Executive Master of Arts in Global Affairs and Management

Designed for intercultural thinkers and purpose-driven leaders

Next start date:

August 22, 2025

Delivery:

Hybrid

Duration: 

12 months

Locations:

Phoenix, AZ; Washington, D.C. 

Application deadline:

Early consideration deadline: Oct. 30

Photo credit:  ISD/ENB – Kiara Worth

Forge your global future

Thunderbird’s one-year Executive Master of Arts in Global Affairs and Management (EMAGAM) is a transdisciplinary degree program that covers all aspects of global affairs and management, including global relations, political economy and cross-cultural communications, while supplementing this valuable international affairs curriculum with core courses in accounting, finance, management and marketing.


Based in Washington, D.C., this hybrid program is tailored for mid-career professionals in all sectors. It prepares students with the tools and insight to navigate complex global challenges.

Connect with leading experts

Photo credit:  ISD/ENB – Kiara Worth

Through immersive coursework, global faculty expertise, and high-impact experiential learning, the EMAGAM program empowers professionals to think across disciplines and lead with a systems mindset. Students engage in real-world policy and management challenges, learning to drive meaningful change in government agencies, international organizations, NGOs, and multinational corporations. With access to Thunderbird’s global alumni network and a curriculum grounded in analytical rigor and cross-cultural fluency, graduates emerge ready to create impact globally, whether shaping foreign policy, leading international initiatives, or advancing global cooperation within their organizations and communities.

30 

credit hours

In-person and virtual learning

15 

weekends 

No GMAT/GRE required

Program quick facts

Ready to take the next step?

Fill out the form below to connect with a recruiter who can guide you through the EMAGAM program details, application process, and how to get started.

By clicking "Submit" I consent to Thunderbird School of Global Management using the information above to contact me regarding my programs of interest and provide any other information I request. If you are in the European Union or another country or state that has adopted the GDPR (General Data Protection Regulation) or similar privacy protection, please also read the ASU European Supplement to ASU's Privacy Statement

Become a T-bird and join the world’s No. 1 school for international trade

For the third consecutive year, Thunderbird School of Global Management has been recognized as the world leader in international trade, a distinction awarded by Quacquarelli Symonds, the prestigious global authority on higher education rankings, in its 2025 International Trade Rankings. This esteemed recognition positions Thunderbird as the No. 1 school in the world, ranking ahead of renowned institutions such as Columbia University, the University of Michigan–Ann Arbor (Ross) and the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill (Kenan-Flagler) in the U.S., as well as the University of Oxford in the United Kingdom, IMD in Switzerland and Tsinghua University in China, internationally.

Student testimonials

Curriculum

Course examples 

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The EMAGAM curriculum comprises 30 credit hours, including 18 hours of core executive coursework and 12 hours of specialization courses. The program follows a hybrid format, combining in-person and virtual sessions over 15 weekends.

Program schedule:

  • 10 virtual weekends: Live online sessions
  • 2 in-person weekends: Phoenix, AZ
  • 3 in-person weekends: Washington, D.C.

Ready to take the next step?

Schedule a call with our graduate recruiter, Katie, to get your questions answered about the program, admissions process, and available scholarships. You can also arrange a personalized campus tour to explore our beautiful grounds and experience our vibrant community firsthand.

Where your future meets global opportunity

At Thunderbird, your education extends far beyond the classroom. With a global network spanning cities like Los Angeles, Tokyo, Amsterdam, Nairobi, and Guadalajara, you gain access to real-world learning, career connections, and professional opportunities in the world’s top commercial hubs.


Our regional presence gives you direct ties to global industries, a community of more than 45,000 alumni across 145 countries, and a platform to build a truly international career. When you graduate from Thunderbird, you join a network that opens doors around the world.

Thunderbird’s global alumni network

FAQ's

What are the requirements for admission to the EMAGAM program?

To be considered for the EMAGAM program, applicants must have earned a bachelor’s or master’s degree in any field from a regionally accredited institution and 5+ years of professional experience. A minimum cumulative GPA of 3.00 (on a 4.00 scale) is required, either in the last 60 credit hours of the applicant’s bachelor’s program or in a relevant master’s program. Applicants must submit: 1. A completed undergraduate degree from an accredited institution 2. Official transcripts from all previously attended undergraduate and graduate institutions, sent to ASU Graduate Admissions 3. Proof of English proficiency (TOEFL, IELTS, PTE, or Duolingo) if the applicant did not graduate from an English-speaking institution in a native English-speaking country 4. Evidence of international experience 5. A completed online application, including: 6. A professional résumé 7. An admissions interview with a Thunderbird faculty member (for shortlisted candidates) Note: GMAT/GRE scores are not required.

When is the EMAGAM application deadline?

Apply early for priority admissions and financial aid consideration. -Early consideration: October 30 -First round: November 30 -Second round: January 30 -Third round and international deadline: March 30 -Final deadline: July 30

Are there scholarships available for this program?

Yes. Applicants are considered for the Thunderbird Alumni Scholarship during the admissions process. To learn more about scholarship opportunities and get help with your application, we encourage you to connect with a Thunderbird recruiter.

Connect with a recruiter

Complete the form below to receive more information about the program and connect with a recruiter who can guide you through the application process, available scholarships, and next steps.

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By clicking "Submit" I consent to Thunderbird School of Global Management using the information above to contact me regarding my programs of interest and provide any other information I request. If you are in the European Union or another country or state that has adopted the GDPR (General Data Protection Regulation) or similar privacy protection, please also read the ASU European Supplement to ASU's Privacy Statement.