TOEFL Language proficiency is an integral aspect of the Fisher School MBA.  All students are expected to achieve proficiency in at least one language other than their native language by graduation.  Students are required to complete 8-12 credits of advanced language, depending upon their admission status.  The information below details the language requirements for MBA students.

Native English Speakers
Fisher School students that are native speakers of English, or that have attended high school and college in the United States or another English speaking country must select a target language among the following:  Spanish, French, German, Japanese, Chinese (Mandarin), Russian and Arabic.

Students will take a language placement exam during New Student Orientation.

Students admitted to the Two-Year MBA program must complete 12 credits in their target language at the 300-level (third year college level equivalent) or higher to meet the degree language requirement.  If they do not test at the 300-level during Orientation, they will need to pursue additional language study at their own expense to improve their levels to proceed into the 300-level classes.

Students admitted to the Advanced Entry MBA program must complete 8 credits at the 400-level (fourth year college level equivalent) or higher, to meet the degree language requirements.  Advanced Entry students will take a Language Placement Exam during New Student Orientation.  If they are not assessed to be at the 400-level, they will be required to complete 12 credits at the 300-level or higher, adding 4 credits to their overall degree program.

Non-native English Speakers
It is presumed that International students, or non-native English speakers, will study English as their target language.  International students are required to submit proof of English proficiency via a TOEFL or IELTS score.  For Two-Year students, a minimum  TOEFL of 550 (paper) or 213 (computer) or an overall IELTS of 6.5 on the Academic module with no subscore below a 6.0, is required.  For Advanced Entry students, a minimum TOEFL of 600 (paper) or 250 (computer) or an overall IELTS of 7.0 on the Academic scale with no subscore below a 6.5, is required.

International students will take a Language Placement Exam during New Student Orientation week.  The results of the exam will determine the appropriate level of English course for the student.  If the student is determined to be proficient in English, they will be waived from the requirement to study English as part of their degree program.  The credit hours will be replaced with elective coursework to meet the appropriate total number of credits for their degree.

International students waived from English language requirement may choose to study a third language at the Institute.  They may use elective credits for this purpose as long as they are able to take courses at the 300-level or higher.  Students wishing to pursue a third language must arrange for a Language Proficiency Exam in that language prior to enrolling in courses.