Program Format

Our Faculty

All of our degree programs are taught by Fuqua’s top-ranked faculty, who are recognized for excellence in teaching and industry-shaping research. The courses they teach are academically challenging and relevant to the business world today. Despite world-class credentials, our faculty is highly accessible—they emphasize an open-door policy that encourages both collaboration with students and interdisciplinary thinking. Often, these teachers become your mentors for life.

Our Teaching Methods

Fuqua’s professors use lectures, case studies, strategic games, simulations, visiting executives, and their own research to create a dynamic learning experience that pushes you to think and work in new and different ways. The result? You get a deep and broad understanding of current business topics.

Making Theory Real

1. Case Studies

Case studies are real examples of corporate challenges that give you the opportunity to put theory to work. You gain industry knowledge and an appreciation for the management, operations, and leadership challenges that companies face every day.

2. Strategic Games

We've all played games before, but in an MBA classroom, they take on a whole new meaning. Fuqua teaches you to recognize patterns and understand the basic nature of games. You’ll learn to identify those that are happening around you and that you’re part of, so you can see the big picture, your options, and possible outcomes.

3. Realistic Simulations

The use of sophisticated business simulation teaches you how to run a company in a realistic business environment. You’ll get hands-on experience that goes way beyond what you’d learn in a textbook.

4. Research Centers

Our research centers are vital links between academic inquiry and real-world business. They create insights, dialogue, and curricula that change the course of business and enrich the Duke MBA student experience. Each research center draws on faculty from across Fuqua's academic areas, experienced practitioners, and students to address current business problems.

In the first year, students complete approximately 14 core courses and choose four or more electives.

• Orientation (3 days)
• Summer (4 weeks)
  • Core classes (3)
• Fall 1 (6 weeks)
  • Core classes (5)
• Fall 2 (6 weeks)
  • Core classes (4)
• Winter
  • Optional elective workshop in Managerial Improvisation
• Spring 1 (6 weeks)
  • Core class (1)
  • Electives (2)
• Spring 2 (6 weeks)
  • Core class (1)
  • Electives (2)

In the second year, students take electives (typically three per term) that allow them to tailor their course of study to meet their educational and career objectives.

• Re-orientation and Consequential Leadership II (4 days)
• Fall 1 (6 weeks)
  • Electives (3)
• Fall 2 (6 weeks)
  • Electives (3)
• Spring 1 (6 weeks)
  • Electives (3)
• Spring 2 (6 weeks)
  • Electives (3)