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Undergraduate FAQs
Graduate FAQs
Executive MBA FAQs
Professional MBA FAQs
Doctoral FAQs

  Undergraduate - Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

1. What programs does SOM offer?
2. What courses should new SOM freshmen take?
3. How are AP and college credits earned while in high school used?
4. Can I do an internship during my program at BU?
5. Can I Study Abroad? Can I take business courses abroad?
6. How can I connect to SOM as a freshman if I’m not taking many SOM courses?
7. How and when do I declare my concentration?
8. Can I transfer Management courses from another institution to fulfill SOM course requirements or non-mgmt courses?
9. How do I get advised for my first semester?
10. How can I contact someone in SOM for assistance?

Q. What programs does SOM offer?

A. The undergraduate degree programs of the School of Management are designed to prepare students for management positions in both the private and not-for-profit sectors. The curriculum encompasses a broad Liberal Arts exposure in the first two years with a general education in the various management disciplines during the 3rd and 4th years.

The School of Management offers 2 Bachelor degrees. One is a BS in Accounting that prepares the student to take the Uniform CPA Exam upon graduation.  The other is a BS in Management that allows specializations in Entrepreneurship, Finance, Financial Engineering, Consulting & Leadership, Global Management, Marketing and Management Information Systems. Students may also minor outside of the School of Management.

SOM also offers a FastTrack MBA program that allows admitted students to complete a BS and an MBA in 5 years. Accounting majors may complete the BS and either an MS in Accounting or the FastTrack MBA in 5 years. Neither option requires changes to the BS program selected. Accounting majors who graduate after August 2009 will be required to have completed 150 credits in order to take the CPA exam. Either of these options will satisfy that requirement. Each program requires completion of the GMAT exam during the senior year and acceptance into the Graduate School. Details on gpa and GMAT requirements are available from the Graduate Advisor.

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Q. What courses should new SOM freshmen take?

A. There is only one required business course for SOM freshmen. All new freshmen take CQS 111 during their first semester. This course introduces students to the curriculum and the School plus greatly expands upon computer skills which will be needed in future SOM courses. All freshmen should be primarily focusing on GenEd and general liberal arts electives. They may include some of the following courses, although only CQS 111 is required to be taken during the first term:

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A. Any AP course where you earned a score of 3 or better will grant you 4 credits at BU. They will be applied as specifically as possible, but will always be accepted as electives at least. College credits for freshman or sophomore level courses generally transfer easily also. Again, they will be applied as specifically as possible. Courses offered by SOM at the Junior or Senior level must be taken at similar schools (not community colleges) in order to transfer.  See below for information on taking courses elsewhere once you are enrolled at BU.

Q. Can I do an internship during my program at BU?

A. SOM has an active internship program, both locally during the school term and over the summer.  Many SOM students undertake internships after the junior year with the Big 4 Accounting firms as well as Wall Street firms. Students may receive credits for internships done with local firms or unpaid internships taken over the summer. Students are required to have completed the introductory course most pertinent to the internship before registration for credit is permitted.

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Q. Can I Study Abroad? Can I take business courses abroad?

A. SOM students are strongly encouraged to study abroad and can go at any time. The easiest coursework to get approved is non-SOM coursework, so sophomore year is the easiest time to go. Students who prefer to go later when they are taking mostly SOM coursework must go to schools that are equivalent to BU and all business coursework is carefully evaluated. SOM has set up programs with several foreign schools to allow transfer of business coursework.  Information on these programs are available in SOM Advising and through the Office of International Programs. The structure of the curriculum makes study abroad during Spring semesters easier than Fall semesters.

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Q. How can I connect to SOM as a freshman if I’m not taking many SOM courses?

A. In addition to the required CQS 111 course that all new freshmen take, SOM offers a freshman mentoring program early in the first semester which matches up small groups of freshmen with  juniors and seniors to get advice on our programs, coursework, internships and study abroad. In addition, SOM has many student-run clubs that actively encourage freshmen to participate. There are also many events within the school which freshmen should take advantage of. Recruiters come to campus and hold general interest meetings. This is a great time to do some early research into possible career choices. The Faculty hold Concentration Nights where they meet with students to explain the various major options. There is also a Student Lounge near the Advising Office where students meet to work on projects or just hang out. 

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Q. How and when do I declare my concentration?

A. Concentrations may be declared at any time. The most common time is during the junior year as the various introductory 311 courses are taken but students often declare as early as freshman year. SOM Management majors may declare 1 or 2 concentrations.  Accounting majors do not declare concentrations.

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Q. Can I transfer Management courses from another institution to fulfill SOM course requirements or non-mgmt courses?

A. After matriculation, all courses taken at another college must be pre-approved by the SOM Advisor. Most non-mgmt coursework and lower level SOM coursework is approved from any accredited college, although courses being used towards minors or for specific requirements are looked at carefully and may need approval by appropriate faculty.  Upper level SOM courses may only be taken at other AACSB accredited schools.  A list of NYS AACSB schools is available in Advising.

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Q. How do I get advised for my first semester?

A. Advising starts at the summer orientation program, "Beginnings". At that time you will be introduced to many important offices and functions at BU. Included in that orientation are 2 academic advising sessions where you will learn the curriculum and get advice on your first semester schedule prior to registering at the end of the second day. Once you arrive at BU, your advising will be handled in the SOM Advising Office and you are encouraged to come to the office or contact us electronically whenever you have an issue or question. Appointments are never needed.

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Q. How can I contact someone in SOM for assistance?

A. The School of Management Academic Advisor, Brian Perry, can be found in Academic A, Room 142 Monday-Friday from 8:30-5:00. Appointments are not necessary. The Advising Office also has a staff of peer assistants who can assist students with routine questions about policies and the curriculum also. In addition, you can reach him electronically via email or Instant Messaging:
        Email: bperry@binghamton.edu 
        IM: somadvising
        Phone:  (607) 777-2316
Assistance with career planning, job searches and summer internships can be obtained from the SOM Placement Director, Jillian Kroll (jkroll@binghamton.edu). Her office is AA-128.
Faculty have posted office hours when students may visit for help in course assignments and many have graduate assistants who also hold office hours for students. Faculty offices are on the second and third floor of Academic A.

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  Graduate - Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Q. What programs are offered?

A. The following program names will be links to their respective web pages.

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Q. What concentrations are offered?

A. Students can explore various career tracks through numerous elective course offerings, including concentrations in Marketing, Finance, Management Information Systems (MIS), Operations Management, and Leadership/Consulting.

Link to MBA Program Concentrations: http://som.binghamton.edu/mba/concentrations.html

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A. Annual MBA in-state tuition is currently $7,100.
Annual MBA non-resident tuition is currently $11,340.

Note: These rates are subject to change. Current rates and fees can be found at http://www.binghamton.edu/studentaccounts/ptrates.htm

Q. What deadlines should I be aware of?

A. We review applications on a continuous basis until the upcoming class is filled. Applications should be submitted no later than 60 days prior to the beginning of each semester. Applications submitted past this time will be considered based upon space availability. For the fall semester approximately 10% of the seats are reserved for outstanding late applicants.

March 1st is the deadline for students applying for graduate assistantship considerations. Initial financial award decisions will be made by mid-April.

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Q. What are the selection criteria and process for graduate assistantships?

A. Assistantships are limited and therefore very competitive. To be considered, applicants must have GPA and GMAT scores that are well above the average. For the current year, students who were awarded an assistantship had a minimum GMAT score above 650. Work experience is also considered.

The typical award is $4,140 in addition to half of a tuition scholarship. Applicants must indicate their interest in an assistantship by marking the appropriate space on the application. Applicants must also submit a resume.

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Q. What housing options are available?

A. Housing information can be obtained by accessing the off-campus college website found at: http://occ.binghamton.edu/housing/index.htm

Note: All graduate students are required to live off-campus, however the Binghamton community offers numerous safe and affordable options.

The inexpensive real estate rates in Binghamton leads to great deals for students living off-campus. Visit the following website for more information: http://nyjobsource.com/realestate.html

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Q. What means of transportation are available?

A. If you do not drive, or choose not to purchase a car, there are many options available for getting around Binghamton. These include the local bus system, which is free for students (Schedules can be found at: http://www.binghamtonairport.com/community/Transit.php), as well as a free campus shuttle which serves the community and provides transportation for students who choose to take advantage of this great service (for more information call (607) 777-6989). In addition, the city of Binghamton provides abundant and affordable local taxis.

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Q. How and when do I register for classes?

A. Students need not worry about their initial registration, since the Academic Advising Office provides them with this service. Students are immediately registered for the core classes and choose their electives (if applicable*) during Orientation.

*Note: Two-Year students do not register for electives until their second year.

A schedule of classes can be accessed for each program by going to the following web page: http://som.binghamton.edu/mba/grad.html, selecting your program of interest from the right hand side and then clicking the “schedule” option.

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Q. How do I find out what books I will need?

A. A preliminary list of required books will be available after August 1 st and a link for it will be inserted at the bottom of this section at that time. For further information on books (including prices, availability, etc.) please call the University bookstore at (607) 777-2194.

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Q. Can I submit my GRE scores instead of GMAT scores?

A. No, we do not accept GRE scores. We require that all MBA, MS-Accounting, and PHD students take the GMAT exam and submit these scores.

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  Executive MBA - Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Q. When is the Executive MBA application deadline?

A: The application deadline for the Executive MBA program beginning in Fall 2008 is May 15, 2008. Applications received after May 15, 2008 will be considered on a space-available basis.

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Q. What is the tuition cost?

A: The program fee for the Executive MBA program beginning in Fall 2007 is $38,000.00. This fee includes required texts and materials, and parking in addition to snacks and meals during class weekends.

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Q. What are the requirements for admission to the Binghamton University Executive MBA program?

A: The application requirements will include a resume, a completed Graduate School application, all collegiate transcripts, two letters of recommendation, a personal statement, and scores from the Graduate Management Admissions Test (GMAT).

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Q. Am I required to take the GMAT exam?

A: Taking the GMAT is mandatory for admission into the Executive MBA program. Potential waivers are available for applicants currently holding advanced degrees (Ph.D, JD, MD) from accredited institutions. The admissions committee will consider these requests on a case by case basis.

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Q. How much "outside of class" work should I expect each week while in the program?

A: Participants, on average, spend approximately 20 hours per week on "outside of classroom" program coursework. This number fluctuates throughout the duration of the program. Some of this time may be spent in team meetings, text study, and presentation preperation.

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Q. Are concentrations offered in the Executive MBA program?

A: The Executive MBA program offers a general management MBA degree. Additionally, participants can choose to substitute some of their second year coursework for specially designed health care management courses and earn a health care concentration.

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Q. How can I get more information on the Executive MBA program?

A: Please contact:

Dr. George S. Bobinski, Jr.
Associate Dean and Director of Ph.D. Program
School of Management
Binghamton University
PO Box 6000
Binghamton, NY 13902-6000

E-mail: gbobins@binghamton.edu
Phone: (607) 777-2315
Fax: (607) 777-4872

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  Professional MBA - Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Q. What is the Fast-Track Professional MBA-NYC application deadline?

A: The application deadline for the New York City program is May 15, 2008. Applications subitted after May 15, 2008 will be considered on a space-available basis.

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Q. What is the tuition cost?

A: The Professional MBA program at New York City is remarkably affordable. The tuition cost for the class of 2008 is $22,900 and is payable in installments of $7,500 per semester and a $400 orientation fee.

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Q. What are the requirements for admission to the Binghamton     University Professional MBA program in New York City?

A: Individuals must have received their Bachelor's degree in the past 7 years. The Bachelor's degree must be in business or a business-related field from an AACSB accredited business school. Participants must be highly motivated and have the ability to contribute to the learning of cohorts.

Application requirements include a completed copy of the graduate school application form, a copy of the applicant's undergraduate transcript(s), two letters of recommendation, a current resume, a personal statement, and scores from the Graduate Management Admission Test (GMAT).

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Q. What role does the standardized test play in the admissions process?

A: Standardized test scores play an important part in the admission process. While test scores are not the only component of your application that the Admissions Committee considers, a good test score will certainly improve your chance for admission.

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Q. What is the GMAT and am I required to take it?

A: Taking the GMAT is mandatory for admission into the Professional MBA program in New York City.

Official test (GMAT, and/or TOEFL) scores must be requested from the Educational Testing Service (ETS). The school code of Binghamton University is 2535. Upon request, these scores will be sent directly to Binghamton University by ETS.

TOEFL is not required if you have received a collegiate degree from a U.S. institution or if you have received a degree from an institution in a country whose native language is English.

Although photocopies of GMAT, and/or TOEFL scores will not substitute for official test scores, we will accept them on a temporary basis if the application deadline is close. Department evaluation may take place with the use of photocopies. An admission offer cannot be made, however, until the official scores are received.

Registration materials for GMAT and test center locations can be obtained by contacting:

Educational Testing Service
PO Box 6103
Princeton, NJ 08541-6103
609-771-7330
http://www.gmat.org

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Q. How many hours a week should I expect to spend on schoolwork?

A: Participants, on average, spend approximately 20 hours per week on “outside of classroom” program coursework. This number fluctuates throughout the duration of the program. Some of this time may be spent in team meetings, text study, and presentation preparation.

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Q. When and where are the classes held?

A: Classes are scheduled on Saturdays in Midtown Manhattan at the State University of New York State College of Optometry between 8:30 AM and 4:45 PM. Classes are occasionally held on Friday evenings for make-up sessions (due to inclement weather, etc.).

Location:
22 West 42nd Street
New York, NY - 10036

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Q. Will I need a laptop computer?

A: A laptop computer with Microsoft Office is recommended but not required for the program.

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Q. How can I get more information on the PMBA program?

A: Please contact:

Dr. George S. Bobinski, Jr.
Associate Dean and Director of Ph.D Program
School of Management
Binghamton University
PO Box 6000
Binghamton, NY 13902-6000

E-mail: pmba@binghamton.edu
Phone: (607) 777-2342
Fax: (607) 777-6193

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Q. Will there be information sessions?

A: We will be posting sessions on our website: http://som.binghamton.edu/pmba/index.html.

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  Doctoral Program - Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Q. What concentrations are offered in your Ph.D. program?

A: Concentrations that are offered in our Ph.D. program are Accounting, Finance, Marketing, OB/Leadership and Supply Chain Management. Because our program is small and top-quality, applications are not accepted in all concentrations every year. When preparing your application, you should contact Marie Iobst at miobst@binghamton.edu or 607-777-6571 to make sure your application will be accepted into the concentration that is of interest to you.

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Q. What is the deadline for applications?

A: Applications should be in the Graduate Office by Feb. 15 so that they can be processed and sent to School of Management by March 1 when the review of applications will begin.

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Q. What are the requirements for admission to the Ph.D. program?

A:

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Q. What are the average and GMAT and TOEFL scores and GPA for those accepted into your program?

A: Scores for the GMAT for applicants to the doctoral program averaged 633 for those who are accepted. The average score for TOEFL is 625. Typically, applicants should have at least a GPA of 3.2 in undergraduate work and 3.5 in graduate work. The average GPA for those admitted into the program is 3.71.

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Q. Are GRE's accepted instead of GMAT?

A: The GRE's will be accepted if you have already taken the exam; however, the GMAT is strongly preferred. If you are using the GRE's, they are looking for an almost perfect score in the Quantitative section (95% +) and at least 80 percent in the Verbal and Analytical sections of the exam.

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