Babson College

Beginning in 1908, Roger Babson offered through Babson's Statistical Organization, a correspondence course on how to sell bonds. This endeavor was an instant success and courses in economics, finance, and distribution soon followed. He then saw the need for a private college that specialized in business education. In June 1919, Babson announced the establishment of a school of business administration, to provide not only practical, but also ethical training for young men wishing to become business executives.

Roger Babson set out to distinguish the Babson Institute from other colleges offering instruction in business. The Institute provides intensive training in the fundamentals of production, finance, and distribution in just one academic year, rather than the standard four. Babson favours a curriculum that is a combination of both class work and actual business training. Seasoned businessmen, instead of career academicians make up the majority of the faculty.

To better...

Beginning in 1908, Roger Babson offered through Babson's Statistical Organization, a correspondence course on how to sell bonds. This endeavor was an instant success and courses in economics, finance, and distribution soon followed. He then saw the need for a private college that specialized in business education. In June 1919, Babson announced the establishment of a school of business administration, to provide not only practical, but also ethical training for young men wishing to become business executives.

Roger Babson set out to distinguish the Babson Institute from other colleges offering instruction in business. The Institute provides intensive training in the fundamentals of production, finance, and distribution in just one academic year, rather than the standard four. Babson favours a curriculum that is a combination of both class work and actual business training. Seasoned businessmen, instead of career academicians make up the majority of the faculty.

To better prepare students for the realities of the business world, the Institute's curriculum focuses more on practical experience and less on lectures. Students work on group projects and class presentations and observe manufacturing processes during field trips to area factories and businesses. The Institute also maintains a simulated business environment as part of the students' everyday life. The College now offers a graduate business degree and courses in executive education, in addition to a four-year undergraduate business program.