Duke Fuqua School of Business Overview

Introduction of Business School & MBA Program

Fuqua offers both academic and cultural diversity. MBA students have the opportunity to access ample campus research centers and embark on business ventures abroad.

Fields of Expertise

A leader in General Management and Health Care Administration, Fuqua also allows students to focus on more narrowly defined concentrations including Finance, International Business, and Social Entrepreneurship. There is a large general emphasis on international relations and students entering the program will participate in a four week term called "Global Institute" where they will develop a greater global business sense.

Team Work

Fuqua places a strong emphasis on team work both inside and outside of the classroom. Students work closely together to build connections and partnerships that will last far beyond their time at Duke.

Program Structure

The program's structure, or lack there of, allows students to take full advantage of their annual four six-week terms. By the end of the first year, students will have completed at least five electives, thus expanding their business scope.

Communication Skills

Classes emphasize the importance of communication skills in academic, professional, and personal settings. Projects are largely done in teams and students are also encouraged to collaborate. The intimate size of the programs further enhances the overall sense of campus community.

 

MBA Application Elements - Duke Fuqua School of Business

 

Essay Tips

When you apply to Fuqua, make it clear that you understand what it means to be part of a close-knit community. Along those lines, Fuqua students are heavily involved in campus life and school-related activities. If you are applying to Duke, make sure that this is what you want out of your business school experience. Even more importantly, make sure to emphasize this in your application through multiple examples of teamwork and community involvement. There is also a preference for people who can demonstrate that they will integrate some degree of social enterprise in their short and long term career goals.

Letters of Recommendation

Two letters of recommendation are required. The most valuable recommendations come from people who know your professional skills and abilities. It is encouraged that you submit at least one recommendation from someone who knows you well in your current position and can critique your professional performance, such as a current supervisor.

Interview

Interviews are not required, but are highly recommended. Admissions interviews are usually conducted by alumni or second-year students. It is therefore important to position yourself as a prospect that your interviewer would like to have as a classmate. This means you should provide examples of professional excellence, but do so in a non-arrogant tone. In the back of his mind, your interviewer will be evaluating you as a potential team member.

Demonstrating Interest in Fuqua

Another way to show your fit with Fuqua is to demonstrate your sincere interest in the program. Even thought Fuqua is still a highly competitive school that has a competitive admissions process, its yield (percentage of accepted students who enroll) is somewhat low compared to that of other top schools. The school therefore wants to be sure that if they accept you, you will enroll. If you can demonstrate that you truly want to attend Fuqua—and why this is so—you will greatly improve your chances.

GMAT Score

80% range of GMAT scores for the recent class: 630-740

 

Duke MBA Program - Key Statistics

o Full-Time Enrollment: 888
o Typical Class Size: 432 Students
oAverage Undergraduate GPA:3.44
oAverage GMAT Score:689
oAcceptance Rate:26.5%
o Average Starting Salary and Bonus:$128,666
o Full-Time Graduates Employed at Graduation:78.4%
oAverage Age of New Entrants:28
o Average Work Experience: Approximately 5 years
o Executive Education Program
o Columbia alumni live in over 100 countries