The Palumbo-Donahue School of Business at Duquesne University prepares students to make a difference. Our approach to business education is based on a philosophy that responsible, ethical leadership in business creates a better society for all. The School balances its distinguished history with a focus on the future.
The Palumbo-Donahue School of Business challenges students to reach their potential in a dynamic, intellectually exciting environment that is driven by Duquesne's century-long commitment to an ethical perspective in one's professional and personal life, and an emphasis on teaching excellence. The search for continuous improvement is a process that emphasizes an understanding of the interdisciplinary nature of business, a desire to exceed the expectations of our constituents, scholarship focusing on real business problems and creative academic-business partnerships.
About
From the School
Contact & Visit
Admissions Office Contact
Campus and Location
Duquesne students enjoy a 50-acre, park-like campus overlooking Pittsburgh, a vibrant city, rich in culture and characterized by its rivers and hillsides, international corporations and ethnic neighborhoods. A national leader in higher education, health care, robotics, financial services, green building and technology, Pittsburgh is a great place to study, live and work. The city and region provide a perfect laboratory for off-campus learning and community service.
A wide variety of entertainment and recreational opportunities are just a few minutes away from campus. Over the last five years, Pittsburgh earned inclusion in over 25 national and international rankings, including Top 4 Metro for STEM Professionals (WalletHub), Best Cities in the US (National Geographic), Next Best Startup City in the US (Inc.), Top Friendliest Cities in America (Travel + Leisure), and America's Best City for Global Trade (Global Trade). These rankings reflect Pittsburgh's globally-recognized economic and cultural opportunities, which our students take advantage of on a daily basis.
Facilities
The School's Institutes and Centers for Excellence support the project-based, high impact, difference-making education we offer our students. The focal points for both student learning and academic research include: the Albert P. Viragh Institute for Ethics in Business, the Investment Strategy Institute, the Institute for Sustainable Business Innovation, and the Centers for Excellence in Entrepreneurship, Leadership in Professional Selling, and Supply Chain Management.
These Centers support innovative research and applied educational experiences for students as well as promote interaction with local business leaders and entrepreneurs. We give our students the skills they need to act entrepreneurially, sell effectively and manage sustainable supply chains while also enhancing job creation and workforce development in the region.
Of particular importance, all students have access to our Investment Strategy Institute where they manage real money using state-of-the-art financial software. The institute provides a wide range of analytical software that allows real-time access to stocks, bonds, futures, currencies and options markets. This includes Wharton Research Data Services (WRDS), the most powerful software platform anywhere for collecting financial data and conducting financial research.
Contact
Chris Rouhier
Senior Director, Admissions & Recruitment
Senior Director, Admissions & Recruitment
Address
600 Forbes Avenue
706 Rockwell Hall
Pittsburgh, PA 15282
United States
706 Rockwell Hall
Pittsburgh, PA 15282
United States
Phone
412-396-6276
Fax
412-396-1726
Email
grad-bus@duq.edu
Save SchoolAdmissions
Admissions
Overview
From The School
The Palumbo-Donahue School of Business reviews applications on a rolling basis. Typically, completed applications are reviewed within 5-7 business days and students receive an admission decision immediately thereafter. Professional MBA students may be considered for admission through the first week of classes. MBA-SBP applicants must be admitted prior to the start of program orientation (late May; the exact date varies from year to year). Typically, MBA-SBP students are encouraged to apply by February 1 in order to be considered for the maximum sources of financial aid.
All applicants are required to submit a resume/CV, essays (statements of purpose are not accepted), all official transcripts, and two letters of recommendation. The GMAT/GRE is required, but may be waived based on a candidate's previous academic accomplishments or professional experience. An interview is also required for MBA-SBP applicants.
Applicants: 20
Acceptance Rate: 100%
Average Undergrad GPA 3.42
Years Work Experience: 1
Average Age: 24
Test Scores
GMAT (25th and 75th percentiles)
400 - 470
GPA
3.24 - 3.67
Deadlines
Rolling Admission Deadline
May 15
Round 1
November 1
Round 2
February 1
Other Admission Factors
Academic
Non-Academic
Interviews
School Type And Accreditation
School Type
Private
AACSB-approved
Yes
Selectivity Rating
Academics
Academics
Overall
From the School
Degrees Offered
The Palumbo-Donahue School of Business offers two MBA programs, four specialized master's degrees, three stackable master's certificates, and one micro-credential.
Our Professional MBA (PMBA) program can be completed on-campus, 100% online, or combination of both. Typically, students complete the program in 4-6 semesters with a schedule designed to accommodate their busy lives and responsibilities. Fundamental classes in finance, accounting, statistics, and economics are built into the curriculum to provide support to students who are new to business education or returning after an absence; these classes can be waived for students who have earned a B- or better in recent, relevant coursework.
The PMBA combines a robust core curriculum with unique classes that provide interaction with seasoned corporate executives and a consulting experience. The program offers a variety of joint degree pathways and stackable certificates in entrepreneurship, analytics & information management, and supply chain management; these latter two certificates can be completed as part of a STEM-designated pathway. New students can enroll in fall (August), spring (January), or summer (May) terms.
The MBA-Sustainable Business Practices (MBA-SBP) is a unique, career-accelerating one-year, full-time MBA with daytime courses. The program's integration of sustainability into business disciplines aligns with the Palumbo-Donahue School of Business's mission – "The Business of Difference Making" – that educates well-qualified business leaders who will make a difference in their communities and the world. The MBA-SBP's consulting engagements, professional development courses, and international experiences leave graduates well-prepared for career success.
The MBA-SBP attracts a diverse population of learners, ranging from recent graduates to seasoned leaders with years of professional experience. Typically, nearly half of the program cohort come from non-business academic backgrounds. The program offers pre-modules in accounting, finance, statistics, and sustainability to ensure that all students will have the knowledge they need for success in the program. New students start the program in May and graduate the following May.
Special Academic Programs
Duquesne offers GMAT/GRE waivers for qualified candidates:
- Academic Waiver for applicants to the PMBA, MBA-SBP, MS-SCM, MC-SCM, MAcc and MS-AIM, MC-AIM programs who graduated from an AACSB-accredited business school within the past 10 years and earned a 3.25 or greater cumulative GPA. Exceptions are made on a case-by case basis for those graduating with an undergraduate degree from a non-AACSB accredited program.
Applicants for all programs except those to the MAcc program who graduated in an engineering discipline from an ABET-accredited school within the past 10 years and earned a 3.25 GPA or greater cumulative GPA may qualify.
Applicants to the MSM who graduated within the past 10 years and earned a 3.25 or greater cumulative GPA in any field or discipline may also qualify.
- Professional Experience Waiver for applicants, except those to the MAcc program, who have five or more years of continuous, full-time professional work experience. Factors considered in the waiver decision include the type and substance of work experience and the academic record as indicated on official transcripts.
- Master's/Terminal Degree Waiver for applicants who have previously earned a graduate degree. Factors considered in the waiver decision include the program of study and your academic record as indicated on official transcripts.
- Executive Education Waiver for applicants who have previously completed Executive Education programs at Duquesne University. Other factors included in the waiver decision include the academic record as indicated on official transcripts.
Faculty
Passionate Faculty with Practical Experience
You will learn from professors who are renowned scholars as well as executives with decades of diverse industry experience. We take a personalized approach to learning, guided by advisory councils of distinguished leaders.
Executives-in-Residence
Our students often cite Executive Insights as one of their favorite and most beneficial courses during the MBA program. Each week features a different C-level executive from a variety of industries. The course draws on the collective experience and wisdom of these distinguished business leaders to provide students with executive perspectives on the challenges associated with strategic leadership: developing a vision, motivating organizational change and thinking entrepreneurially.
Program Types
Full-Time
Yes
Part-Time
Yes
Evening
Yes
Executive
No
Online
Yes
Faculty Information
Student/Faculty
23:1
Total Faculty
62
83
Full-time
40
Female
17
Part-time
14
Underrepresented Minorities
Students Say
Duquesne University’s Donahue School of Business is unique because of its emphasis on sustainability and business ethics. Duquesne’s award-winning, full-time, one-year MBA Sustainability is its star program, drawing students who understand sustainability is “a global business imperative.” One student in this “outstanding” program says it will “open a lot of doors as the business world continues to evolve.” Duquesne’s other MBA programs are also strong. Its professional evening MBA allows students to work and participate in various academic and professional enrichment activities. All students are required to take a foundational core of classes but can take electives or add a concentration in the following areas: Finance, Management, Marketing, and Supply Chain Management. The school also offers master ’s programs in Accounting, Information Systems Management, Management, and Sports Business, along with joint-MBA degree programs.
Duquesne is devoted to teaching and supporting ethical business practices, and all students are required to take an “Applied Business Ethics” course. The Institute for Ethics in Business promotes “business ethics, responsible financial management, and sustainability in the global marketplace,” and hosts the Distinguished Ethics Speaker Series. The “varied work backgrounds of [my fellow] students” and the presence of international students ensure everyone is exposed to global viewpoints.
Teamwork is a big part of academic life at Duquesne, where “small class sizes” allow students to work with each other on rewarding projects “that collaborate across all classes.” Professors are “enthusiastic” and “knowledgeable in their respective fields,” and bring “real-world application to the material.” They are “friendly” and “accessible,” and “show a genuine interest in the success of their students.” Students looking to enrich their academic experience or become more involved in the school can apply for a graduate assistantship. These competitive appointments employ students in one of three areas: assisting with faculty research; tutoring in accounting, economics, finance, or statistics; or working in administrative offices. Students are not eligible for these positions until they are accepted, and they must maintain a 3.5 GPA while holding them.
Concentrations
JD/MBA - Dual Degree
MS/MBA - Dual Degree
MS/MBA - Dual Degree
Specialized Masters
Accounting
Analytics and Information Management
Business Administration
Data Analytics
Data Science
Finance
Healthcare Administration
Leadership/Management
Media/Entertainment Sports Management
Pharmaceutical Management
Supply Chain Management
Sustainability Management
Analytics and Information Management
Business Administration
Data Analytics
Data Science
Finance
Healthcare Administration
Leadership/Management
Media/Entertainment Sports Management
Pharmaceutical Management
Supply Chain Management
Sustainability Management
Certificate Programs
Analytics and Information Management
Entrepreneurship
Finance
Leadership/Management
Strategy & Leadership
Supply Chain Management
Entrepreneurship
Finance
Leadership/Management
Strategy & Leadership
Supply Chain Management
Center for Research
Entrepeneurship
Finance
Investment Banking
Supply Chain Management
Finance
Investment Banking
Supply Chain Management
Specialities of Faculty
Academic specialties of faculty
URL
Entrepreneurship
Ethics in Business
Supply Chain Management
Professional Selling
Sustainable Business Innovation
Investment Strategy
Small Business Development Center
Sustainability
Courses in Sustainability
Yes
Sustainability course is
Required
Description
https://www.duq.edu/academics/colleges-and-schools/business/degrees-and-programs/graduate/mba-programs/one-year-mba/index.php
Our top-ranked One-Year MBA-Sustainable Business Practices program will provides students with a transformational experience in just one year. Experiential learning opportunities throughout the program encourage students to challenge assumptions and conventional thinking. Students will:
-Learn how to integrate sustainability in all dimensions of business from top-ranked faculty
-Develop innovative solutions for organizations with hands-on consulting projects that consider the 'triple bottom line' (i.e., Social, Environmental and Financial impact of decisions)
-Gain a global perspective on sustainability with an international study trip
Advance career with career resources that will set you up for success
Research Opportunities in Sustainability
Yes
Description
Several fellowships are offered to students to engage in sustainability research with faculty:
*Sustainability Fellowships are awarded to work on research and publication projects with faculty;
*Eugene P. Beard Sustainability Fellowships are awarded to work on groundbreaking research related to the ethical management of financial, social, environmental and informational resources;
*Small Business Development Fellowships are available to support Duquesne's efforts to advance sustainability practices with small and start-up businesses in the region;
*Coverdell Peace Corps Fellowships are offered to returned Peace Corps Volunteers to work on a self-designed local initiative that serves the Peace Corps' "third goal"
https://duq.edu/academics/schools/business/graduate/admissions-and-events/financial-awards-and-scholarships/mba-programs
School's environmental commitment 1:
Duquesne University's One-Year MBA emphasizes management of financial, social, environmental and informational capital for prosperity today, without compromising tomorrow. This one-year MBA, earned with a concentration in sustainable business practices, integrates rigorous coursework in all business disciplines with global best practices in sustainability.
School's environmental commitment 2:
Practical, problem-solving consulting engagements anchor the One-Year curriculum and serve as proving ground for applying cutting-edge tools and classroom learning to solve contemporary sustainability challenges. From analyzing carbon footprints and greenhouse gas emissions to designing zero waste initiatives and marketing plans for environmentally friendly products, MBA students make an immediate financial impact for multinational, regional and not-for-profit clients while minimizing environmental risks and impacts. One-Year MBA students also have a mandatory full immersion study trip that includes interface with academic and corporate partners abroad to learn first-hand about best practices, government policies and challenges in environmental sustainability through field work in international cultures.
School's environmental commitment 3:
Duquesne was among the first 100 signatories of the Principles for Responsible Management Education (PRME), a United Nations global compact to develop ?future generators of sustainable value.? Our One-Year MBA is fully aligned with all six principles, and our professional and Master of Science programs incorporate the values of global social and environmental responsibility into curricula, research, case studies and activities.
Careers
Careers
Career Overview
From The School
MBA students have access to a career advisor who is there to help them prepare and execute a plan to search for jobs or to advance in their current career. All of our graduate students have the opportunity to attend a Professional Development Practicum course (required for MBA-SBP students) that focuses on success skill development and job search preparation. In addition, the School of Business routinely offers networking opportunities with alumni and employers. These efforts are supported by Duquesne's Center for Career Development, which provides professional development, networking, and on-campus recruiting opportunities university-wide. In 2019, 83% of our job-seeking graduates found a position within six months of graduation.
Accepted employment by 3 months after graduation
50%
Graduates Employed by Area of Practice
50%
Other
38%
Finance/Accounting
13%
Consulting
Graduates Employed by Region
50%
Mid-Atlantic
25%
Northeast
13%
Midwest
13%
Southwest
Students Say
The Donahue School of Business does not have its own student career office, so students use the University’s Career Services Center, which serves the rest of the school. The center hosts career fairs, networking events, and on-campus interviews for students at all levels. It also provides resume help and career counseling. However, some students would like to see “better alumni networking and career services for graduate students.”
Duquesne’s “excellent reputation” means it is able to attract a wide range of companies to its events. Employers who recently visited campus include Allegheny Technologies, Alcoa, Bank of New York Mellon, Deloitte, PNC Bank, PricewaterhouseCoopers, T. Rowe Price, US Steel, Westinghouse.
Job Function
| Job Function | % of Grads Seeking Employment Who Accept Jobs w/in 3 Months |
Median Salary | Mean Salary | Low Base Salary | High Base Salary |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Other | 50% | ||||
| Finance / Accounting | 38% | ||||
| Consulting | 13% |
Industries
| Industries | % of Grads Seeking Employment Who Accept Jobs w/in 3 Months |
Median Salary | Mean Salary | Low Base Salary | High Base Salary |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Consulting | 12% | ||||
| Consumer Products | 12% | ||||
| Financial Services | 12% | ||||
| Government | 12% | ||||
| Manufacturing | 12% | ||||
| Petroleum / Energy | 12% | ||||
| Pharmaceutical / Biotechnology / Healthcare | 12% |
Prominent Alumni
Nicholas J. DeIuliis
President, CONSOL Energy Inc.
Stephan Schenk
EVP & Head of Shared Services, Toronto Dominion
R. Anne Herman
VP, Global Operational Excellence & Chief Customer Officer, MSA
Steve Costabile
Managing Director & Global Head of Private Funds Group, PineBridge Investments
M. Beth Straka
Senior Vice President, Corporate Communications & Investor Relations, WEC Energy Group
Tuition & Aid
Tuition & Aid
Overview
From The School
Professional MBA: $1,336/credit*
MBA-Sustainable Business Practices: $17,896/semester ($53,688 total)
Financial Aid:
*25% Award (Professional MBA only): Reduces tuition by 25* as long as a student registers for at least six credits.
Merit-Based Scholarships (MBA – Sustainable Business Practices only): Typically range from $4,000 to $9,000 and are awarded to incoming MBA-SBP students based on academic performance, professional experience, and GMAT/GRE scores (if submitted).
Fellowships (MBA – Sustainable Business Practices only): Research fellowships awarded to MBA-SBP students based on academic performance, professional experience, and GMAT/GRE scores (required for consideration).
Graduate Assistantships: A limited number of Graduate Assistantships are awarded to full-time students. Students receive up to 60% tuition remission in exchange for working 10-20 hours per week in research, administrative roles, or in the University's Small Business Development Center.
Endowed Scholarships: A very limited number of endowed scholarships are available to MBA students. Qualifications vary based on the donor's wishes. Contact the Graduate School of Business for more information.
Dates
Application Deadlines
May 1
Financial Aid Statistics
Average Aid Package
$17,418
Average Scholarship / Grant Aid Package
$12,618
Students Receiving Some Form Of Aid
100%
All Students Receiving Scholarships / Grants
90%
New Students Receiving Some Form Of Aid
100%
New Students Receiving Scholarships / Grants
90%
New Students Receiving Loans
20%
Tuition Full-Time (per year)
Tuition (In-State)
$57,090
Tuition (Out-State)
$57,090
Fees (In-State)
$0
Fees (Out-State)
$0
Tuition Part-Time (per credit hour)
Tuition (In-State)
$1,464
Tuition (Out-State)
$1,464
Fees (In-State)
$0
Fees (Out-State)
$0
Student Body
Student Body
Student Body Profile
Total Full-Time Enrollment
20
Part Time
74%
In State
70.0%
Out of State
30.0%
Foreign Countries Represented
1
Demographics
70% female
30% male
Campus Life
From The School
Graduate business students at the Palumbo-Donahue School of Business attain a first-rate education and build close relationships with professors and classmates. Our gold status rated Net Impact chapter includes a community of students and professionals that are creating positive social and environmental change in the workplace and world. The mission of our chapter is to inspire, educate, and equip individuals to use the power of business to create a more socially and environmentally sustainable world. Students are presented with opportunities to participate in case competitions, which provide an excellent opportunity to hone analytical and presentation skills, while competing against students from other top programs. Students can also become involved in the Duquesne Business Society or as a student ambassador. The Palumbo-Donahue School of Business also has a Beta Alpha Psi chapter, the premier national honorary accounting fraternity. The fraternity sponsors professional growth and development programs as well as community and University service activities. For an insider's look at the MBA Sustainable Business Practices program, visit the student blog.
Students Say
“The greatest strengths of Duquesne are the students,” who are “enthusiastic, innova- tive, hard working, competitive and very smart.” One student described his peers as “young professionals” who want to take their careers “to the next level.”
Many students commute and work part- or full-time, which means classes are filled with people with “interesting and diverse” professional experience. “I appreciate the varied work backgrounds of my fellow students,” one student says. “It helps to provide insight to other industries and fields.”
Despite its large commuter population, the school still manages to provide a “close-knit community” and a “personal” educational experience. One commuter says that even students who live off campus feel like they live on campus because they’re “constantly in the buildings.” Students love Duquesne’s location in downtown Pittsburgh, which makes the school “convenient for working professionals” and puts students in “close proximity to downtown Pittsburgh’s business and professional climate.” The school is also “close to some of the most popular entertainment districts” of Pittsburgh “as well as within a five-mile radius of four other colleges,” so there are lots of opportunities for socializing and meeting people.
More Information
% of Classrooms with Internet Access
100%
Campus-wide Internet Network
Yes
Internet Access for All Students
Yes
