Learn More About Thunderbird

Your Master of Arts in Global Affairs and Management (MA-GAM) gives you a truly global education for which Thunderbird is renowned.

Curriculum

Curriculum details & requirements

15-18 month program duration
45 credit hours with a second-language proficiency requirement for graduation
- 30 hours of core curriculum in global affairs, with coursework in general global management disciplines (including 3 hours for winterim/summerim course on location)
- 15 hours reserved for electives
- second-language proficiency requirement may be waived on the basis of documented second-language proficiency and/or satisfied through an additional 6 credit hours of language coursework
Foundations
Global experience opportunities

Foundations

This mandatory 1-week course emphasizes key aspects of leadership, team building, motivation, ethics and cross-cultural communication. You join a learning group to meet and work with your peers from other countries. And receive self-assessment tools and career management strategies to achieve your career objectives.

Core Curriculum

Your MA-GAM curriculum features coursework in international relations, political economy and area studies and also includes accounting, finance, marketing, management and entrepreneurship — all from a global perspective.
More about MA-GAM Core Curriculum »

Winterims and Summerims

You select a two to three-week Winterim (January) or Summerim (May) either on or off campus. Off campus Global Experience courses provide the opportunity to examine management issues and challenges up close, through a cultural and global lens - an opportunity to apply your knowledge in an international setting.
More about Global Experience »

Second Language Proficiency

To graduate, you must demonstrate proficiency in a second language. This can be achieved by entering the program already proficient in a second language and passing a proficiency exam, or by taking a language course at Thunderbird. MA in Global Affairs students are encouraged to meet this requirement by taking an immersive summer language program abroad prior to beginning the degree program.
More about second language proficiency »