Fast. Focused. Future-oriented.

The Fuqua difference starts with the structure of our Daytime MBA program. Here, you’ll find opportunities to learn and grow by going outside your comfort zone—exploring classes and experiences that help you take initiative, push your limits, and develop the many different skills you’ll need for long-term success.

Getting started

Your journey begins with an intense month of orientation and immersion in a rigorous, hands-on program of three courses that emphasize leading and managing in an uncertain world. It’s designed to broaden your perspective, challenge the ways you think, and prepare you for 2 amazing years of MBA study.

The remainder of the academic year is organized into four 6-week terms of MBA classes that each meet twice a week for 2 hours and 15 minutes. The term structure allows you to take a wide variety of courses and choose electives sooner, which can better prepare you for your internship. 

Team up

All first-year students are assigned to a team of four to five peers with whom they will complete group projects for various courses. Your team will be hand-picked to allow you to learn from people who look, think, and work differently from you. You’ll learn to draw on each team member’s strengths and move the group toward a common purpose.

Go global

Every year hundreds of students gain exposure to international business through our Global Academic Travel Experience (GATE), Fuqua Client Consulting Practicum (FCCP), or the study abroad program with top business schools in 28 different countries.

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)

Print Calendar

Month Date Event
July 2023 10 - 21 Business, Communications, and Culture Program [optional, unless required by Admissions] 
  14 Business Computer Applications course opens, Online Modules [mandatory], first day of classes
  17 - 21 Math Review Course [optional, unless required by Admissions]
  23 - 28 Health Sector Management (HSM) Boot Camp [required for HSM Certificate]
  31 Duke I&E Innovators' Spark [optional]
August 2023 1 International Students Welcome Day
  2 - 4 First Year MBA Student (Class of 2025) Orientation
  7 First Day of Classes for First-Year Daytime MBA Students
  7 - 28 First Year Daytime MBA Student Classes [no classes on weekends]
  29 - 31 First Year Daytime Student Exams
  30 - 31 Class of 2024 C-Lead Course
September 2023

5

Pre-Term Accounting Review [optional]
 

5 - 6

Career Management Center Programming
  7 FALL 1 SESSION BEGINS
October 2023 17 Fall 1 Session Ends
  19 - 21 Fall 1 Exams
  22 - 29 FALL BREAK
  30 FALL 2 SESSION BEGINS
November 2023 22 - 24 THANKSGIVING BREAK
December 2023 12 Fall 2 Session Ends
  14 - 16 Fall 2 Exams
  17 WINTER BREAK BEGINS
January 2024 8 - 12 Managerial Improvisation Course (optional Winter Term)
  18 SPRING 1 SESSION BEGINS
February 2024 27 Spring 1 Session Ends
Feb - March 2024 29 - 2 Spring 1 Exams
  3 - 17 SPRING BREAK
  18 SPRING 2 SESSION BEGINS
April 2024 26 Spring 2 Session Ends
Apr - May 2024 29 - 1 Spring 2 Exams
  11 Class of 2024 Daytime MBA Commencement Ceremony
  12 Class of 2024 Duke-wide Commencement Ceremony

Print Calendar

Month Date Event
July 2024 8 - 19 Business, Communications, and Culture Program [optional, unless required by Admissions] 
  12 Business Computer Applications course opens, Online Modules [mandatory], first day of classes
  21 - 26 Health Sector Management (HSM) Boot Camp [required for HSM Certificate]
  29 Duke I&E Innovators' Spark [optional]
  30 International Student Welcome Day
July - August 2024 31 - 2 First Year MBA Student (Class of 2026) Orientation
August 2024 5 First Day of Classes for First-Year Daytime MBA Students
  5 - 26 First Year Daytime MBA Student Classes [no classes on weekends]
  27 - 29 First Year Daytime Student Exams
  28 - 29 Class of 2025 C-Lead Course
September 2024 3 Pre-Term Accounting Review [optional]
  3 – 4 Career Management Center Programming
  5 FALL 1 SESSION BEGINS
October 2024 15 Fall 1 Session Ends
  17 - 19 Fall 1 Exams
  20 - 27 FALL BREAK
  28 FALL 2 SESSION BEGINS
November 2024 27 - 29 THANKSGIVING BREAK
December 2024 10 Fall 2 Session Ends
  12 - 14 Fall 2 Exams
  15 WINTER BREAK BEGINS
January 2025 6 - 10 Managerial Improvisation Course (optional Winter Term)
  16 SPRING 1 SESSION BEGINS
February 2025 25 Spring 1 Session Ends
Feb - March 2025 27 - 1 Spring 1 Exams
March 2025 2 - 16 SPRING BREAK
  17 SPRING 2 SESSION BEGINS
April 2025 25 Spring 2 Session Ends
  28 - 30 Spring 2 Exams
May 2025 10 Class of 2025 Daytime MBA Commencement Ceremony
  11 Class of 2025 Duke-wide Commencement Ceremony

Daytime MBA Quick Facts

Start Date: August 2024
Duration: 22 months
Location: Durham, NC
Style: Cohort-based
Curriculum: General management, plus 17 concentrations, 2 certificates, and 5 dual degree options
Elective Options: 100+

false

Top Tip

We're a STEM-designated Program!

International students whose jobs meet certain requirements may have a total of up to 36 months to gain work experience in the U.S.

Teamwork at Fuqua
Video

Yes, this is business school.

true

Contact Us

Sign up for information about our Daytime MBA program.

Day in the Life of a Fuqua Daytime MBA Student
Video

#DayInTheLife of a Duke MBA

true
Daytime MBA

Admissions Information

Facts + Dates

Here's what you need to get started.

Read More about Admissions Facts + Dates

Application Instructions

We want to hear your story.

Read More about Application Instructions

Admission Events

Learn about Fuqua in person or online.

Read More about Events

Class Profile

See a snapshot of our current class.

Read More about the Class Profile

Tuition + Costs

Determine your investment.

Read More about Tuition + Costs

Financing Your Degree

Learn how to fund the program.

Read More about Financing Your Degree