Leonard N. Stern School of Business

The Undergraduate College

By the turn of the 20th century, the American business organization had grown in complexity, prompting a need for more sophisticated and scientific approaches to its study. Yet, there were few universities in the country offering business degree programs. Recognizing this, representatives from the New York State Society of Certified Public Accountants and New York University came together to start a new school—one of the first of its kind—that would offer professional training to young businesspeople in New York City. Thus began the long tradition of business study at NYU, and in 1900 the NYU School of Commerce, Accounts, & Finance was founded with Charles Waldo Haskins as dean.

From its start, the School of Commerce led the way in formulating objective scholarly standards of academic excellence. It became a charter member of The Association to Advance Collegiate Schools of Business (AACSB) and a pioneer by awarding a Bachelor of Science degree that included a solid grounding in the liberal arts and sciences. With the success of the undergraduate School of Commerce came demand for graduate coursework, and in 1916 NYU’s Graduate School of Business Administration was established as a satellite division near Wall Street.

In the mid-1980s, the College and the graduate school received a major gift from alumnus Leonard N. Stern, chairman and chief executive officer of the Hartz Group, Inc. In recognition of Mr. Stern’s generosity, the schools were unified under one name—Leonard N. Stern School of Business—and united on NYU’s Washington Square campus.

Now, more than a century after the Undergraduate College’s founding, the challenges facing business leaders continue to grow in scope and complexity amid unprecedented rates of technological and social change. In response, NYU Stern perseveres as an innovator and remains committed to providing a first-rate undergraduate business education grounded in five pillars that guide the student experience. They are:

  1. Academics: We take pride in our well-rounded education and approach our academics with honesty and integrity.
  2. Social Impact: We are eager to use business to create a positive impact and take this responsibility seriously.
  3. Global: We seize opportunities to expand our perspectives and serve as global ambassadors.
  4. Professional: We act with professionalism as we explore our interests and shape our futures.
  5. Community: We support each other and foster an inclusive community where everyone can grow and excel.

Notice: The policies, requirements, course offerings, schedules, activities, tuition, fees, and calendar of the school and its departments and programs set forth in this bulletin are subject to change without notice at any time at the sole discretion of the administration. Such changes may be of any nature, including, but not limited to, the elimination of the school or college, programs, classes, or activities; the relocation of or modification of the content of any of the foregoing; and the cancellation of scheduled classes or other academic activities.

Payment of tuition or attendance at any classes shall constitute a student’s acceptance of the administration’s rights as set forth in the above paragraph.