UVA Darden, Johns Hopkins School of Advanced International Studies Launch New Dual-Degree Program

The University of Virginia Darden School of Business and Johns Hopkins School of Advanced International Studies (SAIS) have announced a new dual-degree program that will allow students to earn the Darden MBA and Johns Hopkins SAIS Master of Arts in three years, instead of the four years it would take to earn each sequentially.

The dual degree is the first offered by Darden in partnership with a school outside the University of Virginia. Darden now offers 12 dual-degree opportunities in total, including an MBA/Master of Science in data science, MBA/JD, MBA/MD and MBA/Master of Education.

“The Darden School is thrilled to establish our first dual degree with an external partner with such a prestigious institution,” said Professor Ron Wilcox, Darden’s senior associate dean for degree programs. “The program offers students the opportunity to earn two powerful degrees in distinct but related fields that will prepare them as future global leaders, join two dynamic alumni networks and save a full year of tuition costs.”

Both the Johns Hopkins SAIS Master of Arts and Darden MBA are two-year programs, but the dual-degree format will offer students advanced standing so that they can complete each program in three semesters. Dual-degree students will join Darden’s full-time MBA program in Charlottesville, Virginia, and can complete the Johns Hopkins SAIS program at the school’s Washington, D.C., campus or a combination of its D.C. and SAIS Europe campus in Bologna, Italy.

The program offers a flexible sequence in which students can complete their first year at Darden or Johns Hopkins SAIS, their second year at the other school and in their third year spend a semester at each. Alternatively, students can choose to spend three consecutive semesters at Darden followed by three consecutive semesters at Johns Hopkins SAIS.

Students may also apply to pursue the dual degree prior to enrolling at Darden or Johns Hopkins SAIS or during their first year of study.

“This exciting dual degree will expand professional opportunities for our students — not only for their next jobs after graduation but for their entire careers,” said Wilcox.