Application Requirements

Application Fee

An application fee of US$75 is required. Paid by credit card within your online application.

Fee Waivers

We offer application fee waivers in a limited number of situations, and many are automatic. If a request is required, it must be submitted before an application is submitted. Fees paid before a waiver is requested and confirmed cannot be refunded.

These waiver opportunities are available:

Transcript

Applicants

Applicants are required to have completed a bachelor's degree before enrolling in the program.

Before submitting an application, applicants are required to upload one (1) copy of a scanned unofficial transcript from each institution attended. Admitted applicants send official transcripts at the time of admission.

Important notes

• Illegible scans will not be accepted. Take care that scanned documents are legible before uploading
• Official English translations must accompany documents, not in English
• Official English translations must bear an original ink signature and seal
• Translations alone will not be accepted
• For institutions not using a 4.0 system, an estimated GPA and grade scale are required
  

Uploading Transcripts

• Check with your institution's registrar to see if electronic transcripts are offered
• Paper transcripts must be scanned and uploaded
• Upload your institution's web-based academic record, if available.

Important notes

• Make sure your file text is oriented vertically
• Make sure that all critical and identifying marks have been scanned and are legible. These include the institution's name, your name, the names of your courses and the grades you have received.
• Make sure that your file is in MS Word or PDF format
• Make sure that your file does not exceed 1.5 MB.
• To minimize file size, you may scan your file at the lowest legible resolution and in black-and-white

Once you have uploaded your file, click the "View Document" button to ensure that what you've uploaded is legible throughout.

If you cannot upload a legible unofficial transcript, you will be asked to have an official transcript mailed to Duke. Contact us for help. This is a variation of our standard process and will delay review of your application.

Applicants from China and India may find these Transcript Guidelines helpful.

Grade Scale

Your Grade Scale—also known as a grading system, score system, or percentage system—tells us what your grades mean.

It does not need to convert to a 4.0 scale but should show differentiation between passing scores and indicate a failing score at your institution. It should also explain other marks on your transcript, such as Withdrawal, Audit, or Incomplete.

Please upload to us the official scale your institution uses. This can be the reverse side of your transcript, a screenshot of the registrar’s guidelines, or an excerpt from your transcript.

Please review these examples.

Grade Scale Examples

Reverse of Transcript From a US institution

Reverse of Transcript from an Indian Institution

Example from an Indian Institution

Example from a Chinese Institution

Excerpt from Chinese Institution, in Both Chinese and English

Short-Answer Essays

Provide responses in your online application

Degree Program Applicants: 3 Short-Answer Essay Questions

1. We  can learn about your past experiences from your resume, but we’re interested in your plans. Why are you most interested in pursuing the Master of Engineering Management (MEM) degree from Duke University?
2. Professionalism & The Five Principles are the pillars of the Duke MEM program. Choose one (1) principle and explain how you plan to contribute in that way at Duke MEM and beyond.
3. Does any elective track within the Duke MEM program fit your needs? If so, which one and why? If not, and understanding you are free to change your mind later, list 3-4 electives within or outside MEM and how they will help you meet your career goals.

Certificate Program Applicants: 1 Short-Answer Essay Question

• We can learn about your past experiences from your resume, but we’re interested in your future plans. Why are you most interested in pursuing the Business Foundations certificate from Duke University?

Résumé

We require a résumé that highlights experience, activities, and leadership

It can include experience on the job, in the classroom, in a volunteer setting, or a club or organization.

Work experience is not required for the campus program, but current undergraduates can focus on any internship experience.

If you have a preferred format, please use it. If you don't, you might find it helpful to view sample resumes from Duke Engineering Management students:

• Each includes the student's resume before and after the program (you may even find a typo in the "before" version)
• Notice the kind of information highlighted

Generally, students with little experience should be able to get down to a maximum of two pages.

Letters of Recommendation

For master's degree applicants: We require three (3) letters of recommendation.

Non-degree and certificate applicants: We require two (2) letters of recommendation.

Recommendations must be submitted electronically in the online application. These can be academic or professional. If you’re still a student, at least one should be academic. If you’re a working professional, it’s fine for all three to be professional.

When choosing academic recommendation providers, don’t simply choose those professors who gave you the highest grades. Instead, think about selecting those who can give insight into your preparedness for the program. Give them an overview of the program, a copy of your resume and an understanding of your goals.

In the online application, you will be required to enter the contact information of your recommenders—including your email address. The recommenders will, in turn, be emailed a link from which they will access the online recommendation form and be allowed to upload a letter in support of your application.

Important note

You may submit your application if your recommendation providers haven't yet submitted their recommendations. Our online application system will continue to match your material after submission.

Video Introduction

Your Duke application includes a required video introduction in which you'll answer one question.

The question prompt will be shown to you, and you will have at least 60 seconds to prepare. You do not have to use it the entire time.

Be sure to relax! The purpose of the video introduction is simply to get to know you better. It is only one part of your overall application.

 Please note that if you have submitted more than one application to Duke's Pratt School of Engineering, you may see more than one question:

• For the Master of Engineering Management application, use the question labeled "Pratt"
• For a Master of Science or PhD application, use the question labeled "Engineering"

Interview

Interviews are by invitation only

While interviews allow us to learn more about you, they also allow you to learn more about Duke and see if this program is right for you. There will be time for your questions during the interview—use it!

Important Notes

• You may not request an interview
• Interviews are completed in the weeks before the decision notification date
• An invitation to interview does not guarantee admission
• We use Zoom or WebEx videoconferencing for interviews
• Before the interview, Duke will email you a videoconference link via Slate Scheduler

How to Prepare for the Video Interview

1. Use a laptop or desktop computer. No smartphones, please
2. Use a headset with an integrated microphone. To keep background noise low, do not rely on your computer's mic and speakers
3. Connect to a reliable internet source. Free or public wireless internet is discouraged
4. On the day, fully check the following:

• Headset mic and sound levels
• Battery charge and/or power plug connection

English Language Testing

Duolingo is preferred

The Duolingo English Test is the preferred language testing option of the Admissions & Recruiting team at the Pratt School of Engineering. For more information on the Duolingo English Test, visit the Duolingo website at englishtest.duolingo.com/applicants.

Why Duolingo?

• Costs a fraction of the other leading language assessments
• Offers reduced test time
• Is a convenient, secure at-home exam
• Is accepted by universities around the world
• Provides results within 48 hours of exam completion
• Your results can be shared with unlimited institutions at no extra cost

Plus, Duolingo seamlessly integrates with your application to the Pratt School of Engineering. It provides a further dimension to your candidacy by allowing for video interviews and writing samples to be captured and viewed by the admissions committee. As such, if you do attend Pratt School of Engineering, you will not have to be additionally assessed for language classes when you submit a Duolingo English Test as part of your application.

Important Notices

• All international students may be required to take English placement exams prior to the start of classes, pending their language score submission provided in their application for admission to the Pratt School of Engineering
• Submitting Duolingo English Test scores will allow students to waive additional placement exams. Depending on placement results, students are either exempt from, or placed into, English course(s). Students with English course requirements must make satisfactory progress toward completing these requirements while in the program
• If you opt to submit scores from other standardized assessments, you may be required to complete additional language testing upon acceptance into our programs

How to Report Your Score

You must send official score reports to Duke, and they must be received before the deadline.

It can take several weeks for scores to arrive at schools, so you should plan to take the test or order prior scores at least one month before the deadline you seek

Duolingo

Report official scores and subscores:

• "Graduate" program type, and
• “Duke University Graduate Programs: Graduate School; Divinity; Engineering; Environment; Public Policy; Duke Kunshan”
  — Important notes: There is no institution code. Also, score reports without subscores will not be accepted. If you are not sure how to include subscores in your score report, please contact Duolingo English Test support on the Duolingo English Test website.

Other Tests

TOEFL

Report scores to Institution Code 5156 (Duke University). [Note: There is no department code.]

IELTS

Report scores to "Duke University Pratt School of Engineering."

We receive IELTS scores from:

• Educational Testing Service (ETS)
• Cambridge ESOL
• British Council
• IDP: IELTS Australia

Name Discrepancies

Because we match scores by an applicant's name, the name on your application and on your test scores must be the same. If it is not, you must contact u

Waiver of English Language Testing

We offer waivers of English language testing to those applicants who:

Are citizens of:

OR

Have studied full-time for two years or more at a college or university where the sole language of instruction is English and in a country where English is the primary spoken language. The two years of study must be completed before the start of the program

OR

Have earned an undergraduate degree at Duke Kunshan University (DKU)

OR

Have worked full-time for a minimum of two years in Australia, Canada, the United States, or the United Kingdom after receipt of an undergraduate degree

By Education or Work

If you believe you qualify for a waiver based on the education or work criteria, indicate this in the waiver section of your online application and then answer the questions about where you completed the study or work requirement.

Important Notice

Due to the volume of applications we receive, we will not examine, confirm the status of, or grant any waiver requests before extending an offer of admission. However, if your request is not granted, we will try to notify you as soon as possible to give you time to take the test.  Therefore, it is in your best interest to apply in the earliest round for each admission cycle. 

English Placement Exams

All international students may be required to take oral and written English placement exams administered at Duke prior to the start of classes.

These exams are independent of the score submission requirement. Depending on placement results, students are either exempt from, or placed into, English course(s). Students with English course requirements must make satisfactory progress toward completing these requirements while in the program.

GRE Test Scores

The GRE is optional for the 2024 application cycle

Duke has waived the Graduate Record Examination (GRE) test score requirement for the 2024 application cycle. 

Applicants may still submit GRE scores if they feel the scores enhance their application, and we will accept results from ETS' GRE at home. However, if you choose to enter self-reported test scores, official test scores will become a required application component.

Applicants may provide official GRE (Graduate Record Examination) results. We do not require a minimum score.

Important Notes

• Your scores must not be more than five years old
• Official score reports must be sent to us directly from Educational Testing Service (ETS)
• Not accepted: Personal copies, "attested" copies, or notarized copies
• Use Institution Code 5156 and Department Code 5199 for "any department not listed"
  — If you have chosen a different department code, your scores should still be available within the database of scores at Duke. You should not need to resend your scores
• Your scores must arrive at our office before the application deadline
  — ETS can take several weeks to send electronic scores to schools, so you should plan to take the test or order prior scores at least one month before the deadline you seek
• For further information, please visit gre.org

Name Discrepancies

Because we match the scores by an applicant's name, the name on your application and on your test scores must be the same. If it is not, you must contact us.

Dual-degree candidates

Generally, the Duke Master of Engineering Management requires the GRE for all applicants. However, an exception is made for dual-degree candidates in programs at Duke. Please contact us for more information.

Information For International Applicants

Unlike many schools, Duke does not require financial support documents as part of the application process.

Instead, students submit this information after being admitted and decide to enroll in the program, as Duke does not automatically issue I-20s to students upon admission. Enrolling students will receive directions from Admissions after accepting Duke's offer.

Information for Non-Engineers

Duke's Master of Engineering Management programs sometimes admits non-engineers, if they meet course prerequisites and have sufficient background for the program.

Specifically, we look for the completion of required courses in math and technical areas:

Mathematics

• Calculus I
• Calculus II
• Calculus III or Statistics or other Math courses beyond Calculus II

Technical

• A minimum of two (2) courses in engineering, computer science, mathematical science, or physical science; more are preferred.

How to Pay Your Enrollment Deposit

Deposits are due by April 15

When you become an admitted student, you officially reserve your place at Duke by paying a non-refundable US$600 Enrollment Deposit.

This enrollment deposit is for students who have been accepted into a Master of Engineering (MEng) or Master of Engineering Management (MEM) program (online or on-campus) at the Duke Engineering Institute for Enterprise Engineering.

Click to Submit Enrollment Deposit »

Note: Enrollment deposit and decisions are due by April 15, via the Admitted Students Portal.

Important Notes

• Only credit card payments are accepted
• For those deferring to another semester, you must pay your deposit first
• Duke does not accept credit card payments for tuition and fees. For details, see the Duke Payment Policy