Master of Business Administration/MA in East Asian Studies in Charlottesville United States | University of Virginia

Darden provides multiple dual degree options in collaboration with other University of Virginia schools and departments. These combined programs enrich the learning experience beyond what separate degree pursuits could offer. The MBA/MA in East Asian Studies merges Darden School's business analysis, decision-making, and management principles with focused language and regional studies of East Asia, particularly Japan and China. This program allows students to earn both degrees within three academic years and two summer sessions. Typically, participants complete their first year exclusively at Darden before beginning East Asian studies coursework in the Graduate School of Arts & Sciences the subsequent fall. If required, students undertake an intensive nine-week language program the following summer. The second year blends MA and MBA coursework with additional language instruction, followed by a half-year research placement in Asia. These university-approved projects receive partial funding from Asian firms or multinational corporations' regional branches. Students conclude their studies during the sixth semester by fulfilling degree requirements, including a Master's thesis.
Participants in this three-year joint MBA/MA program generally devote their initial academic year entirely to Darden courses, commencing East Asian studies the following autumn. When needed, they complete a rigorous nine-week language course the subsequent summer. Year two combines graduate business and area studies with further language development, preceding a six-month Asian research placement. These university-sanctioned projects receive partial corporate sponsorship from Asian businesses or local offices of global companies. During their final semester, students return to campus to finish degree requirements, culminating in a Master's thesis.