The MBA is a general practitioner business degree which comprehensively covers and integrates all disciplines needed to lead a business. In contrast, the MS degrees are usually offered as discipline-specific specializations (i.e. accounting, finance, marketing, operations). The MBA usually appeals to students who aim long-term to be part of the corporate team leading an organization. The MS degrees usually appeal to students who aim to develop expertise in a particular aspect of business.
A GMAT score is required of all applicants. A waiver of the exam may be requested in the following circumstances:
- The applicant previously earned a master’s degree in another field OR
- The applicant has passed all four sections of the CPA (Certified Public Accountants) examination OR
- The applicant is a licensed CMA (Certified Management Accountant) OR
- The applicant has an undergraduate GPA of 3.0 or higher and has completed graduate business or accounting coursework at SUNY Poly as a non-degree student, and has earned a grade of B+ or higher in each course.
- The applicant has a GPA of 3.0 or higher with a major in business or accounting from an AACSB accredited business program in the U.S., or with a major in health information management or health informatics program from a CAHIIM accredited program in the U.S. within the last 7 years OR
- The applicant has an overall GPA of 3.5 or higher in any major from any accredited university or college, within the last 7 years OR
- The applicant has relevant professional experience of 5 years or more, will be reviewed on a case by case basis
To request a GMAT waiver, submit the online GMAT Waiver Request Form after you have submitted an Application for Graduate Admission. We will accept a GRE or another standardized test (LSAT, MCAT, etc.) in lieu of the GMAT. The SUNY Poly school code for GMAT score reporting is K6R-D6-26.
July 1 for fall admission | December 1 for spring admission Admission decisions are made on a rolling basis as follows:
- Fall Admission - February 1 to July 15
- Spring Admission - October 1 to December 15
Students enrolling in a 33 credit hour program (either the fast track MBA or the MS Accounting) can transfer 6 credits. Up to 12 credit hours can transfer in towards the 48 credit hour MBA program. We do not grant credit for work experience or undergraduate course work. Only graduate courses with a grade of A or B, and completed less than seven years prior to matriculation are transferable.
Yes, all MBA and MS Accounting courses are available online.
MBA: Two years or four semesters of full-time study is usually required. Part-time students taking two courses at a time will normally finish in four years.
MS Accounting: Three semesters of full-time study is typically required. Part-time students can usually complete in three years.
Many large and small companies interview and hire SUNY Poly graduates. Below is a list of some of these companies:
- IBM
- American Express Financial Advisors
- Bank of New York
- Blue-Cross and Blue Shield
- Fleet Boston Financial Group
- ITT
- NYS Department of Taxation and Finance
- NYS Department of Labor
- Social Security Administration
- State Farm Insurance
- The Hartford Insurance
- Travelers Insurance
- Price Waterhouse Coopers
- A variety of accounting firms
For more information on employment opportunities visit: sunypoly.edu/careerservices
