The Lauder Institute at The University of Pennsylvania

The Lauder Institute at the University of Pennsylvania offers a joint-degree program in partnership with The Wharton School, combining a Wharton MBA with an MA in International Studies from Penn’s School of Arts & Sciences. Completed in 24 months alongside the MBA, Lauder’s internationally focused MA program equips globally minded business leaders with interdisciplinary and intercultural expertise, providing a foundation for graduates to excel in careers around the world.

Applicants must select one of the Lauder Institute’s six  Programs of Concentration when applying to Lauder. Five regional programs are focused around intensive, advanced language study and include Africa (French), East and Southeast Asia, Europe, Latin America, and South Asia/Middle East/North Africa (SAMENA) while the Global and Africa-General programs are taught in English and primarily focused on geopolitics, and comparative studies of political, social, and economic dynamics.  

To be accepted into the program, applicants must complete the Wharton application along with the Lauder supplemental application. Candidates must complete a Lauder-specific essay, pass an oral proficiency interview, and participate in an admissions interview (upon invitation). 

The Lauder Institute provides immersive travel experiences as part of its International Studies curriculum, including a 6-week summer immersion program for first-year students. This experience takes students across the globe to immerse in various cultural contexts relevant to their program of concentration. Students interact with business, government, and community leaders through a series of visits and lectures. For students in Lauder’s language programs, immersion is anchored around intensive daily instruction and meetings in the target language. Students in Lauder’s non-language programs (Global and Africa General) follow multi-country itineraries that examine geopolitical themes through a comparative lens and across diverse national contexts. 

All students in the MBA/MA program will also complete two Lauder Intercultural Ventures during their two-year program which take place during Winter and Spring break. Lauder Intercultural Ventures are weeklong faculty-led international immersions that focus on themes relevant to a country’s historical, economic, political, social, or cultural context. 

Lauder MBA students are required to complete an individual master’s thesis as part of their MA in International Studies. The Lauder Institute provides training to students in comparative analysis, research design, and secondary and primary research methodologies.