At McIntire, we view commerce as the purposeful exchange of goods, services, and ideas to strengthen and advance society, and we believe the future of commerce requires a new kind of leader—one with a rigorous, real-world skill set and a human-centered mindset.
Our applicants are well-rounded individuals who demonstrate a passion for their chosen field of study and are evaluated based on the demonstration of mission-driven skills, knowledge, and character qualities that speak to their potential in these areas. While it is not anticipated that every candidate will exhibit all qualities, these characteristics inform the composition of each incoming class of students and align with McIntire’s overarching mission and educational goals.
- Academic excellence
- Intellectual curiosity
- Strong work ethic
- Ability to collaborate
- Awareness and ability to engage across differences in background, perspective, or life experience(s)
- Growth mindset
- Initiative
- Resilience and perseverance
- Social engagement
- Unique perspective
- Personal and professional integrity
As an applicant, you may choose to share and describe the experiences that have led you to develop these qualities through your application materials. The Impact Essay offers a meaningful opportunity to reflect on and convey these experiences.
Requirements
The M.S. in Global Commerce (MSGC) is designed for students who have already developed foundational business fluency and are prepared to apply those skills in a global context. The program is intended for candidates seeking to deepen and integrate their undergraduate business preparation through advanced, internationally focused study after completion of the bachelor’s degree.
Academic Background
Eligible candidates will have completed a bachelor’s degree with substantial undergraduate-level preparation in business. This preparation is typically demonstrated through one of the following pathways:
- An undergraduate degree or major in business or
- An undergraduate major in a globally adjacent field of study combined with significant, structured business coursework (this may include a business minor, certificate, or equivalent credential)
Candidates with questions regarding equivalent credentials are encouraged to schedule an advising appointment to review eligibility with the Graduate Marketing & Admissions team. Candidates whose academic background is primarily non-business and who are seeking introductory or foundational business training are encouraged to consider the M.S. in Commerce Program.
Time Since Degree Completion
To support the program’s immersive, cohort-based learning model and post-undergraduate focus, candidates should have completed their bachelor’s degree no more than 24 months before matriculation. This window is intended to accommodate candidates who have pursued short-term professional, service, or global experiences after graduation while maintaining the program’s early-career orientation.
Expected Undergraduate Business Preparation
Successful MSGC candidates typically demonstrate undergraduate coursework across core business disciplines. Applicants without an undergraduate business major should show completion of coursework equivalent to the following foundational areas prior to matriculation:
- Principles of Management
- Financial Accounting
- Principles of Finance
- Principles of Marketing
These courses are expected to have been completed at the undergraduate level as part of the degree program. Coursework completed outside the undergraduate degree may be considered on a case-by-case basis when it clearly demonstrates equivalent academic rigor and preparation.
Additional Academic Preparation
Matriculating students may be asked to complete targeted preparatory coursework in specific business areas where additional foundation is needed. Such preparation is intended to ensure readiness for advanced global application and does not replace the expectation of prior business fluency.
Program Fit and Readiness
The MSGC curriculum emphasizes enhanced application, integration, and global execution of business concepts, rather than introductory instruction in business fundamentals. As part of the application review process, the admissions committee considers evidence of:
- Readiness to apply business concepts in complex, international contexts
- Academic and experiential engagement with global issues
- Alignment with the program’s intensive, immersive structure