Program Overview
The Global Management (BGM) program at Thunderbird School of Global Management equips students with the knowledge and skills to navigate the complexities of today's interconnected world. The program offers two tracks: International Business, Language and Culture, and International Business and Culture. Students benefit from elite faculty, an international internship, global mindset development, and a capstone project. The BGM program prepares graduates for diverse career paths in the global marketplace, including consulting, entrepreneurship, foreign service, global marketing, and human resources.
Program Outline
Global Management (BGM) at Thunderbird School of Global Management
Degree Overview:
Preparation for Global Success:
The Global Management (BGM) program at Thunderbird School of Global Management equips students with the knowledge and skills to navigate the complexities of today's interconnected world. The program boasts two tracks:
- International Business, Language and Culture: This track emphasizes language acquisition and deep cultural understanding, requiring two years of foreign language study. Languages offered are diverse, allowing students to delve into their interests.
- International Business and Culture: This track offers a broader management focus with no foreign language requirement. It is available for on-campus students only. Regardless of the chosen track, all BGM students benefit from:
- Elite Faculty: Thunderbird's renowned faculty, coupled with strong relationships with global enterprises, provides students with invaluable guidance and opportunities.
- International Internship: A mandatory international internship allows students to apply their knowledge and skills in real-world settings, gaining practical experience and cultural immersion.
- Global Mindset Development: Through coursework, the internship, and other opportunities, students explore the nuances of international politics, culture, and economics, developing a global mindset.
- Capstone Project: This project challenges students to work collaboratively and apply their skills in consulting for a global organization facing international challenges.
- Online Availability: For flexibility, the BGM program is also offered in an online format through ASU Online.
Objectives:
The BGM program aims to:
- Develop globally-minded leaders capable of navigating complex international business environments.
- Equip students with a thorough understanding of international business concepts, cultures, and economies.
- Foster strong communication, teamwork, and problem-solving skills necessary for global leadership.
- Prepare students for rewarding careers in the global marketplace.
Program Description:
- Length: 4 years (on-campus) or flexible (online)
- Campus: West Valley (on-campus) or online
- Secondary language requirement: Yes (International Business, Language and Culture track only)
- First required math course: College Algebra (MAT 117) The BGM program follows a structured curriculum designed to provide a comprehensive understanding of international business and global leadership. This includes:
- Core business courses: These courses cover fundamental business concepts such as marketing, finance, accounting, and operations management.
- International business courses: These courses delve deeper into topics like international marketing, global negotiations, and multinational organizational leadership.
- Language and culture courses: Students in the International Business, Language and Culture track explore a chosen foreign language through two years of intensive study and engage in culture-specific courses.
- Electives: Students can personalize their learning by choosing electives in areas like communications, data analytics, sustainability, and political science. These electives may help students pursue a minor or certificate to complement their major.
- International internship: This required experience allows students to apply their knowledge in a real-world setting, gaining valuable professional and intercultural skills.
- Capstone project: This collaborative project requires students to address a global challenge faced by a real organization, showcasing their problem-solving and consulting abilities.
Online Program Structure:
The online BGM program offers the same rigorous curriculum as the on-campus program but with flexible scheduling options. Students complete the same coursework as their on-campus counterparts, including the international internship requirement.
Assessment:
Assessment methods in the BGM program vary depending on the course and learning objectives. Common assessment methods include:
- Exams: These assess students' understanding of key concepts and theories.
- Assignments: Projects, case studies, and presentations evaluate students' ability to apply knowledge to real-world scenarios.
- Class participation: Active engagement in class discussions demonstrates understanding and contributes to a collaborative learning environment.
- Internship evaluation: Supervisors at the internship sites provide feedback on students' performance, professionalism, and skill development.
- Capstone project evaluation: Faculty assess the project's quality, problem-solving approach, and overall impact on the collaborating organization.
Teaching:
The BGM program boasts a dedicated team of experienced faculty, many with extensive global experience and industry connections. They utilize diverse teaching methods to engage students and promote active learning:
- Interactive lectures: These lectures encourage student participation and discussion, bringing theory to life.
- Case studies: Analyzing real-world business situations challenges students to apply their knowledge and develop critical thinking.
- Group projects: Collaborative projects enhance teamwork skills and prepare students for the collaborative nature of the global business environment.
- Guest speakers: Industry experts share their insights and experiences with students, providing valuable real-world perspectives.
- Field trips and simulations: These immersive experiences enhance understanding of international business concepts and cultures.
Careers:
The BGM program prepares graduates for diverse career paths in the global marketplace.
- Foreign service: Represent your country's interests in international relations, diplomacy, and trade negotiations, leveraging your knowledge of global affairs and cross-cultural communication.
- Global marketing: Lead marketing campaigns and initiatives for multinational organizations, effectively reaching target audiences across diverse markets.
- Human resources: Manage human capital strategies for global companies, navigating cultural nuances and fostering a diverse and inclusive workplace.
- Change of major requirements: Current students or those with an established ASU GPA who wish to switch to BGM must have a minimum cumulative ASU GPA of 2.00. Information on changing majors can be found on the Change of Major form.
- Transfer options: ASU offers various resources and tools to support transfer students and facilitate a smooth transition.
Entry requirements:
All Applicants:
- High School Diploma or equivalent
- Minimum GPA of 3.0
- Completion of the following coursework with a grade of "C" or better:
- 4 units of English
- 3 units of Math
- 3 units of History/Social Studies
- 2 units of Laboratory Science
- 2 units of a Foreign Language
- 1 unit of Visual and Performing Arts
- 1 unit of College Preparatory Elective
Additional requirements for international applicants:
- TOEFL score of at least 80 (internet-based) or IELTS score of at least 6.5
- Proof of financial support
Language proficiency requirements:
- All applicants are required to demonstrate proficiency in English.
- Applicants whose native language is not English must submit scores from the TOEFL or IELTS exam.
- The minimum TOEFL score for admission is 80 (internet-based).
- The minimum IELTS score for admission is 6.5.
Note:
- These are just the general entry requirements. Specific requirements may vary depending on the individual's academic background and program of interest.