Program Overview
The mission of the Darden School of Business is “to improve society by developing leaders in the world of practical affairs.” As an international leader in management education, the school seeks to create edifying opportunities and produce relevant research that advances practices and knowledge in the business community.
Darden follows a core set of values established by the University of Virginia. These include interactive pedagogy, where students take responsibility for their learning, a passion for hard work and excellence, and collaboration supported by a commitment to honor and integrity.
The school firmly believes in the case method of study, which requires strong individual and group preparation, as well as thoughtful discussions in class and outside with teams. This learning method involves daily, discussion-based learning in which students are active collaborators in their business education. Particularly meaningful to the program is its strong foundation in principled behavior. In line with UVA’s core values, Darden teaches the vital connection between business and ethics.
Darden boasts a highly supportive community founded on teamwork and communication. The school holds several events to encourage respect, camaraderie, and genuine friendships. One of the most popular traditions is First Coffee, where professors and students gather in a common area after the first class of the day to grab a cup of coffee and socialize.
The University of Virginia Darden School of Business ranked #11 (tied) in US News & World Report‘s 2026-2027 Ranking of the Best Business Schools. The acceptance rate is 30.7%.