Frequently Asked Questions




Academic

How is the Global Executive program different, in terms of academic content, from other executive MBA programs? What makes it global?  

The Duke MBA—Global Executive program uses the same faculty base, the same rigorous curriculum and grading standards, and provides the same Duke degree as Fuqua's other MBA programs. However, the course content is adjusted to include more global issues and strategies to serve a cohort of senior level managers with global leadership responsibilities. Unlike traditional executive MBA programs with a regional draw, the flexibility of the Global Executive program attracts students from around the globe. The student body is diverse in terms of geography and industry. 

Sixty percent of classroom time takes place during the residencies in Asia, Europe, and the Middle East. Students study, discuss, and experience the way in which region-specific institutions, markets, cultures, and civilizations both enhance and hinder international commerce. Working with a personal coach throughout the program, students also explore the unique leadership and personal development issues facing senior executives, such as developing skills to effectively conduct external corporate relations with media, regulators, and shareholders.

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, political) through which to view different economies and systems. Instead of simply studying about an economy, Fuqua provides experiential learning components that allow students to experience the region outside of the classroom. Events include regional company visits, regional speaker events, and discussions with company representatives who supplement case discussions. Additionally, being away from professional and personal responsibilities in an unfamiliar culture helps build the camaraderie and team spirit of the cohort. 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.
How accessible is the faculty online?  

Because of the international locations of the Global Executive cohort and the continuous nature of Internet-enabled learning, faculty/student contact is a significant part of the Global Executive MBA experience. In addition to weekly real-time class meetings and 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 24 hours.

What learning formats are used during the program?  
The format of each class varies based on professor and course subject. The Global Executive MBA curriculum incorporates a combination of lecture, case-based learning, independent preparation and reading, class discussion, and team work.
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 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 personal experience within your corporation. Regardless of the project, the courses are designed so that you may implement course materials in your daily work within a reasonable amount of time.
Can families attend the residencies?  
While we highly value the support of families, we intentionally do not invite families to residencies. The value of the educational experience is proportionate to the time students invest in the classes, cohort, and educational experiences while in residency. Therefore, if students want to share the international experiences with their families, we ask that students invite their family to join them before or after the program's residential meeting.  
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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 program requires a significant investment of time and attention. Every year, students enrolled in this program successfully balance their significant professional and personal responsibilities with the rigors of the academic curriculum. 

Outside of the residencies, students report spending 15 - 20 hours a week on school work. Every student manages their time differently; some study for a few hours each day while others may study during weekends. It's important to find a routine that works for you, your team, your family, and your colleagues. Keep conversations with them open and revise as needed. Gaining the support of those around you—your significant other, family, and co-workers—will be key to your success.

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.

Do I have to attend all of the residencies?  
Yes, attendance at all of the residencies, for the entire residency, is a requirement. It is a lock-step program, and you are required to move through the curriculum with your classmates.
Will I be required to have a laptop or any special software?  
Every student in the program needs a reliable laptop as well as a stable internet service provider (ISP). These tools are essential for completing the program requirements. Once you are accepted to the program, you will receive more details about computer and software requirements. Fuqua does offer the option to purchase a computer system at a price under market-value. If you choose this option, Fuqua is able to support your computer throughout the program, and it is insured for damage and theft.
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 using 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 Global Executive students, but we recommend that you have some basic computer skills (Excel, Word, PowerPoint) to succeed in the 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 10 years work experience
  • Significant current or pending global leadership experience and 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, as demonstrated in prior academic coursework and professional experience
  • High English proficiency
Do you require the GMAT?  
We do not require the GMAT. We evaluate quantitative abilities by evaluating undergraduate coursework and transcripts, as well as a candidate's quantitative job responsibilities. 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. So that we may connect you with an alumnus with a background that will be helpful to you, please connect with the Admissions Counselor for this program.
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 (statistics, calculus, accounting, finance and/or economics). Also, the committee will consider your career history and the types of quantitative work to which you have been exposed. Should there be a question about your quantitative readiness for the program, we are able to connect you with a faculty member who will work with you to assess your quantitative skills, and may recommend steps to proactively prepare yourself to be successful in the program. 
Is an interview required?  

Yes. An interview is required for all applicants. Your application is not complete without the interview.Your interview can be scheduled at any point in the application process by visiting the Interviews and Open Houses page. If you are unable to meet with us in-person, you may schedule a telephone interview.

I have not yet been in the workplace for 15 years. 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 15, but of course, there are some students with fewer years and some with more. The Admissions Committee will consider not only the quantity of years, but the quality of your work experience. 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 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. It is not a requirement that your company support your participation financially. Your company must endorse your involvement in the program by allowing the time necessary to fully participate in the program, which includes attendance at all of the onsite residencies and flexibility for the additional commitment you've made in your daily life. 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 (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 among 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?  
Scholarship funds are available for this program, but they are very limited. Global Executive students who are U.S. citizens or permanent residents 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. International students can apply for a no-cosigner student loan through Coastal Federal Credit Union.
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 are due prior to each term.
What is NOT included in the tuition?  
Travel to and from the residencies, incidental costs at each residency (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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