Where Global Leaders
Learn to Soar

Thunderbird School of Global Management — Informing the future of international business for the digital age.

Global business leadership concept with modern architecture

A Legacy of Global Leadership

Founded on a vision of global peace and prosperity through commerce.

For nearly eight decades, Thunderbird has pioneered international business education.

Today, it continues to redefine how a global management school should operate, embracing its historic past while innovating for the future.

World-Class Rankings & Recognition

Consistently recognized as the world's premier institution for international trade and management

#1 in International Trade

QS International Trade Rankings

Ranked No. 1 in the world for four consecutive years (2023–2026)

Score 100/100

Global Competition

Worldwide Rankings

First among nearly 110 universities and business schools worldwide

Ahead of Columbia University

University of Michigan (Ross)

University of Oxford

Additional Honors

Multiple Recognitions

Master in Management

No. 1 (Times Higher Education/WSJ 2019)

Most Innovative School

No. 1 in the U.S. (ASU recognition, 2016-2024)

Thunderbird School of Global Management at Arizona State University

Leadership in the Digital Age

As Thunderbird enters its 10th year with ASU, a new era of leadership begins.

Charla Griffy-Brown

Director General & Dean

Her vision focuses on advancing the school's position in a competitive educational landscape by leveraging unique strengths and embracing innovation.

State-of-the-Art Global Headquarters

The F. Francis and Dionne Najafi Thunderbird Global Headquarters is located on ASU's Downtown Phoenix campus.

111,000 square-foot facility with a total project cost of $67 million
Most technologically advanced building of any leadership, management or business school in the world
Designed to meet LEED Gold certification standards
Features include new classroom space, conference rooms, faculty offices, and a pub for student gatherings

Thunderbird Global Headquarters exterior

Unified Academic Programs

Starting Fall 2025, Thunderbird integrates undergraduate and graduate programs at the Global Headquarters.

Bachelor of Global Management (BGM) and Bachelor of Science in International Trade (BSIT) now share the same vibrant campus with graduate cohorts.

Global Headquarters

Enriched academic environment through cross-level collaboration
Strengthened ASU commitment to Downtown Phoenix campus
Seamless pathway from undergraduate to graduate excellence

Thunderbird

Master of Global Management

The flagship program recognized as the world's first in QS International Trade Rankings 2025.

#1 in the World

QS International Trade Rankings 2025

Previously Ranked #1

Times Higher Education / Wall Street Journal 2019

Prepares leaders to navigate complex global challenges and drive digital transformation in international business.

Executive Education & Custom Programs

High-impact executive education tailored to organizational needs, leveraging a global network of experts.

Ranked No. 20 Worldwide

The Centre’s Impact Index 2023 ranks Thunderbird No. 20 globally and No. 7 in the U.S. for global reach and impact of case writing.

Ahead of Top Competitors

Outperforming University of Michigan Ross School of Business and The Wharton School in global impact rankings.

Custom Global Programs

Tailored executive programs designed to meet specific organizational needs, powered by a worldwide network of thought leaders.

Global Impact: Case Studies & Research

Thunderbird faculty actively research and develop case studies based on complex current global business scenarios.

January 2026: Thunderbird at ASU earned global recognition for bestselling cases from The Case Centre.

The school is recognized for ‘impeccably written and thought-provoking’ cases.

Recent topics include global power struggles over ocean resources and creative diplomacy.

Recognition Highlights

Ranked #1 worldwide for international trade education four consecutive years (2023–2026).

Global Excellence

100/100 score from leading evaluators

Case Studies

Bestselling global business cases

Innovation

Thought-provoking research

Student Life & Community

A vibrant and inclusive community defines the Thunderbird experience.

Pub Night Tradition

Spring 2026 kicked off on January 15, welcoming new students in true Thunderbird style.

Parade of Flags

Graduates march draped in the colors of their nations—a cherished global tradition.

Rugby Champions

The Rugby Football Club won the MBA rugby tournament in November 2025.

Innovation & Entrepreneurship

Thunderbird fosters an entrepreneurial spirit among its students, emphasizing practical application of skills and innovation at the core of its curriculum.

Success Story

T-bird student Aayushi Patel helped raise over $150,000 for hearing safety startup Paxauris (January 2026).

January 2026

Students learn business concepts before fully joining programs

Aligns with ASU's status as No. 1 Most Innovative School

Aayushi Patel with Paxauris hearing safety startup

Global Partnerships & Alliances

Expanding reach through strategic international partnerships that enhance the global network available to students and alumni, facilitating cross-border collaboration and learning.

UNAB Partnership

Recent partnership established with Universidad Andrés Bello to strengthen Latin American academic collaboration.

Taiwan Symposium

First-ever Taiwan Symposium at Thunderbird celebrated business and cultural connections across Asia-Pacific.

Technology & Visualization

Leveraging cutting-edge technology to enhance learning

Thunderbird selected Planar, a leader in visualization technology, as its display solution provider.

The new headquarters features advanced display solutions that 'mesmerize' visitors and students.

This technology integration supports the school's mission to be the vanguard of business education for the digital age.

Thunderbird School of Global Management headquarters with Planar display technology

Alumni Network & Engagement

Global Community

A powerful and active alumni network spanning the globe, recently gathered for 'Year in Review: 2025 Perspectives in Foreign Policy and International Trade'.

Active Involvement

Alumni remain deeply involved, supporting student scholarships and participating in global reunions.

Career Asset

The network is a key asset for career development and global business connections.

Thunderbird Alumni Network Global Connections

Join the Vanguard

Thunderbird School of Global Management invites you to become part of a legacy of leadership. Whether as a student, partner, or collaborator, join a community dedicated to sustainable prosperity and global peace.

Unified programs

at the new Downtown Phoenix headquarters.

#1 Ranked

International Trade education.

Fourth Industrial Revolution

A commitment to the future and beyond.

Where Global LeadersLearn to Soar