Darden School of Business

Overview

The Darden School of Business is the graduate business school associated with the University of Virginia in Charlottesville, Virginia. The Darden School offers MBA, Ph.D. and Executive Education programs and is known for its case-study method of teaching, which places students in real-world business scenarios.

A view of the Darden School of Business campus, showcasing its traditional architecture and lush greenery.

History

The Darden School of Business was established in 1955, named after Colgate Whitehead Darden, Jr., a former Democratic congressman, governor of Virginia, and president of the University of Virginia. Darden had a vision of creating a professional school that would instill in its students a sense of responsibility and service to society.

Academics

The Darden School of Business offers three degree programs: the traditional MBA, the Executive MBA (EMBA), and the Global Executive MBA (GEMBA). The school also offers a Ph.D. program and Executive Education courses.

MBA Program

The Darden MBA program is a full-time, two-year program. During the first year, students are required to take core courses in areas such as finance, marketing, and leadership. In the second year, students can choose from over 100 elective courses to customize their education.

Executive MBA Program

The Executive MBA program is designed for working professionals who want to earn an MBA while continuing to work full time. The program combines on-campus residencies with distance learning.

Global Executive MBA Program

The Global Executive MBA program is a 21-month program that includes residencies in various international locations. This program is designed for executives who manage global businesses or aspire to work internationally.

Ph.D. Program

The Darden Ph.D. program is a full-time, five-year program that prepares students for academic careers in business administration research and teaching.

Executive Education

Darden Executive Education offers non-degree courses for working professionals. These courses cover a wide range of business topics, including leadership, strategy, and innovation.

Admission

Admission to the Darden School of Business is highly competitive. The school looks for students with strong academic records, professional experience, and a commitment to community service. The admission process includes an application, essays, recommendations, and an interview.

Campus

The Darden School of Business is located on the North Grounds of the University of Virginia, about a mile from the main university campus. The school's facilities include classrooms, study rooms, a library, and dining facilities. The campus is known for its Jeffersonian architecture and outdoor spaces.

Rankings

The Darden School of Business consistently ranks among the top business schools in the U.S. and the world. The school's MBA program is often ranked in the top 15 in the U.S., and its Executive Education programs are frequently ranked in the top 5 globally.

Notable Alumni

Darden has produced a number of notable alumni, including CEOs of Fortune 500 companies, successful entrepreneurs, and leaders in government and non-profit organizations.