Forms, information for prospective student-athletes.
Application
Is there a minimum GPA required for the program?
The minimum grade point average for graduate studies at SUNY Oswego is a 2.6; however, each individual graduate program can set their own standards as long as they do not go below a 2.6. The MBA program currently requires a minimum GPA of 2.6 but may be raised in the near future.
What is the application process?
The application process consists of the following:
1. Graduate Application Form
2. Part II of Application – 4 Essay questions
3. $50 non-refundable application fee
4. One official transcript in a sealed and signed envelope from each college or university attended; for international students, the transcript must be sent directly to SUNY Oswego from their university.
5. Two unopened letters of recommendation
6. Graduate Management Admissions Test (GMAT)
Learn more at graduate/admissions.
Is there an essay required and if so, how long should it be?
The following essay questions are part of the application process and answers should be between a half-page and full page in length.
1. List experiences which contributed to your professional growth such as supervisory activities, program development, etc.
2. Please describe unique personal experiences such as leadership activities, special assignments, etc. Explain what these experiences mean to you in terms of professional growth.
3. What do you want to do in the next five years in your profession?
4. What do you expect the Master of Business Administration degree program to do for you?
May I add more information after my application has been submitted?
Yes, you may submit your application package before you take the GMAT. However, it is best to send your application, essay, application fee and official transcripts together.
When is the application deadline?
SUNY Oswego has a rolling enrollment; as such, there is no hard deadline. However, students should have their application in by November 15th for the Spring and Summer semesters and May 1st for the fall semester.
When are application fees due?
The one-time non-refundable application fee must be paid at the time your application package is submitted and before you can enroll in any classes.
Are there any special requirements for international students?
Yes, in addition to the general admissions requirements, anyone who was born outside the United States is required to take the Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL) and must have an official score report sent directly from the testing center to the Graduate Office. TOEFL scores must be less than two years old to be considered. Information regarding the TOEFL can be obtained by contacting:
Princeton, NJ 08541
609-921-9000 or 609-771-7100
http://www.toefl.org/
Also, official transcripts must be sent directly to SUNY Oswego from their university. Transcripts sent in their application packet will not be accepted.
How many hours of work experience are required?
SUNY Oswego does not require a minimum number of years' work experience prior to entering the MBA program, but instead considers the opportunities in which students have been able to develop their professional and leadership skills. We look for candidates that can demonstrate knowledge and strength in our criteria regardless of the number of years' work experience they have.
Is it possible to schedule an admissions interview?
There is no official admission interview required, but students are encouraged to talk with the Director of the MBA program to discuss their study plan and interest in the program before they start their MBA.
Is there a possibility to defer my acceptance? If so, how long may I do so?
Acceptance into the MBA program can be deferred at the beginning of the program, but all candidates must be accepted into the program by the time they have completed 9 credit hours. Once a student has completed 9 credit hours, they will not be allowed to take any additional courses until they have been accepted into the program.
Who should the recommendations come from?
Two recommendations are required for this program: professional recommendations are preferred to academic recommendations, and at least one recommendation should come from your immediate supervisor. If this is impossible, a former supervisor can be used as a substitute. If you are applying to the five-year accounting program, your recommendations can be from faculty. The recommendation should support your application by providing specific details about your work experience and personal qualities.
Financial Aid
What is the estimated cost of your MBA program?
To learn more about the cost of the MBA program and the different payment plans available, you should check our graduate costs page, since it varies according to residency. You can also contact Financial Aid at finaid@oswego.edu or Student Accounts at stuaccts@oswego.edu for more information about funding and payment arrangements.
What kind of financial aid is available?
Graduate students are eligible for TAP, Student Loans, Graduate Assistantships, EOP programs and Fellowships. To learn more about TAP and Student Loans, contact our Financial Aid department at 315-312-2248 or email them at finaid@oswego.edu or visit Financial Aid's website. For more information on Graduate Assistantships, EOP programs and Fellowships, please contact our Graduate Studies Office at 315-312-3152 or email them at gradoff@oswego.edu or visit the graduate office website.
What is the SUNY Oswego FAFSA code?
SUNY Oswego’s FAFSA code is 002848.
As a graduate student, can I apply for TAP?
Yes, but there are some requirements (12 credits hours per semester or 9 credit hours and a graduate assistantship) and the award ranges from $18.75 to $275.
What is the SUNY Oswego TAP code?
SUNY Oswego’s TAP code is 5420.
Program
When does the program start?
SUNY Oswego has a rolling admission, therefore students can start their program anytime. Typically students go to school year-round, starting in the summer and graduating in May; however, this varies depending on each student.
What is the difference in waived and transfer credits?
Waived credits come from undergraduate work that has been completed at an AACSB-accredited school which has a grade of ‘B’ or better to be applied to the Foundation requirements only. The Foundation requirements can be waived based upon undergraduated degree work and work experience; each individual will be evaluated separately. Transfer credits are credits earned for graduate level work from another AACSB four-year institution, which must have been completed within five years and have grades of ‘B’ or better.
How many courses are required to complete the degree program?
If all Foundation requirements have been met, the candidate will have to complete six Core classes, one advanced tool, four electives and one capstone course for a total of 36 credit hours. If the Foundation Courses are not waived, the candidate will have an additional seven classes to complete for 21 credit hours, bringing the total credit hours to 57 credit hours.
How many credits are required per term?
The typical course load will depend on whether the student is going part-time or full-time. A part-time student can take anywhere from 3 credit hours (one class) to 6 credit hours (two classes). The full-time student can take anywhere between 3 to 4 classes (9 credit hours to 12 credit hours). Some state and federal Title IV financial aid programs require twelve credit hours or nine credit hours plus a graduate assistantship.
Is it possible to obtain an exemption in any areas of the program?
There is no exemption policy for our MBA program. If a course in the curriculum was taken as part of another degree, we would not require you to take that course again, but would require that you substitute another course in its place. If the course was taken as part of another incomplete graduate business program, it is possible to transfer a maximum of 6 credits to your MBA program. The credits must have been taken at another AACSB-accredited university with a minimum grade of ‘B’ or better to be transferred over.
What is the average class size?
The typical class size is between 10 and 25 students, with an average of 20 students. The classes are kept small to encourage more one-on-one interaction with the professor and discussion of case studies.
Where will the classes be offered? (classroom/online)
MBA courses can be taken in a classroom setting either in Oswego or at the Metro Center. Classes are also offered on-line, and some courses are run as hybrid classes.
Is there a possibility of an internship for this program?
Yes, each student will work directly with the MBA Director, Graduate Office and Experience-Based Education in setting up internships, graduate assistantships and FESTA Fellowships.
Am I limited to only SUNY Oswego partners?
No, as long as the institution is AACSB accredited, you may take courses from the institution and transfer them into your program. The maximum amount of credits you can transfer into your program is 6 credit hours (two classes).
Are there any alumni/student networking opportunities?
Yes, we hold an alumni symposium every year. We also encourage students to get involved in the SUNY Oswego ASK program (Alumni Sharing Knowledge). ASK is a mentoring program where students are individually matched with alumni.
GMAT
What is a GMAT?
The Graduate Management Admission Test (GMAT) is a computerized examination that measures verbal, mathematical and analytical writing skills designed to assess the qualifications of applicants for advanced studies in business and management programs. Total scores range from 200 to 800, with about two-thirds falling between 400 to 600. Visit http://www.mba.com/ for up-to-date information about the GMAT and answers to frequently asked questions not answered here.
What is the minimum GMAT score needed to be accepted?
The minimum GMAT score required is 500, although this standard is subject to change without notice. To do your best on the GMAT, study for the GMAT. Study books with computerized practice tests are available at just about any book store. It is also important to note that the GMAT score is only one part of the decision process. The application essays, letters of recommendation, work experience and transcripts also play a significant role in the decision process. GMAT scores are only good for five years.
How and when would I schedule a GMAT?
The GMAT has to be taken before you can be matriculated into a graduate program. To schedule a GMAT call 1-800-717-GMAT (4628) or visit www.mba.com/testcenterlist and select a location near you. Once you have chosen a location, you can schedule a GMAT exam appointment online, by phone, fax or by mail. Available time slots change continuously as people register for the GMAT, so you will need to confirm your time slot availability when you register. You may visit http://www.mba.com/ to obtain current cancellation/refunds/fee and rescheduling information. The scores are good for five years. Please keep in mind that you have to wait 30 days before retaking the test. You want to take it early enough so that you have the opportunity to retake it if you need to.
How much does it cost to take the GMAT?
Please visit www.mba.com/gmatfees for current information on test and service fees. Cost can be paid by using a credit card (Visa, MasterCard, American Express or JCB), debit card (Visa or MasterCard only), cashier’s check (mailed forms only), money order (mailed forms only) or personal check (mailed forms only).
What is the SUNY Oswego GMAT code?
On test day before you begin taking the GMAT, you will be given the opportunity to select up to five (5) programs to receive your score report. The fee to take the test covers the release of your scores only to the programs you selected at that time. It is important to note that once you have made the selections, you will not be given the opportunity to change them. Therefore, you do not need to take the code into the test with you, but the code is K6R-VR-76 MBA, Full Time. Please visit mba.com to find out more about sending your GMAT scores to schools.
Other
What are the extracurricular activities at Oswego?
You'll find an unlimited amount of activities you can get involved in at SUNY Oswego. You can visit the Student Association website to see just a few; you can also get involved with activities in the School of Business, as well as the ASK program (Alumni Sharing Knowledge). There are unlimited opportunities for candidates to get involved. http://www.oswegosa.org/
What are the transportation options for students? (cars, buses, walking)
There are many different avenues for transportation at Oswego. You can find details online.
Is housing available for MBA students?
Yes, housing is available on and off campus for MBA students. There are many additional affordable locations for graduate students who study in downtown Syracuse as well. Learn more
