How Thunderbird’s online degree programs bring education to you

When you think of global management education, you might picture traveling the world, sitting in classrooms, and building connections face-to-face. For decades, that was the traditional path. But today, Thunderbird School of Global Management at Arizona State University is reimagining what it means to earn a world-class graduate degree in global leadership.

Through flexible online and hybrid programs, Thunderbird makes it possible for students with busy lives to pursue advanced education without putting careers or family responsibilities on hold. Whether they’re working full time, managing households, or living across multiple time zones, students can log in from anywhere to pursue a remote degree and receive the same high-caliber education that has defined Thunderbird for generations.

“Most of our students are working full time and do not have the luxury of taking time off for their graduate studies,” explains Becca Clarke, associate director of recruiting at Thunderbird School of Global Management at Arizona State University. “With demanding careers and family responsibilities, students can fit their education around their busy schedules.”

Flexible learning, global reach

Thunderbird’s online business degrees are designed to be both rigorous and flexible. Coursework is delivered asynchronously, meaning students can watch professor lectures, complete assignments, and engage with materials on their own schedules. This allows learners in different countries and time zones to stay on track without disrupting their professional or personal lives.

“Going out of town? Just bring us with you,” Clarke says. “All you need is your laptop and a Wi-Fi connection.”

For students craving in-person engagement, Thunderbird offers optional immersion experiences that bring the best of both worlds. One option is a four-day immersion, offered as part of the Master of Leadership and Management (MLM) program on the downtown Phoenix campus, where students complete part of a course face-to-face before returning to online learning. Another is the Global Field Seminar, a weeklong international experience where students travel with faculty to explore the realities of doing business in a specific region.

Held during spring break to avoid conflicts with other classes, the Global Field Seminar has taken students to locations around the world. It’s an opportunity not just to learn from faculty, but also to engage directly with businesses, policymakers, and communities in a global setting.

“These immersion weeks really set Thunderbird apart,” Clarke says. “They allow students to step out of the online space and connect in person, either on campus or abroad, while still keeping the flexibility that online learning provides.”

Balancing life, career, and studies

One of the most common concerns for prospective students is how to balance graduate-level coursework with work and family obligations. Thunderbird’s program is designed with that challenge in mind.

On average, students can expect to invest 15 to 18 hours per week, per class. While that represents a serious commitment, it is manageable alongside a full-time career because of the program’s flexible structure. Students can plan study time around travel, work deadlines, and family schedules.

“It’s not always easy to balance work, family, and school,” Clarke acknowledges. “But one step at a time, it goes fast. We encourage students to take the time to deeply understand each subject and to apply what they learn immediately in their careers. That’s where the real rewards come in.”

For many, those rewards arrive quickly. Because Thunderbird emphasizes both academic theory and experiential learning, students often find they can apply concepts to their work in real time. Whether it’s refining leadership skills, improving team performance, or making better strategic decisions, students see tangible results even before graduation.

Community and connection, anywhere in the world

One question that often arises with online global management degree programs is whether students will still feel connected to a community. At Thunderbird, the answer is a resounding yes.

The school’s global alumni network—one of the most distinctive in the world—welcomes online students from the moment they begin their studies. With alumni chapters across continents, students can connect locally or even start new chapters in their cities. These connections often lead to lasting friendships, mentorship opportunities, and even career moves.

“Networking is very important to us at Thunderbird,” Clarke explains. “We have a good amount of group work, so you learn from your fellow students as much as from your professors. You’ll be amazed at how close you get with your cohort, even online.”

To deepen that sense of community, most classes also offer optional live sessions each week. These provide space to ask professors questions, discuss global events, and collaborate on problem-solving. Students often find these conversations mirror the kind of dynamic discussions that happen in traditional classrooms, while also offering practical insights they can apply at work.

“Make the effort to get to know your cohort and put yourself out there,” Clarke advises. “You will reap the rewards through connections and meaningful relationships. Maybe your next job will come from a fellow student.”

A program that stands apart

Thunderbird’s MLM program carries AACSB accreditation, widely regarded as the gold standard in business education. Students are taught by the same world-class faculty who lead Thunderbird’s on-campus programs—never adjuncts or outsourced instructors.

“Our faculty are fantastic,” Clarke says. “They will teach you how to apply the material, not just academic theory.”

This emphasis on real-world application ensures that students graduate not only with knowledge but also with practical skills to lead across borders and industries. Combined with Thunderbird’s emphasis on community and immersive experiences, it creates an online program unlike any other.

Shaping the future of global leadership

Thunderbird has been a pioneer in international business education since its founding, and today it continues to shape the future of global leadership. In a world that demands cross-cultural fluency, strategic agility, and global perspective, the school’s online and hybrid programs deliver exactly what professionals need to succeed.

“In today’s globally interconnected world, businesses need leaders who can understand cross-cultural communication and regional business environments, and who are comfortable being uncomfortable,” Clarke says. “Online and hybrid education make it possible for students to gain that expertise without putting their lives on hold. Thunderbird is proud to play a leading role in shaping that future.”

By bringing together flexible coursework, world-class faculty, immersive global experiences, and an unparalleled alumni network, Thunderbird ensures that students anywhere in the world can access its signature global management education. Whether in Phoenix, São Paulo, Nairobi, or Tokyo, Thunderbird’s online programs bring the classroom—and the world—to you.

Get the online global business skills you need at Thunderbird.