A. B. Freeman School of Business
Goldring/Woldenberg Business Complex
7 McAlister Place
New Orleans, LA 70118
https://freeman.tulane.edu/
The A. B. Freeman School of Business offers the Bachelor of Science in Management degree at the undergraduate level. In addition, the Freeman School offers a variety of graduate degrees: Master of Accounting, Master of Business Administration, Master of Business Analytics, Master of Finance, Master of Global Management, Master of Management, Master of Management in Energy and Doctor of Philosophy in Business Administration.
Mission
We contribute to building a sustainable future by creating and disseminating high-impact business knowledge and by developing adaptable, transformative business leaders.
Core Values
- Integrity as a compass
- Knowledge for good
- Unconventional innovation
- Collaborative community engagement
- Inspiring excellence
History
Tulane University’s College of Commerce and Business Administration was founded in September 1914, supported by business leaders who envisioned a school that would strengthen the New Orleans economy and capitalize on its international ties. Under the leadership of Dean Morton A. Aldrich, the college joined 16 leading business schools in founding the Association to Advance Collegiate Schools of Business (AACSB International) and thus set the standards for business education in the United States. The school has maintained continuous accreditation since 1916.
In 1984, the A. B. Freeman School of Business was named in honor of Alfred Bird Freeman, chairman of the Louisiana Coca-Cola Bottling Co. A renowned business innovator and civic leader, Freeman advocated foreign trade zones and further development of the port of New Orleans.
Today, the Freeman School continues to meet the needs of the business community - locally, nationally, and internationally - by educating the leaders of today and tomorrow.
Policy Revisions
The Freeman School reserves the right to modify any of its policies or procedures during the academic year.
In the event of a conflict between the policies or procedures stated in this catalog and in other publications of the Freeman School, this document, as revised and on file in the Office of Undergraduate Education and the Office of Graduate Programs, takes precedence. The University reserves the right to amend or change any of its established regulations, courses, or charges at any time, and to make such changes applicable to current students and to new students.
Undergraduate Policies
Newcomb-Tulane College Policies
A full description of academic policies for all students in Newcomb-Tulane College can be found in the college's section of this catalog. Students should review these policies thoroughly.
In cases where NTC students require the approval of the NTC Dean, such as excused absences for final exams in business school courses, BSM students require the approval of Freeman's Associate Dean for Undergraduate Education.
School of Business Undergraduate Policies
The undergraduate programs of the Freeman School of Business follow the policies maintained by NTC where applicable. Exceptions and additions to these policies are listed below. Further details on these policies, along with forms, procedures, and other student guidelines, are available on the BSM Current Student page on Canvas or from the Office of Undergraduate Education (GWBC 204).
Enrollment Requirements
Current Tulane University students with a minimum 2.000 cumulative GPA may be eligible to enroll in the Freeman School. Interested students should speak with their Freeman or NTC academic advisor to complete a declaration request online.
The Associate Dean for Undergraduate Education may dismiss a BSM student from the Freeman School if the student has a cumulative GPA of 1.999 or lower for two consecutive semesters, and if the student has taken at least five courses required for the BSM degree, including required non-business courses. Dismissal permanently bars the student from taking additional business courses and from earning either a BSM degree or a business minor.
Auditing Courses
The Freeman School does not allow students to audit business courses. A student interested in auditing courses at the other undergraduate schools at Tulane should consult that school and the Newcomb-Tulane College Dean’s Office.
Cross-Registration and Exclusions
Students may fulfill non-business electives at the Schools of Architecture and Built Environment, Liberal Arts, Public Health and Tropical Medicine, or Science and Engineering. Students can use ROTC courses to satisfy up to 12 credits. Students may fulfill up to nine credits at the Schools of Professional Advancement (SoPA) and/or Social Work (SOWK), subject to the restrictions listed below.
Excluded Courses: The following courses do NOT satisfy BSM degree requirements; Freeman considers these courses as extra coursework, over and above the credits required for the BSM degree:
- Business Courses from School of Professional Advancement:
Business courses offered by the School of Professional Advancement (SoPA) do NOT satisfy BSM degree requirements. These courses typically have the following prefixes, but others may apply. Students should always check with their Freeman Academic Advisor before enrolling in courses outside the Freeman School to determine their use towards the BSM degree.
BSAC - all Accounting courses
BSBL - all Business Law courses
BSFN - all Finance courses
BSLS- all Business Leadership courses
BSMK - all Marketing courses
BSMT - all Management courses
CPST - all Information Systems courses
GLSP - all Legal Studies courses
HRDV - all Human Resources courses
PAEC - all Economics courses
REAL - all Real Estate courses
Disney College Business courses
Undergraduate Law (LAWU) courses
Majors, Internships and Jobs (CRDV) courses
- Loyola University and the University of New Orleans:
BSM students may not cross-register for business courses at Loyola University or the University of New Orleans. Freeman treats courses taken at either university as transfer work.
Program Combinations (double majors, major/minor/certificate combinations, etc.)
If a student chooses to pursue a double major within Freeman, or a major and a minor, the student cannot double count courses and must select how the courses will apply to each major/minor. There may be an opportunity for students to double count one (1) course between their major and a certificate, however. Students must meet with their designated business school academic advisor each semester to plan their courses of study. Each student is responsible for individual course selection and for meeting the requirements for graduation.
A BSM student wishing to pursue a second major outside of Freeman should consult with the NTC Academic Advising Center and review the Newcomb-Tulane College (NTC) policy for information regarding multiple majors.
Freeman GPA
Freeman offers courses in the following areas of study: Accounting (ACCN), Energy (ENRG), Finance (FINE), International Business (INBS), Information Management (INFO), Legal Studies in Business (LGST), Management Communication (MCOM), Management (MGMT), Management Science (MGSC), Marketing (MKTG), Taxation (TAXN), Career Management (CDMA) and where applicable, General Business (BUSG). Students should work with their BSM Academic Advisor to determine which courses will count towards their declared BSM programming.
To graduate, BSM students need 124 credits of academic work and a 2.0 cumulative grade point average overall, with a minimum cumulative grade point average of 2.0 in their business and major/minor/certificate courses. Students should discuss all course selections with their advisors and regularly check progress toward graduation on the Degree Works Audit, accessible through Gibson.
The Freeman GPA is calculated using all courses attempted from the School of Business and the following required courses: ECON 1010 Introduction to Microeconomics (3 c.h.); ECON 1020 Introduction to Macroeconomics (3 c.h.); MATH 1150 Long Calculus I (3 c.h.) and MATH 1160 Long Calculus II (3 c.h.) or MATH 1210 Calculus I (4 c.h.); MGSC 3005 Statistics for Business (3 c.h.) or MATH 1230 Statistics For Scientists (4 c.h.); and PSYC 1000 Introductory Psych (3 c.h.).
Grading System
Federal law prohibits the University from releasing grades or other confidential information to third parties, including parents and guardians, unless the student provides the Newcomb-Tulane College Dean’s Office with written authorization for release of such information. Students may make this request at any time.
The University measures a student’s progress toward graduation not only by credits earned, but also by the grade-point average. The grade-point average is determined by dividing the student’s total number of quality points by the total number of quality hours. Graduation requires a 2.000 grade-point average, equivalent to an average grade of C, in all courses, as well as in the major. This standard must be met for any minor(s) or certificate(s) as well.
Grades
| Grade |
Description |
| A |
4.00 |
| A- |
3.667 |
| B+ |
3.333 |
| B |
3.000 |
| B- |
2.667 |
| C+ |
2.333 |
| C |
2.000 |
| C- |
1.667 |
| D+ |
1.333 |
| D |
1.000 |
| D- |
0.667 |
| F |
0.000 |
| U |
Unsatisfactory; not counted in grade-point average and is not counted in earned hours |
| UW |
Unofficial withdrawal; counts in grade-point average as a failing grade and earns no quality points |
| WF |
Withdrawn failing; counts in grade-point average as a failing grade and earns no quality points |
| I |
Incomplete; not counted in grade-point average |
| IP |
In progress; not counted in grade-point average |
| W |
Withdrawn; not counted in grade-point average |
NON-STANDARD GRADES
The following information pertains to all schools:
Grades
| Grade |
Description |
| S |
Satisfactory; not counted in grade-point average, but is counted in earned hours |
| U |
Unsatisfactory; not counted in grade-point average and is not counted in earned hours |
| UW |
Unofficial withdrawal; counts in grade-point average as a failing grade and earns no quality points |
| WF |
Withdrawn failing; counts in grade-point average as a failing grade and earns no quality points |
Grading Guidelines
The Freeman School faculty approved the following recommended grading policy for the class GPA for each section of BSM courses:
- Core BSM courses are expected to have a maximum class GPA in the range of 2.700 to 3.000.
- Elective BSM courses are expected to have a maximum class GPA in the range of 3.000 to 3.333.
- The Freeman School has no minimum class GPA guidelines.
Faculty members who are teaching more than one section of the same BSM course may pool the students in the different sections and compute one class GPA.
Students receive credit for grades of D- or better; however, they must offset low grades with grades high enough to maintain the 2.000 Tulane GPA, the 2.000 Freeman School GPA, and the 2.000 major/minor/certificate GPA necessary to meet continuation and graduation requirements.
Grade Complaints and Grievance Procedure
University policy lays out the following grade complaint and grievance procedure: (https://advising.tulane.edu/sites/default/files/GRIEVANCE%20PROCEDURE.pdf). Because the Freeman School does not have the department chairs that are mentioned in the university document, any grievances that a student cannot resolve at the faculty level must be brought to the Associate Dean for Undergraduate Education by way of the student’s BSM Academic Advisor. The Associate Dean will work with the Area Coordinator of the academic area in which the faculty member who taught the class with the grade grievance resides. A grade grievance committee within Freeman will hear any student complaints and grievances that cannot be resolved in prior steps.
Graduate Courses
BSM or other undergraduate students may not take Freeman School graduate courses (i.e., 6000- and 7000-level courses), with the exception of students who have applied for and been admitted to the BSM/MACCT program or one of the Freeman 4+1 programs.
BSM/MACCT students may enroll only in approved graduate courses that fulfill MACCT requirements; they may petition to count a graduate level course towards their BSM degrees only if that course is not necessary for their MACCT requirements. However, the course may not count towards both the MACCT and BSM program requirements.
Undergraduate students taking part in a Freeman 4+1 program may take graduate courses as approved by the Freeman Graduate Program provided such approvals fall within the University allowances for graduate coursework by an undergraduate.
Independent Study / Tutorials (both rarely approved)
A student with superior scholastic standing may be able to work one-on-one with a professor through an Independent Study. An Independent Study course counts as a business elective, but it cannot substitute for a required elective that counts towards the student's major, and it may not replicate existing courses. Students who have senior standing and a minimum overall GPA of 3.333 are eligible. The Independent Study student, along with the faculty member overseeing the Independent Study, must submit a syllabus, (including learning objectives, meeting schedules, assignments, final exam/paper, and the grading policy), to the area coordinator and the BSM office. Independent Study courses require the approval of the Associate Dean and the full-time faculty member(s) who will be teaching the courses.
In a tutorial, (a one-to-one or small group setting), a faculty member teaches an existing course that the school is not currently offering. The syllabus and the text for the tutorial are the same as in the regular course. Tutorials require the approval of the Associate Dean and the full-time faculty member(s) who will be teaching the courses. Interested students should consult with their business school academic advisors for details.
Internships
Qualified business majors may apply to receive credit for completing an unpaid internship. Students will earn one credit that will be shown as a 4000-level course on their transcripts. Please note: This credit does not apply towards the 124 minimum hours required for the BSM degree. The student is responsible for locating the position and making all arrangements.
Students must meet a number of specific requirements to receive credit for an internship. Students must speak with the Career Management Center to confirm eligibility and complete an online application at least seven days before their intended internship start date.
Prerequisites/Corequisites/Course Restrictions
- Course Prerequisites – A prerequisite is a course that is required prior to a student taking a more advanced course. Students have the responsibility to be aware of course prerequisites because the registration system does not always prevent a student’s registration if the student lacks the prerequisites. At any time during the semester, the Office of Undergraduate Education, at the Associate Dean’s discretion, may drop students who have enrolled in courses for which they do not have the prerequisites. A prerequisite cannot be turned into a corequisite (defined next).
- Course Corequisites – A corequisite is a course that is required to be taken simultaneously with another course. Students have the responsibility to be aware of course corequisites because the registration system does not always prevent a student’s registration if the student lacks the corequisites. At any time during the semester, the Office of Undergraduate Education, at the Associate Dean’s discretion, may drop students who have enrolled in courses for which they do not have the corequisites. Students should be mindful of this when dropping a course mid-semester.
- Credit Hours/Class Standing – Some courses require that the student have completed a certain number of credit hours or have reached a particular class standing prior to enrolling. The registration system will block registration for a course if a student has not met the minimum requirements to register for that course.
- Departmental Approval – Some courses are open only to students who have declared a particular major, minor or certificate. This restriction may be permanent or temporary, allowing the Office of Undergraduate Education to make courses available to students who need them to complete their major/minor/certificate.
- Application Only – A variety of courses within the Freeman School are by invitation-only, based upon a student application or other criteria. Students should contact their Freeman Academic Advisor for information about such courses and the timeline for applying
At the Associate Dean's discretion, students may be removed from classes in which they enroll without completing all the necessary course registration requirements. This includes situations in which a student registers for a future-semester course while currently enrolled in the pre-requisite -- but then fails the pre-requisite course.
Residency Requirement
Full-time undergraduate students enrolled at Tulane who are earning the BSM degree must complete a minimum of 60 credit hours at the University and a minimum of 30 credit hours at the Freeman School, excluding credits earned in Tulane Study Abroad Programs and in the Washington Semester Program. The University does consider credits earned in these programs to meet the senior residency requirements, however. Transfer students must earn a minimum of 60 hours of credit from Tulane and 30 hours of credit from the Freeman School.
Satisfactory/Unsatisfactory Grading Option
Coursework in the A.B. Freeman School of Business cannot be taken S/U with the possible exception of service-learning courses.
S/U grading may not be used for any BSM degree, major, minor, or certificate requirement including non-BSM coursework.
Transfer Credit
For Students Transferring to Tulane
Newcomb-Tulane College Rules: Students who wish to receive transfer credit for college courses taken prior to enrolling in Tulane University are subject to the transfer credit rules for Newcomb-Tulane College, explained in the University Catalog. The additional requirements listed below apply to students wanting to receive transfer credit for business courses.
Freeman School Rules: Students transferring in business courses for college credits earned prior to admittance to Tulane must adhere to the Newcomb-Tulane College (NTC) rules. Business credits will be reviewed to enforce the following limitations:
- To qualify for transfer credit, the student must take business courses at an AACSB-accredited university. In general, the course content should match that of courses offered at Freeman.
- Students can transfer up to five (5) business courses into Freeman. Certain courses are ineligible for transfer: core classes with a writing requirement, courses required for the major and the Capstone.
- Incoming students will not receive credit for core business courses taken at institutions other than Tulane during the summer preceding admission to the Freeman School.
- Students will not receive credit for courses with a grade of less than C (2.0).
- Grades do not transfer; consequently, the University does not consider these grades when calculating GPA or grade point averages for Dean’s List or Honors eligibility.
- Transfer credit is subject to approval by the Freeman Area Coordinator where the class is housed.
For Incoming, First-Year Students
All incoming first year students are subject to the transfer credit rules for incoming, first-year students of Newcomb-Tulane College. Business courses taken elsewhere are subject to the same transfer credit rules that apply to current BSM students.
For Current BSM Students and non-BSM minor-seeking students
Current BSM students are subject to the transfer credit rules for Newcomb-Tulane College, explained in the University Catalog. In addition, the requirements listed below apply to current BSM students wanting to receive transfer credit for business courses:
1. Students must receive prior written approval for transfer credit
In order to transfer credit for business courses to Tulane, currently enrolled BSM students must obtain prior approval from their Freeman Academic Advisor and the Area Coordinator where the class is housed. Students must submit the course syllabus to the advisor for review to determine course equivalency to a Freeman School course.
2. The institution must have AACSB accreditation
Transferred business courses must be from AACSB-accredited schools. Non-business courses must comply with the requirements of Newcomb-Tulane College and receive approval from the appropriate school.
3. Students may not transfer Freeman core requirements
BSM students are required to take all business core courses at the Freeman School: ACCN 2010, ACCN 3010, FINE 3010, LGST 3010, MCOM 3200 (previously 3010), MGMT 3010, MGSC 3010, MKTG 3010, MGMT 4010, MGMT 4920 (previously 4900) and CDMA 2201 (previously 1201). Other core courses that are added between catalog publishing may also be restricted. Students should check with their Freeman academic advisor if they have any questions.
4. Students may not transfer major core coursework, nor any courses that count towards a minor or certificate
BSM students are required to take all their major core coursework at the Freeman School. As well, all courses that count towards a minor or certificate must be taken at the Freeman School.
5. Students may receive transfer credit for a maximum of two business electives (6 credits)
With advance approval, a student can transfer up to 6 credits from a host institution, subject to faculty area coordinator and OUE approval. This does NOT include any required major courses or BSM core courses.
6. Transfer credit should equal Tulane work
Courses taken in a classroom environment should carry at least three semester hours of credit, or the equivalent in quarter hours. Any credit granted by Tulane should equal the semester hours (or their equivalents) earned for the transferred course. Assurance of learning must be evident in the course syllabus.
7. Students must earn a C or better, but grades do not transfer
Students must earn a grade of C or better in transferred business courses, but only the credit hours, not the grade, are recorded on the transcript. Therefore, the University does not use grades earned for transferred courses to calculate grade point averages for Dean’s List or Honors eligibility.
8. Students must submit official transcripts
Transfer credit cannot be granted until the student's academic advisor receives an official transcript. Arranging delivery of the transcript is the student’s responsibility. Official transcripts should be sent to advising@tulane.edu directly from the institution where the credits were earned.
For Tulane Students Who Attend a Freeman-Approved Study Abroad Program
For coursework completed on a Freeman-approved program (including pre-approved NTC Office of Study [OSA] programs), the Tulane transcript will automatically show all courses, grades and credits. Grades earned abroad will appear on the official transcript, but will not be calculated into the cumulative GPA. An official grade from a student’s time studying abroad cannot be “removed” from the Tulane transcript for any reason.
Courses taken abroad require pre-approval from a student’s Study Abroad advisor and BSM academic advisor. The advisors will use a preapproved list of courses that the Office of Undergraduate Education has approved. Approved business courses taken in a student’s major generally will count as major elective credit. Approved business courses taken outside the major will generally count as general business elective credit. Freeman uses unique course numbers for study abroad classes, such as 5380, 5390, 5381, 5391, 5389, and 5399 to indicate how the classes will likely be credited towards the student's degree plan. For example, International Marketing taken abroad will transfer to Tulane as MKTG 5381 and will count as a major elective credit for a marketing major or as a general business elective credit for a non-marketing major. Students cannot take the same course content both abroad and at Tulane and expect both courses to count for credit towards graduation requirements.
In accordance with NTC policy, all students are required to enroll in a minimum of 12 Tulane-equivalent credits while on a study abroad program. Online academic courses associated with in-person service-learning activities and in-person internships may count toward the 12-credit minimum. Freeman students enrolling in online courses while abroad may only do so above and beyond the 12 Tulane-equivalent credit minimum. Online courses taken with a domestic (U.S.) institution will be subject to the policies outlined in the Transfer Credit policy for Current BSM Students and will not be considered Tulane study abroad credits.
To receive Tulane credit for coursework abroad, students must submit a Learning Agreement (before departure) and a Change Form (after confirming their schedule in-country) with advisors' approval. As well, they must complete the study abroad program by satisfying all course requirements set forth by the host institution. The University strongly encourages students to retain personal copies of course syllabi and all work submitted abroad until all grades and courses have been posted to the official Tulane transcript. Students may not transfer in core or major required courses regardless of major.
For current BSM students who attend a study abroad program that is not Freeman-approved, and/or BSM students who take a leave of absence from Tulane to pursue studies abroad, regardless of program, the general Transfer Credit policy for Current BSM Students applies (among other things, a maximum 6-credits may transfer back if approved in advance).
For Tulane Students in Approved Joint Degree Programs
The University may make an exception to the five (5) business course rule for transfer students if the courses are from an approved joint degree program. However, these students will be subject to the following residency rule: Full-time undergraduate students enrolled at Tulane University who are earning the BSM degree must complete a minimum of 60 credit hours at the University and a minimum of 30 credit hours at the Freeman School, excluding credits earned in Tulane Study Abroad Programs and in the Washington Semester Program. Credits earned in Tulane Study Abroad Programs and in the Washington Semester Program will satisfy the senior residency requirement that requires the student to earn the last 30 credit hours at Tulane.
Graduate Policies
Graduate School Policies
A full description of academic policies for all students in Graduate Programs can be found in the Office of Graduate and Postdoctoral Studies section of this catalog. Students should review these policies thoroughly.
School of Business Graduate Policies
Approved Course Loads
Freeman School graduate students may register for up to 18 credit hours without special permission. Students with a cumulative grade point average (GPA) of at least 3.50 or above may take an overload of three credit hours per semester with the approval of their academic adviser. In all other cases, petitions for course overloads are submitted to the adviser for consideration by the senior associate dean.
Auditing Courses
The Freeman School discourages auditing courses. In exceptional circumstances, however, students may be allowed to audit a course with the permission of their program adviser. Once a course is audited, it may only be taken for credit at a later date with the approval of the instructor and the program adviser.
Class Attendance/Medical Withdrawals
Students are expected to attend all classes unless they are ill or prevented from attending by exceptional circumstances. Instructors should establish policies for attendance in their classes that are announced at the beginning of the semester. Students who find it necessary to miss class are responsible for obtaining notes on material covered in lectures or other class sessions. It is up to the instructor to determine whether or not to allow the student to make up missed quizzes, examinations or other exercises. Students are responsible for notifying professors about absences that result from serious illnesses, injuries or critical personal problems. Check with the Student Health Center on the current policies for medical excuses.
Continuation Requirements
Each graduate degree program has its own continuation requirements. These standards are applied to all work attempted and completed in the degree program at Freeman, including earned grades of F, WF and UW. If a course is repeated, only the latest grade contributes to the grade point average. Please refer to the appropriate handbook on the Freeman website for specifics on continuation requirements for each program.
Courses in Other Divisions of Tulane
A student may petition the senior associate dean for permission to take up to six credit hours of graduate coursework in other divisions of Tulane University. The petition must be approved prior to registration if the course is to be included as a part of the graduate degree requirements.
The petition should be submitted to the senior associate dean through the academic adviser. The petition should include a statement describing the course’s contribution to the student’s professional career goals. If there are special circumstances relating to the request, they should be summarized in the petition. Appended to the petition should be a course description and a current course syllabus, if available. If the syllabus is not available, a syllabus from the most recent offering should be included.
Such courses must be at the graduate level and carry the equivalent of a 7000-level designation. Undergraduate courses, courses that include substantial undergraduate enrollment, or School of Professional Advancement courses are not accepted.
The hours earned for these courses will be counted toward the hours required for the MBA degree. Grades earned in these courses will not be included in the grade point average, since they were assigned using a policy different from that of the Freeman School, nor will they be used for determining graduation, continuation, awards, honors, or fellowships. Minimum passing grades are determined by the school offering the course. Students must receive a passing grade in the course to have it count for degree purposes. Since these grades will not be counted in grade point averages, students must meet all grade point average requirements for their degrees using only Freeman School courses.
Course Withdrawals or Additions
Students can drop and add courses according to the dates set each semester by the Office of Graduate Programs. These dates are available on the Freeman School website or in the Office of Graduate Programs. It is important that students be aware of these dates in order to avoid unnecessary financial obligations. Drop/add forms are available on the Freeman website and in the Office of Graduate Programs. They must be completed and signed by the student and then signed and processed by the program adviser. Students should discuss implications of course withdrawals or additions with their program adviser if they have questions.
Dismissal
Students who fail to meet the terms of probation will be dismissed from the program. In addition, students who remain on probation for two consecutive semesters or whose cumulative GPAs are below 2.00 will be dismissed from the program.
Grading System
Grade Symbols:
All graduate programs in the Freeman School use a letter grade system with the following quality point equivalents:
Grades
| Grade |
Description |
| A |
4.00 |
| A- |
3.67 |
| B+ |
3.33 |
| B |
3.00 |
| B- |
2.67 |
| C+ |
2.33 |
| C |
2.00 |
| C- |
1.67 |
| D+ |
1.33 |
| D |
1.00 |
| D- |
0.67 |
| F |
0.00 |
| I |
Incomplete - This grade will automatically become F unless the work is made up within 30 days after the beginning of the following semester, excluding Summer School. This grade is not to be used as an automatic extension but only for unavoidable delays caused by illness or other emergencies. |
The quality point total for each course is computed by multiplying the numerical value of the grade received by the course credit hours.
Graduate credit is awarded for grades of D- or better; however, lower grades must be offset with higher grades to meet continuation and graduation requirements. The grades of W (withdrawal), WF (withdrawal failing), and UW (unofficial withdrawal) may be assigned by the instructor when the student withdraws from a course before its completion. A grade of W does not affect the grade point average. Grades of WF or UW are computed in the grade point average as an F. A grade of P (pass) is not counted in the grade point average but is counted in earned hours. A grade of F (fail) is not counted in earned hours but is counted in the grade point average.
Grading Guidelines:
The Freeman School faculty approved the following recommended grading guidelines for the class GPA for each type of graduate course:
6000-level courses are expected to have a mean class GPA in the range of 3.00 to 3.33.
7000-level courses are expected to have a mean class GPA in the range of 3.33 to 3.67.
Faculty members teaching more than one section of the same course may pool the students in the different sections and compute one class GPA.
Graduation Requirement
To graduate with any Freeman master’s degree, the student must satisfy the following requirements:
Application: The student must submit an “Application for Degree” at the beginning of the semester in which he or she intends to graduate. This online form is made available through Gibson by the student's academic adviser. The completed form must be submitted by the stated deadline in order to appear in the commencement program.
Minimum GPA: Students must earn a cumulative GPA of at least 3.00 on all graduate-level course work counting toward the degree at the Freeman School. In some cases, satisfying this requirement may necessitate additional course work. If a course is repeated, only the latest grade contributes to the GPA. However, if a student receives a grade of WF due to a determined infringement of the unified code of graduate student academic conduct, the failing grade will remain in the GPA calculation, even if the course is repeated for credit.
Financial and non-academic: Students must meet all financial and other non-academic requirements set by Tulane University and by the Freeman School.
Leave of Absence
A student in good academic standing may choose not to register for coursework in a given semester and still remain in the program. The student must notify the program adviser of his or her intention and proposed return date. Should a student not take courses for three consecutive semesters (including the summer), he or she must apply for reactivation in the program. Letters requesting reactivation should be submitted to the program adviser. Any student who breaks the continuity of his or her program for more than three consecutive semesters (including summer semesters) must reapply for admission to the program through the Office of Graduate Admissions. Readmitted or reactivated students must meet the degree requirements and abide by the academic policies in place at the time of their return to the program. The senior associate dean will review the student’s record and indicate which courses taken in the past will meet the new degree requirements and which will not. No course more than seven years old may be used to meet the degree requirements without the written approval of the senior associate dean.
Probation
A student who fails to meet continuation requirements is placed on academic probation. The terms of such probation will vary depending on the particular circumstances. These terms ordinarily will include a requirement that the student raise his or her GPA to the level required and may include a requirement to take specific courses and achieve specified levels of performance in those courses. Probation conditions may include restrictions on non-academic activities and on maximum or minimum course loads. Students may not receive the grade of I (incomplete) while on probation.
Repeating Courses
Graduate credit is awarded on all Freeman courses in which a grade of D- or higher is earned. Courses for which a student has received credit can be repeated. A student must repeat any required course in which a failing grade is earned. However, both grades remain on the transcript. When a course is repeated, only the latest grade contributes to the grade point average. Elective courses do not need to be repeated, but the credit hour and grade point average requirements for graduation must be met. If a student receives a grade of WF due to a determined infringement of the unified code of graduate student academic conduct, the failing grade will remain in the GPA calculation, even if the course is repeated for credit.
Right of Appeal
A student who receives a letter of dismissal has the right to appeal to the senior associate dean. A petition stating the reasons for the appeal should be submitted in writing to the program adviser, who will forward it to the senior associate dean. The student may request, or be requested, to appear in person if further information is needed. Favorable action on the appeal will depend on the student’s ability to demonstrate that his or her academic performance to date is not representative of future performance. The senior associate dean will attempt to determine if the student in future semesters can achieve the required performance and rectify any deficiencies. The burden of argument in the appeal process rests with the student. A student who is reinstated following a successful appeal of dismissal is placed on probation.
Shared Courses
If a student earns a second graduate degree at Tulane and there is crossover in course requirements between the two degrees, the student can double count up to 25% of the total credit hours required for the smaller degree, not to exceed 12 credits.
Undergraduate Degree Requirements
Newcomb-Tulane College Requirements
Newcomb-Tulane College General Education Curriculum
The Newcomb-Tulane College Core Curriculum invites students to explore a broad spectrum of disciplines. By offering flexibility within its requirements, the core embodies the mission and values of the College, encouraging students to engage with diverse academic perspectives.
Comprising a minimum of 30 credits, the core curriculum is divided into three areas: proficiency requirements, distribution of knowledge requirements, and additional requirements. To maintain the breadth of the collegiate experience, a single course approved for both a proficiency and a distribution requirement may satisfy only one of those areas. Furthermore, AP, IB, and Cambridge A-Level credits are restricted to satisfying proficiency requirements in Foreign Language and Formal Reasoning.
Courses are designated as satisfying distribution requirements based on their specific content and methodology rather than their departmental affiliation. Upon recommendation from the Newcomb-Tulane Curriculum Committee, the NTC Faculty evaluates courses proposed to satisfy these core requirements.
Proficiency Requirements
Writing Skills (2 courses and 6 credits)
- Tier 1: Freshman writing (ENGL 1010 Writing or ENGL 1011 Writing for Academic Purposes) unless the student is exempt because of their score on the A.P/I.B./Cambridge-A level exams.
- Students receiving exemption from ENGL 1010 Writing/ENGL 1011 Writing for Academic Purposes are required to take an approved writing class during their freshman year. Approved courses will have at least 1/3rd of the grade based upon writing (excluding in class exams), but no revision is required.
- Tier 2: One additional writing course at the 2000 level or above taken from an approved list. Approved courses will have at least 1/3rd of the grade based upon writing (excluding in class exams), to include revision and re-evaluation by the instructor.
- Students are encouraged to take the Tier-1 writing course prior to taking the Tier-2 writing course; however, students are not prohibited from taking the Tier-1 and Tier-2 courses simultaneously.
Note: creative writing courses cannot be used to satisfy the writing proficiency requirement.
See Tier-1 Writing Course List and Tier-2 Writing Course List for course options.
Formal Reasoning (1 course and 3 credits)
- One course in mathematics or symbolic logic from an approved list.
See Formal Reasoning Course List for course options.
Foreign Language (0-3 courses)
The foreign language proficiency requirement is achieved in any of the following ways:
- A passing grade in a course at the 2030 level (3rd semester of Tulane 4-credit hour Foreign Language or ASLS coursework) or higher in accordance with assigned placement level.
- A passing grade on a Tulane-administered proficiency exam for students with assigned placements above the 2030 level. Students who do not successfully pass the proficiency exam will be automatically placed and must successfully complete a course at the 2030 level.
- A passing grade in a course at the level of placement above 2030.
- Advanced Placement score of 4 or 5 in a foreign language test as noted in the AP/IB chart
- Higher-Level IB score of 5 or higher in a foreign language test as noted in the AP/IB chart
- Cambridge A-Level score decided by the appropriate language department.
- SAT II achievement test of 640 or higher in a foreign language.
Note: This requirement is waived for students in B.S.E. programs.
See Foreign Language Course List for course options.
Distribution Requirements
(A course can satisfy only one of the distribution areas.)
Mathematics and the Natural Sciences (2 courses including 1 lab science course and 7 credits)
(Those completing the B.F.A. degree need only complete 1 course with lab)
See Mathematics and the Natural Sciences Course List for course options.
Social and Behavioral Sciences (2 courses and 6 credits)
See Social and Behavioral Sciences Course List for course options.
Textual and Historical Perspectives (2 courses and 6 credits)
See Textual and Historical Perspectives Course List for course options.
Aesthetics and the Creative Arts (3 credits), which can be fulfilled in 1-3 courses.
See Aesthetics and the Creative Arts Course List for course options.
Additional Core Requirements
The First-Year Seminar (1 course, 1-3 credits)
This requirement can be satisfied by a Tulane Interdisciplinary Seminar (TIDES), COLQ 1010, COLQ 1020, or a First-Year Core Colloquium.
Public Service (2 courses)
Students develop their commitment to civic engagement through the completion of service learning courses experiences. All students will complete their public service through service-learning courses, an approved public service internship, or an approved public service research experience. These courses can also be used to satisfy other areas of general education.
- To meet this requirement for graduation, all students must complete two semesters of service. One of these semesters must be at the 2000 level or above. The first experience should be completed by the 2nd semester of the sophomore year.
- Service Learning courses require a minimum of 20 hours of service per semester. Those service-learning courses designated as requiring a minimum of 40 hours of service carry one additional credit hour. No course may carry more than 4 credits.
See Public Service Course List for more information.
Race and Inclusion (1 course, 3 credits)
One course and 3 credits. Courses that fulfill this requirement will focus on the intersections of race with power, privilege, equity, justice, and/or inclusion and will focus at least 60% their content on these issues in the United States. These courses may also be used to satisfy proficiency or distribution core curriculum requirements.
See Race and Inclusion Course List for course options.
Global Perspectives (1 course, 3 credits)
One course and 3 credits. Courses that fulfill this requirement will focus at least 60% content with stated objectives to develop historical, cultural, and societal knowledge of an area beyond the United States. These courses may also be used to satisfy proficiency or distribution core curriculum requirements.
See Global Perspectives Course List for course options.
For more information please visit the Core Curriculum website.
A. B. Freeman School of Business - Undergraduate Requirements
Bachelor of Science in Management
The BSM program mission is to educate socially responsible business leaders with the intellectual capital necessary to succeed in a technologically sophisticated and dynamic global business environment. We accomplish this goal by building a creative and rigorous business curriculum on the foundation of a broad liberal arts education. The faculty designed the curriculum to stimulate students’ intellectual curiosity and to emphasize the skills and values necessary for them to continuously learn, adapt and ultimately advance to positions of leadership.
Freeman offers various majors, minors and certificates within the Bachelor of Science in Management program. The BSM curriculum for each major prepares students to compete and lead in the complex global marketplace.
Candidates for the Bachelor of Science in Management degree are required to complete a minimum of 124 credit hours with a minimum cumulative grade point average of 2.0 in their business courses and a 2.0 cumulative grade point average overall. As well the 2.0 threshold must be met for the major coursework and any minor and/or certificate coursework.
In addition to meeting the requirements of Newcomb-Tulane College, students seeking the BSM must fulfill the following requirements:
- Required Non-Business Courses*
- Business Core Courses
- Major-Specific Business Required Courses (hours vary by major)
- Major-Specific Business Electives (hours vary by major)
- Additional General Business Electives (12 hours)
*These courses may count toward Newcomb-Tulane College requirements; students should consult with their NTC academic advisor.
Detailed information about requirements for individual majors is available in the university catalog. Students are required to meet with their designated business school academic advisors each semester to plan a course of study. In addition, students must consult with their designated academic advisors in the Newcomb-Tulane Academic Advising Center regarding the Newcomb-Tulane core curriculum requirements.
Each student is responsible for individual course selection and for meeting the requirements for graduation. Students should discuss all course selections with their advisors and regularly check progress toward graduation on the Degree Works Audit, accessible through Gibson.
Bachelor of Science in Management/Master of Accounting Program
Freeman offers a joint BSM/MACCT program that students usually complete in five years. The program allows students to enter the accounting profession upon graduation. This is especially important for students wishing to work in a state that requires more than 120 university credit hours to sit for the CPA exam. To earn a Master of Accounting degree, a student must complete 30 hours of graduate courses over and above the BSM requirements of 124 hours. Each student works with a faculty adviser to develop a plan to meet the educational requirements of the state(s) in which the student plans to work. Students in the BSM/MACCT program will take both graduate and undergraduate courses concurrently. The combined curriculum complies with the terms of Tulane’s merit-based undergraduate scholarships so that students retain scholarship support as long as they do not fulfill all BSM degree requirements until their last semester at the University.
Graduate Degree Requirements
General Graduate School Requirements
A full description of Master's and PhD Degree requirements for all students can be found in the Office of Graduate and Postdoctoral Studies section of this catalog. Students should review these policies thoroughly.
Master of Accounting
The Tulane Master of Accounting (MACCT) program prepares college graduates for successful careers in public accounting firms and major corporations. Through the comprehensive, 30 credit-hour program, students will work closely with a faculty adviser to design an individualized curriculum based on their career aspirations. The program can be completed in two semesters or extended to three semesters to allow for a summer internship. Freeman undergraduates may apply for admission to the MACCT program in the junior year and earn both the BSM and MACCT degrees concurrently.
Master of Business Administration
Freeman’s MBA students develop the financial and analytical skills essential for leadership in an increasingly interconnected world. Students may earn the Master of Business Administration (MBA) in one of four formats:
Master of Business Analytics
Tulane's Master of Business Analytics (MANA) program provides recent college graduates with rigorous, quantitative training which allows graduates to translate vast amounts of complex data into manageable intelligence in order to guide business decisions. This distinctive degree, which requires 30 credit hours, can be completed in two semesters or extended to three semesters to allow for a summer internship. A 4+1 program option is available for Tulane undergraduate students.
Master of Finance
The Master of Finance (MFIN) program is designed for recent college graduates who desire in-depth knowledge of finance without the broad-based managerial curriculum typical of MBA studies. Freeman's 30 credit-hour program starts in the summer and can be completed the following May or the following December to allow for a summer internship. A 4+1 program option is available for Tulane undergraduate students.
Master of Global Management
The Master Global of Management (MGM) program offers qualified MBAs and graduates from Xiamen University access to a unique global strategy curriculum and experience. The program consists of coursework in management, strategy, finance, and a global business project. Students must complete 37 credit hours, 19 credit hours taught by Tulane faculty, and 18 credit hours of foundation courses taught by Xiamen University faculty. Courses are offered in an intensive, week-long executive format, which is convenient and accessible for current students and working professionals.
Master of Management
The Master of Management (MMG) is a dual degree program designed for executives recruited by partner institutions in Latin America. Participants pursue the MMG from Tulane University and the MBA from Universidad Francisco Marroquin. This program is offered at two locations: Panama City, Panama, and Guatemala City, Guatemala. This program enables students to expand cross-cultural leadership, develop teamwork skills, and understand the dynamics of global markets, while having the opportunity to study in other countries.
The 36-hour curriculum includes 17 credit hours of foundation courses taught by partner institutions and 19 credit hours of coursework delivered by Tulane faculty in Panama and Guatemala. Students attend an on-campus business module in New Orleans as part of their curriculum.
Master of Management in Energy
The Master of Management in Energy (MME) program is designed for students with quantitative backgrounds who are seeking specialized industry knowledge in preparation for fast-track careers in energy. The MME program consists of course work in data analysis, economics, finance, modeling, risk management and trading. The program requires 30 credit hours and begins in the summer. It can be completed the following May or in the following December to allow time for a summer internship. A 4+1 program option is available for Tulane undergraduate students.
Doctor of Philosophy
The Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) program in business administration, which focuses on finance and financial accounting, is a full-time, research-intensive program. The PhD program is designed for students who want in-depth coverage in preparation for teaching at the college level. It is a four-year, 48 credit-hour program. Students must have earned an undergraduate degree prior to beginning the PhD program.
Special Undergraduate Programs
Altman Program in International Studies & Business
The Altman Program in International Studies & Business is a special four-year undergraduate cohort program that integrates liberal arts and business disciplines, extensive non-English language instruction, and three study abroad experiences. Altman Scholars earn two degrees - a B.A. from the School of Liberal Arts and a B.S.M. from the A. B. Freeman School of Business.
The Altman Program provides students with an Altman-specific course each semester, a fully-funded cohort summer study abroad trip between freshman and sophomore years, and financial support for junior year abroad, unpaid internships, and faculty-mentored research. The program admits a cohort of up to 20 students who are selected before their matriculation at Tulane as freshmen.
Requirements
The Altman Program combines the curricula of two undergraduate degree programs in the School of Liberal Arts and the A. B. Freeman School of Business. Students may major in finance, management, marketing, or legal studies at the Freeman School and in approved social science, area studies or language disciplines within the School of Liberal Arts.
Specific courses open only to students in this program include a TIDES seminar; ISIB 3010 Introduction to Globalization (3 c.h.); ISIB 1910 Study Abroad Pre-Dep (1 c.h.); ISIB 2030 Perspectives on Global Citizenship (3 c.h.); ISIB 6010 Approaches to Global Dilemmas (3 c.h.); and ISIB 6020 Altman Senior Seminar (1 c.h.).
In addition, students study a non-English language (i.e. Spanish, Portuguese, French, German, Italian, Arabic, Japanese, or Mandarin Chinese) during their first two years in the program, and spend two full semesters abroad in countries where their target language is spoken
Internships
Qualified business majors may apply to receive credit for completing unpaid internships. Students will earn one credit that will be shown as a 4000-level course on their transcripts. Please note: This credit does not apply towards the 124 minimum hours required for the BSM degree. The student is responsible for locating the internship position and making all arrangements.
Students must meet a number of specific requirements to receive credit for an internship. Students must speak with the Career Management Center to confirm eligibility and complete an online application at least seven days before their intended internship start date.
Joint BSM/JD
With the permission of the Dean of Newcomb-Tulane College and the Associate Dean for Undergraduate Education in the A. B. Freeman School of Business, undergraduate students pursuing the BSM degree may apply for admission to Tulane Law School during the junior year. The 3-3 program does require planning. The student must work closely with a Freeman School Business Academic Advisor and a Newcomb-Tulane Academic Advisor to ensure that the student has completed a minimum of 93 credit hours towards the BSM degree by the end of the junior year, comprising all Newcomb-Tulane core curriculum, all required non-Business courses, all Business core requirements, all major requirements, and other electives necessary to meet the 93 credit hour minimum. The student must also work with a designated representative of the law school to ensure that the student meets the admission and other requirements of the Tulane Law School.
The Freeman School will waive 29 credit hours of BSM coursework as follows: First, from a student’s free electives and second, with the approval of the Associate Dean, from a student’s required Business electives. If admitted to the Tulane Law School, students enroll as full-time law students during what would otherwise be their senior year at Freeman. When the student successfully completes the first year of law school, the Freeman School will accept the 29 credits earned towards the JD degree as credit towards the BSM degree, and the student will earn a BSM degree. This program enables students to receive the BSM degree and the JD in six years. Students wishing to apply to Tulane Law School under the 3-3 Program should take the LSAT during the summer between the sophomore and junior years or during the fall semester of the junior year. Generally, students should apply to Tulane Law School between October 1 and January 1 of their junior year. Students should also speak with a representative from the Law School Admissions Office to gain a clear understanding of the admission and program requirements of the Law School.
The Honors Thesis remains Tulane’s principal way of recognizing achievement in undergraduate research and scholarship. Students who complete Honors Theses receive Scholarly Honors in their major or majors. This is a separate distinction than Latin Honors. To be eligible for Scholarly Honors, A BSM student must have an overall grade-point average of at least 3.400 and a Freeman GPA of 3.500, and they must complete a Business Honors Thesis during the senior year. The Honors Thesis or project is a full-year endeavor. Criteria for completing the thesis, a schedule of relevant dates, (including deadlines for a progress report and completion of the first chapter) and the necessary forms are available online from the Office of Undergraduate Research & Fellowships.
A student’s Honors Thesis committee consists of three faculty members: a first reader/director, a second reader and a third reader. The first and second readers should come from the student’s major area. The third reader must come from outside the major area. Readers for Honors Theses must normally be full-time faculty rather than adjuncts or visitors, although exceptions may be made in particular circumstances. Students must initiate the thesis process and find their faculty readers/directors on their own. Students doing Honors Theses must still complete the business capstone experience (MGMT 4010 & MGMT 4900). Students can satisfy the Business Honors Thesis in two ways:
- Business Case Study: Students will write an original business case, along with teaching notes and a comprehensive literature review. To follow this option, students should enroll in MGMT 4990 Management Honors Thesis (3 c.h.) in the fall semester of their senior year. In this course, they will begin to explore the process of writing a business case. In MGMT 5000 Honors Thesis (3 c.h.), students complete their Honors Theses during the spring semester of their senior year. MGMT 4990 Management Honors Thesis (3 c.h.) and 5000 are three credits each. (For the Case Study, two committee members are expected.)
Note: Students in the joint BSM/MACCT program can take MGMT 4990 Management Honors Thesis (3 c.h.) and MGMT 5000 Honors Thesis (3 c.h.) during their fourth or fifth year at Tulane, whichever year the Busy Season Internship is NOT being done.
- Traditional Honors Thesis: Students can choose to do the traditional Honors Thesis if they wish and must consult with the University’s Office of Undergraduate Research and Fellowships for details.
The Honors Thesis is an opportunity for a student to do original research on a topic of the student’s choosing and to write an outstanding thesis that fully displays the student’s skills in investigation, critical thinking and communication.
For further information about the undergraduate Honors Thesis, please contact ntcthesis@tulane.edu.
Freeman's Study Abroad programs enable students to live and learn in other cultures. During intensive summer study abroad programs, students earn elective credits toward completion of their Freeman business degree. In these immersive settings, students develop international management skills by focusing on cultural understanding and global strategies that create competitive advantages in international business. All courses are taught by international faculty at Freeman’s partner institutions. At the host institutions abroad, Freeman students study with business students from around the world. Program itineraries typically include classes, seminars, company visits, and cultural activities. Courses completed during summer study abroad count as Freeman major electives or general business electives. The Freeman School offers summer programs in more than 20 locations worldwide. For a full list of programs, visit https:// freemanabroad.tulane.edu/. Study Abroad staff members (https://freeman.tulane.edu/undergraduate/study-abroad-exchange/make-appointment) are available for student advising appointments to assist students with selecting a program.
Qualified students may study business abroad for one or two semesters through the Freeman Study Abroad & Exchange’s list of direct exchanges with one of our 40 partner institutions in more than 20 countries. Students may select the semester in which they wish to go abroad. Semester study abroad participants are directly enrolled at partner business schools around the world and fully experience campus life in the host countries. Business courses are most often taught in English by international faculty and include both local and international students. If students are proficient in the host country's language, they can also take courses taught in that language. Studying abroad with Freeman offers students a broad range of academic offerings, cultural immersion, and the freedom to engage in extracurricular activities at their host universities. This program is governed by the BSM Curriculum Committee and is managed by the staff of Freeman Study Abroad & Exchange.
To go abroad with Freeman, a student must meet these requirements:
- Have successfully completed lower-division business core classes before the semester abroad.
- Have a cumulative Freeman GPA of 2.5 or above.
- Maintain good academic, financial, and disciplinary standing.
Program-specific requirements and advisory statement:
- Students must familiarize themselves with the program-specific GPA and course prerequisites when planning for study abroad.
- Due to high demand, competition may occur within the various programs because some have a limited number of spaces.
A full list of semester abroad programs is available online at https://freemanabroad.tulane.edu/. Study Abroad staff members are available for student advising appointments to assist students with selecting a program.
Freeman students may also study abroad on programs administered by the Newcomb-Tulane College (NTC) Office of Study Abroad (OSA).
While the Freeman Abroad programs offer business students a wide selection of host universities and business schools, some Freeman students may wish to apply for a study abroad program offered by the NTC (Newcomb Tulane College) Center for Global Education's Office of Study Abroad (OSA). All undergraduate students are served by OSA, and therefore, Freeman students are welcome to explore their options with both offices. It is important to note, however, that the offices are separate and that their processes, procedures, and timelines differ.
All students must research each program's individual criteria - especially with regard to eligibility, secondary application, academic offerings, housing, program profile, etc.
Freeman Study Abroad & Exchange maintains a list of Freeman-Approved OSA programs to help facilitate Freeman students earning business credits on OSA programs. Students should reference the study abroad program transfer policy for more details.
