Accelerated Daytime MBA: Admissions Facts + Dates
Admissions Facts + Dates - Accelerated Daytime MBA
What you need to know
The Duke Accelerated Daytime MBA program is challenging – and very rewarding. Acceptance is based on your ability to excel academically and in the business community. Our students desire to bring out the best in others and succeed while also making positive changes in the world.
Finding the best program to achieve your goals involves personal reflection. As you consider our accelerated MBA program, consider how your story and ambitions fit with Fuqua’s—and vice versa—before you apply.
The Fuqua application is only available online, and it includes sections on both personal and program information.
Accelerated Daytime MBA Deadlines
| Round | Application Deadline | Interview Invitation Sent | Final Decision Release | Deposit Deadline |
| Round 1 | Sep. 23, 2025 | Nov. 12, 2025 | Dec. 11, 2025 | Feb. 20, 2026 |
| Round 2 | Jan. 6, 2026 | Feb. 13, 2026 | Mar. 13, 2026 | Apr. 24, 2026 |
| Round 3 | Feb. 17, 2026 | Mar. 19, 2026 | Apr. 10, 2026 | May 5, 2026 |
| Round 4 | Mar. 26, 2026 | Apr. 16, 2026 | May 8, 2026 | May 29, 2026 |
*The first available round of application for Accelerated Daytime MBA applicants is Round 1. Early submissions will be reviewed with other applications received for the September 23 deadline. International applicants should apply in Round 1 and Round 2 for visa processing.
Are You...
Applying from another country? You may apply during any of the Rounds listed, but please remember to allow time for visa processing.
Looking for a merit-based scholarship? You may apply during any round.
Accelerated Daytime MBA Application Round 1 Deadline
Before you apply...
1. Complete all application components.
2. Make sure your references have been notified.
3. Polish your essays.
4. Submit your best test scores.
The Admissions Interview: What to Expect and How to Prepare
When to apply:
Given the competitive applicant pool, you are encouraged to apply in the round in which you can submit your best application. You’re ready to apply when you have:
- Completed all application components
- Made sure that your references have been sent
- Polished your essays
- Submitted your best official GMAT/GRE scores
Selection Criteria
To be considered for the Accelerated Daytime MBA program, you must have earned one of the following degrees:
- A Master of Management Studies (MMS) degree from Duke’s Fuqua School of Business
- A Master in Management (MiM) degree or equivalent from an accredited graduate business school
- A Master in Quantitative Management (MQM) degree or equivalent from an accredited graduate business program
- A Master of Science in Business Analytics degree or equivalent from an accredited graduate business school
You must also have completed the following courses (or their equivalent) in your prior graduate business program:
| MMS/MiM | MQM |
| Managerial Economics | Statistics |
| Financial Accounting | Business Communications |
| Probability/Statistics | Leadership/Navigating Organizations |
| Strategy | Machine Learning/Data Science/Analytics |
| Financial Management/Finance | Data Management (SQL, Data Visualization, etc.) |
| Marketing | |
| Operations Management |
The Accelerated MBA curriculum is designed for students who have already completed graduate-level business courses that typically correspond to a Master in Management (MiM), Master in Management Studies (MMS), or a Master in Quantitative Management (MQM). Two year MBA graduates or those earning a Post Graduate Diploma in Management are not eligible for admission to the Accelerated MBA and may wish to consider the Daytime MBA. Certificate programs such as a Certified Financial Analyst (CFA), Project Management Professional (PMP), or others do not count towards this requirement.
Your prior work experience helps us understand how you have developed leadership and teamwork skills, as well as maturity, on both professional and personal levels.
- We strongly prefer some experience as a business professional and recommend that all applicants have at least 2 years of work experience following the completion of their MMS, MiM, or MQM degree. However, we will also consider applicants that can demonstrate exceptional leadership and professional development.
- All post-undergraduate work experience will be considered.
- In your application, show us how your previous experiences will contribute to the Fuqua learning environment.
Fuqua values differences and unique points of view, so we admit applicants with:
- Various undergraduate degrees and professional backgrounds
- A wide range of GPAs and GMAT/GRE/EA scores
Because the Accelerated Daytime MBA academic environment is demanding and fast-paced and requires strong quantitative and analytical skills, the admissions committee pays particular attention to the quantitative segment of your test score to ensure that you will be able to handle the rigor of the program.
Your application essays, recommendation, and interview are what weave fit, passion, and impact together into your "story." No one part is more important than the other, so give each one your best. And most importantly, just be you.
Essays:
Your essays allow us to get to know you as a person—what drives you and inspires you. You have the chance here to fill in any gaps, or provide extra details on key areas of your application.
Recommendations:
The most valuable recommendations come from people who know your professional skills and abilities. Prepare your recommender so that he/she represents you well and showcases aspects of you that are not reflected in other areas of the application.
Interview:
During your interview, you’ll have the opportunity to:
- Show us your interpersonal skills
- Give us additional insight into who you are
- Demonstrate how you are a good fit
Admissions Details
-
Research
Join us for in-person and virtual events, connect with admissions, or chat with our community
-
Lay the Groundwork
Contact recommenders, prep for GMAT/GRE/EA
-
Get to Work
Revise resume, write essays
-
Submit Your Best Application
Share your story, research, and goals
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Interview
Interviews are by invitation only and are conducted in-person or virtually
-
Receive a Decision
Meet fellow admitted students at Blue Devil Weekend
Frequently Asked Questions
Visit our Accelerated Daytime MBA FAQ for answers to our most frequently asked questions about the accelerated program. You can also reference our Daytime MBA student blog for any questions you may have about student life at Fuqua.
Explore This Program
Program Format
Team up in 6-week terms.
Curriculum
Design your own experience from 100+ electives.
Concentrations + Certificates
Enhance your skills in a focus area.
Global Opportunities
Get outside your comfort zone by exploring a new culture.
Experiential Learning
Develop your abilities beyond the classroom.
Career Development
Leverage our resources to power your job search.
Program Location
Enjoy one of the nation’s most exciting—and livable—cities.
Admissions Information
Facts + Dates
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