Academics
Students choose UVA’s Darden School of Business for its “reputation for academic excellence,” but also for the “smaller class sizes, emphasis on group work, and a friendly city environment.” This “well-rounded MBA program” helps prepare “students for anything we may face in the business world while also fostering the most cohesive, supportive, tight-knit community.” Rather than lectures, classes at Darden use the “case method” approach, which involves discussing and debating real-life business problems. Students say this “makes classes more interesting and engaging” and “ensures we are well-prepared to face the challenges of today's dynamic business world.” As one student puts it, “I feel that I learned faster, deeper, and with higher quality compared to the traditional methods of learning.” Students can expect their first year to be “quite challenging and time-consuming” because of the “tough academics and front-loaded internship recruiting cycle.” After the core curriculum, “the classes became more specific,” and “the second-year experience includes classes that feel extremely applicable to future careers and engage the students in practical ways.”
Darden professors are “world-class and include a number of academics as well as practitioners.” Professors are also described as “accessible, friendly, and genuinely invested in your success both in and out of the classroom.” And one student says, “The access to professors is unparalleled. I walk through the Faculty Office Building all the time just to meet professors and discuss their research and interests.” Another student agrees, saying, “I regularly have dinner with professors outside the classroom and they have been incredibly generous with their time, network, expertise, and support.” One student describes the program, saying, “Not only does Darden build your business toolkit through a rigorous curriculum, but it builds your confidence and sets you up for a lifetime of success.”
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