Global Commerce

The University of Virginia offers a comprehensive and innovative program in Global Commerce designed to prepare students for a dynamic and interconnected world. This program integrates core principles of business, economics, and international relations to equip students with the knowledge and skills necessary to succeed in global markets. Through rigorous coursework, experiential learning opportunities, and exposure to diverse cultural perspectives, students develop a deep understanding of how global commerce operates and evolve within it. The curriculum encompasses topics such as international trade, global supply chains, cross-cultural communication, international finance, and business strategy, ensuring graduates are well-versed in both theoretical frameworks and practical applications. Students have access to state-of-the-art resources, including experienced faculty members who are experts in their fields, and a variety of international programs, internships, and study-abroad opportunities. The program emphasizes critical thinking, analytical skills, and ethical considerations in global business practices, preparing students for leadership roles across various industries worldwide. Graduates of the Global Commerce program are equipped to navigate complex international markets, foster innovation, and contribute to economic development on a global scale. With a strong emphasis on collaborative projects and real-world problem-solving, students are encouraged to engage actively with global business communities and develop a nuanced perspective on international economic issues. This program also supports students in building a professional network through partnerships with global companies and organizations, enhancing their career prospects upon graduation. Overall, the University of Virginia’s Global Commerce program is dedicated to cultivating global citizens who are capable of making meaningful contributions to the international business landscape.

McIntire School of Commerce (15 U.S. credit hours)

Global Strategic Management

• International Corporate Governance and Strategy
• Cross-Cultural Management and Communication
• Global Management Decision-Making and Analysis
• Researching and Writing a Business Thesis
• Doing Business in the United States

Lingnan (University) College (8 U.S. credit hours)

Global Financing & Operations

• Global Operations and Supply Chain Management
• Consumer Behavior Across the Globe
• International Finance
• Doing Business in China

ESADE (17 U.S. credit hours)

Global Innovation & Alliances

• Global Brand Management Strategies
• Innovation and Entrepreneurship
• Sustainability and Corporate Social Responsibility
• Cross-Border M&A and Strategic Alliances
• Doing Business in Europe and the EU

Start an Online Application

We encourage you to start an application early, review the essay questions in advance, choose recommenders, and begin entering required information. You may go back to the application at any time and make changes before submitting it for official review. The process has been streamlined to allow you to apply to the University of Virginia McIntire School of Commerce, ESADE Business School, and Lingnan (University) College with one application. 

Application Essay Prompts

1.  Describe your short-term and long-term visions for your post-M.S. in Global Commerce career path. What is it about the M.S. in Global Commerce Program that you think will help you reach your goals? (500-word limit)

2.  Please provide a response to one of the following questions in order to help the admissions committee understand your global mindset and the attributes/competencies you consider crucial to master in order to succeed in a diverse environment (personal, academic and professional career). (500-word limit)

• Which country/culture do you consider the most different from your own? Why? If you were sent there, how would you adapt? How would you help somebody from that country to adapt to your own country/culture?
• What attributes and competencies do you consider crucial to success in managing diversity in the corporate world? How are those different from the ones you would use in your personal life?
• Share with us a significant experience you have had outside of your comfort zone. How did you react? What was the most positive aspect of the experience, and the worst?

Submit Official Test Scores

Applicants must submit official test scores from the Graduate Management Admissions Test (GMAT) to the McIntire School of Commerce at the University of Virginia - GMAT Code KC7-K3-75. Applicants who have already taken the GRE or plan to take it in order to apply to other graduate programs may substitute the GRE for the GMAT by sending official GRE scores to the McIntire School of Commerce at the University of Virginia – GRE Code 5829. Please note that unless you are required to take the GRE for another program, we strongly prefer you to take the GMAT, as it provides the admissions committee with additional information on your integrated reasoning abilities.

International applicants must also submit official scores from an English language test. We accept scores from either the Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL) or International English Language Testing System (IELTS). TOEFL scores must be sent to the University of Virginia McIntire School of Commerce code B626.  In order to search for the code, use "Institution" and make sure to select "University of Virginia McIntire School of Commerce." To be competitive, your TOEFL score must be a minimum of 600 (paper-based), 250 (online), or 100 (ibt). IELTS scores must be sent to the McIntire School of Commerce, and your overall score must be a minimum of 7.5.  

International students whose first language is not English but who have or will have completed an undergraduate degree through four years of study in the United States may qualify for a waiver.  

Submit Official Transcripts  

Have all official transcripts sent directly from your undergraduate institution(s) to:

Mailing Address
Graduate Programs Office
McIntire School of Commerce
University of Virginia
P.O. Box 400173
Charlottesville, VA 22904

Physical Address
Graduate Programs Office
McIntire School of Commerce
University of Virginia
125 Ruppel Drive
Charlottesville, VA 22903

Students who completed coursework outside of the United States must submit a professional course-by-course credential evaluation of their official transcripts. This evaluation must be performed by a professional credential evaluator, with the report sent directly from the evaluator to the McIntire School of Commerce at one of the addresses above. No exceptions are made. International applications will not be considered complete without the course-by-course credential evaluation. Incomplete applications will not be reviewed by the admissions committee. (Note: This requirement does not apply to students attending U.S. institutions who completed coursework outside of the United States as part of a study-abroad program.)

Identify Two Letters of Recommendation

Applications require two letters of recommendation. At least one recommender must be someone who has taught you in an academic environment and can attest to your academic abilities. There is a section of the online application that allows you to add each recommender's name and contact information. Recommenders then receive an online recommendation form that will automatically attach to your application once the recommender completes and submits his or her recommendation.  

Pay the Application Fee and Submit Your Application

The $75 application fee can be paid electronically through your online application or by check. The application fee is non-refundable. Once an application has been submitted, you will not be able to make changes to the application.

Track Your Application

You can track your application's progress by logging into the application. Candidates are encouraged to keep copies of all admissions materials for their personal files. Every attempt will be made to review applications within the requested evaluation period (round). However, incomplete applications will not be reviewed. Missing documentation may result in holding an application until a later round.

Interview

The Graduate Programs Office will notify you if you have been selected for an interview.

Scholarships

Departmental Scholarships

McIntire has a limited number of departmental scholarships available. To apply for a need- or merit-based scholarship, complete the departmental scholarship form as part of the online application. Scholarship applications are reviewed separately from the admissions process.

Global Commerce at the University of Virginia is a comprehensive interdisciplinary program designed to prepare students for the complexities of international business and global markets. The curriculum combines coursework in economics, political science, anthropology, and business to give students a well-rounded understanding of the economic, cultural, and political factors that influence global commerce. Students gain insights into international trade, global financial systems, cross-cultural communication, and international law, equipping them with the skills needed to navigate and succeed in the global economy. The program emphasizes experiential learning through internships, study abroad opportunities, and collaborative projects with international organizations, allowing students to apply theoretical knowledge to real-world situations. The faculty members are leading experts in their fields, providing mentorship and fostering a student-centered learning environment. Additionally, the program promotes the development of critical thinking, analytical skills, and global awareness, which are essential attributes for careers in multinational corporations, international NGOs, government agencies, and global consulting firms. Graduates of the program often pursue careers in international marketing, trade policy, diplomatic services, or global finance. The program's integration of diverse disciplines and practical experiences aims to produce graduates who are culturally competent, adaptable, and able to lead in international settings. The University of Virginia's strong emphasis on research, global partnerships, and innovative teaching methods ensures that students are well-prepared to address the challenges and opportunities of the modern global economy, making the Global Commerce program a distinctive and highly valuable part of the university's offerings.