Credit and Grades

The graduate business programs use the semester hour credit value and the four-point grading system as applied to a normal A-F grading scale.

A semester hour is the value of one class hour of work a week through the semester. Grade points are given to each semester hour according to the following scale:

A+	4.0	B+	3.3	C+	2.3	D+	1.3
A	4.0	B	3.0	C	2.0	D	1.0
A-	3.7	B-	2.7	C-	1.7	D-	0.7
F	0.0	I	0.0	M	0.0	V	0.0

These letter grades may be accompanied by a (+) or minus (-) to indicate a relative position within the grade category. The grade point average is calculated by dividing the total number of grade points earned by the total number of GPA units. The grade point average is represented to two significant decimal figures and truncated, not rounded. Each of these totals is accumulated term by term. Students may not choose to take a class pass/fail in the MBA program. However, certain classes (e.g., the opening residency) may be offered on a pass/fail basis. Special grades also are used as follows: V-failing due to excess absence; W-withdrawn passing; M-withdrawn failing; and X-grade unavailable. The V and M count as F in the grade point average computation.

An unclassified MBA student (not working toward a degree) may opt to have one or more normally standard-graded courses graded on a pass/fail basis. In each case, the student must receive written approval to enroll on a pass/fail basis from the course instructor. The level of performance necessary to earn a pass grade in a student-opted pass/fail course is C+ or better. A passing grade will be recorded as P on the permanent record. The credit will be added into credit earned, but will not affect the grade point average. A failing grade will be recorded as F on the permanent record. The credit will affect the grade point average. To opt for pass/fail grading, a permission form must be obtained from and returned with appropriate signatures to the Office of the University Registrar by the end of the 10th day of classes. The student must first register for the course and then file the permission form. Once the form is submitted to the University Registrar, the decision may not be reversed. All unclassified students will be bound by the Graduate School’s attendance policy, which requires attendance at 75% or more of the class meetings in order to be eligible to earn credit for the course.

Graduate School of Business Academic Procedures