The Darla Moore MIB degree combines academic excellence, customizable learning, and real-world immersion. With the MIB Double-Degree Program, students earn two master’s degrees from two different universities in different countries. This unique pathway enhances global networks, cultural awareness, and personal growth, preparing graduates for success in a globalized business world.
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The Darla Moore School of Business at the University of South Carolina is home to a highly unique Master of International Business (MIB) program. The MIB degree blends academic rigor with real-world global exposure.
In particular, the two-year MIB Double-Degree program stands out. Students gain not one, but two international business degrees: the MIB degree and a master’s degree from an international partner school. In an interview with MASTERGRADSCHOOLS, two students share their firsthand experiences with the MIB Dual-Degree program.
Curious to know more? Let’s explore what the Darla Moore MIB degree program is all about.
The Master of International Business (MIB) program at the Darla Moore School of Business places great emphasis on global business and prepares students for international careers. Students learn from experienced faculty who have firsthand experience in global commerce, consultancy, and international marketing, among other fields.
In addition, the MIB program is highly customizable. Initially, students complete core courses, alongside a business methods boot camp and professional development workshops. Thereafter, they can select one of three certificate specializations.
The certificate specializations include:
These specializations enable students to delve deeper into the skills and knowledge they need for their intended career path in international business. Students may also elect to add further value to their studies with a 12-credit Business Analytics Graduate Certificate.
Additionally, students can choose between a One-Year MIB program and a Two-Year MIB Dual-Degree program. Let’s explore the difference.
The One-Year MIB program is 9 months long, and enrollment begins annually in August. It consists of 10 classes (30 credit hours). This program prepares students to lead in a constantly changing world. They learn about the global economy in a multi-faceted way.
Through working in a diverse cohort environment and gaining real-world experience with corporate partners, students leave well-prepared for the international business world.
On the other hand, the MIB Double-Degree program is a two-year program. In this program, students earn two master’s degrees from two separate international universities in different countries. The Darla Moore School of Business awards the MIB degree, and one of ten international partner schools awards the second master’s degree.
Business schools participating in the partnership include Bocconi University (Italy), ESADE (Spain), and Shanghai Jiao Tong University (China). Students gain an experiential learning experience that broadens their worldview and widens their network. Students can choose between diverse locations such as Barcelona, Helsinki, Milan, Paris, Shanghai, Singapore, and more.
Studying abroad is about more than textbooks and lectures. It means stepping outside of familiar surroundings and gaining firsthand insights into different markets.
For MIB students Maggi Whiston, from the United States, and Andrew Fitzpatrick, from Canada, the double-degree pathway offered a life-changing experience.
Andrew and Maggi explain it as, “Two countries, two universities, and two degrees. That’s the MIB double degree experience.” (00:04)
Darla Moore’s partnerships with schools worldwide offer a unique opportunity to study abroad and gain international exposure. In Maggi’s case, she chose to study in China because she “wanted a really good lens into the Asia landscape.” (00:33) Furthermore, having Chinese heritage herself, this program offered her an excellent opportunity to reconnect with that part of her identity.
As for Andrew, he highlights, “As an international business student, I think the benefit of studying abroad in a different country is, [that] you can learn these things in a classroom, but I think it’s extremely valuable to be in that place and experience it firsthand.” (00:39)
Students build global networks and develop cultural sensitivity and cross-cultural business skills.
For many, studying abroad provides a competitive edge to stand out in the international job market.
Maggi elaborates, “One of the biggest frustrations I had in my previous corporate job was working with international teams but not having that international experience myself. To have these two degrees from two top universities across the world is very emboldening. In the sense that I now know that I can take the knowledge and network that I’ve gained here to apply anywhere and go wherever I want to and have endless opportunities to explore.” (00:53)
Studying in Shanghai fosters a deeper understanding of Eastern and Western business practices and cultural traditions, opening doors to global business environments.
These are real-world experiences that no business case study can fully replicate in a classroom setting.
Beyond studying, living in another country can be an immersive, mind-opening experience.
Living and studying in Shanghai challenged both students to adapt quickly. The most noticeable culture shock was the language. Andrew says that learning Mandarin Chinese was challenging but it was also a great learning experience.
Maggi describes the experience as truly expansive. She reflects, “It has been eye-opening and forcing me to change my own beliefs and be more open and accepting to the world.” (01:53)
From learning about local traditions, such as iron flower performances, to questioning her own perceptions of the world, her worldview has undergone a huge shift.
Nonetheless, studying abroad isn’t always easy. There are cultural hurdles, language barriers, and the confronting reality of being far from home. But those challenges bring both professional and personal growth.
As Andrew points out, “It’s not always exactly easy studying away from home, but you really don’t grow just professionally, you grow personally as well. You learn to become more resilient and adaptable.” (02:47)
For both students, the MIB experience was about transformation, on a personal and professional level. Despite the challenges of studying abroad, it was an enriching experience for both of them.
The Darla Moore MIB program offers a rare chance to combine rigorous academics with customizable learning experiences and international immersion. Through the Double-Degree option, students earn two master’s degrees while building connections in the global business community and sharpening their cultural awareness. Students gain firsthand experience in dynamic markets like Shanghai, Milan, or Barcelona. It is a learning experience that prepares graduates to thrive in today’s interconnected business world, opening doors to global careers.
Looking to specialize in a specific field? Explore the various master’s program specializations available worldwide.
Want to study at the Darla Moore School of Business, University of South Carolina? Take our eligibility quiz to see if you qualify!
