Q: What is the Business Minor Summer Institute (BMSI)?
A: Tulane's Business Minor Summer Institute (BMSI) is a rigorous ten-week program where undergraduate students with little or no prior business coursework can earn 23.5 academic credits and obtain a business minor in 10 weeks over the summer. Students will gain a strong foundation in business and develop problem-solving skills that will benefit them throughout their careers.
Q: Where and when will the Business Minor Summer Institute take place?
A: The Institute’s program takes place on Tulane's campus in the Goldring Woldenberg Business Complex. The program includes two five-week sessions.
- Session 1: May 19 - June 20, 2025
- Session 2: June 23 - July 25, 2025
Q: What are the admission requirements for the business minor program?
A: The program is open to all non-business, Newcomb-Tulane College undergraduate students who have earned at least 24 credit hours and have GPAs of 3.0 or higher.
Q: How do I apply?
A: Applications are accepted by the Office of Undergraduate Education starting in January, just before the summer program. Visit business.tulane.edu/bmsi/intent/ to fill out an application.
Q: What benefits will I gain by participating in the Business Minor Summer Institute?
A: The BMSI program offers the following benefits to students:
- Provides practical and theoretical business knowledge to complement existing academic training
- Develops students’ skills to address business issues
- Improves students’ communication and networking skills
- Diversifies students’ academic backgrounds
Q: Will I need specific software?
A: During the program, BMSI participants will have unlimited access to the required computing resources. Student laptop computers must meet the specifications as outlined by the Freeman School. Please visit Freeman's Computing webpage for specifics.
Q: What is the dress code for the program? Will I need business professional clothing?
A: Dress is business casual during classes and meetings, but students must dress in business attire for certain professional occasions, such as presentations, guest lectures, networking events, etc.
Curriculum
Q: What courses will I take?
A: The Business Minor Summer Institute includes ten business courses: Financial Accounting, Managerial Accounting, Management Communication, Organizational Behavior, Business Computing, Legal Studies, Marketing, two Career Development and Management classes, and one finance-driven course (students can choose either Financial Management or Personal Finance). The Freeman faculty designed the curriculum to expand students’ critical thinking skills to prepare them to address business issues and problems.
Q: Can I complete the business minor over two summers?
A: No, students must complete the Business Minor Summer Program in one summer.
Q: Do I receive grades in the courses I take? Does the university calculate my BMSI grades into my cumulative GPA?
A: Yes, students in the BMSI program receive course grades that are calculated into the students’ GPAs.
Q: Will the courses require homework or outside reading?
A: Yes, students in the Business Minor Summer Institute will have homework and outside reading assignments. The coursework is rigorous, and the pace is accelerated in order to cover the material required to earn a business minor.
Q: I have a disability. Will I be accommodated?
A: Absolutely. The business school works with the Goldman Center for Student Accessibility. Students with learning disabilities should visit the Goldman Center for Student Accessibility web site or call 504-862-8433 to coordinate testing accommodations.
Q: How will completing the Business Minor Summer Institute strengthen my resume?
A: Participants who complete the Business Minor Summer Institute program will be able to present themselves to employers as well-rounded, experienced candidates who have fundamental business skills necessary to contribute to a company or business enterprise.
Q: Am I able to take additional courses outside of the minor program?
A: Your schedule and workload will make it challenging to take additional summer school classes, and the business school strongly discourages it. BMSI courses meet from 9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. and require work outside of class. Under special circumstances, such as having completed one of the courses previously, it may be possible. Please note, however, that the BMSI program is intense and demanding and leaves students with little or no time for additional work.
Enrollment
Q: How much does the program cost?
A: The tuition for Business Minor Summer Institute 2024 is $14,750. Additional fees may apply.
Q: Do you offer financial aid or payment plan options?
A: All students’ financial aid situations are different. Therefore, students should meet with their financial aid advisors to discuss particular financial aid options.
Q: When is tuition due?
A: Tuition is charged on the first day of class.
Q: How do I apply to the program?
A: Students must complete the Intent to Enroll form online prior to the deadline of April 21st.
Q: Do you interview business minor applicants?
A: The Office of Undergraduate Education may choose to interview BMSI applicants who do not meet the 3.0 GPA threshold.
Q: Can I enroll if I am an international student?
A: The Business Minor Summer Institute welcomes all international students from Newcomb-Tulane College.
