Master of Science in Global Commerce

Program Prerequisites

The M.S. in Global Commerce is designed specifically for candidates with a bachelor’s degree or undergraduate major in business. Candidates with a business minor or equivalent credential and an undergraduate major in a globally adjacent field of study (e.g., global studies, foreign affairs, international relations/studies, foreign language) may also be eligible for admission.

Candidates with a bachelor’s degree conferred more than 24 months prior to matriculation are ineligible for admission.

Applicants who choose to apply with a business minor must demonstrate completion of the following prerequisite courses or their equivalent prior to matriculation:

• Principles of Management (COMM 1800: Foundations of Commerce)
• Financial Accounting (CGBM 2110: Accounting for Business) 
• Principles of Finance (CGBM 2710: Making Financial Decisions)
• Principles of Marketing (CGBM 2310: Marketing Principles: Goods, Services and Brands)

In preparation for the program, an online asynchronous pre-program module will be offered to all matriculants and may be required for students who enroll with a business minor. This module should be completed prior to orientation.

Admission Requirements

Candidates seeking admission to the M.S. in Global Commerce program will submit the following items: 

• Completed online application 
• Resume 
• Two required essays 
• Two letters of recommendation (including one academic reference from a college or university faculty member) 
• Transcripts and academic records from every college and/or university attended 
• GMAT or GRE score (accepted but not required)
• TOEFL or IELTS score (if applicable); McIntire requires a minimum TOEFL score of 100iBT or IELTS score of 7.5 
• Interview (by invitation) 
• Application fee: $85 

Candidates who accept their offer of admission will be required to submit their online enrollment agreement as well as a $1,000 non-refundable deposit to reserve their place in the class and initiate their University of Virginia student account. A second and final non-refundable deposit of $1,500 is required to confirm your place in the class. Please refer to the M.S. in Global Commerce deadlines page for specific enrollment deposit submission dates. Upon enrollment, the entire $2,500 enrollment deposit will be applied to your tuition account. 

For additional information, please visit the M.S. in Global Commerce program website or contact:

McIntire Office of Graduate Marketing and Admissions 
140 Hospital Drive 
P.O. Box 400173 
Charlottesville, VA 22904-4173 
(434) 982-6800 
msglobal@virginia.edu
https://commerce.virginia.edu/ms-global

Departmental Financial Aid

The McIntire School of Commerce offers a limited number of departmental scholarships to qualified graduate students in the M.S. in Global Commerce Program. Scholarships are awarded based on merit and financial need, and prospective students may express interest in being considered for a departmental scholarship in their application for admission. If awarded, scholarships will be communicated at the time of admission. 

Grading & Academic Performance Expectations

Grading

Grades are awarded to students who are registered for and complete a course for credit. All courses are taken on a credit­ basis only, and students must receive a grade. The letter grades used on the University of Virginia academic record for the M.S. in Global Commerce are: A+, A, A-, B+, B, B-, C+, C, C-, D+, D, D-, and F. 

Grade conversions apply for courses taken at the partner university. Students must successfully complete all ESMT courses with a minimum of 4.0 on the German 5.0 scale and successfully pass the SIP.

GPA Requirements for Graduation

Students are required to complete their program of study with a grade point average of at least 3.00 on the U.S. grading scale in order to graduate.  

Academic Performance Expectations

Good academic standing is defined as maintaining a 3.00 cumulative GPA (or its German equivalent). At the end of each major component of the program term,  a student’s academic performance will be evaluated by the Academic Directors to determine if a student is still in good academic standing. A student not meeting the 3.00 cumulative GPA criteria at the end of the fall term will be placed on Academic Probation, and a notation of Academic Probation will be placed on the student’s academic record until such time as the student’s academic performance improves. 

While on Academic Probation, a student will meet regularly, in person or through videoconference, with an Academic Director to ensure appropriate progress is being made toward degree completion. A student who earns more than one grade of ‘F’ in any term may receive an “Enforced Withdrawal” from the program, as determined by the Graduate Program Committee.

Behavioral & Administrative Expectations

Behavioral and administrative expectations are outlined throughout the Graduate Record and include, but are not limited to, required class attendance, making progress toward a degree by completing all class projects, exams, and assignments, and fulfilling all expectations implied by enrollment at the University (e.g., Honor Code and Standards of Conduct).

Student adherence to these expectations will be evaluated periodically or when a situation is brought to the attention of the Academic Director. If a student’s behavior is found to not be in adherence with the expectations, a warning will be issued to the student, and a behavior modification plan will be put in place. This plan will include a timeframe for reevaluation of the student’s behavior. After a reevaluation is conducted, a student who has met the expectations of the behavior modification plan will return to good standing. A student who is still not meeting the behavioral expectations outlined in the plan will be given a final opportunity to remediate the deficient behavior and return to good standing. If, after a second opportunity to meet the expectations of the program and university, a student is still found to display behaviors inconsistent with the program expectations, an ‘Enforced Withdrawal’ will be enacted by the Graduate Program Committee.

Attendance

Class attendance is required. In general, missing more than two class sessions per course will result in a significant grade reduction.

Withdrawal policy

A student may receive an “Enforced Withdrawal” for academic or behavioral reasons.

In the case of a voluntary withdrawal, a student must submit a written request including the reasons for withdrawal for review by the Committee. Re-enrollment at a later date is not guaranteed. Upon receipt of a written request from the student to re-enroll, the Graduate Program Committee considers previous academic performance, reasons for withdrawal, admissions requirements, and the required path toward successful degree completion.

Accommodations

While each partner university will assist students in making recommendations for suitable lodging, the ultimate responsibility for procuring lodging lies with the individual student. Students who apply and are selected to live in UVA-leased accommodation in Charlottesville are billed through their student account.

Visas

It is the student’s responsibility to obtain all required visas and travel documents. Failure to obtain proper documentation may result in a student’s inability to complete coursework required for degree completion.

Each partner university provides guidance on the student visa needed for their country. It is the student’s responsibility to apply, submit documentation, and pay the fees needed to secure the visas by the appropriate deadlines.

Consular authorities have the sole right to approve or deny a visa or seek additional information from an applicant. The partner universities cannot guarantee a visa will be granted or assume responsibility for visa processing issues.

Insurance

Students are required to carry international health insurance that meets the requirements of the partner universities.

Employment and Other Extracurricular Activities

Students may not engage in employment or other extracurricular activities in excess of what is compatible with a full-time commitment to master’s level study. No student may be employed for more than 20 hours per week or receive financial compensation or financial awards for activities requiring more than 20 hours per week.

Course Enrollment

Enrollment in M.S. in Global Commerce courses is restricted to students in that specific program. M.S. in Global Commerce students may not undertake optional for-credit coursework outside the program requirements.

M.S. in Global Commerce Courses