2023-2024 Catalog

Sawyer Business School Integrated Master's Programs and Global Graduate Certificate Programs Academic Policies

SBS Graduate Academic Standards for Integrated Master's Program and Global Graduate Certificate Students:

At the conclusion of each semester, the SBS Graduate Academic Standing Committee reviews the records of graduate students (Integrated Master's Program and Global Graduate Certificate) failing to make satisfactory progress. Graduate students in the Sawyer Business School are expected to earn at least a B (3.0) in all courses attempted. Students must have a cumulative grade point average (GPA) of 3.0 at the completion of each semester as well as to graduate. Failure to maintain this average can lead to academic dismissal. Consequent actions include probation, and dismissal.

Decisions regarding progression will be made by the SBS Graduate Academic Standing Committee. Before making a decision, the Academic Standing Committee will consult with the INTO Suffolk Academic Director. Students must maintain a minimum GPA of 3.0 at the end of the Integrated Master's Program or Global Graduate Certificate Program to progress. Any students on Academic Warning or Academic Probation will work closely with an INTO Suffolk advisor to devise a plan by which to return to good standing.

In some cases, an Integrated Master's Program or Global Graduate Certificate student may be eligible for an extension. An extension is defined as the additional semester beyond the original student study plan of a 1 semester (Accelerated), 2 semester (Standard) Integrated Master's Program or 2 semester Global Graduate Certificate Program. Formal guidelines for academic performance and consequent actions are as follows:

Integrated Master's Program Standards:

  • While in the Accelerated or Standard Integrated Master's Program, students are required to achieve a grade of “B” or better in each course to progress, no “I” or “W” grades. If a student receives a grade less than a “B”, they will be reviewed under the SBS Graduate Programs academic standing policy.
  • If a student receives a grade less than a “B” (SBS and/or AE), they will be required to retake that course(s) in the next semester. In the case the course is not available in the next semester, the student will be required to take an approved course for substitution based on INTO Suffolk advisor and academic advisor approvals.
  • Any retaken course(s) must receive a grade of “B” or better or the student is dismissed.
  • If a student receives an “F” grade in a course, they will be required to retake that course in the next semester. In the case the course is not available in the next semester, the student will be required to take an approved course for substitution or potentially have a delay in the completion of their program until the course is available in a future semester based on INTO Suffolk advisor and academic advisor approvals.
  • If a student receives more than one “F” grade, they will be dismissed.
  • Students falling below a cumulative GPA of 3.0 will be reviewed following SBS Graduate Programs academic standing policies.
  • Students must attain a cumulative GPA of 3.0 or better to graduate.
  • A student is allowed only one extension semester. A student may not have more than two courses with grade of <B to be considered for an extension semester. In the extension semester, a student will be required to take 9-12 credits (Integrated Master's Program). The student must agree to the extension in writing by completing the appropriate forms. There may be additional cost to the student, in addition to a delay of progression into degree program, when adding an extension semester or if a required course is not available until a future semester.

Global Graduate Certificate Program Standards:

Formal guidelines for academic performance and consequent actions in the Global Graduate Certificate Program are as follows:

  • While in the Global Graduate Certificate Program, students are required to attain a cumulative GPA of 3.0 across both semesters in order to successfully complete the certificate. If a student does not meet the academic requirements, they will be reviewed under the SBS Graduate Programs’ academic standing policy.
  • Students must achieve a passing grade (C grade or higher) in each SBS course and B or better in each AE course in semester one to progress to semester two, with no “I” or “W” grades. If a student does not receive a passing grade (C grade or higher) in each SBS course taken in semester one, they will be dismissed. If a student does not receive a B or better in each AE course, they must retake that course in semester two and attain a B or better or will be dismissed.
  • If a student receives an F grade in semester one (SBS and/or AE), they will be dismissed.
  • A student may not have more than one course (SBS or AE) with a grade of <B in the second semester to be considered for an extension semester. If a student receives a grade less than a B (SBS or AE; not an F grade) in semester two and/or their cumulative GPA is less than 3.0, they will be required to take a pre-approved replacement course in the extension semester or additional course to attain a 3.0 cum GPA. (Academic Probation semester)
  • If a student receives one F grade in a course (SBS and/or AE) in the second semester, they will be required to retake that course or pre-approved replacement course in the extension semester. (Academic Probation semester)
  • In the extension semester the student must receive a B or better in that replacement course and regain good academic standing of a 3.0 or better cumulative GPA to graduate.
  • If a student does not attain a B or better or attain a cumulative GPA of 3.0 at the end of the extension semester, the student is dismissed.
  • Students must attain a cumulative GPA of 3.0 or better to graduate.
  • A student is allowed only one extension semester.
  • In the extension semester, a student will be required to take 3 credits for the certificate program. The student must agree to the extension in writing by completing the appropriate forms. There may be additional cost to the student, in addition to a delay in the completion of the certificate, when adding an extension semester.