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International Trade ,BS

International Trade, BS

Academic programs / Undergraduate degrees / International Trade

International Business, Trade, approved for STEM-OPT extension, cross-cultural communications, global business, global economy, global leadership, global management, global negotations, global strategy, global trade, international trade, multicultural, regional studies

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 unique degree program, such as supply chain management for global operations, international trade and regional economic agreements, and big data in the global economy.

Program description

Thunderbird's STEM-designated BS program in international trade provides rigorous training for a career in global commerce.

The Bachelor of Science in international trade provides talented, driven students with the exposure to the global business environment that will distinguish them in the workforce. Students 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, students 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 unique in enabling students to learn new skills needed for a career in international trade through comprehensive hands-on training and then to apply these skills during a local, national or international internship. Along with real-world learning experiences that open up global career opportunities, students attend courses taught by outstanding Thunderbird graduate school faculty and enjoy unique opportunities to learn from fellow students from around the world.

Graduates of this program possess the intercultural skills and global mindset needed to do business or take on a leadership role in any part of the world. Employers hire Bachelor of Science in international trade graduates for their proven ability to develop effective strategies for international trade and exporting goods and services.

Thunderbird's Bachelor of Science in international trade 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 more than 75 years. The ideal Thunderbird student is curious, globally minded and eager to develop and advance their careers in leadership and management within the global and digital landscape of the Fourth Industrial Revolution. Upon completion of this degree, graduates join a thriving global alumni network nearly 50,000 strong, managing some of the world's largest institutions, companies, nonprofits and NGOs.

STEM-OPT for international students on F-1 visas

This program may be eligible for an Optional Practical Training extension for up to 36 months. This OPT work authorization term may help international students gain skills and experience in the U.S. Those interested in an OPT extension should review ASU degrees that qualify for the STEM-OPT extension at ASU's International Students and Scholars Center website.

The OPT extension only applies to students on an F-1 visa and does not apply to students completing the degree through ASU Online.

At a glance
  • Second language requirement: No
  • First required math course: MAT 210 - Brief Calculus
  • Math intensity: Moderateprogram math intensity moderate

Required courses (Major Map)
Concurrent program options
Students pursuing concurrent degrees (also known as a “double major”) earn two distinct degrees and receive two diplomas. Working with their academic advisors, students can create their own concurrent degree combination. Some combinations are not possible due to high levels of overlap in curriculum.
Accelerated program options
Admission requirements

General university admission requirements:

All students are required to meet general university admission requirements.
First-year | Transfer | International | Readmission

Tuition information
When it comes to paying for higher education, everyone’s situation is different. Students can learn about ASU tuition and financial aid options to find out which will work best for them.
Change of Major requirements

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 for information about how to change a major to this program.

Attend online
ASU Online

ASU offers this program in an online format with multiple enrollment sessions throughout the year. Applicants may view the program’s ASU Online page for program descriptions and to request more information.

ASU Local

It is now possible to earn an ASU degree with ASU Local, an integrated college experience in which students take advantage of in-person success coaching and programming experiences on site while completing one of 130+ undergraduate online degree programs, all of which come with online faculty interaction and tutoring support.

Transfer options

ASU is committed to helping students thrive by offering tools that allow personalization of the transfer path to ASU. Students may use MyPath2ASU® to outline a list of recommended courses to take prior to transfer.

ASU has transfer partnerships in Arizona and across the country to create a simplified transfer experience for students. These pathway programs include exclusive benefits, tools and resources, and they help students save time and money in their college journey.

Program learning outcomes

Program learning outcomes identify what a student will learn or be able to do upon completion of their program. This program has the following program outcomes:

  • Demonstrate the ability to explain complex global issues concisely.
  • Demonstrate in-depth knowledge of at least one region of the world.
  • Demonstrate enhanced knowledge of International Trade.
Global opportunities
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. More information on available programs can be found on the Global Education website.

Career opportunities

In the increasingly globalized economy, the dramatic expansion of international trade has created tremendous opportunities for global business, and Thunderbird's Bachelor of Science in international trade 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 prepare students for a leadership position in a wide range of career fields. Students in this program master 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

Example job titles and salaries listed below 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.


Career *Growth *Median salary
3.3%
$128,620
8.2%
$98,560
9.7%
$46,860
16.0%
$139,790
18.3%
$77,520
4.4%
$131,350
3.3%
$128,620
4.0%
$130,600
8.2%
$98,560
* Data obtained from the Occupational Information Network (O*NET) under sponsorship of the U.S. Department of Labor/Employment and Training Administration (USDOL/ETA).

Bright OutlookBright Outlook

Contact information
What are accelerated programs?
Accelerated programs allow students the opportunity to expedite the completion of their degree.

3 year programs

These programs allow students to fast-track their studies after admission and earn a bachelor's degree in three years or fewer while participating in the same high-quality educational experience of a 4-year option. Students should talk to their academic advisor to get started.

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. Acceptance to the graduate program requires a separate application. 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.
What are concurrent programs?
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.
What are joint programs?
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.

What constitutes a new program?
ASU adds new programs to Degree Search frequently. Come back often and look for the “New Programs” option.
What are online programs?
ASU Online offers programs in an entirely online format with multiple enrollment sessions throughout the year. See https://asuonline.asu.edu/ for more information.
What is the Western Undergraduate Exchange (WUE)?
The Western Undergraduate Exchange (WUE) is a program in which residents of western states (other than Arizona) may be eligible for reduced nonresident tuition. See more information and eligibility requirements on the Western Undergraduate Exchange (WUE) program.

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