FAQ

There are several common questions that current and prospective students often ask. We've tried to answer some of them for you here in an easy reference list.

The following information relates to our evening MBA and MS programs. For questions regarding our daytime MBA Sustainability program, visit mba.sustainability.duq.edu. For further questions about our other graduate programs, contact the Graduate Office.

What is the application deadline?

The deadline to apply for the Fall semester is May 1 (with all supporting documents in by June 1) and for the Spring semester is October 1 (with all supporting documents in by November 1).

Is the GMAT required for admission to the MBA program?

All applicants to the Donahue Graduate School of Business must submit standardized test scores for evaluation.

If I have a Master's degree is the GMAT required for admission to the MBA program?

Applicants may submit GRE scores in lieu of the GMAT if they have successfully completed a previous Master's degree that required the GRE for admission. Applicants should submit copies of the official test scores required for their previous master's degree and official graduate transcripts.

What are the application requirements?

Applicants are required to submit an official transcript from all undergraduate institutions attended (graduate transcripts if applicable), two letters of recommendation, an autobiographical statement, a current resume, and official GMAT scores. International applicants must submit official TOEFL scores in addition to the requirements stated above. 

More information about application requirements.

Is there a cut-off score for the TOEFL exam?

International applicants must receive a minimum score of 577 on the paper-based exam, 233 on the computer-based exam or 90 on the internet-based exam.

Is there a cut-off score for the GMAT?

Applicants are evaluated on their GMAT score, undergraduate transcripts, letters of recommendation, autobiographical statement and work experience. A GMAT score of 550 or better is desired for applicants to the Donahue Graduate School of Business.

Is a business background required to apply to the MBA program?

No. The Knowledge and Skills courses provide the business foundation needed for the MBA Core and elective courses.

Is a thesis part of the requirements?

A thesis is not required for the MBA program, but it is an option. If chosen, a successfully delivered thesis can count for up to six credits of electives.

Are comprehensive examinations required before graduation?

No comprehensive examinations exist in the current program.

Can I transfer credits from another graduate program?

Graduate courses taken at another AACSB accredited school may be transferred if content is similar to the Knowledge and Skills courses in the Duquesne University MBA program. Such coursework completed within ten years of application, with a grade of "B" or better, would waive the requirement for completion of the corresponding course. Elective credit may also be considered, transferring in credit for credit, as "advanced standing." No elective coursework utilized as a requirement to complete another graduate level degree will be considered for transfer.

What is the maximum number of credits allowed for transfer?

When approved, you may transfer up to 15 credits.

Is calculus required for the MBA program?

No, calculus is not a prerequisite for the MBA program.

Does the Graduate School of Business offer financial assistance?

Graduate assistantships are available on a competitive basis. Graduate Assistants are hired in three areas: assisting the faculty with academic research, tutoring undergraduate students in accounting and working in administrative offices (graduate, undergraduate or the Dean's office). Graduate Assistants receive up to nine credits of tuition remission per semester and a $600 stipend during the Fall and Spring semesters. The application deadlines for applying for graduate assistantships are June 1 for the Fall semester and November 1 for the Spring semester. Please note that you must be a full-time student in the evening program and maintain a minimum QPA of 3.5 to be eligible for an assistantship.

More information about financial aid.

What are the internship requirements?

Students must complete a majority of the Knowledge and Skills and MBA Core courses plus one elective in the area of their internship to be eligible for an internship (students should meet with an advisor to determine eligibility). For a three-credit internship, students are required to work a minimum of 150 hours during the semester, and submit biweekly reports to their faculty sponsor detailing their internship responsibilities. All internships are graded on a pass/fail basis. Internships completed for academic credit are subject to tuition and fee charges.

If you are interested in obtaining an internship, you will need to register with Career Services. Please contact Linda Loewer, the Internship Coordinator, at loewer@duq.edu for additional information.

Are tuition fees subject to change?

Tuition fees are assigned for an academic calendar year (may be subject to change each fall term.)

Are placement services available to aid in seeking employment?

Graduate students interested in career services information may access the Career Services website or contact the office directly at 412.396.6644.

How many credits are required for the MBA program?

The MBA program requires 57 credits for completion. However, a student may graduate with fewer credits if Knowledge and Skills courses are waived.

When are classes offered?

Classes are offered Monday thru Thursday evening beginning at 6:00 PM. A limited number of courses are offered in the afternoon and on Saturday. Off-site courses are offered two evenings per week depending on faculty availability and student preference.

How long does it take to complete the program?

On average, students attending full-time complete the program in two years. Students attending on a part-time basis normally complete the program in about three years. Students with a business background can complete the program in as little as 16 months attending on a full-time basis. Students with a business background attending on a part-time basis can complete the program in about two years. All requirements for the Master's Degree must be completed by the end of six calendar years after admission to a program.

Does Duquesne offer a full-time and part-time program?

Both full-time and part-time students register for the same courses. The number of credits for which a student registers each semester determines his/her status. Full-time students take eight credits or more while part-time students register for seven credits or less. Part-time students normally register for two classes per semester.

Are courses waived for students with a business background?

Students may receive waivers from Knowledge and Skills courses. All waivers that students receive will reduce, credit for credit, the number of credits needed to complete the program. The merits of each student's application regarding waivers will be made on a case-by-case basis. You may be eligible for waivers based on:

• Previous academic preparation (courses taken more than ten years prior to application to the Donahue Graduate School of Business cannot be considered for waiver purposes).
• Relevant professional work experience that includes formal on-the-job learning experiences that are consistent with the academic standards of the Graduate Business Program in terms of content, hours, and so forth.
• Taking and passing qualifying exams for specific Knowledge and Skills courses from which the student has not been waived.

The merits of each student's application regarding waivers will be made on a case-by-case basis. In addition to official transcripts, students should provide all information that may affect course waiver decisions when applying to the John F. Donahue Graduate School of Business.

How many credits are required for a concentration?

Students may complete 9-15 credits in their area of concentration.

What concentrations are offered in the MBA program?

There are 9 areas of concentration in our MBA program: Business Ethics, Environmental Management, Finance, Health Care Management, Human Resource Management, Information Systems Management, International Business, Marketing, and Supply Chain Management. A concentration is not required for the MBA program.

How many terms are offered per academic year?

Three. The Fall and Spring terms last 15 weeks. The summer term lasts 12 weeks. Selected courses meet eight weeks in the summer term.  A few business electives are offered during the summer term in a one week format (Monday through Friday, 9:00 AM to 4:30 PM).

How often are MBA courses offered?

Required courses are offered two terms per year and electives are offered on a rotating basis. Electives may appear more or less than once per academic year according to student demand and/or interest. Please refer to the course schedule for specific course offerings.