Turning global focus back on humanity

Arizona State University offers a variety of accelerated programs allowing students to earn both a bachelor’s and master’s degree in as little as five years.

The School of Historical, Philosophical and Religious Studies has partnered with Thunderbird School of Global Management to offer a new 4+1 program allowing students to receive an undergraduate degree in a humanities-related field and a graduate degree in global management. 

The new transdisciplinary program was made possible by School of Historical, Philosophical and Religious Studies Director Richard Amesbury and Thunderbird’s Associate Dean Lena Booth.

As the world continues to grow as a global market, the demand for knowledge across many disciplines is growing. The partnership allows humanities majors to pursue management careers and because it is an accelerated program, they can save both time and money.

“With all the disruptions in the era of the Fourth Industrial Revolution and more recent disruptions caused by COVID-19, students with diverse skill sets are future-ready and have a higher chance of success in today’s ever-changing world,” Booth said.

There are many new paths available through the program. A student can receive a degree from the School of Historical, Philosophical and Religious Studies and can pair it with the global management graduate degree and could add on any of its four concentrations, including global business, global affairs, global digital transformation or global entrepreneurship. 

“Whether studying business ethics, the history of renewable energy or the geopolitics of religious identity, the knowledge and skills SHPRSSchool of Historical, Philosophical and Religious Studies majors acquire in history, philosophy and religious studies courses provide a solid foundation for leadership in a global context and humanities degrees are sought-after in international boardrooms,” Amesbury said.

Thunderbird strives to have a student body that is professionally and culturally diverse and the new accelerated program helps both schools achieve that. By enrolling in the program, students can pursue their passions while training to be global leaders.

“Many global organizations documented that diverse teams are the most innovative and are able to offer many unique perspectives to solve world challenges,” Booth said. “Humanities play a big role in educating global leaders to advance inclusive and sustainable prosperity worldwide. At a time when the world is experiencing record environmental challenges, the rise of nationalism and parochialisms, and the impact of disruptive technologies, it is increasingly important for global leaders to be equitable and inclusive, govern and lead with compassion.”

Students who are considering the program are recommended to take their required undergraduate courses early to leave room for at least twelve hours of electives their senior year. By leaving those credits open, students can ensure they can complete the shared courses for the Thunderbird program.

For more information about how to apply for the 4+1 program, please see the degree information page.