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Additional Information
- How can I best contact the Office of Admissions with my questions?
- Email us at mms-fob-info@fuqua.duke.edu or call +1.919.660.7705 and ask to speak with one of our MMS admissions counselors.
- Is the MMS program appropriate for individuals who have post-collegiate work experience?
- The program is designed for individuals who do not have extensive work experience. If you have more than two years of post-collegiate, full-time work experience, you are encouraged to continue working and apply for the MBA program at a later date. If you have questions about what constitutes as full-time work experience, please contact an admissions counselor at +1.919.660.7705 or mms-fob-info@fuqua.duke.edu.
- 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, and therefore, you are not allowed to take MMS courses concurrently with PhD courses. This policy also applies to master's programs.
- Is the MMS program beneficial for entrepreneurs?
- Yes. In addition to offering a solid foundation in business, you will develop a strong professional network, which will be a significant resource for you. During the program, you also have the opportunity to share and hone your entrepreneurial ideas with world-class faculty and colleagues.
- Does the MMS program offer an international student body?
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Yes. Duke has a strong international presence and brand recognition, which is continuing to grow. You will gain an international perspective through interacting with fellow students and faculty. Approximately 30% of the students in the MMS classes of 2011 and 2012 are international and represent countries across the globe.
General Questions
back to top- What are the application deadlines for entrance in Fall 2012?
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Round 1 — September 27, 2011
Round 2 — December 21, 2011
Round 3 — February 7, 2012
Round 4 — March 27, 2012
Round 5 — May 17, 2012 - 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, without compromising the quality of your application.
International students should apply by Round 3 to ensure sufficient time for visa processing.
Reapplicants are also encouraged to apply by Round 3.
- Can I submit my application prior to interviewing for admission?
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Yes. An interview is not required for your application to be considered complete. The Admissions Committee will extend interview invitations after a careful review of your application materials.
- Can my application be reviewed before my recommenders submit their recommendation forms?
- No. All recommendations must be received before an application is considered complete and ready for review.
- Can my recommenders mail their recommendations to the Office of Admissions?
- No. We require that all recommenders use the online recommendation form and submit the completed form online. Mailed letters of recommendation will not be accepted.
- 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 manager or internship supervisor. 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 other organization, or from a second professor. Your academic recommender should also be able to speak about your performance beyond the classroom.
- Does the Admissions Committee prefer a GMAT or GRE score?
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The GMAT is preferred because it tests business knowledge and skills. However, we accept both GMAT and GRE scores. The Admissions Committee pays particular attention to the quantitative score on both exams to ensure that you can handle the rigor of the program.
- I am concerned that my GMAT/GRE score and/or my GPA is too low. Should I still apply?
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The MMS program does not have a minimum GPA or test score requirement. You will be considered within the context of your entire application. We are looking for well-rounded applicants, and we encourage you to apply if you have a genuine interest in the program.
Students in the Class of 2012 have an average GMAT score of 649. The average GRE quant score is 682, and the average GRE verbal score is 550. However, we see a wide range of test scores. We encourage you to submit your "best" score.
If you are concerned about your GPA or test scores, contact an admissions counselor at +1.919.660.7705 or mms-fob-info@fuqua.duke.edu.
- What should I expect during my interview if I'm selected for one?
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You will meet with a member of the Admissions Committee or a select second-year MBA student who will ask you a variety of questions, including ones about your educational background and personal interests. Please bring a 1-page professional resume to the interview, and allow adequate time for parking and checking in with the Office of Admissions. At the conclusion of the interview, you will have the opportunity to ask questions about the Fuqua experience. Appropriate attire for an in-person interview and/or visit is business casual.
- 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.
Application Process
- What is the daily class schedule?
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Each class meets twice a week. Some classes meet on Mondays and Thursdays, while others meet on Tuesdays and Fridays. Classes do not meet on Wednesdays. Each class is 2 hours and 15 minutes long, and there is a short break between classes.
- Are there any required courses that must be completed before the MMS program?
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No. There are no pre-requisite courses for the MMS program.
If you do not have a strong quantitative background, the Admissions Committee recommends that you take quantitatively-rigorous courses such as statistics, calculus, or finance. This will give the committee another measure of your quantitative ability in addition to your GMAT or GRE score.
- Is there an opportunity to "place out" of or "exempt" MMS courses if I have already taken similar courses in another program?
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No. The MMS curriculum design cannot be altered in any way.
- I have already taken calculus and/or statistics. Do I have to take the summer term course, Fundamentals of Quantitative Business Skills?
- Yes, all courses are required. The curriculum is set and students do not have the ability to opt out of (or add) courses to their schedule.
- Are there any joint degree possibilities with the MMS program?
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No.
- 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 software programs do I need to be familiar with for the MMS program?
- You should be able to work in most common computer software programs, particularly Microsoft Excel and PowerPoint.
- What is the level of accessibility and involvement of the faculty?
- Our faculty are very accessible and adopt an open office policy during the terms in which they teach. Faculty hold office hours and review sessions for each of their classes to ensure that students have the support they need. When developing the MMS program, our faculty members voted unanimously in favor of the program, which is indicative of their excitement and interest in students.
Academics
- What is the class size?
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The MMS Class of 2012 includes 112 students. Check out a typical class profile.
- Do I need to secure my own housing?
- Yes. Duke does not arrange for MMS student housing.
- Is on-campus housing available?
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Each student is responsible for securing his/her own housing. Most Fuqua students live off campus in houses or apartments. There are a number of affordable housing options located near Fuqua.
Limited campus housing is available for graduate students, although availability is not guaranteed. For information, contact the Duke undergraduate housing office at housing@studentaffairs.duke.edu or + 1.919.684.4304.
- Will I have access to Fuqua resources and student clubs?
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Yes. You have access to all Fuqua facilities such as libraries, study rooms, and dining rooms and you may choose to participate in the MMS student clubs. Student clubs associated with the MBA are not open to MMS students.
- Are there breaks between terms?
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Yes, there are breaks between each term. The fall, winter, and spring breaks are all longer than breaks you may have had in your undergraduate experience. These breaks are designed to provide you with time to facilitate your job search.
Student Life
- How do I apply for financial aid?
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Financial aid is available in the form of merit-based and need-based scholarships and through various student loan programs. Applicants interested in financial aid should begin completing financial aid forms when they begin the application.
All inquiries regarding financial aid should be directed to:
Office of Financial Aid
The Fuqua School of Business, Duke University
100 Fuqua Drive
Box 90120
Durham, NC 27708-0120
Phone: +1.919.660.8079Further details are also available on the MMS Financial Aid website.
- How do I apply for a scholarship?
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All completed applications will automatically be considered for merit-based scholarships. To be considered for a need-based scholarship, you must fill out additional information. Details are on the Financial Aid website. If you have questions, contact Fuqua's Financial Aid office at +1.919.660.8079.
- How much money is awarded in scholarships?
- We do not release information related to the amount of scholarships awarded.
Financial Aid
- What is the role of the Fuqua Career Management Center (CMC) in helping me get a job?
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- Program and Resource Development: A comprehensive program of career development, job search workshops, and other resources. Professional development is also built into the MMS coursework.
- 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. Volunteer Alumni Career Fellows (VACF) also serve as counselors for students.
- Corporate Marketing and Outreach: A comprehensive approach to expand the MMS recruiting portfolio, to develop new and existing recruiting partnerships, and to assist you in gaining access to employers of interest. We leverage existing corporate partnerships to expose students to a variety of premier employers; companies such as McKinsey, Procter & Gamble, and PricewaterhouseCoopers.
Learn more about services provided by the Career Management Center.
- What types of job opportunities might be available to me?
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You will be trained to enter business at the analyst level and senior analyst level in a variety of business functions across industries. MMS students possess a wide variety of academic backgrounds and enter a wide range of industries upon graduation, from consulting to sports management to nonprofit.
Read our student profiles and review the latest employment report to learn about some of the jobs our graduates have obtained.
- How competitive will I be in the job search process?
- You will bring to the job search your undergraduate background and the foundational knowledge in business topics from the MMS program. This will give you a distinct professional profile and a key advantage over recent college graduates in the job search process.
- 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 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
- May I attend MBA recruiting events?
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In general, no. MMS recruiting events and interviews are held separately to ensure that you are meeting representatives and learning information appropriate to your employment potential. MMS students (unlike MBA students) also have access to Duke University career events, including fairs, company information sessions, and the eRecruiting job posting database.
- 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 have told us that they find significant value in liberally or scientifically trained undergraduates who also have 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 (CMC) has strong and long-standing relationships with Proctor & Gamble and many other premier employers. The CMC has an expert staff with well-established career programming, including a comprehensive outreach program to educate recruiters about the value MMS graduates bring to organizations. As an MMS student, you will not be competing for (nor will you be recruited for) the same positions as MBA students. Many of the same companies, however, will recruit from both programs.
See what jobs and salaries our MMS graduates of 2011 received.
Recruiting and Careers
- Can I go straight from the MMS program to an MBA program?
- We do not recommend you go straight into an MBA program after the MMS program. Most MBA programs place a great deal of value on the work experience that students bring to the classroom, so we recommend you gain work experience before applying to an MBA program.