Many of your questions about the UB MBA program will be answered in the FAQs below. If your concerns are not addressed here, contact admissions or call 716-645-3204.
A. The School of Management is using a test-optional admissions process for the 2024 admissions cycle. You have the option to submit GMAT or GRE scores in support of your application, but are not required to do so.
If you choose to submit a score, it may improve your chance of being admitted, as well as increase your opportunity for a merit-based scholarship.
A. Our full-time MBA program offers fall admission only. Read our admissions requirements and application deadlines.
A. Interviews are by invitation only and are determined after an application has been submitted and evaluated. Admissions staff conduct interviews on campus or via Skype.
A. We offer several UB MBA for a Day events throughout the fall and spring semesters. Prospective students attend an MBA core course, discuss their career goals with a Career Resource Center staff member, review the admissions process with a Graduate Programs Office staff member and enjoy lunch and a tour of campus with UB MBA Ambassadors. Register now for an upcoming event.
A. Yes, prospective students can contact UB MBA Ambassadors and meet UB MBA alumni at our recruitment events.
A. The admissions committee prefers a minimum IBT target of 95. The university minimum for the IELTS exam is an overall score of 6.5. The university minimum for the PTE is 55.
A. Working full-time while completing the full-time MBA program is highly discouraged. We recommend that students work no more than 20 hours per week while completing the program, and preferably not at all during the first semester. If you plan to work full-time while completing an MBA program, we encourage you to consider the Professional MBA (PMBA) program.
A. You are eligible to defer an admission offer for up to one calendar year from the original admit term. You may only request to defer once. To request a deferral after admission to a program, please submit a request for a deferral on the intent form or email the Office of Enrollment at som-apps@buffalo.edu.
You may request a deferral prior to paying your tuition deposit. If you request a deferral after paying your tuition deposit, the deposit will defer along with your admission. You must request a deferral prior to the start date of classes of your original admit term.
The following exceptions apply:
A. Visit the UB Student Accounts page for current tuition information.
A. The first payment due is your $500 tuition deposit. Your tuition will be due according to university's schedule. Note: tuition and fees cannot be paid in cash.
A. Students must request, in writing, a deposit refund by the following dates:
* There are no refunds of the tuition deposit after the first day of classes.
Refund requests made after the dates noted above will not be considered.
A. There are multiple forms of financial aid available to applicants. Students who wish to be considered for scholarships, fellowships and assistantships must submit a completed application and all required admissions materials by February 1. Both domestic and international students are considered for these opportunities and there is not a separate application process to be considered, unless noted within individual scholarship requirements.
A. We offer financial assistance to a small number of our most qualified international students prior to the start of classes. We encourage candidates to explore all scholarship and financing opportunities available to them in their home country or country of residence. International students may apply for assistantships once they arrive on campus.
A. There are several on-campus and off-campus housing options available. You may wish to contact a current student to discuss options, or visit our UB MBA housing page for more information.
A. The MBA program generally does not accept transfer credit and will not waive any core courses regardless of previous experience or education because of our cohort/study team structure. There is potential to transfer up to 6 graduate elective credits, but must be approved by the Assistant Dean.
A. You can choose your electives beginning in the spring semester of the first year. Our MBA academic advisor can discuss options with you based on your academic and career goals.
A. Call us at 716-645-3204. If you are a prospective applicant, we encourage you to attend MBA for a Day, schedule a personalized visit day or meet us at a recruitment event near you. If you're currently attending UB for an undergraduate or graduate program, we encourage you to attend an information session. If you're an admitted student, the Graduate Programs Office will provide information over the summer prior to enrollment regarding academic advisement appointments.
Q. How do I apply for the STEM MBA?
A. As a STEM MBA applicant, you go through the regular MBA application process. On your MBA application, you will be asked if you are interested in pursuing the STEM MBA; simply make your selection at that time. While not required, may also express your interest in pursuing the STEM MBA in your personal statement.
Q. Does choosing the MBA STEM option extend the program?
A. No. The program remains 60 credits and two years (fall start only; two fall and two spring semesters, with a summer in between).
Q. Does choosing the MBA STEM option cost more?
A. No. Choosing the STEM option does not affect tuition and fees.
Q. Is it difficult to fulfill the requirements for the STEM MBA?
A. All UB MBA students take 27 credits of required core courses in their first year (13 credits of which are STEM-designated) and a 3-credit internship. If you are pursuing the STEM pathway, you must take 21 credits of STEM electives in your second year. You will work with your academic advisor to plan your elective coursework to meet the requirements.
Q. Can I choose a concentration in the STEM MBA?
A. Yes. STEM MBA students will work closely with their academic advisor to map out a plan that ensures all program requirements are met.
Q. Are there additional prerequisites for the STEM MBA program?
A. No, there are no additional requirements for the STEM MBA. However, now is a good time to confirm that you meet all the requirements for admission into the program.
Q. Do I have to have an academic or professional background in a STEM field to pursue a STEM MBA?
A. No. You may choose the STEM MBA path regardless of your undergraduate major or previous work experience. However, strong quantitative, analytical and technical skills are required to successfully complete this rigorous program.
Q. Do students pursuing the STEM MBA take classes with non-STEM MBA students?
A. Yes. All MBA students take core curriculum classes together. In elective courses, you may have MBAs (both STEM and non-STEM), Master of Science and doctoral students in your class, depending on the course.
Q. Can I opt in to the STEM MBA at any time?
A. As an incoming student you can opt in to the STEM MBA on your application, be admitted into and then enroll in the STEM MBA. If you do not choose the STEM MBA on your application, you may opt in to the STEM MBA before the start of your second semester. After that deadline, you will not be able to enroll in the STEM MBA path.
Q. What if I change my mind and no longer wish to pursue the STEM MBA?
A. Students can drop the STEM MBA at any time and pursue the full-time, non-STEM MBA; however, once you opt out, you will not be able to opt back in.
Q. How does the STEM MBA affect international students?
A. While all graduates can benefit from the STEM-designated MBA, international students on F-1 visas will have the added advantage of being eligible to work in the U.S. without an H1-B visa for up to 36 months after graduation – 24 months longer than the 12 months granted to non-STEM graduates.
In addition to gaining valuable time in the workplace, you can significantly increase your chances of acquiring a work visa, as the extra time will allow you three tries at applying instead of one.
A. The study teams give students the opportunity to develop team skills that are critical in today’s business world. Team skills include leadership, oral and written communication, conflict management and the ability to run effective meetings. Students work together to minimize weaknesses and maximize strengths. Additionally, each first-year team is assigned a Corporate Champion who will help you become involved in a community business and gain real-world perspective.
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. We recommend for every one hour of class, you commit two hours outside of class. Allocating time to study group meetings is critical; it is not unusual for students to spend 8 to 12 hours a week in group meetings, in addition to personal study time.
A. All classes start according to the University Academic calendar. But, you will need to pay close attention to the pre-enrollment communications you receive from the Admissions and Advising team for arrival and orientation dates, which can be 3 to 4 weeks prior to the start of classes.
A. MBA Advantage is a required professional development program that is integrated throughout the MBA program.
A. Some of your faculty use textbooks, some use cases and presentations. Your faculty will share this information in the course syllabus. You will need to buy textbooks assigned by the faculty member and will probably want to buy additional books to help you read around the subject. Some students choose to purchase books at the University Bookstore and others prefer to rent or buy from online sources. Choose what works best for you.
A. Our 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.
A. Student organizations host various activities throughout the year. You will be notified of these through the GPO weekly email and/or postings around the Jacobs Management Center and the Alfiero Center. Contact the sponsoring student organization for details.
A. While computer ownership is not mandatory for admission and computers are available through the university’s public computing sites, we strongly recommend that every incoming MBA student have a personal computer.
A. Work experience is defined as full-time employment after completing a bachelor's degree. While co-op, internship and part-time work experience is valuable to your application and in the MBA classroom, AACSB reporting standards require us to report post-bachelor's work experience.
A. Yes, we believe military experience is valuable and encourage military personnel to apply to our program, as they have proven leadership and interpersonal skills. Military experience completed before finishing your degree will positively impact your application and is often viewed favorably by employers.
A. Yes. Our Career Resource Center and Internships and Experiential Learning Office work together to develop internship opportunities for UB MBA students. Both offices share the online BizLink recruiting system. They maintain and continue to grow the list of companies that recruit at UB. Their goal is to help you get an internship and full-time job, and ensure you graduate with the skills to successfully search for positions throughout your career.
A. The Career Resource Center publishes a list of companies who have recruited UB School of Management students.
A. Working full-time while completing the full-time MBA program is highly discouraged. We recommend that students work no more than 20 hours per week while completing the program, and preferably not at all during the first semester. If you plan to work full-time while completing an MBA program, we encourage you to consider the Online MBA (OMBA) program.
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150 Jacobs Management Center
Buffalo, NY 14260-4000
Tel: 716-645-3204
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