Thunderbird School of Global Management

In an increasingly interconnected and competitive world economy, it’s vital to understand business, leadership and management in a global context. When you earn an international trade bachelor’s degree, you’ll learn how global trade and finance influence business, the public sector and world markets. You’ll also develop a digital global mindset and future-ready skills, including:

• Communicating and negotiating across cultures.
• Employing data-driving decision making and problem solving.
• Improving the flow of goods across borders.
• Leading and managing global economic dynamics.
• Optimizing global supply chains.
• Utilizing Fourth Industrial Revolution technologies.
• Understanding how global business and public policy intersect.

What can I do with a degree in international trade?

Going beyond managing the exchange of goods and services from one country to another, this program prepares you to lead global organizations in the public, private and nonprofit sectors. Upon graduating, you can pursue roles ranging from maximizing an international enterprise’s supply chain operations to managing international government relations.

Additionally, an international business degree gives you the management and business expertise needed to pursue a global career, allowing you to work and live abroad.

How does an international trade degree compare to an international business degree?

While there may be overlapping topics, an international trade degree program differs from an international business degree online. An international business degree encompasses a broad overview of many business topics in a global context.

By comparison, an international trade degree program allows you to deepen your knowledge about global trade in relation to transnational business and public policy. Courses focus on quantitative skills, so this program may be an ideal fit if you have a technical background.

Does ASU Online offer a master’s in international trade?

No. However, this bachelor’s degree can be completed as part of an Accelerated Master’s program. When accepted, you can earn a master’s degree in as little as one year after completing your undergraduate degree. This opportunity saves you time and money while giving you advanced knowledge in your field. Applicable master’s degrees include:

• Master of Leadership and Management.

Global management involves specialized strategies in administration, communication and leadership tailored for today’s interconnected world. It focuses on managing key organizational functions, including hiring, marketing, finance and sales, across international borders. As globalization and technology continue to evolve, management approaches must adapt to address the complexities of operating in a dynamic global landscape.

Gain a one-of-a-kind global leadership and management education

This program offers a comprehensive education in leadership, management and entrepreneurship across private, public and nonprofit sectors. You’ll explore global marketing, accounting, finance, markets and trade within the international business context, while also developing crucial leadership skills in multinational organizational leadership and regional management. Courses emphasize cultural competencies and cross-cultural communication, equipping you to lead global teams and organizations successfully.

How does this program compare to an international trade degree?

The global management and international trade bachelor’s degrees both offer a global focus and hands-on experience but cater to different interests and career goals. This global management degree is ideal if you’re interested in leading organizations across industries, focusing on leadership, entrepreneurship and cross-cultural communication. It’s designed for aspiring global leaders who want to manage diverse teams, develop strategic initiatives and drive innovation in international contexts.

In contrast, our Bachelor of Science in international trade is better suited for those who want to dive into the operational side of global commerce, focusing on supply chain management, global risks and trade agreements. This program prepares you for roles in logistics, trade compliance and supply chain management.

Both programs share an internship requirement and the option to complete your degree as part of an Accelerated Master’s program. When accepted, you can earn a master’s degree in as little as one year after completing your undergraduate degree. This opportunity saves you time and money while giving you advanced knowledge in your field. Applicable master’s degrees include:

• Master of Leadership and Management.