College of Business

The Stony Brook Combined Degree Program combines a four-year undergraduate degree and a two-year M.B.A. into a five-year program. Undergraduate students in this program take graduate M.B.A. courses during the summer after their junior year, and during their senior year, and then finish their M.B.A. program in their fifth year. It is designed for high-achieving students (minimum 3.0 GPA) with a record of leadership and academic excellence.

Q:  What do I need in order to apply to the combined degree program?

A:  Requirements for consideration of admission into the Combined Degree program:
• Complete an application for the program available at the Office of Student Services – 102 Harriman Hall
• A copy of all transcripts from universities attended as an undergraduate.
• 3 Letters of Recommendation from current or former employers or professors
• Proof of satisfactory completion (grade of “C” or better) of a three credit hour calculus course (other quantitative courses will be considered in lieu of Calculus)
• Interview with the graduate director and other professors.

Q:  When is the deadline:

A:  As seats are limited, all applications should be received as soon as possible during the Spring Semester. 

Q: When should I apply?

A:  Students should apply in their junior year or when they have junior standing (57-84 Credits). However, it is never too early to be interested in the program and students could prepare for the program by taking calculus and maintaining above a 3.0 GPA.

Q:  Do I need to take the GMATs/GREs?

A: It is not necessary for combined degree students to submit GMAT scores.  We will obtain your SAT scores from the admissions office for consideration.

Q: What is the minimum GPA for admission to the Combined Degree MBA program?

A:  A minimum GPA of a cumulative 3.0 is required, no exceptions can be made. Most of the students who gain admission have at least a 3.2 cumulative GPA.

Q:  Where should I send my official transcripts and any letters of recommendation that weren’t submitted online?

A:  Please send to the Office of Student Services in the College of Business, the address is at the end of this document.

Q:  When will I hear back about a decision?

A:  Depending on when your application was received, it will take an average of several weeks to reply to you.  Once we have received all of your materials, your application will be sent to the admissions committee for review.  The Office of Student Services will be in contact with you via email and regular mail to let you know about the status of your application

Q: Can I count graduate credits toward my undergraduate degree?
A:  Yes, students in this program can use 15 graduate MBA credits in their senior year for general upper-division undergraduate electives.  MBA courses cannot be used to fulfill major, minor or DEC requirements.

Q:  When will I be converted to graduate status?

A:  Usually in the first semester of your senior year. However, this can vary based on a student’s undergraduate degree requirements.  Students must complete a minimum of 48 credits at the graduate level.  It is very important to see a Combined Degree advisor early in your program to determine your graduate matriculation status.

Q: Once converted to graduate status, if I am still taking undergraduate courses, will they be factored into my graduate GPA or undergraduate GPA?

A: The undergraduate courses taken in a graduate status will not be factored into your undergraduate or graduate GPA.  Once you apply for graduation, the Registrar will recalculate your undergraduate and graduate GPAs to include all relevant coursework.
 
Q: When is the best time to start looking for a graduate internship?

A:  As soon as possible. The earlier you start applying for internships, the better your chances of finding one.  The Career Center can help you locate an internship.  Visit www.stonybrook.edu/career and click on the ZebraNet link.  Create your name and password and start your internship search.

Q: How does Housing change when I matriculate as a Graduate Student?

A:  Once converted to graduate status you are allowed to live in buildings F-H in the West Apartments, Schomburg and Chapin. You will be charged rent for the entire year month by month.

Q: How will this program affect my financial aid?
A:  Your financial aid will remain the same until you transfer over to graduate status. There is no financial aid in the graduate program although scholarships are available. No undergraduate scholarships or aid will apply to a matriculated graduate student.

Q: How do I receive graduation clearance?

A:  All Fast Track students must apply for graduation through the graduate school’s webpage for both their graduate and undergraduate degrees. 

Q: Do I receive two degrees at once?

A:  Students in this program will receive both the undergraduate and the graduate degrees at the same time. In the event that a student decides not to complete the graduate degree, he or she would receive an undergraduate degree if all university requirements are met.

Q: Is there opportunity to study abroad?

A:  We encourage students to complete some part of their study abroad. Students can take an internship, a short course, or a more intense course of study abroad in the summer following their senior year. Students can arrange to complete up to 12 credits in the study abroad program.

The Summer Experience

Q: When is the intensive summer session?

A:  The summer session will start at the beginning of June and conclude at the end of July. The classes run Monday through Thursday from 9 AM to 4 PM with a break for lunch and Friday from 9 AM to 1 PM.

Q: What classes will I take?

A: MBA 502, Finance; MBA 504, Financial Accounting; MBA 505, Marketing
MBA 506, Leadership.

Q: What unique experiences does the summer session offer?

A: An intimate understanding of the business world through a client project and a broad understanding of how the different functions of a business interrelate through a business simulation project. You will work closely and bond with fellow students, creating an enhanced learning environment. During the summer program, there is also extensive group work, an essential skill in every working environment.

Q: Will I be able to work or take other classes during the summer?

A: The College of Business strongly suggests that you do not take additional courses or have a job during the summer session. Participants are expected to devote a large amount of time and effort to the program. Also, due to the nature of the group work involved in the program, we suggest that participants live on campus or nearby.