Frequently Asked Questions

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Academic

How is the Global Executive program different, in terms of academic content, from other executive MBA programs (e.g., Weekend Executive MBAs)? What makes it global?  
The Duke MBA—Global Executive uses the same faculty base, the same rigorous grading standards, and provides the same Duke degree as the other three MBA programs. However, the content has been adjusted to include more global issues and strategies to serve a participant population of general managers who have or will soon assume global responsibilities. Unlike traditional executive MBA programs that usually have a regional draw, the flexibility of Global Executive accommodates a student body from around the globe. Not only is the student body diverse geographically, but students bring to the classroom a diversity in their global management experiences. Finally, 60 percent of the classroom time takes place during the non-Duke residencies in Asia, Europe, and the Middle East.
How accessible is the faculty online?  
Faculty/student contact is significantly greater in Global Executive than in other executive MBA programs due to the international locations of the students and the continuous nature of Internet-enabled learning. In addition to weekly real-time office hours, faculty monitor class and team bulletin board discussions and respond to e-mails on a regular basis. Faculty vary in availability, usually due to the subject matter and other teaching/research commitments. However, you can expect that, on average, faculty will respond within twenty-four hours.
What is the purpose/value in having international residencies?  
International residencies add to the value and richness of the classroom component by providing various lenses (social, economic, cultural, etc.) through which to view different economies and systems. Instead of simply studying about an economy, Fuqua provides an experiential component using a variety of means, including visiting regional companies, having regional speakers, bringing in company representatives to supplement case discussions, and simply experiencing the region outside of classroom time. Additionally, being away from job responsibilities and family in an unfamiliar culture also helps build the camaraderie and team spirit of the group. Global Executive students who reside in the residency location act as hosts and expose the class to experiences and cultural insights that the average tourist would not encounter.
Can group or individual projects be done that are directly related to the sponsoring company?  
There are several opportunities to work on issues facing your company, although it is important to note that these opportunities vary depending on the professor and the course. For instance, one course may ask your learning team to analyze some aspect of a corporation; if your corporation has challenges that interest your teammates, you may be able to persuade your team to focus on your company. Another course may ask you to write analyses based on your experience within your corporation. Regardless of the specific project, the courses are designed so that you can implement course materials in your daily work within a reasonable amount of time.
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Administrative

Given the rigor of the program and the necessary time commitment, how do I fit this into my life? How are current Global Executive students handling it?  
The Global Executive program definitely will require some prioritizing in your life. When deciding to apply to the Global Executive program, you need to make sure that those around you--your significant other, family, and co-workers--understand the commitment you've made and support your undertaking. Some companies help to alleviate workload by providing their employees with additional support (e.g., staff support, time off), but most Global Executive students see no relief in their responsibilities. Global Executive students vary in how they handle the Global Executive workload (e.g., some may do school work all weekend, some may set aside three hours every day). The average workload during the program is twenty hours a week. The important point is to find a routine that works for you and for your team and stick with it.
Do I have to attend all of the residencies?  
Yes, attendance at all of the residencies, for the entire residency, is a requirement.
Can I use my own laptop during the program instead of the one the program provides?  
No, the Global Executive program provides each student with a laptop, all of the program software, and technical support. In order to provide the necessary technical support, it is imperative that everyone be on the same platform. If you used different hardware, we would not be able to assist you. A well-maintained laptop is critical to the distance learning component of Global Executive. The Fuqua School of Business Distance Learning specialists maintain, upgrade, and trouble-shoot Global Executive laptops during each residency. Some students have decided to purchase an additional hard drive in order to use the laptop for work and Global Executive. Upon graduation, the laptop becomes the property of the student.
How good/reliable does my Internet access have to be?  
In order to be a solid contributor to your team and to the program, you should be able to connect to the Internet for at least 45 minutes at a time for a total of at least five hours per week.
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Admissions

How technologically savvy do I need to be to succeed in Global Executive?  
During your first residency, we provide an extra week for orientation. Part of this orientation focuses on getting students comfortable with understanding and using the technology. Most students are familiar with word processing, e-mail and the World Wide Web, but many have not been exposed to spreadsheets, electronic bulletin boards, chat rooms, and messaging services. There is a wide range of computer skills among the Global Executive students, but we recommend that you have some basic skills on the computer (e.g., EXCEL, Word, PowerPoint) to succeed in the Global Executive program.
What "type" of student are you looking for?  

Although each applicant will be assessed on his/her unique qualities, here are some characteristics that the admissions committee looks for in a Global Executive applicant: 

  • Minimum of ten years work experience
  • Significant current or pending global job responsibilities
  • Enthusiasm, inquisitiveness, and commitment to assure success in an intellectually challenging global learning endeavor
  • Quantitative aptitude and the intellectual ability to complete a rigorous graduate degree program at Duke University, as demonstrated in prior academic coursework
  • High English proficiency
Do you require the GMAT?  
We do not require the GMAT. We evaluate quantitative abilities by evaluating coursework on undergraduate transcripts. When we have questions about quantitative readiness, we make arrangements for prospective students to participate in a math discussion and assessment with a Fuqua professor.
Can I speak with a current student or an alumnus to hear first-hand about the Global Executive experience?  
Yes, we will be happy to provide you with the contact information for a current Global Executive student or alumnus.
I've been out of school for a long time and/or I do not have a quantitative background. I am apprehensive about my quantitative readiness. How do you assess my quantitative skills in the admissions decision process? Is there help available prior to the start of the program?  
The admissions committee will look closely at your performance at the undergraduate level and in any graduate work you have done, particularly quantitative courses. Also, the committee will consider your career history and the types of quantitative work that you were exposed to. Should there be a question about your quantitative skills, you will be asked to complete a diagnostic test comprised of various quantitative problems. Once this is completed, a faculty member who is also on the admissions committee will assess your skills. If review work is necessary, specific recommendations will be made.
Is an interview required?  
Yes. An interview can be conducted in a variety of ways. The applicant can come to the Duke campus or schedule an interview with a Fuqua representative during a visit to your region. Please visit the Interviews and Open Houses page for more details.
The Duke Executive MBA brochure lists the average years of work experience as fourteen, and the minimum work experience as ten years, and I have not been in the workplace for that long. Am I too young for the program?  
A particular strength of an executive MBA program, such as Global Executive, is that the experiences brought to the classroom by the students elevate the learning experience. The average years of work experience are fourteen, but of course, there are some students with fewer years and some with more. An important factor in assessing your application is whether you will be able to make a valuable contribution to the classroom in addition to whether you will be able to succeed in the Global Executive program. This is where your career responsibilities and experiences and the interview are very important.
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Financial

Do I have to have corporate support to be admitted to the Global Executive program?  
There are two types of corporate support: one is support for the endeavor itself and the other is financial. Your company must endorse your involvement to the program by allowing the time off necessary to attend the onsite residencies and by being flexible about the additional commitment you've made in your daily life. It is not necessary to obtain financial support. As part of the application process, you must have a written letter of support from your organization stating its willingness to let you be away from the office for the required period of time. How to categorize that time off (e.g., vacation, paid time off) is a decision that is left to you and your employer.
How do I go about getting corporate financial support?  
Policies vary among companies in terms of how they view educational benefits. We see the Global Executive program as a partnership of the student, the organization, and Fuqua, so we are eager to see that you have all of the information you need to garner adequate support from your organization. If appropriate, we can also put you in touch with Duke students or alumni from your organization (or industry) to help discuss strategies for gaining corporate financial support.
What if I don't receive corporate financial support? Are scholarships available?  
Fortunately, scholarship funds from The Fuqua School of Business are available for this program, but they are limited. Global Executive students who are U.S. citizens or permanent residents also have the option of applying for a limited amount of federal loans. Fuqua has a financial aid office that can assist you with this process of borrowing from the U.S. federal loan program (http://www.fafsa.ed.gov/). International students can apply for an Expanded MBA Loan.
How will I be billed for the program fees, and do you offer special payment plans?  
After acceptance, you will be asked to pay a deposit of $7,500. The remaining balance will be divided into five separate installments and due prior to each term.
What is NOT included in the tuition?  
Travel to and from the residencies, incidental costs at each residency (e.g., phone calls, laundry, souvenirs) and the local Internet service provider costs incurred during the distance portion of the program are not included in the program fee.
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