefer (or even require) that applicants have less than 3 years of professional experience. For example, applicants to both Duke’s Fuqua School of Business and the University of Michigan’s Ross School of Business are only eligible if they have 2 years or less of experience.

All MIM programs require applicants to hold an undergraduate degree—typically in a field other than business, such as STEM or the liberal arts—from an accredited university. Although most MIM programs are geared toward recent graduates, there are some exceptions. For example, while Yale’s Masters in Asset Management is open to graduates without professional experience, their one-year Masters of Advanced Management degree requires applicants to already hold an MBA.

In general, strong candidates demonstrate a high level of academic success in their chosen non-business field, and are interested in starting a career in business. Applicants to the United States’ top business schools are generally required to take either the GMAT or the GRE; some (but not all) schools also require TOEFL or IELTS scores.

What are some of the best American MIM programs?

If you’re interested in pursuing an MIM (or equivalent) program in the United States, there are a number of schools that stand out from the pack: