|
Home >
Degree Programs >
Master of Science >
MS in Accounting >
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
We receive many e-mail messages and telephone calls daily from applicants and accepted students who have questions regarding a University at Buffalo MS program. Many of the questions are answered in this FAQ document. This document is updated as new questions are received. By reviewing this document first, you are likely to have your question answered sooner. If your concerns are not addressed in this document, then please do not hesitate to send e-mail or call us at 716-645-3204 (or toll free in the U.S. and Canada at 877-235-6622). Thank you for helping us serve you better.
General
Costs
Program Structure
Classes
Student Life
Q. What is the average GMAT score?
A. For Fall 2007, students accepted into the UB MS programs scored an average in the mid-600s on their GMAT exams. We evaluate each candidate’s overall application when making decisions, so there is no minimum cut-off.
Return to top
Q. What is the average TOEFL score?
A. Due to a variety of TOEFL formats currently being offered we cannot give an average. Our computer based minimum is 230 and our IBT target is 100+ but be sure to consult with your recruiter on your score.
Return to top
Q. Do I need to take the GMAT or GRE to apply to UB MS programs?
A. The GMAT exam is a requirement for application to the UB MS in Accounting program. We will accept the GMAT or GRE exams for the MS in MIS, MS in Finance and MS in Supply Chains and Operations Management programs.
Return to top
Q. What is a competitive GRE score?
A. Our admissions committee looks for a score in the mid 600s on each section of the GRE.
Return to top
Q. What is the tuition and cost breakdown?
A. View tuition and housing cost information.
Return to top
Q. When do I have to pay the tuition and fees?
A. The first payment due is your tuition deposit. In addition, there will be a fee for MBA Advantage due by mid-July. Your tuition bill will be due according to a university schedule.
Return to top
Q. What types of financial aid are available?
A. New York State resident students may be eligible for New York State financial aid. All domestic students may be eligible for some form of educational loans. No direct School of Management aid is available for the MS programs.
Student loans: Students can apply for student loans by completing a Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) application at the FAFSA Web site.
Return to top
Q. What financial assistance is available for international students?
A. UB School of Management does not have financial assistance available for MS programs. International students may be eligible for on-campus work once they have enrolled.
Return to top
Q. Where can I find housing information?
A. On campus housing information can be found at: University Residence Halls and Apartments. Off-campus housing information can be found at Sub-Board I Web site.
Return to top
Q. Can I waive management subjects or transfer credits from previous coursework?
A. The University at Buffalo generally does not accept transfer credit and no courses are waived regardless of previous experience or education.
Return to top
Q. What are the degree requirements?
A. A detailed description of each of the program curriculums can be found on the Web site and in the MBA/MS Handbook.
Return to top
Q. Can I do an internship?
A. This depends on your residency/visa status. Due to U.S. immigration regulations, internships are only available to international students who are in a program that requires them as part of the curriculum. International students may elect to complete Optional Practical Training following completion of their degree. U.S. students may be able to an internship, even if it is not required, depending on availability of sponsoring organizations.
Return to top
Q. How do I make an advisement appointment?
A. Call us at 716-645-3204. Admitted and deposited students should make an academic advising appointment as soon as possible. Group advising sessions may be scheduled for new students and anyone not completing an appointment by the time of MS Advantage will be scheduled for a session by program staff.
Return to top
Q. What is the average class size?
A. An average MS/MBA class will include about 30 students. Some electives may be as small as 15 and some may be as large as 50.
Return to top
Q. What is a typical course load?
A. MS students must take five courses or 15-16 credits per semester in order to graduate on schedule. All MS programs are structured as two-semester programs and students should plan to graduate in that timeframe. Some students with limited business backgrounds may be required to take additional courses each semester.
Return to top
Q. How many hours per week will I need to study?
A. Study time outside the classroom varies greatly from student to student and fluctuates over the course of the semester based on assignments and exams. You should expect to invest a minimum of 20 hours per week studying.
Return to top
Q. When do classes start?
A. Fall 2008 classes begin on August 25. International students will have orientation the week prior to the start of classes and all students will be required to attend MS Advantage on the Friday before classes begin.
Return to top
Q. What is MS Advantage?
A. MS Advantage is a required program that is in addition to International Student Orientation run by the university. All MS students must attend this session that is scheduled the Friday before fall classes start. Sessions are scheduled with your program advisors and the Career Resource Center staff.
Return to top
Q. Will I need to buy books?
A. Yes. You will need to buy textbooks assigned by faculty members and you will probably want to buy additional books to help you read around the subject. Texts are available at the University Bookstore as well as through other sources, such as a number of Web sites. Book lists are maintained by the university bookstore. The Graduate Programs Office does not have this information available.
Return to top
Q. What books are required for each class?
A. A list of the texts used in each class is available at the campus bookstore. You may purchase the book at the bookstore or acquire it from other sources (i.e. online).
Return to top
Q. What is the teaching style for professors at UB?
A. UB faculty employ theoretical, case study, applied and practical teaching methods throughout the curriculum. The teaching method used in a class is the choice of the individual professor. Most courses will combine these methods.
Students are expected to participate and contribute to class and team discussions.
Return to top
Q. How accessible is the faculty to the students?
A. Teaching faculty members are here to support you. It is up to the student to contact them to make an appointment to discuss a particular issue. In addition, most faculty members use e-mail regularly and will happily answer quick questions using that technology.
Return to top
Q. What student clubs exist in the UB School of Management?
A. A variety of student clubs are available depending upon your interests.
Return to top
Q. What student activities are available?
A. There are various extracurricular activities throughout the year organized by the student organizations. You will be made away of these by e-mail or postings. Contact the sponsoring student organization for details.
Return to top
Q. Do I need a computer?
A. UB expects every incoming MBA student to have access to a personal computer beyond those provided in the university’s public computing sites. Faculty may assign computer-intensive work and design computer-intensive courses that will engage every entering student, on or off campus. While the easiest and most direct access will be through a PC owned by the student, ownership is not required.
As an entering student, you are expected to possess/develop computer skills in the following areas: word processing, spreadsheets, presentation software, Internet research, and electronic mail. If you do not already have these skills, there are many campus resources available for developing them.
UB Micro, the on-campus technology store, offers many good packages and students may access a number of software packages for free. Check the licensing agreements before purchasing software.
Return to top
Q. Why is having access to a computer important for academic success?
A. Computer and information technologies play an increasing role in teaching and learning at UB. Many UB instructors post course material on Web pages, assign projects involving Internet and database searching, communicate with class members by e-mail, and expect professionally prepared projects and research papers. If you don’t have access to a computer, you may not be able to fulfill course requirements.
Since all School of Management classrooms provide wireless computer access, students may find it useful to have a notebook computer with a Wi-Fi card that they can bring to class. This is not required, just something to consider if you are planning to purchase a computer.
Return to top
|
