Frequently Asked Questions
Who can apply to Health Sector Management (HSM)?
Individuals who are pursuing a Duke MBA and are interested in the business of health care can apply to the HSM program. Please see the admissions page for more specific requirements or send an email to admissions-info@fuqua.duke.edu. The HSM Certificate Program is also available to Fuqua MBA alumni.
Must I apply separately to HSM?
No. Prospective HSM students may apply through The Duke MBA – Daytime, Weekend Executive, or Global Executive admissions process. Applications contain a section in which applicants may indicate their desire to pursue the HSM certificate. If Duke MBA applicants decide to pursue the HSM certificate after they have submitted their application, they may indicate their interest directly to the HSM program office.
Will applying to HSM affect my chances for admissions?
No. Students must meet all admissions requirements and must be accepted into one of the Fuqua MBA Programs in order to pursue an HSM certificate.
Consideration for the HSM program does not affect one’s candidacy in the application process for a Fuqua MBA Program.
May I meet with an HSM representative?
Yes. Prospective students should contact the HSM office at hsm@fuqua.duke.edu or 919.660.7989 if they are planning a campus visit and would like to schedule an appointment to meet with an HSM representative.
Will I study with HSM students exclusively?
HSM students join their larger cohort for the core MBA classes. HSM-specific classes consist mostly of HSM students, but some are open to all Fuqua students and those from other Duke programs, including engineering, basic science, public policy, medicine, law, clinical research, and global health.
How much does the HSM program cost?
For students enrolled in the Daytime MBA program, there is no additional cost to pursue an HSM Certificate.
For Executive MBA students and returning Fuqua alumni, there is additional tuition for the HSM Certificate. For specific tuition amounts, please use the following links for the applicable program: Global Executive students; Weekend Executive students; and alumni.
What are the backgrounds of HSM students?
HSM students come from a wide variety of backgrounds. This includes providers, payers, life sciences, and consulting. Many HSM students have health care experience, but this is not a requirement for the program.
What types of careers do HSM students typically pursue?
HSM students generally pursue careers in payer and provider organizations, biotech and pharma, and health care consulting, finance, and IT. They tend to assume positions in marketing, operations, strategic planning, and business development.
How many students are in the program?
There are more than 250 HSM students represented in the Duke MBA programs. The HSM cohort constitutes approximately 20 percent of the student population.
Are there separate requirements for joint degree students?
Joint degree Daytime students within HSM must complete the HSM course requirements.
Are there scholarships available to HSM students?
Yes. There are named scholarships at Fuqua specifically for Daytime students pursuing the HSM certificate. Recipients are selected by The Fuqua School of Business Financial Aid Committee at the time of admission as a merit scholarship; no special application is required.
I work in the pharmaceutical industry and only need to consider pharmaceutical issues. Your program is general, so will it address my needs?
HSM does offer courses that are specific to biotech and pharma. However, HSM students are also required to take courses that explore the breath and complexity of the entire health sector. It’s critical that pharmaceutical manufacturers understand the perspectives of payers and providers. The HSM program provides curriculum in all areas of the health sector, and also gives students a chance to interact with peers who will go on to work in these varying areas of health care. This provides a lifelong network of health care professionals with experience in key roles throughout the health sector who will be potential partners, stakeholders, or customers to your future employer.
I’m interested in working in a hospital or health system, is an MBA right for me?
An MBA helps students understand key business concepts from accounting and finance to management and operations. Furthermore, it will expose them to ideas from other sectors of the economy. Health care has much to learn from other sectors, such as reducing errors, controlling costs, and improving customer satisfaction. The Health Sector Management Program provides students with key concepts of managing health services in addition to a holistic understanding of the entire health sector. The Fuqua MBA, combined with a certificate in Health Sector Management, provides an excellent set of tools for a successful career.
What experience does your faculty have in understanding the business of health care?
The Fuqua School of Business has offered a Health Sector Management curriculum since 1991. This comprehensive program is a leader of its kind among top-tier business schools. Fuqua has internationally recognized faculty who offer students an interdisciplinary learning experience. Visit the faculty listing and faculty research page for more information.
Fuqua also enjoys a strong relationship with the top-ranked Duke University Medical Center, as well as the Duke schools of law, engineering, public policy, and the Duke Global Health Institute. Fuqua draws upon these connections to bring excellent faculty to HSM.
When do HSM courses begin?
Health Institutions, Systems and Policy, also known as “HSM Bootcamp,” is a required two-credit course that takes place each July before the official start of the fall term. This course is required for all HSM students.
Students in the Executive MBA and the Alumni Certificate programs may choose to take the course in residency, via distance, or through a combination of both.
Students in the Weekend Executive and Global Executive programs begin their HSM coursework in either July of their first year, or the following February.