Courses & Enrollment
Where can I find the Pathfinder courses in Explore Courses?
The course descriptions will begin with “BUSGEN” in the subject area.
How can I enroll in these classes?
Classes will be open to sophomores, juniors, seniors, and co-terminal students. Freshmen are not eligible to enroll.
I’m a freshman. Can I enroll? Can I reach out to the faculty to appeal?
Classes are for sophomores, juniors, seniors, and co-terminal students. Since this is a three-year pilot, freshmen can take courses in future years.
Will GSB students be enrolled in Pathfinder courses?
Pathfinder classes are open for undergraduates and co-terms only. GSB students are not enrolled in the same classes.
Will courses created for the pilot be offered again?
Courses selected for the pilot can be offered up to once a year, annually, for the duration of the pilot or up to three academic years.
Does this initiative have a predetermined curriculum of courses?
No. This initiative does not have a pre-defined curriculum, and we expect that the offerings may change from year to year.
Logistics
Will classes be on the standard University schedule?
Exams and course schedules will follow the University calendar.
How many students will be in each class?
The class size for each class will range from 48-72 students. Most classes will be capped at 60 students.
Where will classes be held?
Classes will be taught at the Graduate School of Business and throughout the Stanford campus. Class locations will be based on space availability.
Are there any additional tuition/costs to take classes at the GSB?
No, tuition is the same as other undergraduate courses at Stanford.
How will courses be graded?
Pathfinder courses will be graded based on the University grading scale for undergraduates.
Can I audit these classes?
Auditing is not allowed for Pathfinder classes. The grading policies are listed in the Explore Courses description.
Grading & Units
How many units are these classes?
The majority of courses offered will be 3 units.
Is there a cap on the number of Pathfinder classes I can take?
Students can enroll in as many of the Pathfinder classes as they would like.
Will these courses count toward my major or be cross-listed with other departments?
Since this is a pilot program, these classes are considered electives. These courses are stand-alone and not cross-listed with any other departments at Stanford.
Is Stanford creating a Business major or minor for undergraduates? Is a certificate program in the works?
This is a stand-alone program, and the University will not be offering a Business major or minor. A certificate program is not under consideration.
GSB Admissions
Will taking Pathfinder classes provide any advantages if I want to apply to the Stanford GSB after graduation?
No, these courses are evaluated just like any other undergraduate class. The MBA program will not give any preference to Stanford students who take classes in this pilot program.
I want to apply to the Stanford GSB in the future. If I am admitted, can these classes be applied to my MBA degree?
Pathfinder classes are considered the same as all other undergraduate classes. Class credit can only be applied to an undergraduate degree program.
Facilities & Resources
If I take Pathfinder classes, will I have access to the GSB library, breakout rooms, and facilities and amenities at the GSB?
Students may take classes at the GSB, but the buildings, support services, and amenities are for GSB students only.
Can I join GSB student clubs or use GSB career services and other student resources?
Clubs and GSB support resources are only for GSB students.
Are there any other programs or activities offered for students taking classes in this pilot?
We plan on offering some co-curricular activities for undergraduates. Specific plans will be announced after the Autumn quarter.
Additional Information
I have questions. Who do I contact?
Email us with your questions.