Thunderbird School of Global Management at ASU : Rankings, Fees & Courses Details | TopMBA
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Thunderbird School of Global Management at ASU

Location

ASU Downtown Phoenix Campus, Phoenix United States

Ranking

# =96World University Rankings - Masters In Management

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8Postgraduate programs

Scholarship

AvailableScholarship

About Thunderbird School of Global Management at ASU

Thunderbird School of Global Management is the world’s premier academic institution for the study of global leadership, management, and business for the Fourth Industrial Revolution, but we are much more than a school. Thunderbird is also a global network of leaders, managers, entrepreneurs, and intrapreneurs spanning the private and public sectors who advance inclusive and sustainable prosperity worldwide. 

A Rich History at the Vanguard of International Management Education

In 1946, American military officers and business leaders founded Thunderbird as the American Institute for Foreign Trade after acquiring Thunderbird Field, a decommissioned World War II air base in Glendale, Arizona where pilots from around the world trained. With the new mission of building peace through global commerce, Thunderbird became the world’s first academic institution to specialize in international management by concentrating its graduate curriculum on cross-cultural communication, regional and international affairs, and hands-on, real-world training in the nuances of global business at the intersection of public policy and law.

In 2014, Thunderbird joined Arizona State University, recently relocating to its growing Downtown Phoenix campus where construction is underway on a state-of-the-art facility housing Thunderbird’s in-person graduate degree and executive programs. The capital city’s urban core has undergone a remarkable revitalization and today, 20,000 students call ASU’s Downtown Phoenix campus home.

Sunshine and Scholarship: A Unique Location in the American Southwest

Located in the heart of Phoenix’s flourishing, multicultural business district, Thunderbird's global headquarters is steps away from major sports arenas, museums, performing arts centers and other entertainment venues. Uniquely positioned adjacent to other professional schools in the nation's fifth-largest city with the fastest population growth, T-birds have easy access to first-class fitness facilities, a dazzling variety of dining and entertainment options, a diverse local culture steeped in regional history, and unlimited ways to enjoy the warm, sunny climate.

Thunderbird’s growing network of satellite hubs around the world will all be connected by the dynamic new global headquarters facility, an architectural tour de force. Designed to foster innovation and collaboration, the digitally enhanced building will embody Thunderbird’s rich history while leveraging the latest technology to serve as a central nexus of the school’s worldwide network. 

Thunderbird’s new home base is engineered as a welcoming and luxurious space in which to convene and educate global leaders to maximize the benefits of the Fourth Industrial Revolution. Envisioned as a global village of high-tech learning and innovation, the new global headquarters is scheduled for completion in 2021 when the Thunderbird community will be celebrating 75 years of educating global leaders who advance inclusive and sustainable prosperity worldwide.

Students at Thunderbird enjoy modern classrooms equipped with cutting-edge technology for global connectivity, complemented by spacious, comfortable study rooms and lounge areas. Thunderbird students can also make use of libraries, sport and recreational facilities, entrepreneurial projects, cross-sectoral collaborations, research and innovation labs, executive meeting suites for boardroom style presentations, and more, without leaving campus. Graduate students step outside their high-tech business tower into a vibrant commercial district packed with restaurants, gyms, shops, theaters, hotels and bars.

All Thunderbird students also join the broader ASU community and benefit from Thunderbird’s rich history of training global leaders in skills like cross-cultural management and cross-border negotiation combined with ASU’s innovation expertise in disciplines from bio-design to journalism, space science to humanities. 

Global Leadership for the Fourth Industrial Revolution

Thunderbird has transformed its Global MBA program into a newly designed, highly innovative Master of Global Management (MGM), ranked #1 in the world by the Wall Street Journal/Times Higher Education for 2019. MGM students choose from 16 academic concentrations with opportunities to take courses within ASU’s other schools. Thunderbird's No. 1-ranked MGM offers applied learning opportunities, 16 concentrations, including STEM-designated specializations, and internships in real-world settings around the globe where students gain hands-on experience and learn from the diverse perspectives of a global cohort of classmates. Graduates join a worldwide alumni network of 45,000 leaders across 170 alumni chapters. 

All courses are offered in English; however, Thunderbird’s MGM program includes foreign language training. All graduates earning the Master of Global Management degree are required to have training in at least one language in addition to English by graduation.

Global Innovation and Inclusion

Thunderbird is known worldwide for its welcoming culture of collaborative innovation. The school has often been called a “mini-United Nations” because of its diverse and inclusive global student body and its vast and engaged alumni network spanning 145 nations.

Guided by a global mindset and a deep commitment to advancing inclusive and sustainable prosperity worldwide, Thunderbird integrates original, multidisciplinary management and business training and research with leadership expertise across sectors to empower leaders of transnational organizations to adapt and thrive in a rapidly changing and increasingly complex world. 

Thunderbird Career Management Center offers a full suite of support services, including a one-credit professional development course. All students are paired with an alumni mentor, a student liaison, a career coach, and a faculty advisor. The entire Thunderbird community cares about students’ success and we are all here to support T-birds throughout their Thunderbird journey.

Many Thunderbird programs, including the Master of Global Management, require both applied learning and internship experiences. The Global Challenge Lab sends teams of students to complete consulting projects for organizations in the US and abroad.

In Fall 2019, 93 % of MGM students participated in a summer internship. The Fall 2018 MGM class enjoyed a 97 percent employment rate after 9 months. 

Thunderbird’s global alumni network consists of 45,000 professionals in leadership roles around the world, including 170 alumni chapters in 145 different countries.

About Thunderbird School of Global Management at ASU

Thunderbird School of Global Management is the world’s premier academic institution for the study of global leadership, management, and business for the Fourth Industrial Revolution, but we are much more than a school. Thunderbird is also a global network of leaders, managers, entrepreneurs, and intrapreneurs spanning the private and public sectors who advance inclusive and sustainable prosperity worldwide. 

A Rich History at the Vanguard of International Management Education

In 1946, American military officers and business leaders founded Thunderbird as the American Institute for Foreign Trade after acquiring Thunderbird Field, a decommissioned World War II air base in Glendale, Arizona where pilots from around the world trained. With the new mission of building peace through global commerce, Thunderbird became the world’s first academic institution to specialize in international management by concentrating its graduate curriculum on cross-cultural communication, regional and international affairs, and hands-on, real-world training in the nuances of global business at the intersection of public policy and law.

In 2014, Thunderbird joined Arizona State University, recently relocating to its growing Downtown Phoenix campus where construction is underway on a state-of-the-art facility housing Thunderbird’s in-person graduate degree and executive programs. The capital city’s urban core has undergone a remarkable revitalization and today, 20,000 students call ASU’s Downtown Phoenix campus home.

Sunshine and Scholarship: A Unique Location in the American Southwest

Located in the heart of Phoenix’s flourishing, multicultural business district, Thunderbird's global headquarters is steps away from major sports arenas, museums, performing arts centers and other entertainment venues. Uniquely positioned adjacent to other professional schools in the nation's fifth-largest city with the fastest population growth, T-birds have easy access to first-class fitness facilities, a dazzling variety of dining and entertainment options, a diverse local culture steeped in regional history, and unlimited ways to enjoy the warm, sunny climate.

Thunderbird’s growing network of satellite hubs around the world will all be connected by the dynamic new global headquarters facility, an architectural tour de force. Designed to foster innovation and collaboration, the digitally enhanced building will embody Thunderbird’s rich history while leveraging the latest technology to serve as a central nexus of the school’s worldwide network. 

Thunderbird’s new home base is engineered as a welcoming and luxurious space in which to convene and educate global leaders to maximize the benefits of the Fourth Industrial Revolution. Envisioned as a global village of high-tech learning and innovation, the new global headquarters is scheduled for completion in 2021 when the Thunderbird community will be celebrating 75 years of educating global leaders who advance inclusive and sustainable prosperity worldwide.

Students at Thunderbird enjoy modern classrooms equipped with cutting-edge technology for global connectivity, complemented by spacious, comfortable study rooms and lounge areas. Thunderbird students can also make use of libraries, sport and recreational facilities, entrepreneurial projects, cross-sectoral collaborations, research and innovation labs, executive meeting suites for boardroom style presentations, and more, without leaving campus. Graduate students step outside their high-tech business tower into a vibrant commercial district packed with restaurants, gyms, shops, theaters, hotels and bars.

All Thunderbird students also join the broader ASU community and benefit from Thunderbird’s rich history of training global leaders in skills like cross-cultural management and cross-border negotiation combined with ASU’s innovation expertise in disciplines from bio-design to journalism, space science to humanities. 

Global Leadership for the Fourth Industrial Revolution

Thunderbird has transformed its Global MBA program into a newly designed, highly innovative Master of Global Management (MGM), ranked #1 in the world by the Wall Street Journal/Times Higher Education for 2019. MGM students choose from 16 academic concentrations with opportunities to take courses within ASU’s other schools. Thunderbird's No. 1-ranked MGM offers applied learning opportunities, 16 concentrations, including STEM-designated specializations, and internships in real-world settings around the globe where students gain hands-on experience and learn from the diverse perspectives of a global cohort of classmates. Graduates join a worldwide alumni network of 45,000 leaders across 170 alumni chapters. 

All courses are offered in English; however, Thunderbird’s MGM program includes foreign language training. All graduates earning the Master of Global Management degree are required to have training in at least one language in addition to English by graduation.

Global Innovation and Inclusion

Thunderbird is known worldwide for its welcoming culture of collaborative innovation. The school has often been called a “mini-United Nations” because of its diverse and inclusive global student body and its vast and engaged alumni network spanning 145 nations.

Guided by a global mindset and a deep commitment to advancing inclusive and sustainable prosperity worldwide, Thunderbird integrates original, multidisciplinary management and business training and research with leadership expertise across sectors to empower leaders of transnational organizations to adapt and thrive in a rapidly changing and increasingly complex world. 

Thunderbird Career Management Center offers a full suite of support services, including a one-credit professional development course. All students are paired with an alumni mentor, a student liaison, a career coach, and a faculty advisor. The entire Thunderbird community cares about students’ success and we are all here to support T-birds throughout their Thunderbird journey.

Many Thunderbird programs, including the Master of Global Management, require both applied learning and internship experiences. The Global Challenge Lab sends teams of students to complete consulting projects for organizations in the US and abroad.

In Fall 2019, 93 % of MGM students participated in a summer internship. The Fall 2018 MGM class enjoyed a 97 percent employment rate after 9 months. 

Thunderbird’s global alumni network consists of 45,000 professionals in leadership roles around the world, including 170 alumni chapters in 145 different countries.

University information

While each of ASU's graduate programs has unique admission standards, ASU has set minimum requirements for admission to master's, certificate and doctoral programs.

Bachelor's degree requirement You must have earned a bachelor’s degree or higher from a regionally accredited institution in the U.S. or the equivalent of a U.S. bachelor’s degree from an international institution that is officially recognized by that country.

GPA requirement Competitive applicants typically have a “B” (3.00 on a 4.00 scale) grade point average in the last 60 semester hours or 90 quarter hours of undergraduate coursework. If you do not meet the minimum GPA requirements, your application may still be considered by the department.

Additional requirements by program Factors that may also be considered include test scores (like the GRE or GMAT), the type of coursework completed during undergraduate studies, letters of recommendation, and any other supporting documents you may be asked to submit for your application. Find your program of interest in Graduate Degree Search to learn more about factors considered for admission.

International applicants The application standards for international students are the same as for domestic students, with the addition of submitting proof of English proficiency (for students whose native language is not English). After admission, international students are also required to obtain a U.S. visa, which includes submitting a graduate financial guarantee.

All international transcripts must be submitted in the original language and accompanied by an official English translation. Translations must be literal, complete versions of the originals and must be translated by a university, government official or official translation service. You may not complete your own translation.

Photocopies and notarized transcripts are not acceptable.While each of ASU's graduate programs has unique admission standards, ASU has set minimum requirements for admission to master's, certificate and doctoral programs.


How to complete the graduate application

Master

7.5+
100+
68+

At the Thunderbird School of Global Management, students are provided with a range of facilities to support their educational and personal needs. Some of the key facilities offered to students include:


State-of-the-art Campus: The school boasts a modern and technologically advanced campus that creates an inspiring learning environment. It includes classrooms, study spaces, and collaborative areas equipped with the latest technology.
Library Resources: The Thunderbird Library provides an extensive collection of academic resources, including books, journals, databases, and research materials. Students have access to these resources both on-campus and remotely, allowing for convenient study and research.
Career Services: Thunderbird offers comprehensive career services to support students in their professional growth. This includes career coaching, resume and interview preparation, networking opportunities, and access to job and internship postings.
Global Engagement: As a globally focused institution, Thunderbird offers students numerous opportunities for international experiences. This includes study abroad programs, global consulting projects, and networking events with international business leaders.
Student Housing: Thunderbird provides on-campus housing options for students, ensuring a convenient and supportive living environment. The residence halls offer amenities such as study spaces, lounges, and fitness facilities to promote a comfortable and productive lifestyle.
Student Clubs and Organizations: Thunderbird encourages student involvement through various clubs and organizations. These groups provide opportunities for personal and professional development, networking, and building lasting connections within the Thunderbird community.

Overall, Thunderbird School of Global Management strives to provide a range of facilities and resources that support students' academic, career, and personal growth in a globally-oriented environment.

Student life

Student life at Thunderbird School of Global Management is vibrant, diverse, and culturally rich. With a strong focus on global business and leadership development, students have the opportunity to engage in a variety of activities that enhance their academic experience and personal growth. Here are some key aspects of student life at Thunderbird:

Global Community: Thunderbird attracts a diverse community of students from around the world, creating a dynamic and multicultural environment. Students have the chance to interact with peers from different backgrounds, cultures, and perspectives, fostering global connections and expanding their global mindset.

Student Organizations: Thunderbird offers a wide range of student-led organizations and clubs that cater to various interests and professional goals. These organizations provide opportunities for networking, leadership development, and extracurricular engagement related to specific industries, regions, or cultural interests.

Networking Events: The school organizes regular networking events, guest speaker sessions, and conferences where students can interact with professionals, alumni, and industry leaders. These events offer valuable networking opportunities and insights into global business trends and practices.

Cultural Celebrations: Thunderbird celebrates diversity through various cultural events and festivities. Students have the chance to showcase their culture, traditions, and cuisine, fostering cultural understanding and appreciation within the community.

Global Consulting Projects: Thunderbird students have the opportunity to work on real-world consulting projects with global companies. This offers hands-on experiential learning and allows students to apply their classroom knowledge in a practical setting, enhancing their problem-solving and business skills.

Social and Recreational Activities: Thunderbird also offers a students are provided with a range of facilities to support their educational and personal needs.

Tuition fee and scholarships

One of the important factors when considering a master's degree is the cost of study. Luckily, there are many options available to help students fund their master's programme. Download your copy of the Scholarship Guide to find out which scholarships from around the world could be available to you, and how to apply for them.

In this guide you will find:
opportunities

Where to look for scholarship opportunities

how_to

How to apply to scholarships relevant to you

list

A list of available scholarships around the world

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A scholarship application checklist

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Rankings & ratings

Thunderbird School of Global Management at ASU is one of the top universities in Phoenix, United States. It is ranked #=96 in World University Rankings - Masters In Management 2024.

World University Rankings - Masters In Management

  • 2022
    #56
  • 2023
    #74
  • 2024
    #=96

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Visit www.thunderbird.edu/apply for details about admissions requirements for all Thunderbird degree programs.
Visit www.thunderbird.edu/graduate-degrees to see all of of Thunderbird's degree programs. Click on each program for greater detail and to learn what makes each degree offering unique.
Visit www.thunderbird.edu/financing to find information about Thunderbird scholarships, fellowships and other financing opportunities.
Visit www.thunderbird.edu/studentlife to find out more about Thunderbird's student body, campus life and the activities and social opportunities for T-birds.
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