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International Trade, BS

In the growing field of international trade, skilled managers are highly sought-after by global corporations. Prepare yourself for leadership roles with courses offered through this distinctive degree program, such as supply chain management for global operations, international trade and regional economic agreements, and big data in the global economy.

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A business professional poses in a corporate setting, representing global business opportunities in ASU's International Trade program.

Quick facts

Additional facts

STEM-OPT extension eligible: Yes

International students (F1) can extend U.S. work experience by 24 months.

Accreditation

Accredited by the Higher Learning Commission.

Degree description

The Bachelor of Science program in international trade provides you with the exposure to the global business environment that distinguishes you in the workforce. You learn the functional disciplines of international business while gaining an in-depth understanding of the political, cultural and economic aspects of doing business on a global scale and in international markets in which government regulations vary widely from country to country.

Supported by Thunderbird's training that builds a global mindset, Thunderbird's STEM-designated BS program provides rigorous training for a career in global commerce. You gain tools for managing supply chains, systematically assessing risk, exporting and importing goods and services, and using economic agreements to develop effective strategies for conducting international trade.

This program is distinct in enabling you to learn new skills needed for a career in international trade through comprehensive hands-on training, and then to apply those skills during a local, national or international internship. Along with applicable learning experiences that open up global career opportunities, you attend courses taught by outstanding Thunderbird graduate school faculty and enjoy opportunities to learn from fellow students from around the world.

Thunderbird's BS program is also offered in a flexible online format. Students should see the ASU Online website for more information.

About Thunderbird
Thunderbird School of Global Management has produced world-class leaders for nearly 80 years. The ideal Thunderbird student is curious, globally minded, and eager to develop and advance their career in leadership and management within the global and digital landscape of today's interconnected world. After completion of this program, graduates join a thriving global alumni network nearly 50,000 strong, managing some of the world's largest institutions, companies, nonprofits and NGOs.

Get to know the International Trade degree at ASU

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Courses

Explore a sample list of courses you may take in this program.

Sample courses
CIS 105 Computer Applications and Information Technology
COM 225 Public Speaking and Presentations
ECN 211 Macroeconomic Principles
ECN 212 Microeconomic Principles
ECN 306 Survey of International Economics
MAT 210 Brief Calculus

Course checksheet and curriculum archive

The curriculum checksheet displays this program's required courses and other requirements you must complete for graduation.

What If

Current ASU students, see how your courses can apply to another major and find out how to change your major (opens in new window).

Already completed some college courses? Build on your success.

If you earned college credit outside ASU, our transfer tools map out your progress towards a degree and help you plan next steps.

See how your credits may apply (opens in new window)

What you'll learn

The following learning outcomes highlight some of the knowledge and skills you'll develop to support your future success.

  • Analyze global trade contexts to support strategic decision-making in international markets.
  • Apply cross-cultural communication strategies to interact effectively with diverse groups.
  • Analyze data using critical thinking skills to make informed decisions.

Admission requirements

Here are the admission and application details

All students are required to meet general university admission requirements.

First year (opens in new window) | Transfer (opens in new window) | International (opens in new window) | Readmission (opens in new window)

Current students or those who have an established ASU GPA and would like to change their major to international trade must have a minimum cumulative ASU GPA of 2.00.

Students should visit the Change of Major form (opens in new window) for information about how to change a major to this program.


Explore expanded study opportunities

This program allows you to obtain both a bachelor's and a master's degree in as little as five years. As a high-achieving student, accelerated bachelor's plus master's degree programs are designed for you to share undergraduate coursework with graduate coursework to accelerate completion of your master's degree. These programs feature the same high-quality curriculum taught by ASU's world-renowned faculty.

This program is offered as an accelerated bachelor's plus master's degree with:

Graduate advisor
Mitchell Lawson
602-496-1745
mitchell.lawson@thunderbird.asu.edu
General contact
602-496-7100
Learn more about this program
Graduate advisor
Mitchell Lawson
602-496-1745
mitchell.lawson@thunderbird.asu.edu
General contact
602-496-7100
Learn more about this program
Graduate advisor
Mitchell Lawson
602-496-1745
mitchell.lawson@thunderbird.asu.edu
General contact
602-496-7100
Learn more about this program
Graduate advisor
Mitchell Lawson
602-496-1745
mitchell.lawson@thunderbird.asu.edu
General contact
602-496-7100
Learn more about this program
Graduate advisor
Mitchell Lawson
602-496-1745
mitchell.lawson@thunderbird.asu.edu
General contact
602-496-7100
Learn more about this program
Graduate advisor
Mitchell Lawson
602-496-1745
mitchell.lawson@thunderbird.asu.edu
General contact
602-496-7100
Learn more about this program
Graduate advisor
Mitchell Lawson
602-496-1745
mitchell.lawson@thunderbird.asu.edu
General contact
602-496-7100
Learn more about this program
Graduate advisor
Mitchell Lawson
602-496-1745
mitchell.lawson@thunderbird.asu.edu
General contact
602-496-7100
Learn more about this program
Graduate advisor
Mitchell Lawson
602-496-1745
mitchell.lawson@thunderbird.asu.edu
General contact
602-496-7100
Learn more about this program
Graduate advisor
Mitchell Lawson
602-496-1745
mitchell.lawson@thunderbird.asu.edu
General contact
602-496-7100
Learn more about this program
Graduate advisor
Mitchell Lawson
602-496-1745
mitchell.lawson@thunderbird.asu.edu
General contact
602-496-7100
Learn more about this program
Graduate advisor
Mitchell Lawson
602-496-1745
mitchell.lawson@thunderbird.asu.edu
General contact
602-496-7100
Learn more about this program
Graduate advisor
Mitchell Lawson
602-496-1745
mitchell.lawson@thunderbird.asu.edu
General contact
602-496-7100
Learn more about this program
Graduate advisor
Mitchell Lawson
602-496-1745
mitchell.lawson@thunderbird.asu.edu
General contact
602-496-7100
Learn more about this program
Graduate advisor
Mitchell Lawson
602-496-1745
mitchell.lawson@thunderbird.asu.edu
General contact
602-496-7100
Learn more about this program

Approval to pursue the accelerated master's is typically granted during the junior year of your bachelor's degree program. If you are interested, you can learn more about eligibility requirements and how to apply.

When you pursue concurrent degrees (also known as a “double major”), you earn two distinct degrees and receive two diplomas. Working with your academic advisor, you can create your own concurrent degree combination. Some combinations are not possible due to high levels of overlap in curriculum.

Global experience

As globalization continues to impact the way people live and work, international experiences have become vital to success in every field of business, especially international trade. Through international study and internships, students gain valuable skills that employers are looking for, including communication and interpersonal skills, flexibility, motivation and a global perspective on how international trade functions worldwide.

Paying for college

Use our calculator to estimate your full-time or part-time tuition fees for this program prior to any financial aid. Keep in mind that most of our students recieve financial aid, which can reduce out-of-pocket costs.

Get an estimate

Build the career and future you want

Our graduates are prepared for a variety of career paths, including:

Career opportunities showing job titles, projected growth rates, median salaries, and links to detailed information
Career Growth Median Salary More Information
Compliance Manager 4.9% $141,900
Distribution Center Manager 6.1% $107,230
Freight Forwarder 6.2% $52,260
Investment Fund Manager 9.7% $166,570
Logistics Analyst 17.6% $82,320
Purchasing Manager 4.0% $148,080
Regulatory Affairs Manager 4.9% $141,900
Sales Manager 4.5% $148,270
Supply Chain Manager 6.1% $107,230

Example job titles and salaries listed are not necessarily entry level, and students should take into consideration how years of experience and geographical location may affect pay scales. Some jobs also may require advanced degrees, certifications or state-specific licensure.

Data obtained from the Occupational Information Network (O*NET) under sponsorship of the U.S. Department of Labor/Employment and Training Administration (USDOL/ETA).


More about careers

In the increasingly globalized economy, the dramatic expansion of international trade has created tremendous opportunities for global business, and Thunderbird's BS program prepares students for a career in this growing field, in which skilled managers are in demand all over the world. Trained negotiators with a strong grasp of economics and politics on an international level are more valuable than ever to employers operating across borders.

Thunderbird's rigorous curriculum and renowned faculty members prepare students for leadership positions in a wide variety of career fields. Graduates have the intercultural skills and global mindset needed to do business or take on leadership roles in any part of the world. Graduates of this program have mastered a repertoire of globally transferable skills that open doors to an abundance of opportunities, including these positions:

  • commodities broker
  • compliance manager
  • financial risk specialist
  • import and export agent
  • international business development manager
  • international market analyst
  • international product or brand manager
  • regional manager

Contact information

Use the contact information below to get in touch if you're a current student or have general questions.
Prospective students should fill out the Request for Information form.

Thunderbird School of Global Management | TGHB 209
ugadvising@thunderbird.asu.edu
602-496-7100

Frequently asked questions about degree programs

Accelerated programs allow students the opportunity to expedite the completion of their degree.

Accelerated master's

These programs allow students to accelerate their studies to earn a bachelor's plus a master's degree in as few as five years (for some programs).

Each program has requirements students must meet to be eligible for consideration. Students typically receive approval to pursue the accelerated master's during the junior year of their bachelor's degree program. Interested students can learn about eligibility requirements and how to apply.

Concurrent degrees allow students to pursue their own personal or professional interests, earn two distinct degrees and receive two diplomas. To add a concurrent degree to your existing degree, work with your academic advisor.

Joint programs, or jointly conferred degrees, are offered by more than one college and provide opportunities for students to take advantage of the academic strengths of two academic units. Upon graduation, students are awarded one degree and one diploma conferred by two colleges.

ASU adds new programs to Degree Search frequently. Come back often and look for the "New Programs" option.

ASU Online offers programs in an entirely online format with multiple enrollment sessions throughout the year. See https://asuonline.asu.edu/ for more information.

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