Admission and Transfer Work
What must I do to be admitted to the College of Business?
Admission requirements in the College of Business are the same as for admission to the University. Contact the Office of Admissions (936-468-2504) for more information.
To change your major to the College of Business you must have a 2.00 grade point average at SFA.
Where can I find course equivalencies for junior/community courses?
A list of courses and how they transfer from Texas public community colleges is listed on the SFA Registrar's Office website under the "Become a Student" tab at https://ssb.sfasu.edu/sg/wf_admissions.p_course_equivalency. This information is updated each year. If you do not find the course number you have already taken or are interested in taking, please contact the Admissions Data Center at 936-468-4025.
I took a course at a junior college that is similar to a 300 or 400 level course at SFA. Will it count as the SFA course?
No. Courses numbered 300 or 400 level at SFA can only be satisfied by junior or senior courses taken elsewhere. Courses at a junior college are always freshman or sophomore level.
Can I go to a community college and transfer courses back to bring up my SFA grade point average?
No. Community college grades are not counted in the SFA GPA. Only grades earned at SFA count in the SFA grade point average.
Dropping and Withdrawing from Classes
What is the difference between dropping a course and withdrawing?
Up until the "last drop date" each semester (usually mid-semester), you can drop a course and receive a grade of "W." The grade will appear on your transcript but will not count in your grade point average (GPA). After the last drop date and up to the last withdrawal date, you cannot drop an individual course. You may withdraw from all of your courses, such as might be necessary due to an extended illness or family emergency. If you withdraw, you will be assigned a grade of "WP" (passing) or "WF" (failing) in each class. A WP is counted the same as a W, but a WF is counted the same as an "F." Stop by the Registrar's Office in the Rusk Building to drop courses or withdraw.
Is there a limit to the number of courses that can be dropped?
A student entering any college beginning Fall 2008 or later is limited to 6 drops, total, during his or her entire college career. A student who withdraws from the University will not have those withdrawals counted as drops.
How does a "WH" (withheld) grade work?
If a student cannot complete the work in a course within the last three weeks of a long semester or the last week of a summer session because of unavoidable circumstances (illness, family emergency, etc.), a "WH" ("withheld") grade may be assigned. The faculty member must complete a "Withheld Grade Form" indicating the work remaining to be done by the student and a due date for completion of the work, which may be no longer than one calendar year from the end of the semester in which the WH grade is assigned. The form must be approved by the respective department chair. As soon as possible (and no later than the date specified on the form), the student should make arrangements with the faculty member to complete the indicated work. Ordinarily, the student does not register for the class again. Instead, the faculty member turns in a grade change when the student has completed the work. If the student does not complete the work by the required date, the grade will automatically be changed to an "F."
Degree Plan and Graduation Requirements
When should I file my degree evaluation/plan?
The degree plan should be filed as soon as possible after completing 45 or more credit hours. To file the degree plan, contact the Rusche Student Services Center during normal business hours.
When should I apply for graduation?
The final degree audit (graduation plan), sometimes called a "final" degree plan, should be filed at the beginning of the semester in which the student will preregister for his or her final remaining coursework. Ordinarily, the period to apply for graduation will be during the long semester immediately prior to the graduating semester. Once you have completed 90 semester credit hours you will begin receiving notices from both the Office of the Registrar and the Rusche Student Services Center. Please check the University Calendar and watch your SFA email for the specific time period to file. The filing period is limited and failure to apply in a timely manner will result in additional late fees.
How do I apply for graduation?
To apply for graduation, complete the "Intent to Graduate" form in the Rusche Student Services Center. This process usually takes 1-2 weeks so plan ahead to avoid late filing fees. You will take a copy of the intent form along with an updated degree evaluation to the Graduation Office in Rusk 201. Students are not allowed to apply for a specific graduating semester unless enrolled in all required courses with the expectation of meeting all requirements including grade point average.
What is the Major Field Test?
The Major Field Test (MFT) is required for all students pursuing the Bachelor of Business Administration degree and will be administered in the MGT 463, Business Policy and Strategy course. To prepare for this test, business majors are advised to retain their class notes and other relevant materials from other business foundation courses and to fine-tune their readiness for the Major Field Test review.
How many credit hours of coursework does it take to obtain a bachelor's degree in the College of Business?
The minimum is 120 total hours including transfer work. Some students require more depending on the major, the minor (if one is selected ), and whether the student has taken any unnecessary courses.
Am I required to declare a minor?
Students majoring in Information Technology and Economics (B.A. degree only) are required to declare a minor, which is normally 18 to 24 hours of coursework as specified by the department of the minor. College of Business students majoring in other subjects may have a minor but are not required to. Depending on the combination of major and minor, declaring a minor may increase required coursework above the normal minimum of 120 hours.
Career and Graduate School Information
How will I find a job when I graduate?
The Career Services Center provides a full range of services from resume preparation to on-campus interviews with prospective employers. Students are encouraged to work with the Career Services Center throughout their college careers. If seeking employment or an internship, eligible SFA students should begin registering in their sophomore year. Call 936-468-3305 for more information.
I'm thinking of going into the MBA program after getting my BBA. Is that a good idea, or should I get some work experience first?
Most people who enter MBA programs have two or more years of full-time work experience, usually as a manager of some sort. The work experience both gives the person a break from school, and more importantly, a perspective that makes the MBA coursework more meaningful. Also, most MBA graduates will have work experience, so a person who gets an MBA and who lacks experience will be at a disadvantage in the job market. In most cases, a student who lacks significant full-time work experience should obtain that experience before beginning an MBA program.