Can I complete the entire program at The University Center?

Yes. Core courses and electives are rotated between the main campus in Huntsville and The University Center. A long-range tentative MS in Finance schedule is available to help you plan the sequencing of courses to allow you to complete the entire program at The University Center.

How long will it take to complete the program?

While it is possible for a full-time student who holds an undergraduate degree in business to complete the program in one year, the usual time period is two years. For students with non-business degrees, it usually takes one to three additional semesters to complete the necessary stem work.

How large a course load should I take?

Generally, students who work should not take more than six credit hours (two courses) per semester. Most students can handle two courses while working. However, if your job entails a lot travel, you might consider taking only one course a semester. While the workload differs with each course, a good general rule is to expect to work at least six to ten hours per week outside of the classroom for each course.

How long can I take to complete the program?

A student has six years from the initial semester of admission to complete the program.

What happens if I miss a semester?

A student who does not attend in either a fall or spring semester must submit a new application for admission. As long as the student is in good standing he/she will be readmitted.

How much does the program cost?

The catalogue provides the most recent fee structure for the program. Using the current fee structure, for students qualifying for in-state tuition, the cost for the 36-hour MS in Finance program is approximately $12,000 on campus and $13,800 at the University Center both to include books. The cost will increase for students who are required to take stem courses.

Can the stem classes be waived?

The stem classes serve as prerequisites for the graduate business courses and are required for students who did not take the equivalent courses as part of their baccalaureate program and for students with a baccalaureate degree from a non-U.S. university. CLEP and validation exams are available for students who wish to test out of any or all of the stem requirements.

May I start the program without taking the GMAT?

Students who have stem requirements to complete may be admitted as a post-graduate student prior to taking the GMAT for the purpose for enrolling in the stem courses. However, students will not be admitted into the MS in Finance program until they meet all of the admission requirements, which utilize the GMAT score.

Do I apply through SHSU or The University Center?

The University Center is a multi-institutional teaching center providing a facility for six universities to offer a variety of non-redundant academic programs. Students must apply to the university that offers the specific program of interest. The MS in Finance program at The University Center is offered by Sam Houston State University. SHSU does have a representative at The University Center who can provide you with an application and more information about the program and process. The University Center staff will be happy to assist.

Are letters of recommendations required for admission?

No. The admission process requires the submission of the graduate application, official transcripts, and your GMAT score. International students also must submit a TOEFL score and English translations of their transcripts.

Can I start the program in any semester?

Yes. Students may start the program in the fall, spring, or summer.

What are the application deadlines?

The application list the deadlines as August 1 for fall admission, December 1 for spring admission, May 15 for summer I admission, and June 15 for summer II admission. These dates are target dates as opposed to strict requirements. However, students are encouraged to complete the application process as early as possible. Classes at The University Center have limited seating and students applying late may find classes to be full.

Can I transfer in classes from another program?

Maybe. Any or all of the stem requirements may be transferred from a recognized accredited U.S. university. The 200-level stem classes may be taken at a community college. At most, with the approval of the graduate coordinator, six graduate business hours may be transferred toward the 36-hour MS in Finance requirements.

Are any of the MS in Finance courses available as on-line courses?

No. SHSU’s MS in Finance program offers small face-to-face classes as opposed to on-line courses.

Can I have an area of specialization?

Students are not required to, but may elect to seek a specialization in Accounting, Economics, Finance, Human Resource Management, Management, or Marketing.

What other graduate programs does SHSU offer at The University Center?

The MBA is the only graduate program SHSU offers at The University Center.   SHSU offers the MS in Finance program at its main campus in Huntsville. Most of the courses for the MS in Finance program are also offered as part of the MBA program at The University Center.

What is the average class size?

The average graduate class size at the College is approximately 20. Most classes range from 15 to 30 students. The stem classes usually are a little larger.

What are the grade requirements?

Students must maintain a cumulative GPA of at least 3.00 on all graduate level coursework. Students who earn one grade of “F” or three grades of “C” in 500-level courses (including stem work) will be terminated from the program.

Are graduate assistantships available?

The College of Business Administration awards, on a competitive basis, a limited number of graduate assistantships. All students who have demonstrated distinguished academic performance may apply. All of the assistantships require students to work 20 hours per week at the main campus in Huntsville.

Who can I contact for further information?

Contact Dr. Dr. Leroy W. Ashorn Associate Dean. Tel: (936) 294-4040 Fax: (936) 294-3612
E-mail: busgrad@shsu.edu Mailing Address: P. O. Box 2056, Huntsville, TX 77341-2056