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Related Information
- Is the MMS program appropriate for individuals who have post-collegiate work experience?
- The program is designed for individuals who do not have extensive post-collegiate work experience. Applicants who have more than one year of professional work experience are encouraged to continue working and apply for the MBA program as a better alternative to grow their careers.
- Will the MMS program be beneficial for entrepreneurs?
- Yes. In addition to offering a solid business foundation, MMS students will develop a strong professional network which will be a significant resource. During the program, students will also have the opportunity to share and hone their entrepreneurial ideas with world-class faculty and colleagues.
- Will the MMS program offer an international student body?
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Yes, we anticipate a diverse and international student body. Duke has a strong international presence and brand recognition, which is continuing to strengthen through the school's global expansion initiative. Students will gain an international perspective through interacting with fellow students and faculty, and through the curriculum.
- Are current PhD students eligible for admission to the MMS program? Are students allowed to pursue both programs (PhD and MMS) simultaneously?
- PhD students who are nearing the writing portion of their program may apply to the MMS program. The MMS program is a full-time and rigorous program, therefore students are not allowed to take MMS courses concurrently with PhD courses.
- How can I best contact the Office of Admissions with my questions?
- E-mail us at mms-fob-info@fuqua.duke.edu or call +1.919.660.7705 to speak with Admissions Counselor Kendra Maultsby Mudd.
General Questions
back to top- What are the application deadlines for entrance in fall 2010?
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Round 1 Application Deadline = December 1, 2009
Round 2 Application Deadline = February 2, 2010
Round 3 Application Deadline = June 1, 2010 - If I am admitted to the MMS program, may I defer my admission to the following year?
- No. Deferrals will not be granted for the MMS program.
- When should I apply for admission?
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Given the competitive applicant pool, you are encouraged to apply as early in the admission cycle as possible. Candidates whose ability to enroll is dependent upon receiving merit-based scholarship assistance should apply during Round 1 or Round 2. Candidates who applied the previous year are strongly encouraged to reapply for admission during Round 1.
- Does the Admissions Committee prefer a GMAT or GRE score?
- The GMAT is preferred because it tests business knowledge and skills. However, we accept both GMAT and GRE scores.
- Can I submit my application prior to interviewing for admission?
- You can submit your application at any point, but it is not considered complete until you conduct an interview. Interviews are required, and must be conducted before the application deadline for the round in which you plan to apply.
- Can my application be reviewed before my recommenders submit their recommendation forms?
- No. Recommendations must be received for an application to be considered complete and ready for review.
- What if I have to cancel or reschedule my interview?
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If you are unable to attend your scheduled interview and need to cancel or reschedule, please do so within our online scheduling system. Visit the Interviews and Campus Visits page for more details.
For cancellations within 48 hours of your visit, please cancel your visit online and contact us at +1.919.660.7705 or campusvisit@fuqua.duke.edu . By notifying us, we can offer your schedule to another candidate.
- How do I schedule a campus interview?
- An online scheduling system is available to register for on-campus and telephone interviews. You may also participate in a Campus Visit or Open House program if you come to campus for your interview. Please visit the Interviews and Campus Visits page for details.
- What should I expect during my interview?
- You will meet with a member of the Admissions Committee or a select second-year MBA student. You will be asked a variety of questions including ones about educational background and personal interests. Interviews typically last 30 - 45 minutes. At the conclusion of the interview, applicants will have the opportunity to ask questions about the Fuqua experience. Appropriate attire for the interview and/or visit is business casual. Please bring a one-page professional resume to the interview, and allow adequate time for parking and checking-in with the Office of Admissions.
- If I do not have work experience, who should I ask to write my recommendations?
- One of your recommendations should be from someone, such as a professor, who can speak to your academic abilities. The second recommendation should be from someone who can critique your performance from a professional perspective, such as a supervisor or manager. If you do not have work experience, the second recommendation could come from someone you have worked with in a volunteer capacity, through a student club or volunteer organization; from an academic project advisor; from an individual you worked with in a student leadership position; from an internship supervisor; or from a second professor.
- Can my recommenders mail their recommendations to the Office of Admissions?
- No. We require that all recommenders utilize the online recommendation form and submit the completed form online. Mailed letters of recommendation will not be accepted.
Application Process
- Is there an opportunity to "place out" of or "exempt" MMS courses if I have already taken similar courses in another program?
- No. The MMS curriculum is comprised of graduate-level courses, and the curriculum design cannot be altered in any way.
- Will MMS credits transfer to The Duke MBA programs?
- No, Duke's MBA programs do not accept transfer credits nor are the MMS courses a direct equivalent to MBA courses.
- What is the daily class schedule?
- Classes are held Monday through Thursday. Each class is 2 hours and 15 minutes long, and there is a short break between classes.
- Are there breaks between terms?
- Yes, there are breaks between each term. Fall, winter, and spring breaks are all longer than breaks you may have had in your undergraduate experience in order to facilitate the job search.
- Are there any joint degree possibilities with the MMS program?
- No. There are no joint degree programs currently available with the MMS program.
- Do you foresee any changes to the MMS program next year or in following years?
- As with any new program, it is likely that some component or components of the program may change over time.
Curriculum
- What is the class size?
- The inaugural Class of 2010 has 99 students. Please see the Class Profile for more details on our inaugural MMS: Foundations of Business class.
- Is campus housing available for MMS students?
- Campus housing is available, but not guaranteed. For information, contact the Duke undergraduate housing office by emailing housing@studentaffairs.duke.edu or calling + 1.919.684.4304. Most of Fuqua's MBA and PhD students live off campus in houses or apartments. There are a number of affordable housing options located in the immediate vicinity of Fuqua.
- Will MMS students have access to Fuqua resources and student clubs?
- MMS students will have access to all Fuqua facilities such as libraries, study rooms, and dining rooms. Student clubs associated with the MBA Association (MBAA) will not be open to MMS students; MMS students will have their own clubs and student organizations.
Student Life
- What is the level of accessibility and involvement of the faculty?
- Duke faculty are very accessible. When developing the MMS program, our faculty members voted unanimously in favor of the program, which is indicative of their excitement for and interest in this program and its students.
Faculty
- How do I apply for financial aid?
- Check the appropriate box for financial aid on the online application. Once the application is submitted, the applicant will receive additional forms and information from the Office of Admissions. Merit-based scholarships do not require additional forms or paperwork.
- How do I apply for a merit-based scholarship?
- All completed applications will automatically be considered for merit-based scholarships. To be considered for a need-based scholarship, please check the box on your application indicating your desire to be considered, and you will be provided with an additional financial form. We do not release information related to the amount of scholarships awarded.
Financial Aid
- Will I be able to attend MBA recruiting events?
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In general, no. MMS recruiting events and interviews will be held separately to ensure that students are meeting representatives and learning information appropriate to their potential employment at the company.
- What types of job opportunities might be available to me?
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MMS graduates will be uniquely trained and positioned to enter business at the analyst or senior analyst level in a wide variety of business functions across industries. Typical roles may include but are not limited to marketing, market research, product and brand management, financial analysis, investment analysis, research, research, sales and trading, and account management.
- What is the role of the Fuqua Career Management Center (CMC) in helping me get a job?
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The CMC partners closely with students and provides support in three primary ways:
- Program and Resource Development: A comprehensive program of career development, job search workshops, and other resources for MMS students.
- Career Coaching and Counseling: Individual and small-group consultation in person, over the phone, and by email on both an appointment and walk-up basis.
- Corporate Marketing and Outreach: A comprehensive approach to expand the Duke MMS recruiting portfolio, to develop new and existing recruiting partnerships, and to assist students in gaining access to employers of interest. The CMC will leverage existing Fuqua and Duke corporate partnerships to expose MMS students to a variety of premier employers. For example, companies such as McKinsey, Procter & Gamble, and PricewaterhouseCoopers have already indicated a strong interest in the MMS program and have a history of recruiting at this level.
- What guarantee do I have that this program is worth it? Am I going to get a job or a better job?
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While there is never a guarantee of employment, this program was created in large part as a response to recruiter feedback. Employers find significant value in the liberally or scientifically trained undergraduate with advanced business knowledge and skills. In fact, Bob McDonald, CEO of Proctor & Gamble said, "The program will enable companies to recruit high-caliber junior talent who are able to add immediate, tangible value to the organization." Our Career Management Center has strong and long-standing relationships with Proctor & Gamble and many other premier employers and a comprehensive outreach program to educate recruiters about the value MMS graduates will bring to their organization. In addition, the Career Management Center has an expert staff and well-established career programming.
Recruiting & Career Opportunities
- Can I go straight from the MMS program to an MBA program?
- We do not recommend MMS graduates to go straight into an MBA program. Most MBA programs place a great deal of value on the work experience that students bring to the classroom, and thus we recommend MMS students work for a time before applying to an MBA program.
- How do corporate leaders view the MMS program and the value its graduates bring to their companies?
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Employers are enthusiastic about the MMS program and graduates. The following comments are from current business leaders:
"The MMS program will be a significant recruiting pool for us. Individuals with science, engineering, and health undergraduate degrees, combined with the MMS degree will be an excellent source of operations management [talent] for Kelly Services." — Carl T. Camden, President and Chief Executive Officer, Kelly Services, Inc.
"From my perspective, the MMS program is an innovative program which will give undergraduate students an outstanding foundation to join the business community. At PricewaterhouseCoopers, we look to hire individuals with diverse backgrounds, and I see this program as a key enabler to help individuals not only succeed in our organization, but more importantly, to help prepare them for a successful career in business." — Dennis M. Nally, Chairman and Senior Partner, PricewaterhouseCoopers LLP
- How competitive will MMS graduates be in the job search process?
- MMS graduates will bring to the job search their undergraduate degree background and the foundational knowledge in business topics from the MMS program. This will give graduates a distinct professional profile and a key advantage over recent college graduates in the job search process.