Master of Leadership and Management - Global Experience
Location:
Online;
Dubai
Start dates:
Mar,
August 2026
Scholarships:
50% scholarship to students in emerging markets
Overview
The Master of Leadership and Management (MLM) - Global Experience degree program prepares professionals to lead in today’s complex global environment. Designed for those advancing into greater leadership responsibility or transitioning across industries, the program develops expertise in cross-cultural communication, finance, data analytics, marketing, and leading diverse global teams. Future-ready by design, the curriculum equips graduates to navigate rapid technological and societal change with confidence—at a time when the need for agile, ethical, and visionary leadership has never been greater.
This hybrid program combines the flexibility of online learning with the impact of in-person immersion. Delivered through ASU Sync via Zoom (digital face-to-face), asynchronous coursework, and in-person modules in key regional locations—with remote participation options available—the program is led by Thunderbird’s world-class faculty. In-person modules take place at Thunderbird’s Dubai regional center, ideally situated in the heart of the Middle East and North Africa (MENA) region.Â
Anchored in Dubai, UAE*—one of the world’s leading hubs for global business and innovation—the program includes two immersive in-person modules at the beginning and conclusion of the degree. These experiences bring students together for intensive coursework, applied workshops, leadership labs, and direct industry engagement, grounding learning in real-world global context and strengthening cohort connection. Between the in-person modules, students complete the core curriculum online through interactive classes and collaborative projects with a globally diverse cohort.
It is recommended for students to pursue a specialization in AI and Global Leadership, however, other specializations may be considered. This hybrid degree delivers flexibility without compromise, preparing leaders to guide AI-driven transformation and lead effectively in an interconnected world.
Scholarships are available for students in emerging markets.
This program may be offered as soon as Session B starts on March 16, 2026, subject to participant interest. *Location subject to change.
Connect with an enrollment specialist to learn more about the program or request more information here.
Immersive Learning Experiences
The program begins and concludes with Dubai-based* immersive learning experiences intentionally designed to extend learning beyond the classroom. In addition to faculty-led sessions, these modules incorporate curated site visits, engagement with regional and global organizations, executive dialogues with industry leaders, and meaningful interaction with Thunderbird alumni across the region.
For four consecutive years, Thunderbird has been ranked No. 1 in the world for international trade (QS International Trade Rankings 2023–2026), and anchoring these modules in Dubai directly reflects that distinction. Dubai is widely recognized as a premier global trade hub and a critical gateway connecting Africa, the Middle East, Asia, and Europe. In parallel, Arizona State University’s No. 1 ranking in the U.S. for innovation (U.S. News & World Report) is echoed in the Dubai International Financial Centre (DIFC) Innovation Hub, a dynamic ecosystem that brings together startups, multinational enterprises, investors, and policy leaders.
Hosting the opening and closing experiences in this environment allows students to engage with global trade, innovation, AI, and digital transformation as lived realities rather than abstract concepts, while also strengthening and sustaining the Thunderbird Learning Community.
*Program experiences may evolve based on participant interest and engagement levels.
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Who Should Attend?
- Leaders who want to drive growth and proactively respond to social, political, regulatory, and natural forces that impact their business and workplace.
- Mid-level managers who support and lead teams who are looking to gain advanced skills in leadership in order to achieve a promotion.
- Functional managers in HR, finance, marketing, supply chain, and operations who want to be more involved in their global business strategy.
- Professionals from the public and nonprofit sectors who want greater knowledge of global business and leadership development.
Curriculum
Program curriculum
The Master of Leadership and Management (MLM) - Global Experience degree program, anchored by in-person learning in Dubai*, features a 30-credit-hour curriculum designed for working professionals. The program combines live online instruction via ASU Sync with immersive, place-based learning in one of the world’s most dynamic global business environments. Students engage in a carefully structured set of core and specialization courses, complemented by hands-on, experiential components such as applied consulting projects and immersive global learning modules delivered through the Dubai Regional Center*. These experiences enable students to translate theory into practice—addressing real-world leadership, AI-driven innovation, and digital transformation challenges across diverse organizational, cultural, and global contexts.
| Course | Credits |
|---|---|
|
TAM 505 Navigating Global & Regional Business Environment |
3 |
|
TAM 521 Financial Value Creation for Leaders |
3 |
|
TAM 530 Data Analytics & Digital Transformation in a Global World |
3 |
|
TAM 541 Strategy in a Competitive World (Capstone) |
3 |
|
TAM 542 Global Leadership & Personal Development |
3 |
|
TAM 557 Global Marketing in a Digital Age |
3 |
|
TAM 582 Communicating & Negotiating in a Dynamic World (Core) |
3 |
|
TGM 507 Global Organizational Consulting |
3 |
|
TGM 533 Analytics and Machine Learning for Global Business |
3 |
|
TGM 598 AI, Chip Strategy and the Future of Work |
3 |
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Specialization in AI and Global Leadership
The Master of Leadership and Management - Global Experience degree program is a hybrid graduate program for working professionals seeking to lead responsibly in an AI-enabled, globally interconnected world. Students who choose a specialization in AI and Global Leadership will study leadership development, artificial intelligence, and gain a global context through live online coursework and immersive in-person modules in Dubai.* Dubai’s role as a global hub for business, technology, and trade provides an ideal setting for applied leadership learning. The in-person modules feature intensive coursework, leadership labs, applied workshops, and industry engagement that ground learning in real-world global challenges. The specialization is leadership-focused—not technical or coding-based—and equips leaders to strategically govern and apply AI regardless of prior technical experience. *Location subject to change.
Career opportunities
Recent graduates have secured positions with leading global organizations in roles such as Chief of Global Sales, Global Marketing Manager, Global Product Manager, Cross-Cultural Communication Officer, Innovation Manager, and other senior and strategic functions.
Top global organizations that actively recruit Thunderbird graduates include: Adidas, American Express, Amazon, The Boeing Company, U.S. Air Force, Starbucks, Peace Corps, Uber, Ford Motor Company, Google, IBM, Intel, Microsoft, Northrop Grumman, Verizon Wireless, and others.
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Financial aid and costs
Financial aid
Scholarships
Financial assistance
Program Costs
Scholarships of 50% of the total tuition costs are available for students from emerging economies. Students are responsible for all travel, lodging, and related fees associated with the in-person residential experience weeks.
| Fees | USD$ |
|---|---|
| Application fee (domestic) | $70 |
| Application fee (international) | $70 |
| Program deposit | Not required |
| Program cost (2 Years) | $40,000 |
Application deadlines
Applications are accepted on a rolling basis. Recommended application processing time is approximately 2 weeks.
| Deadline | Dates |
|---|---|
| March start | February 20 |
| August start | July 31 |
Requirements and deadlines
Application requirements
Overview
Work Experience
Apply to this program
Our faculty and online learning
Faculty highlights
Connect with our admissions team
FAQs
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the Master of Leadership and Management (MLM Sync) with a specialization in AI and Global Leadership?
How is the program delivered?
Why is Dubai part of the program experience?
How long is the program?
How many credits are required to complete the program?
Who is this program designed for?
Do I need a technical background in AI to apply?
What kinds of career outcomes can graduates expect?
Will I earn the same degree as on-campus students?
Is the program suitable for international students?
What is the schedule of classes for the Master of Leadership and Management - Global Experience degree program?