McIntire’s innovative specialized business graduate degrees and its hallmark undergraduate program are designed to create a wealth of opportunities for students. Immersive, hands-on courses offer transformative educational experiences that provide immediate value. Our faculty-led programs provide key business skills and fluency in many business areas.
McIntire faculty inspire students to lead with integrity and purpose when confronting today’s grand challenges in business. Our bold and brilliant professors are also committed scholars who conduct cutting-edge research through seven active centers that serve as the School's nexus of collaboration and interdisciplinary exploration.
In addition to the lifelong benefits that come from an innovative McIntire business education, Commerce School students enjoy an enhanced UVA experience on Grounds and around the globe. From insightful student services that help connect you with your passion to specialized career support that provides real-world employment opportunities, there are countless ways to make the most of your present while investing in your future.
B.S. IN COMMERCE
McIntire’s highly ranked B.S. in Commerce not only imparts essential business skills, but also fosters a vibrant and collaborative community, providing an enriching student experience for aspiring leaders.
Students who are in their first year can apply to the program in the spring semester of their first year of classes. If accepted, they will start the program in August of their second year.
The admissions requirements for first-year students include prerequisite courses that must be completed within either semester of their first year. In addition, students should continue to make progress on UVA's General Education Requirements.
Students must complete the following prerequisite courses, including the First Writing Requirement, to apply to McIntire:
The primary objective of this course is to provide a foundational overview of business, including the themes of the history of business, business and society, and innovation. The course will enable students to gauge interest in business and prepare students for business-related education, jobs, and careers.
The course studies demand and supply, consumer behavior, the theory of business enterprise, the operation of competitive and monopolistic markets, and the forces determining income distribution.
While not strictly required for admission to McIntire, we strongly suggest students consider completing additional courses in these areas before being admitted to McIntire.
Make progress towards completing area requirements in the General Education Requirements (Engagements Pathway).
Complete World Language through the 1020 level (or 2020 if able).
Complete one Quantification, Computation, and Data Analytics (QCDA) requirement.
Echols Scholars, please refer to course guidelines in the FAQs below.
The application for the B.S. in Commerce includes two video essay responses—available directly in the McIntire Application Portal. These two recorded video responses will provide applicants the opportunity to tell the admission committee more about themselves, their goals, and how McIntire may fit into their future plans.
Applicants should expect:
Creating an academic plan that is both rigorous and aligned with your interests will best allow you to demonstrate readiness for success at McIntire and the unique perspective you bring the classroom.
Consider these keys to success as you navigate your academic journey and prepare your application:
McIntire's vision of developing global citizens who can transform commerce and society guides the selection of attributes for use in the admissions process. The School believes that future business leaders must develop both a rigorous, real-world skill set and a human-centered mindset, one characterized by empathy, work ethic, agency, accountability, and impact. Thus, McIntire applicants are evaluated based on qualities that speak to their potential in these areas.
It is not expected that every candidate will possess all of these qualities. However, this list reflects qualities that facilitate the enrollment of cohorts that align with the overall mission and learning objectives of McIntire’s programs. As you begin working on your essay responses in your application, keep these qualities in mind with personal experiences you can detail to showcase them:
Students will be contacted by email when the application is open. Those who are interested in being notified when applications open should contact the McIntire Office of Undergraduate Admissions.
The School believes that future business leaders must develop both a rigorous, real-world skill set and a human-centered mindset, one characterized by empathy, work ethic, agency, accountability, and impact. Thus, McIntire applicants are evaluated based on qualities that speak to their potential in these areas. It is not expected that every candidate will possess all of these qualities. However, this list reflects qualities that facilitate the enrollment of cohorts that align with the overall mission and learning objectives of McIntire’s programs.
High school students who have enough credits and have completed college-level prerequisite courses still need to complete a minimum of one academic year at UVA before enrollment at McIntire. We recommend students make progress toward the General Education Requirements in their first year to be a competitive applicant.
Students will need a minimum of 120 credits to graduate from UVA. The breakdown of credits for the B.S. in Commerce Program is the following:
48 graded Commerce credits
+57 non-Commerce credits (General Education Requirements/Engagements Pathway)
+15 graded Commerce or non-Commerce credits
120 total credits (60 credits must be taken at UVA)
Yes, Echols Scholars applying to the Commerce major will take all three prerequisite requirements. Many Echols students prefer to take ENWR 2520 to satisfy the writing requirement. If Echols Scholars join the Commerce major, they will then follow the Disciplines Plus pathway of graduation requirements, so it is recommended students pursue a few of those courses throughout their first-year semester.