FAQs on the SAIS/Wharton MA/MBA program
It was impossible to find this information online, so I've collected it here
This program is relatively less popular, and I *think* I’m the only one doing the Wharton MBA and Johns Hopkins SAIS MA in international relations in my year - graduating 2026. Here are the major pieces of information I learned through this time, which I could not find elsewhere.
Q: Can you use the 100% GI Bill in this program?
Yes, you can. While the GI Bill disallows getting paid for two different degrees at once, there is still a way to get Yellow Ribbon funding for this program. I started at Wharton, and Wharton became the “parent” school in the 3-year program, while SAIS was the “guest school.” Because I was only taking classes at one school at a time, and not concurrently, I was able to get Yellow Ribbon funding for both schools. SAIS paid for tuition along with the VA entirely, so the SAIS funding was totally covered.
Wharton also paid out from the GI Bill for its own Yellow Ribbon funds. In my 3rd semester at Wharton, Wharton’s entire Yellow Ribbon benefit for the year was applied to my 3rd semester, so I also got that semester covered too.
I believe this would not be possible for a degree where both are intermixed, like HBS/HKS, but don’t have direct experience with that.
Q: What is the sequencing?
Wharton presents its own sequencing on its website - but it’s outdated. There is more flexibility, so I did my first year at Wharton, second year split between SAIS/Wharton, and third year at SAIS.
Other business schools may have their own requirements - but SAIS was much more flexible than the business school end
Q: Is there room for electives?
Wharton has some flexibility for electives - but it is limited. I tested out of 1 core class, so I had 8 core classes and 4 major classes. To get the 15 needed credits, there were only 3 elective classes available. This wasn’t too large of an issue though because the core is pretty comprehensive and most topics (outside of the operations and microeconomics classes IMO) are important to cover
SAIS has no flexibility with electives. You have 4 classes each semester, and 12 classes to graduate. with 6 core classes, you have 6 credits left to fulfill. You must complete 3 functional classes and 3 regional classes (as well as a non-credit granting course for language).
Q: What is the curriculum schedule?
5 classes is typical for Wharton. Classes either meet twice for 1.5 hrs each week or 3 hours once a week
SAIS has 4 classes of 2.5 hours each
Q: Can you still do SAIS Nanjing or Bologna?
Yes, some students do this.
Q: What about the diploma?
You can walk with your graduating class for the MBA, but the diploma is withheld from you until you complete requirements from both schools, because you do not get the extra credits until you finish the 3-year sequence.
Q: What about the language requirement?
There is a language requirement. You can try to test out, but I took a Chinese language class as a refresher before I took the language requirement test. The class is 2-3 hours a week, depending on the language. You cannot take it pass fail, so you get a grade even though it does not count for credit. Taking the class is not required to take the language test.
Q: How coordinated are the programs?
Aside from very light administrative contact, the programs really aren’t very coordinated. The curricula also don’t have overlap, so it’s up to you to choose courses that fit your own educational and career goals.
Q: Can you apply during first year into Wharton or SAIS?
Yes - although the website says that you must apply at the same time, SAIS has had information session on how to apply to business school for current students. I also know of students applying to HKS at Wharton in their first year. It is totally possible.
I don’t know why the website says you need to apply at the same time. Perhaps it’s easier for their planning. When I was accepted to both, I requested deferral to SAIS due to the dual degree
Q: Can you recruit for MBA jobs while at SAIS? What about the career portal?
Yes, the MBA career portal and all career resources remains open for you
People who did on-campus recruiting from a dual degree *travelled back to Wharton* to take advantage of the recruiting opportunities. This is logistically exhausting but might be worth it…