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. All requests 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

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 (.doc) or PDF (.pdf) format
• Make sure that your file does not exceed 1.5 MB in size.
• To minimize file size, you may: Scan your file at the lowest legible DPI (Usually under 200) 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 from our standard process and will delay the 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 see the examples below.

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

3 Short-Answer Essays

Three (3) short essays are required. Applicants provide these responses in the online application.

Short-Answer Essay Questions

1. We  can learn about your past experiences from your resume, but we’re interested in learning about 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 principle and explain how you plan to contribute in that way at Duke MEM and beyond.
3. Do any of the elective tracks within the Duke MEM program appear to 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.

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.

3 Letters of Recommendation

We require three (3) letters of recommendation for master's degree programs. Recommendations must be submitted electronically in the online application.

Non-degree applicants are required to submit two (2) letters of recommendation.

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, along with 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 of preparation time. You do not have to use it the entire time.

Note: If you have mutliple applications in our system, you may see mutiple questions. For the MEM application, use the question labeled Pratt. For an MS or PhD application, use the question labeled Engineering.

Please relax and know this is a nerve-wracking experience for everyone! However, it is only one part of your overall application, and we are simply using it to get to know you better.

Interview

We may invite some candidates to interview before an admission decision can be posted.

Please note:

• Interviews are by invitation only
• You may not request an interview. Instead, selected applicants will be invited to interview and given instructions
• Interviews are conducted by staff members and are generally completed in the weeks before our decision notification date. See below for Interview Tips
• An interview does not guarantee admission.

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!

Interview Tips

1. Duke uses Slate Scheduler and/or Zoom or WebEx to conduct video interviews.
2. You must log in to the interview via computer. The system does not work with mobile devices such as smartphones
3. The system requires reliable internet access. Free and public wireless signals should not be used. A hard-wired cable may provide a clearer connection
4. We encourage you to use a headset with a microphone during the video interview. A headset will prevent background noise from overpowering your voice. You may find it helpful to mute yourself when you're not talking
5. Check sound settings so that you’re ready when the interview starts. If you are using headphones with a microphone, make sure those components are selected over your computer’s default audio
6. Don’t let your computer die mid-question. Charge your computer fully or plug it in during the interview
7. Duke will send to your email a link from Slate Scheduler
8. Slate Scheduler tip: Once you click the link to join the interview, you also must also click on the "Connect" button in the corner of the screen

English Language Testing

Duke will accept Duolingo English Test examinations results for the 2023 application cycle

In response to the temporary closings of testing centers in countries affected by the COVID-19 pandemic, Duke's MEM program will also accept Duolingo English Test examination results for the 2023 application cycle as an alternative to TOEFL and IELTS examinations.

Only Duolingo English Test scores with subscores will be accepted. If you took the test before July 15, 2019, you will need to retake the test to comply with the subscores requirement.

As an international student, much of your success in graduate study in the United States depends on your ability to understand, read, write, and speak English. Therefore, we require that international applicants submit official test scores unless they meet one of the waiver criteria below.

For all other students, if your native language is not English, you must submit an official score on either the Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL) or the International English Language Testing System (IELTS) exam. We do not require a minimum score.

Reporting 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.

• TOEFL: Report official scores to Institution Code 5156 (Duke University)
  (Note: There is no department code.)

• IELTS: Report official scores to "Duke University Pratt School of Engineering"

• Duolingo: Report official scores and subscores to:
  1. "Graduate" program type, and
  2. “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.)

Name Discrepancies

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

We receive TOEFL scores electronically from the Educational Testing Service, and IELTS results via mail from:

• Cambridge ESOL
• British Council
• IDP: IELTS Australia

Waiver of English Language Testing

We offer TOEFL/IELTS waivers to those:

• Who are citizens of any of the following countries—
  • Antigua and Barbuda
  • Australia
  • Bahamas
  • Barbados
  • Bermuda
  • Canada
  • Grenada
  • Guyana
  • Ireland
  • Jamaica
  • New Zealand
  • Saint Kitts and Nevis
  • Saint Vincent and the Grenadines
  • Singapore
  • Trinidad and Tobago
  • United Kingdom (UK)

OR

• Who 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

• Who 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

Waivers based on citizenship are automatic. 

If you believe you qualify for a TOEFL/IELTS waiver based on the education or work criteria, indicate this and then answer the questions in the TOEFL/IELTS Waiver section of your online application that require you to state where you completed the study or work requirement.

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 TOEFL/IELTS/Duolingo 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 2023 application cycle

Duke has waived the Graduate Record Examination (GRE) test score requirement for the 2023 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 we receive by an applicant's name, your name on the application and your name on your test scores be the same. If it is not, you must contact us.

Dual-degree candidates

Generally, the Duke MEM Program requires the GRE for all applicants. However, an exception is made for dual-degree candidates in programs at Duke University. 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 courses in engineering, computer science, mathematical science, or physical science; more are preferred.