Overview

The new Master of Management Studies (MMS) in Foundations of Business is a pre-experience master's degree providing basic entry-level business skills. It is not intended as a substitute for an MBA degree. The program focuses on technical skills and subject matter knowledge associated with entry-level positions in finance, marketing, consulting, and general management, as well as other early-stage professional positions.

In less than a year, you will learn the fundamentals of strategy, management, decision analysis, accounting, marketing, operations, and finance. You will improve your marketability and expand your career options by gaining a broad and practical skill set. 

Program Format

The 9-month program includes 12 business courses taught during 4 terms that are each 6 weeks long. The next program begins with a mandatory week-long orientation in August 2010, with graduation in May 2011.

Visit the Curriculum section and Course Descriptions page for more information about terms and courses.

Who Should Attend

MMS: Foundations of Business is for individuals without previous business training and experience who may have recently earned an undergraduate or graduate degree (even those in the process of obtaining a PhD) in areas including liberal arts, science, or engineering. The program combines the depth, breadth, and critical thinking skills from the liberal arts and sciences with fundamental business skills to position you to take on a variety of roles in your professional life. The program provides the necessary know-how to leverage your existing capabilities, and will help you jump start a career in business. 

MMS: Foundations of Business includes 12 required courses (three credits per course for a total of 36 credits), offered over four six-week terms (three courses per term). Each course meets twice a week for 2.25 hours, or 27 contact hours per class. The four terms are: Fall I, Fall II, Spring I, and Spring II.

MMS courses are distinct from MBA courses. There are no elective courses, and no exemptions or substitutions are permitted. 

The curriculum presumes basic knowledge of calculus, statistics, and computer skills. You are required to show sufficient proficiency in calculus (through prior course work) and in statistics (through prior coursework or by passing a competency exam) prior to the start of the program. A boot camp statistics course is available for an additional fee. Finally, all students also complete an online business computer applications course before the beginning of the program.

Faculty: All courses are taught by Fuqua's No. 1-ranked faculty (according to BusinessWeek). The faculty are comprised of international thought leaders and renowned leading researchers whose expertise and passion for innovation create a one-of-a-kind learning environment. Our faculty are committed to student success, and provide courses that are relevant, engaging, and academically challenging. Professors are accessible and encourage ongoing student interaction, both inside and outside of the classroom.

Visit the Course Descriptions page for details about courses.

Course Schedule

Fall Term I

• Financial Accounting
• Business Economics
• Management and Organizations

Fall Term II

• Marketing Analysis
• Foundations of Strategy
• Investments and Financial Markets

Spring Term I

• Corporate Finance
• Marketing Intelligence
• Managerial Accounting

Spring Term II

• Financial Analysis
• Supply Chain Management
• Decision Models

Fuqua's Career Management Center (CMC) is dedicated to assisting all Fuqua students regardless of where they stand on their current career paths. Fuqua's CMC welcomes recruiters from more than 150 corporate partners each year to meet with students and explore career options.

The CMC empowers students to define, attain, and manage career goals by providing proactive and responsive programs, services, and guidance. The CMC assists with career progression and development, self-assessment, job search strategy, career transition, and job search tactics. Included among the wide range of CMC services are career development workshops; career and job search education through lectures and other resources; guidance and coaching in-person and by phone; access to online job postings; and access to CMC-facilitated recruiting activities.

For more details, visit the Frequently Asked Questions page.

Profile for inaugural class graduating in 2010