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- What is the average GMAT score?
- The average GMAT score for The Duke MBA–Weekend Executive program is 640 to 650 and the average undergraduate GPA is approximately 3.2/4.0.
- I own my own business. As a self-sponsored student, am I eligible for your program?
- As long as you are working, you are eligible for the program. Students participating in the Weekend Executive program must be employed on a full-time basis.
- I noticed an online application for the Weekend Executive program. Can all or part of the application requirements be submitted online or is a paper-based application required?
- We only accept online applications via ApplyYourself, our online application system. There is a $200 application fee.
- What “type” of student are you looking for?
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Duke is not looking for any one type of applicant. We want to create a diverse class with individuals who can add to the learning experience. In general, applicants are high-potential professionals who are on the fast track in their organizations with:
- At least 5 years professional work experience
- Bachelor’s degree or equivalent
- High English proficiency
- A clear understanding of the commitment required to succeed in a Duke MBA program
- How do you rank undergraduate transcripts?
- We look closely at undergraduate transcripts and examine the quality of the institution, the overall performance, and strong performance in any relevant quantitative and business courses, including calculus, macro and micro economics, statistics, and accounting.
- How do you assess my quantitative skills in the admissions decision process?
- 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 have been exposed to.
- 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. Visit the Interviews and Open Houses page for more details.
- What type of experience or education is required for admission to the concentrations?
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Weekend Executive students must complete all program criteria and demonstrate interest in the concentration. Please visit the curriculum section of the Weekend Executive program page for more details.
Admissions
back to top- Is The Duke MBA–Weekend Executive degree the same as those of the other Duke MBA programs?
- Duke University's Fuqua School of Business offers four MBA programs, each with a different format. The same Duke MBA degree is awarded upon completing program requirements.
- What electives are offered through this program?
- Weekend Executive students take 4 elective courses allowing students the opportunity to shape their academic experience based on their interests. Elective courses in the past have included Entrepreneurship & New Venture Management, Venture Capital, Corporate Restructuring, Customer Relationship Management, Dynamics of Bargaining, Corporate Finance, and Leadership.
- How accessible are the faculty between weekend sessions?
- Faculty members are easily accessible during the program. They offer regular office hours and often monitor the bulletin boards. You can expect that, on average, faculty will respond to your questions and requests within 24 hours.
- Can group or individual projects be done that are directly related to the sponsoring company?
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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. 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.
Also, if you elect to complete an optional concentration, you will have the opportunity to work on a special project related to that concentration during Term 7. Depending on your concentration, you may choose to work on a project related to your sponsoring company.
- Are there any international study opportunities through the Weekend Executive program?
- Yes. Weekend Executive students have the opportunity to enhance their academic learning by participating in a Global Academic Travel Experience (GATE). During a GATE, students gain hands-on experience as they travel to different countries to visit businesses, meet corporate executives and examine country-specific issues such as anti-trust and financial markets.
- Can I speak with a current student or alumnus to hear first-hand about the Weekend Executive program?
- Yes, we will be happy to provide you with the contact information for a current Weekend Executive student or alumnus.
Academic
- Will I be required to have a laptop or any special software?
- Every student in the program needs a reliable computer as well as a stable internet service provider (ISP). These technology tools are essential for completing the program requirements. Once you are accepted to the program, you will receive more details about computer requirements.
- How good/reliable does my internet access have to be?
- Most Weekend Executive students have DSL or cable modems. Students need easy, consistent access to the internet to complete course work.
- How technologically savvy do I need to be to succeed in the program?
- During your first residency, we provide an extra week for orientation. Part of this orientation focuses on getting you comfortable with understanding and using the technology involved. Most students are familiar with word processing, e-mail, and the internet, 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 Weekend Executive students, but we recommend that you have some basic computer skills (e.g., Excel, Word, PowerPoint). Once you are accepted to the program, you will receive additional information, including access to tutorials and resources that will help ensure that you have the necessary technology skills.
Technology
- Do I need corporate sponsorship to be admitted to The Duke MBA–Weekend 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 in the program by allowing the time off necessary to attend classes 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 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 Weekend Executive program as a partnership of the student, the organization, and Fuqua, so we are eager to see that you have all 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? What are my options?
- Scholarship funds from The Fuqua School of Business are available for this program, but they are limited. You also have the option of applying for a variety of student loans. Learn more on the Executive MBA Financial Aid Web page.
- How will I be billed for the program fees and do you offer special payment plans?
- If you are admitted to The Duke MBA–Weekend Executive program, a non-refundable $2,000 deposit will be due immediately. The remaining balance will be divided into five separate installments and due prior to each term.
- What is NOT included in the tuition?
- Any travel to and from classes, lodging costs for Thursday nights (if required), incidental costs (phone calls, laundry) and local internet service provider costs are not included in the program fee.