M.S. in Global Commerce

M.S. in Global Commerce

Three Continents. Two Master's Degrees. One Year.

Recent graduates from around the world will have an unparalleled experience, living and studying together at three top-ranked universities on three continents. Graduates will earn an M.S. in Global Commerce from the University of Virginia's McIntire School of Commerce, an M.S. in Global Strategic Management from ESADE Business School, and a certificate in International Business from Lingnan (University) College at Sun Yat-sen University.

Academics

Expand Your Global Business Knowledge and Skills

The 40-credit-hour curriculum includes an integrative selection of coursework along with a master thesis that students will complete by the end of the year. In addition to receiving a strong grounding in global business frameworks, students will learn to effectively work in international settings and as members of cross-cultural teams as well as move skillfully between American, Chinese, and European business environments.

Return on Investment

Graduates will gain:

• A global mindset
• An understanding of how business is done globally
• A framework of global strategy
• Skills to drive innovation, forge alliances, and create positive change
• Ability to manage complex cross-cultural teams

Course Descriptions

USA: University of Virginia, McIntire School of Commerce (September-December)

• International Corporate Governance & Strategy
• Strategic Leadership
• Analysis for Decision Making in a Global Context
• Researching & Writing a Global Business Thesis
• Global Market Research & Analysis
• Doing Business: U.S.

China: Lingnan (University) College at Sun Yat-sen University (January – March)

• Global Supply Chain Management
• Consumer Behavior Across the Globe
• International Financial Management
• Doing Business: China

Spain: ESADE Business School, Ramon Llull University (March – June)

• Managing Innovation in Global Operations
• Sustainability and Corporate Social Responsibility
• Cross-Border M&A and Strategic Alliances
• Business Simulation
• Researching & Writing a Global Business Thesis II
• Negotiation and Conflict Resolution in a Global Context
• Doing Business: EU

Thesis

The thesis is a requirement and an integral part of the M.S. in Global Commerce Program. Students begin their thesis at the University of Virginia with the course “Researching and Writing a Global Business Thesis” and conduct research at all three universities. Students will be assigned to a three-person team in the fall based on interests and either choose from a list of preselected topics or suggest their own topic. The 30-minute thesis defense will be presented in June at ESADE Business School before a panel of professors from each university.

Students work with a faculty adviser throughout the year both in person and during videoconference calls. The research approach may include an original research study involving field research or a survey; a comprehensive literature review on a clearly defined and meaningful global business topic; or a case study of two or three global businesses to compare and contrast a specific aspect of global business in different contexts.

Topics range widely and have included “Big Data for Strategic Management and Business Decisions in the Financial Services Industry,” “How Culture Affects Fandom: Marketing Effects of Chinese vs. European Football,” “An Analysis of Virtual Reality Technology on the Fashion Industry,” and “Strategic Agility: Effects on Outcomes and Success of International Corporations.”

Eligibility

Applicants must earn an undergraduate business degree (business administration, finance, marketing, management, supply chain management, etc.) from a regionally accredited college or university and an AACSB- or EQUIS-accredited business school and have completed three prerequisite courses – "Introduction to Financial Accounting," "Microeconomics," and "Finance." Applicants cannot have more than two years of work experience or must have graduated within 26 months before matriculation. Full-time work experience is not a requirement. Proficiency in English is required.

The one-year master's program begins in September and concludes at the end of June. The admissions committee seeks well-rounded individuals who bring exceptional intellectual capabilities, proven academic preparation, and a passion for their chosen field of study. The committee looks for evidence of strong academic ability and qualities of character, such as motivation, maturity, tenacity, integrity, ability to work with others, self-reliance, and leadership. We strive to achieve a class environment with a diversity of perspectives and life experiences.

Deadlines

The M.S. in Global Commerce Program begins once each year, starting in September and finishing coursework in June. Applications are accepted on a rolling-admission basis.

Applications are accepted October through June. Applications received after the June 15 deadline will be reviewed on a rolling basis as long as space is available.

Career Destinations

The career services staffs at the McIntire School of Commerce, Lingnan (University) College, and ESADE work in combined efforts to help students explore career opportunities, prepare for the job search, and connect with employers worldwide. Time has been built into the academic calendar to allow students to participate, if they choose, in the major career recruiting forum/fair sponsored by each school.

Students begin the one-year program at McIntire, where more than 300 recruiters from top local and multinational firms visit each year in search of exceptional employees. Commerce Career Services (CCS), composed of both a career development team and an employer relations team, is committed to providing superlative support and service. Offering one-on-one counseling, career search advising, an annual Commerce Career Day, an online job database, and specially tailored programs and workshops, CCS helps graduate students discover, pursue, and achieve their unique career ambitions. As students progress to Lingnan (University) College and ESADE Career Services, they will find similar high-quality career programming and onsite services to support their job search needs.