Academic FAQs
- What is the structure of the Stanford Sloan Master's Program academic year?
- What teaching methods are used?
- What is the policy on grades?
- How do I decide which classes to take?
- When do classes begin?
- Do I need to prepare by taking summer courses before the academic year begins?
- Are the study trips a part of the Sloan Program?
What is the structure of the Stanford Sloan Master's Program academic year?
The academic year is divided into three quarters plus a September orientation program in the fall that includes three short courses. Sloan Fellows must complete a series of core courses designed specifically for the Program. In addition, Fellows take a minimum of five elective courses. Participants interested in a specific independent research topic may substitute a project for one elective course. The Sloan Fellow works with a faculty member whose expertise and interests match the project.
What teaching methods are used?
Courses throughout the entire academic program are taught using methods that vary by the individual faculty member and the material being taught. These include lectures, discussions, case studies, computer simulations, group projects, presentations by business leaders and students, and role-playing. The process is highly interactive and Fellows are expected to contribute vigorously to class discussion.
What is the policy on grades?
To be awarded the Master of Science in Management degree, Sloan participants must be graded on their coursework and must maintain satisfactory academic standing. Sloan Fellows receive a final grade in each course. Grades are not posted at the GSB and information on grades will not be transmitted to any sponsoring organization without authorization of the Sloan Fellow. Details of the grading criteria are provided on entry to the Program.
How do I decide which classes to take?
Sloan core courses are required. In addition, approximately 100 elective courses are offered each year. Sloan Fellows may select elective courses in Fall, Winter and Spring quarters under a competitive bidding system created to cope with the high demand for some specific classes. Some electives are not offered every year and course content may change from one year to the next. In addition to written descriptions, faculty describe their upcoming elective courses at lunchtime sessions presented before each quarter's registration process begins.
When do classes begin?
The academic program begins with a two-day orientation at the end of August. This is followed by the September Term, a required portion of the program that is a refresher for the basic tools to be used throughout the program. For more information, see the 2007-08 academic calendar.
Do I need to prepare by taking summer courses before the academic year begins?
The required core curriculum assumes no prior knowledge of business. However, the core courses do require a comfort with, and facility for, quantitative concepts as well as basic skills using a computer spreadsheet program. If you do not have a strong quantitative background and basic computer skills, you may wish to take a calculus or statistics course before you enroll and familiarize yourself with a spreadsheet program. At the May Orientation you will be given Excel and Accounting workbooks to be completed over the summer.
Are the study trips a part of the Stanford Sloan Master's Program?
There are four study trips during the program. These trips are a required part of the academic curriculum—unless special arrangements are made with the Sloan Program director.
The study trips offer Sloan Fellows a unique opportunity to meet with leaders in business and government to discuss leadership challenges and strategies. Domestic study trips include Silicon Valley, the Pacific Northwest, New York City and Washington, D.C. The Fellows go on one international trip to countries in Asia, Latin America or Europe.