USC & SJTU Master of International Business Double Degree Program: Pros, Cons, and What You Need to Know
Pursuing the Master of International Business (MIB) double degree program through the University of South Carolina (USC) and Shanghai Jiao Tong University (SJTU) is a big commitment and one that comes with both real opportunities and real frustrations. You’ll get the international experience, exposure to different cultures, and two well-known degrees at the end of it. But the program itself isn’t perfect. There are definite highs, but also plenty of logistical headaches and academic gaps along the way. Here’s an honest breakdown of what it’s actually like.
University of South Carolina (USC)
USC’s MIB program is a one-year master’s designed for students interested in global business and cross-cultural perspectives. You can choose from three different tracks (Global Strategy, International Market Development, or International Finance) depending on where you want to focus. While some parts of the program feel more developed than others, it offers a strong academic foundation and meaningful international exposure. Plus, if you're looking to go deeper, there's the option to pursue a second degree at a partner university over two years, giving you both breadth and depth in your international business education.
The Pros
✅ Incredible program with outstanding faculty and staff – The professors bring a wealth of experience and insight. They're engaged, knowledgeable, and dedicated to student success. Widely respected in their research areas, many are global thought leaders who are often invited to lecture and collaborate at top universities across the world. And Brittain Goff, the program coordinator, has been incredibly supportive and responsive. When I first arrived in Shanghai and something went sideways (as things do), she didn't hesitate to jump on an emergency call. Having someone like that in your corner makes a huge difference.
✅ Highly ranked – USC's international business program is consistently ranked at the top, which definitely adds some weight and credibility to the degree.
✅ Business Analytics Certificate (STEM OPT Eligible for Non-Americans) – If you're an international student thinking about sticking around in the U.S. after graduation, USC's Business Analytics certificate is a smart move. It qualifies for STEM OPT, which means you get extra time to work and explore job opportunities. Major win if you're hoping to build some experience stateside.
✅ Great schools attract great people - One of the biggest highlights has been the people. The program attracts thoughtful, motivated students and professors with real-world experience. It's the kind of environment that makes you want to show up, stay curious, and grow.
✅ Fast-track to two degrees - If you're doing your undergrad in International Business at USC, the accelerated track is a perk to consider. You finish with both a bachelor's and a master's degree and because the programs are designed to flow together, you save time and money without missing out on the full grad school experience.
✅ Strong double-degree partnerships – The program offers select, high-quality double degree options with top universities in Europe and Asia. If you're looking to deepen your global experience, these partnerships really elevate the value of the degree.
✅ Fantastic alumni base – Networking is key in business, and USC's alumni network is strong, supportive, and well-connected worldwide. Alumni are frequently invited to speak in classes or lead semester-long projects. The program also strongly encourages and supports mentorship, though there's still room for growth in this area.
✅ Great gym – Fitness enthusiasts will appreciate the well-equipped facilities, which are about a 10-minute walk from the main school building.
✅ Fantastic sports scene – If you love college sports, USC delivers. The energy at basketball and baseball games is unbeatable (though, let's be real, the football team can be painful to watch).
✅ Strong school spirit – USC has this energy that's hard to ignore. From packed-out game days to random campus events, there's a real sense of pride and community that makes you feel like you're part of something bigger.
The Cons
❌ Course rigor really varies – Because students come from different academic and professional backgrounds, the level of challenge can feel uneven—some classes feel advanced, others way too surface-level. It really depends on the course and who's in the room.
❌ Limited international student job support – The program doesn't offer much guidance when it comes to on-campus jobs, and while the university provides some basic support, it's pretty limited. A lot of my friends found this very frustrating.
❌ Spread-out campus – Be ready to walk… a lot. It could get old fast if you're not a fan of trekking across campus.
❌ You’ll probably want a car – Public transportation exists (there are buses around the city), but it’s not the most reliable, especially if you’re trying to get somewhere on time. If you don’t have a car, make friends with someone who does. Seriously.
❌ Parking is pricey – Campus garages will cost you, and even then, you're not guaranteed a specific spot. There is a more affordable grad student lot nearby, but heads up: if there's a basketball game, you'll need to move your car immediately or risk getting towed.
❌ Design Thinking course – Design Thinking is... a lot. The course is crammed into a two-week sprint when it really deserves a full semester. My class basically trauma bonded through it (which says a lot.)
The Meh’s
😐 Location – Columbia, SC isn't exactly a buzzing metropolis. If you thrive on big-city energy, it might feel a little slow. That said, some of my friends really enjoyed the local food and arts scene. And to be fair, it's only a 2–3 hour drive to the beach, the mountains, Charlotte, or Atlanta, so there are solid weekend getaway options. But day to day? It's not the most exciting place to be.
😐 Love Cocky, hate saying "Go Cocks” – The mascot is fun, but the catchphrase? That's where opinions get divided. Personally, I'm not a fan, but I've got friends who are obsessed with it. Love it or cringe at it, it's definitely good for a laugh.
😐 Most students come straight from undergrad - Coming in at 26, I noticed the age gap, especially in group work and class discussions. It's not a dealbreaker, but it's something to keep in mind.
😐 Unnecessary career class – The mandatory career development class covers basic things like resumes and cover letters (stuff you could Google in five minutes.)
😐 Three tracks to choose from (but pick global strategy, trust me) – It's great that the program offers three tracks to choose from (Global Strategy, International Market Development, or International Finance) so you can focus on what interests you most. That said, I'd highly recommend choosing Global Strategy. It has the fewest course restrictions, which means you can still take classes from the marketing or finance tracks without being locked into them. More flexibility, less stress.
😐 Most students come straight from undergrad - Coming in at 26, I noticed the age gap, especially in group work and class discussions. It's not a dealbreaker, but it's something to keep in mind.
Shanghai Jiao Tong University (SJTU)
SJTU offers a prestigious degree, an incredible location in the heart of Shanghai, and a front-row seat to one of the world’s fastest-growing economies. The MIB program is typically a two-year experience with coursework in the first year, an internship or study abroad in the third semester, and a thesis in the final one. But if you're on the double degree track, it’s a bit more accelerated—you’ll spend just one year at SJTU, completing both your courses and thesis during that time, with fewer overall requirements.
The Pros
✅ Highly ranked – SJTU is consistently ranked among the top universities in China and globally, adding serious weight to your degree.
✅ Lighter course load = more time to explore – As a double degree student, you take 25 credits instead of the usual 35, which gives you way more breathing room. Depending on the electives you choose, your schedule can be super manageable, leaving plenty of time to travel, explore the city, or just take a break from the grind.
✅ Prime location (Xuhui campus) – Unlike many universities in China that are far from the city center, SJTU’s Xuhui campus is right in the middle of Shanghai, giving you easy access to everything the city has to offer.
✅ Open, international environment – Like USC, this program draws in some truly interesting people. The student body is diverse, and there’s a global energy that makes it easy to build connections with classmates from all over the world. It’s one of those rare spaces where different perspectives come together in a really dynamic way.
✅ Beautiful campus – The Xuhui campus is romantic, filled with greenery, classic architecture, and a peaceful academic atmosphere. It honestly feels like being in a c-drama.
✅ On-campus housing (but competitive) – Housing is available, but it’s in high demand. If you get a spot, it’s a great convenience.
✅ Amenities galore – Starbucks, KFC, a post office, a convenience store, a barber, a movie theater, a tennis court, and even a running track. You have everything you need on campus. Sometimes you just want a caffeine fix or a comfort meal between classes, and having those familiar spots on campus is clutch, especially on the days when you're running low on time (or energy).
✅ Close to metro stations – Public transport in Shanghai is excellent, and SJTU is conveniently located near metro lines 1, 9, 10, and 11, making it easy to explore the city.
✅ Strong Asian student presence = cultural exposure – With a higher number of students from across Asia, you’re constantly learning—whether it’s through group work, casual conversations, or just sharing meals. It adds a rich layer of cultural perspective to the program that goes beyond textbooks.
✅ Refreshing age mix – A lot of my classmates were around my age or older (27-32) which made it feel less like undergrad 2.0 and more like a space for people intentionally choosing to go back to school. It was nice to be surrounded by folks who were in a similar stage of life.
The Cons
❌ Disorganized communication – There is a consistent lack of clarity and last-minute updates across several areas of the program. Whether it's scheduling, deadlines, or course logistics, the communication from the top down leaves a lot to be desired.
❌ Business courses are very introductory – If you already have a business background, many courses may feel too basic and not particularly challenging.
❌ Very theoretical, not enough practical application – A lot of the coursework leans heavily into theory with little connection to real-world business scenarios. If you're looking to build hands-on, hard skills, you'll need to supplement outside the classroom.
❌ Rigid course schedule – Unlike USC, where you have some flexibility, SJTU’s program follows a more strict schedule with less room for personalization. The course choices are pretty narrow, and the add/drop system doesn't offer much flexibility. If you're hoping to explore a wide range of electives, you might be disappointed.
❌ Limited career services and internship support – Unfortunately, career support at SJTU is lacking, especially for international students looking for opportunities in China. Also, there aren't any formal partnerships with companies, and the university doesn't provide much help in securing internships. You're largely on your own.
❌ Few events or student groups at Xuhui campus – The Xuhui campus can feel quiet and disconnected. There is a noticeable lack of student societies, networking events, or anything that helps build community outside of class. Most of the clubs and student activities are based on the Minhang campus, which is a 35 minute bus or 1.5 hour metro ride away.
The Meh’s
😐 Limited Chinese language class options at Xuhui – If you want to learn Chinese seriously, most of the better language courses are at the Minhang campus.
😐 Support feels passive – While some professors go above and beyond, many are pretty hands-off unless you reach out first. Admin support often feels minimal or reactive at best, so you'll need to initiate most conversations if you want things to move forward.
😐 Inconvenient class schedules – Some class times consistently overlap with lunch or dinner, which seems like a small thing until you're sitting through lectures hangry and tired.
😐 Mediocre gym and canteen – If you love working out or enjoying good campus food, prepare to be disappointed. The facilities leave much to be desired.
So, Is This Double Degree Worth It?
It really comes down to what you’re looking for in your education. If your goal is to earn two globally recognized degrees, immerse yourself in two completely different cultures, and build an international network, the USC–SJTU double degree is a standout opportunity. It’s especially valuable for those without a traditional business background, for those aiming for an international career, or for anyone curious about gaining a firsthand perspective on China and the broader Asian business landscape.
That said, it’s not without its challenges. The experience asks for patience, flexibility, and a willingness to navigate some academic and logistical bumps along the way. But for those ready to take on the adventure, the highs can outweigh the lows.
