Academic Policies

Residency Requirements

Minimum Residency Requirement (MBA)

Students are expected to complete the full MBA Program at Stern. Under certain circumstances (study abroad, taking courses at other NYU divisions, relocation 200 miles from Stern, etc.), students may take up to 15 pre-approved elective credits outside of Stern. To be eligible to graduate, MBA candidates must complete a minimum of 45 credits (75 percent of their degree), including all core requirements, at the Stern School. Classes taken in other NYU divisions or in an international program are not considered part of the 45 minimum credits.

Graduation

Graduate Convocation is the Stern School’s own graduation ceremony, usually held the day before or after the University Commencement exercises. Graduate Convocation activities include speakers and presentation of candidates for graduation. Invitations for Graduate Convocation will be sent to those who have filed to graduate that May and those who graduated the preceding September and January.

Commencement is the University’s graduation ceremony, usually held in May. The ceremony includes a major address, a student valedictory, the awarding of honorary degrees to distinguished individuals, and the conferring of degrees for all schools and colleges of New York University. One ceremony a year is held for graduates of the preceding September and January, along with May candidates.

Expected Graduation Date (MBA)

The expected graduation date of a student is calculated as four semesters (not including summer) from matriculation for Full-time and Focused MBA students and three years from matriculation for Langone Program students. Students who expect to graduate either earlier or later should make the change in their records using Albert SIS.

Application for Degree Candidacy

All degree and certificate candidates (except for PhD students) must have a minimum grade point average of 2.500 in order to graduate. PhD candidates must have a minimum grade point average of 3.000.

Candidates for graduation must file an application for degree candidacy within the deadlines specified at https://www.nyu.edu/students/student-information-and-resources/registration-records-andgraduation/graduation-and-diplomas/graduation-information.html.

Note: Students should file for graduation during the semester in which they will have completed the number of credits required for their degree. Students are expected to graduate at the conclusion of the semester in which their degree credit requirement is met.

Prizes

The Alex S. Auerbach Award

The family and friends of the late Alex S. Auerbach have established this annual memorial award. Given to a first-year MBA student who has shown exemplary service to the Stern School and the NYU community.

Beta Gamma Sigma Alumni in New York City Award

An award is presented annually to a graduating student from each of the metropolitan area collegiate schools of business. It recognizes outstanding character, scholastic achievement, participation in collegiate affairs, and potential in civic, business, or professional leadership.

The Dean’s Award

Presented annually to graduating MBA students for their outstanding scholarship.

W. Edwards Deming Award

Given annually by Delta Pi Sigma, New York University’s statistics honor society, to a graduating MBA student who has demonstrated excellence in statistics.

The Shigekumi Kawamura (MBA ’58) Award

Established in memory of our distinguished alumnus, member of the Stern Executive Board, and NYU trustee, for outstanding academic achievement in the area of global business.

The Herman E. Krooss Award

Given in memory of Professor Herman E. Krooss to the PhD graduate who has completed the course of studies with distinction and has presented an outstanding doctoral dissertation.

The Ernest Kurnow Award

Given to a graduating M.S. student in statistics who has demonstrated excellence in the field of statistics.

The Kenneth G. Langone Award

Established by means of a generous gift by Kenneth G. Langone, this award is given annually to two students in the Langone Program, not yet graduating, to recognize exemplary service to the Stern School and NYU community while working full time.

The Harold W. MacDowell Award

Established to honor the memory of the longtime director of the Stern School’s doctoral program, a citation is awarded annually to the PhD candidate who best exemplifies qualities of and dedication to scholarship.

The Money Marketeers International Award

The Money Marketeers annually award a prize to an international student who has completed requirements for an advanced degree with the highest scholastic rating in banking and finance.

The Money Marketeers Marcus Nadler Award

The Money Marketeers annually award the Marcus Nadler key and a prize to a graduate student who has completed requirements for an advanced degree with the highest scholastic rating in banking and finance.

The Money Marketeers Prize

The Money Marketeers annually award a prize to a graduate who has completed requirements for an advanced degree with excellence in the fields of banking and finance.

The Oshima Family Prize

Presented annually to the student(s) with the highest academic achievement at the end of the first year of MBA study.

The Harold Price Entrepreneurship Award

Established by the Price Institute for Entrepreneurial Studies, for a student pursuing an entrepreneurial career who has attained outstanding achievement in studies and student leadership.

The Impact Awards

These awards are presented annually to graduating MBA students for academic and extracurricular achievement in the areas of Entertainment, Media and Technology and Social Innovation and Impact.

The Excellence in Accounting Award

Presented annually to a graduating MBA student for academic achievement in accounting.

The Excellence in Economics Award

Presented annually to a graduating MBA student for academic achievement in economics.

The Excellence in Management Award

Presented annually to a graduating MBA student for academic achievement in management.

The Excellence in Marketing Award

Presented annually to a graduating MBA student for academic achievement in marketing Stern Service Awards. The dean of the Stern School recognizes with awards graduating students who have performed meritorious service to the School, the University, and the community.

The Leonard N. Stern School of Business Alumni Association Award

This award is given to the student of the graduating class who ranks highest in achievement and scholastic attainment.

The Joseph H. Taggart Award

The alumni of the Stern School have established the Joseph H. Taggart Award to be conferred annually on a graduating student whose contributions and service to the School and University have been significant.

The Jay S. Wyner Prize

Established in memory of our distinguished alumnus Jay S. Wyner, MBA '60, for a graduating student with an undergraduate degree in engineering who has demonstrated academic excellence.

Stern Service Awards

The dean of the Stern School recognizes with awards graduating students who have performed meritorious service to the School, the University, and the community.

Transfer and Articulation Agreements

Transfer Credits

The Stern School MBA Program does not accept transfer credits earned before matriculation in the MBA Program at Stern. Students who were enrolled in another NYU division or a Stern master’s degree program prior to admission to the Stern MBA Program, must complete all 60 credits of the Stern MBA Program after matriculation. Students who pass proficiency exams or have an undergraduate major in the course subject area may substitute electives for those core courses.

Taking Courses at Other Schools

Other Divisions of NYU

Focused MBA

Focused MBA students may complete one elective course at another NYU graduate division. The non-Stern elective course cannot count toward a specialization unless specifically indicated on the Academic Affairs and Advising website.

Full-time and Langone MBA

After completing their Stern Core requirements, Full-time and Langone MBA students may take up to 15 credits of elective courses in other NYU divisions. These non-Stern courses cannot count toward a specialization unless specifically indicated on the Academic Affairs and Advising website. To be eligible to graduate, candidates must complete a minimum of 75 percent of the program in residency, which means 45 credits toward the MBA at the Stern School.

Non-Stern courses must be at the master’s degree level or higher, cover material specifically related to business and management, and fit clearly into an MBA program (e.g., language courses do not qualify). The Stern faculty has reviewed and approved courses at other NYU divisions for Stern students; this list is available at Stern Academic Affairs and Advising.

Students may petition for approval of a course that does not appear on the pre-approved list by completing the online form on this site. The online form must be completed for both pre-approved courses and courses that do not appear on the pre-approved list.

Students must receive a passing grade to receive credit toward the MBA for non-Stern courses. If course grades are eligible for Stern credit, the grade will figure into the student’s overall GPA.

Note: Students will receive instructions for registering in other NYU division courses once their request has been approved by Academic Affairs and Advising. Students are not permitted to register for courses toward degrees through more than one division of the University at the same time. A single course taken at NYU may not count toward more than one NYU degree.  

Other Business Schools

In extreme circumstances, students may find they need to complete some of their elective course work elsewhere.  Students may petition Academic Affairs and Advising for permission to take as many as 15 credits of elective course work toward the MBA degree at another AACSB-accredited graduate business school.¹  Approval is rarely granted and only when (a) the student must relocate outside a 200-mile radius of New York City; (b) has a grade point average of at least 2.500; and (c) has met all core requirements. Courses taken outside of Stern will not count towards a Stern specialization.  The following conditions must also be met for transfer credit to be granted:

1. The student must submit a letter of acceptance from the host institution.
2. The student must provide a detailed course description (preferably a syllabus) which includes the total number of contact hours for every course the student intends to take for credit toward the Stern MBA The advising office must approve the content of each course and confirm that the course meets for an appropriate number of hours for the number of credits that will be transferred. (To transfer as three Stern credits, a course must meet for approximately 35 hours.)
3. Students must maintain continuous matriculation at Stern until the degree program is completed, as indicated in the section on Leaves of Absence. 
4. The student must receive a passing grade and submit an official transcript to the advising office.  (Grades earned in courses not taken at NYU are not included in the grade point average calculation.) 

Students must receive a passing grade to receive credit toward the MBA for non-Stern courses. If course grades are eligible for Stern credit, the grade will figure into the student’s overall GPA.

¹

See AACSB for a complete list of AACSB schools by area.

Records and Transcripts

Grade Reports

At the end of each semester, subject to completion of the Course Evaluation (CE) for each course and at the end of the associated CE reporting period, grades will be posted on the Web. Students are expected to complete a CE for each course they take. If the CE for a course is not completed, the grade for that course will not be released until 30 days after the end of the associated CE reporting period.

Upon the posting and release of grades for courses taken during the semester, as outlined above, students can generate an official semester grade report online via NYU Albert.

Transcripts

Academic transcripts are issued free of charge on a student’s written request and authorization. (Note: Grades will not be released until 30 days after the end of the Course Evaluation (CE) reporting period for any course for which the associated CE has not been completed.)

Under the general practice of colleges and universities, complete official transcripts are sent directly by the University, not the applicant. Partial transcripts of University records are generally not issued. Once a final examination period has begun, transcripts should not be forwarded for any currently enrolled student until all the student’s final grades have been received and recorded.

See Request Your Transcript to submit a transcript request.

Note: A maximum of 10 (ten) copies will be processed for each request for transcripts.

See Forms, Transcripts, & Other Services for additional forms and other services.

Notice to Washington State Residents

1. “New York University is authorized by the Washington Student Achievement Council and meets the requirements and minimum educational standards established for degree-granting institutions under the Degree-Granting Institutions Act. This authorization is subject to periodic review and authorizes New York University to offer specific degree programs. The Council may be contacted for a list of currently authorized programs. Authorization by the Council does not carry with it an endorsement by the Council of the institution or its programs. Any person desiring information about the requirements of the act or the applicability of those requirements to the institution may contact the Council at P.O. Box 43430, Olympia, WA 98504-3430 or by email at degreeauthorization@wsac.wa.gov.”
2.  "The transferability of credits earned at New York University is at the discretion of the receiving college, university, or other educational institution. Students considering transferring to any institution should not assume that credits earned in any program of study at New York University will be accepted by the receiving institution. Similarly, the ability of a degree, certificate, diploma, or other academic credential earned at New York University to satisfy an admission requirement of another institution is at the discretion of the receiving institution. Accreditation does not guarantee credentials or credits earned at New York University will be accepted by or transferred to another institution. To minimize the risk of having to repeat coursework, students should contact the receiving institution in advance for evaluation and determination of transferability of credits and/or acceptability of degrees, diplomas, or certificates earned."
3. “The Washington Student Achievement Council (WSAC) has authority to investigate student complaints against specific schools. WSAC may not be able to investigate every student complaint. See WSAC for information regarding the WSAC complaint process.”

Grading

Assessments

The final assessment in a course may take the form of an examination, project, paper, presentation, or other assignment. Students must complete the final assessment to receive credit for any course. Students unable to take or complete the final assessment because of extenuating circumstances should ask the instructor to give an “incomplete” grade and grant permission to complete the assessment at a later date.

If the instructor grants the request, the outstanding assessment must be completed by the end of the semester following the one in which the incomplete grade is issued.

Grades

Standard Letter Grades

Prior to Fall 2018

Stern (Graduate): Grades

Grade	Honor Credits	Description Value
A	4.0	Excellent
A-	3.7
B+	3.3
B	3.0	Good
B-	2.7
C+	2.3
C	2.0	Fair
C-	1.7
D+	1.3
D	1.0	Satisfies minimum requirements for credit
F	0.00	Failing

Effective as of Fall 2018

Stern (Graduate): Grades

Grade	Honor Credits	Description Value
A	4.000	Excellent
A-	3.667
B+	3.333
B	3.000	Good
B-	2.667
C+	2.333
C	2.000	Fair
C-	1.667
D+	1.333
D	1.000	Satisfies minimum requirements for credit
F	0.000	Failing

Appealing a Grade

To appeal a grade received, the student must speak directly with the course instructor about the grade in question. After this first step, any further appeal is addressed to the Department Chair for the academic department of the course. Grade reviews can involve any aspect of the student's submitted work in the class. Reviews may result in a higher grade, a lower grade or no changes made to the grade. Grade appeals must be initiated within six weeks of receiving notice of the grade in Albert.

Grade Point Average

To determine grade point average, divide the total number of credits completed into the total number of honor credits granted. Honor credits for each course are computed by multiplying the credit value of the course by the value (i.e., honor credits) of the grade assigned. For example, a 3-credit course with a grade of “A” (4.000 honor credits) contributes 3 x 4.000 = 12 honor credits. Thus, a student completing 20 credits with 50.000 honor credits would have a grade point average of 2.500. The grade point average includes grades in all courses taken toward a particular program, whether or not they fulfill any program requirements. Grades of "IF", "IP", “N,” "NR", “P,” "R", “S,” or “W” are not computed into the grade point average.

A grade of “F” remains in the calculation, even if the student retakes the course and receives a passing grade. "

Courses from other divisions of NYU taken toward a Stern program with approval of the Stern program advising office are included in the grade point average calculation. Courses taken outside of NYU that have been approved for transfer credit purposes are not included in the grade point average.

Incomplete Grades

There are two “incomplete” grades indicating that the student has not completed required course work but may do so outside of class with permission and guidance of the original instructor. “Sitting in” during the following semester is not permitted. Incomplete grades lapse if the required work is not finished by the end of the semester following the one in which the “incomplete” is issued, i.e., by June 1 for courses taken in the fall and by January 1 for courses taken in the spring and summer terms. Graduating students who receive incomplete grades must complete all requirements and have a final grade submitted to the Office of Records and Registration by the first Friday of May if they are May candidates or by the third Monday of the month within which they apply to graduate if they are January or September candidates. For doctoral students, incomplete grades normally lapse if the required work is not completed within one year. The two “incomplete” grades are as follows:

• IP—Incomplete Passing. Student was passing at the time the grade was submitted. This grade becomes an “N” (no credit) if the work is not made up and remains on the transcript even if the course is retaken and successfully completed.
• IF—Incomplete Failing. Student was failing at the time the grade was submitted. This grade becomes an “F” if the work is not made up and remains on the transcript even if the course is retaken and successfully completed.

Only the instructor has the authority to grant incomplete grades. Students must specifically request incomplete grades from the instructor and receive the instructor’s permission before the last day of class.

Other Grades

The following grades have no numerical value and are not included in the grade point average:

• P – Pass. Indicates the course was passed. “P” is used only for grades received while in the International Management Program, for Business Writing Workshops, and other specially designated courses offered exclusively on a Pass/Fail basis. (Note: Owing to the COVID-19 pandemic, expanded use of the Pass/Fail option was permitted during the Spring 2020 and Summer 2020 semesters.)
• S – Satisfactory. The grade “S” is used for dissertation seminars or to indicate that a final grade is pending for a yearlong course.
• R – Registered Auditor. Indicates the course is not being taken for a standard letter grade. Auditor status cannot be revoked, and full tuition and fees apply. MBA students must get approval from MBA Academic Affairs, while students in other programs must get the approval of their program office. Non-Stern students are not allowed to audit Stern courses.

The next two administrative grades may be issued only through official procedures:

• W – Withdrawal. Means the student voluntarily and officially withdrew from the course after the deadline for dropping with a refund and received no credit. Students who receive a “W” may retake the course for credit, provided they re-register and pay to take the course again.
• N – No Credit. Used to indicate that an “IP” has lapsed or other administrative purposes.
• NR - No Record. Used to indicate that no grade has been reported in the expected time frame.

Repeating Courses

Grades of “F” (including those received from incomplete -IF- lapses) are included in the grade point average and remain on a student’s record even if the student has repeated the course and received a passing grade. Students may not repeat courses in which they have previously received passing grades.

Academic Standing and Progress

Program Progress (MBA)

To remain in good academic standing, Stern MBA students must:

• Satisfactorily complete one course in the semester for which they are admitted; those who do not must reapply for admission in a subsequent semester.
• Satisfactorily complete at least 6 credits each academic year.
  • This requirement of at least 6 credits each academic year (and only this requirement) may be suspended in cases of multiple Leaves of Absence. 
• Satisfactorily complete at least 24 credits within the first three years.
• Satisfactorily complete all requirements for the degree within a maximum of six years from initial enrollment in the program.

Students who are unable to maintain this pace will not be permitted to continue in their degree program. 

Satisfactory Academic Progress (MBA)

To maintain satisfactory academic progress, MBA students must maintain minimum grade point average standards. Specifically, students must earn cumulative GPAs according to the criteria outlined below:

For graduation eligibility: 2.500 and above

To avoid Academic Probation: 2.300 and above 

To avoid dismissal from NYU Stern: 2.100 and above

Grade point averages include all coursework that appears on the Graduate Stern transcript, whether or not it actually fulfills program requirements.

A 2.500 grade point average is required of all MBA program students to meet eligibility requirements for graduation.

If a student’s GPA falls below 2.300 at any point while matriculated in the MBA program, he or she will be placed on Academic Probation.  Academic Probation signals that a student is not in good academic standing and that he or she is at risk of falling below the minimum program GPA requirements.

While a student is on Academic Probation, the Academic Policy Board will have the discretion to enforce program restrictions including: credit limits, eligibility for course registration, GPA requirement, student activities (clubs, treks, conferences, etc.), Study Abroad.

Regardless of GPA, students may also be placed on academic probation for earning a grade of “Incomplete” for multiple courses and/or failing to satisfactorily complete agreed upon program completion requirements.

If a student’s GPA falls below 2.100, he or she will be dismissed from the program.

When grades are available after each semester, students who do not meet the minimum requirements are notified by their program’s advising office, on behalf of the Academic Policy Board, that they are on academic probation or that they may not continue in the program.  Students placed on probation must make an appointment with an academic adviser to discuss their situation and plans for improvement. Students who are dismissed from the program and who have registered prior to receiving these letters are withdrawn from their courses and given a full tuition refund.  (Students who have low averages are urged not to register for the next term if there is any chance their grade point average will fall below these minimums when all the current semester’s grades are reported and recorded.) 

Student Status

Certification of Full-time and Half-Time Status

Certification of full-time or half-time status may be necessary for students for certain reasons including eligibility for financial aid and deferral of student loan repayment. To be certified as full time for these purposes in a given semester, a student must register for at least 9 credits of course work. To be certified as half time, a student must register for at least 4.5 (but fewer than 9) credits of course work in a semester.

Designation of Program Status

Student status is determined by the program into which the student was admitted and matriculated, for purposes of program structure, time and credit loads, some program policies and procedures and access to certain classes and services.

Change in MBA Program Status Prior to First Enrollment

Prior to enrolling for the first time, students who wish to change programs must petition the chairperson of the Admissions Committee in writing. Petitions are reviewed after all regular applications to the program that were received by the application deadline are evaluated. Permission to change status is not guaranteed, is rarely granted, and requires forfeiting the original offer of admission (i.e., students are not guaranteed places in the program to which they were originally admitted).

Change in MBA Program Status After First Enrollment

Because there is no way to incorporate them into the Full-time Program once the first semester in the program has begun, Langone Program students cannot change to the Full-time Program once they have enrolled. ; Students in the Full-time Program may petition the Academic Policy Board for a change to the Langone Program for any semester after their first in the MBA Program. The petition must include (1) a statement of the circumstances prompting this request; (2) a proposed plan of study for completion of the remainder of the program; (3) a detailed career management plan; and (4) for international students, confirmation of either an H-1 or other applicable visa to replace the F-1 visa status (an F-1 visa is granted to only Full-time students). The Academic Policy Board will review the petition and the student’s academic record, and the student will be notified of the decision in writing. If the request is granted, the student becomes a Langone Program student with all attendant privileges, responsibilities, and restrictions. Once transferred, the student may not revert to the Full-time Program. For additional information, please visit http://www.stern.nyu.edu/AcademicAffairs.

Leaves of Absence

Degree candidates must maintain continuous matriculation throughout the duration of the program. Students are required to maintain matriculation each fall and spring, whether or not they are taking courses. For Langone MBA students, summer enrollment is optional and matriculation is, therefore, not required.

After successful completion of their first semester at Stern, students are eligible to apply for a leave of absence. MBA students must submit their request for a Leave of Absence to the Academic Policy Board using the online application. The application must include:

• The reason a Leave of Absence is necessary.
• The term in which enrollment is expected to resume.
• A detailed academic action plan for degree completion upon return from the Leave of Absence.

If a leave of absence is granted, students must pay a fee to maintain matriculation. The fee is calculated on a per-semester basis and must be paid at the time the leave is granted. Leaves of absence are included in the time limit for completion of all degree programs. Students are not eligible to continue in their degree programs unless a leave of absence has been granted and the matriculation fee has been paid.

Maintaining continuous matriculation (a) reserves a student’s place in the degree program as a continuing student; (b) ensures that the student will continue to receive registration materials and any other mailings or information for enrolled students; (c) allows access to certain University facilities and services, such as the library and health services; and (d) enables application for student health insurance, if needed. 

Note: Newly admitted students who find they cannot begin the program in the semester for which they were admitted, or who are unable to complete their first semester of study, are not eligible to apply for a leave of absence. Newly admitted MBA students who wish to defer their first enrollment must contact the MBA Admissions Office for information on an abbreviated reapplication process for a subsequent semester. Students in other degree programs should consult their respective program offices. 

Withdrawals

Students considering withdrawing from the MBA program for any reason are encouraged to discuss their circumstances and options with an academic program adviser.  Stern academic advisers are available to assist students having difficulty in their academic program and to facilitate their continuing participating in the program.

Students who have begun to take courses and then decide to withdraw from their program should send formal notification of their intent, in writing, to their program’s advising office. This will result in appropriate adjustments to the student’s records and will eliminate future mailings.

Procedure

Standards of Conduct

Students are expected to familiarize themselves and comply with the rules of conduct, academic regulations, and established practices of the University and of the Stern School. If, pursuant to such rules, regulations, or practices, the withdrawal of a student is required before the end of the term for which tuition has been paid, a refund will be made according to the standard schedule for refunds.

For more information, see Code of Conduct.

Disciplinary Measures

Stern Judiciary Committee Process

Redress of Grievances

The Stern School of Business; Graduate Division, follows the University-wide policies and procedures for filing a grievance. See Student Grievance Procedure for more information.

Placement Exams

Establishing Proficiency Policy

Students offered research opportunities are reminded that inventions arising from participation in such research are governed by the University’s Statement of Policy on Intellectual Property.