Frequently Asked Questions
What is an Independent Research Project?
Independent research provides an opportunity to conduct in-depth investigations in areas of specific interest selected by the student. Independent research is an individual effort and may be undertaken for either 1.5 or 3.0 credits with the prior approval of a faculty adviser selected by the student, the appropriate division chair, and Graduate Programs. Authorization for such a project requires submission of a formal proposal written in accordance with standards set forth by the F.W. Olin Graduate School of Business. Proposals are submitted online through the Grad Independent Research Proposal Form in the Portal.
Learn more about the Independent Research proposal process and requirements.
What are Intensive Electives?
Intensive Elective courses are courses offered in an executive-style format which allows for a deep dive in a specialized curriculum. They are 1.5-credit elective courses and typically take place during a Friday evening and two full Saturdays with some pre-work and post-work. Students are eligible to take up to 6 credits of Intensive Electives. Find more information on Intensive Elective policies and registration.
Can I take more than 16.5 credits?
Full-time students may add up to 18 credits to their schedules in the Add/Drop period of registration. Students who want to take more than 18 credits must request permission from the associate director of their program using the "Course Credit Overload" Graduate eForm in the Portal.
Are there any concentrations?
The F.W. Olin Graduate School of Business currently has five formal concentrations: Corporate Finance, Global Management, Investments, Life Sciences & Healthcare, and Marketing. Global Management concentration questions can be directed to the Office of International Programs at 781-239- 5244. Questions regarding the Finance concentration can be directed to the Finance Division at 781-239-5223..
If I need a letter stating that I am a student here, whom do I contact?
Please e-mail the Registrar’s office or call 781-239-4519 to request a letter stating that you are a student in a F.W. Olin Graduate School of Business program.
Whom can I speak with if I want to sit down and go over my schedule or plan courses?
The associate directors for the graduate programs are the academic advisers for students in those programs. You can meet with the associate director of your program to discuss schedules and course planning. If you would like to schedule a one-on-one academic advising meeting, please e-mail the Graduate Programs office or call 781-239-4474.
Can I view student opinion surveys of previous courses?
To view student opinion surveys from each course, please go to the following site:
- http://portal.babson.edu
- Sign in with your username and password
- Select Opinion Surveys under the tab Academic Services
Can I take courses elsewhere?
Graduate students are expected to complete all degree requirements in residence at Babson College. Transfer credit for courses taken at other nationally accredited schools after matriculation will be granted only when a student has relocated (making the commute to Babson impossible), the class(es) are not offered at Babson, or in certain other rare situations deemed appropriate by the Office of Graduate Programs and Student Affairs at its discretion. Students must earn a grade of B or better for the course in order for the credit to transfer back to Babson. More information is available about Off-site Registration. Please contact the Office of Graduate Programs and Student Affairs at 781-239-4474 in order to process a formal request.
I need to take a Leave of Absence, what are the necessary steps?
In order to take a Leave of Absence (LOA) from a graduate program, you must submit the Leave of Absence form to the Office of Graduate Programs and Student Affairs through Graduate eForms on the Babson Portal. Students cannot take a LOA for more than two consecutive years and must note that they will still be required to finish the program within eight years.
Can I get course credit for an Internship?
For most internships, the only way to obtain academic credit is through an Independent Research project. You can work with a faculty member to propose an independent research project related to your internship. See more information on Graduate Independent Research for the rules regarding paid versus unpaid internships.
The Global Management Program allows students to earn credit for internships that take place in a country other than the student’s home country. This is a good option for international students completing internships in the U.S.
Two-Year MBA Specific Questions
I am a student in the Two-Year MBA program. Can I request a waiver of the International Requirement?
Two-Year MBA students with substantial international experience may be able to waive the International Requirement; such exemptions are determined on a case-by-case basis by the associate director of the Two-Year MBA program. International Two-Year MBA students meet the International Requirement by attending Babson; however, they are encouraged to participate in Babson’s international programs.
Evening MBA Specific Questions
What do I need to do to become a full-time Evening MBA student, or take 12 or more credits as an Evening student?
If you are currently an Evening MBA student who would like to register for 12 or more credits, you must officially change your status as a part-time Evening MBA student to a full-time Evening MBA student. By becoming a full-time student, you are obligated to obtain health insurance and pay all associated student fees. Change of Status requests should be completed through Graduate eForms, which are located on the Babson portal.
I’m in the Evening Program and I’m moving. What are my options?
Evening MBA students who relocate during their program will be allowed to finish their degree at another nationally accredited MBA program. Please note that the maximum amount of post-matriculation credit that may be granted for an Evening student is 15 semester hours of course work, provided the student has met the minimum residency requirement of 30 semester hours. Additional Babson credits can be earned through Independent Research, Intensive Electives, select courses at Babson Executive and Enterprise Education, or through International Electives. In order to process a formal request to finish your degree at another university, please contact the Office of Graduate Programs and Student Affairs at 781-239-4474. Please also find review this list of AACSB-accredited MBA institutions.
I’m in the Evening program. Can I take a waiver exam to test out of some core course requirements?
Students who were not eligible for Advanced Standing Credit in a specific subject, such as Microeconomics, but still feel they know the course material well or have a strong working knowledge of the material are eligible to take a waiver exam.
All waiver exams must be taken in a student’s first semester of the MBA program.
Please see the Waiver Exam page for more details.
Is there a way for Evening students to track the courses/credits that they need in order to complete the program (i.e. degree audit)?
Degree audit forms and graduation requirement information can be found on the Evening MBA Academic Planning page.
If you would like an Office of Graduate Programs representative to complete an official degree audit for you, please contact the office at 781-239-4474.