About Business Management
The master of science (M.S.) in business management is a career-oriented program designed to instill the skills and knowledge essential for effective management practices in today’s globalized economy.
The program's curriculum equips students with critical knowledge in a wide variety of business and management disciplines—such as digital communication, information systems management, leadership, business analytics, marketing, and strategic management.
Graduates from our 30-credit hour program may apply their skills in a variety of workplace settings—private companies, public institutions, multinationals, not-for-profits, and small businesses.
This program will be 100% online as of January 2024 and will only be offered online.
BSA/MSM Combined Pathway
Enrollment in the combined pathway allows highly qualified, currently-enrolled SUNY Buffalo State students to begin work on a Master of Science (M.S.) in Business Management while completing a bachelor’s degree in Business Administration. Nine credits of designated master’s courses are incorporated into the bachelor’s degree program and will count toward both the bachelor’s degree and the master’s degree.
Admission into the combined pathway is highly selective. Matriculated undergraduate students may apply to the B.S./M.S. pathway in their third year (junior year) of study and will complete all the application requirements for the program. The admission application process includes a minimum GPA of 3.2, completion of 89 credit hours, 30 of which must include business core and prerequisite requirements, and a letter of recommendation.
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Degree Information
Admissions Criteria
- Completed undergraduate degree from an accredited college or university
- 3.0 out of 4.0 grade point average
- Resume
- Personal statement including professional objectives and career goals
- Three letters of reference
Application Materials
- Complete online application form
- Include a personal statement (not to exceed 1,000 words): Our admissions committee members look for interesting, insightful, and personal statements that provide evidence of your competency and motivation. This statement should:
-Indicate the reason why you are applying for SUNY Buffalo State’s M.S. Business Management program
-Include your career goals, hopes about the program, and past work or educational experiences as they relate to the program.
- Submit three (3) letters of recommendation
- Submit your current resume.
Application Deadline
Our rolling admissions policy means we continue to evaluate applications until we have filled all spots for our incoming class. Applicants may apply to begin in fall early 7 weeks, fall last 7 weeks, spring early 7 weeks or spring late 7 weeks.
Application Deadline Start Session
7/31 Fall Early 7 Weeks
9/30 Fall Late 7 Weeks
12/31 Spring Early 7 Weeks
1/31 Spring Late 7 Weeks
Students must maintain a minimum cumulative GPA of 3.0 (B grade) on a 4.0 scale in all graduate courses completed at the college.
GPA Consideration
- Grades received for coursework completed at another institution through cross registration are included in the GPA
- Transfer credits are not included in GPA
- Undergraduate coursework completed while working toward the graduate degree is not included in the GPA but is shown on the transcript.
At the graduate level, grades of C (2.0) or higher may be applied toward credit requirements for a master’s degree. Typically, no more than 9 credit hours with a grade of C can be accepted toward a master’s degree, and some degree programs permit even. Grades of C– (1.67) or lower are not used to satisfy degree requirements. Grades of B– or lower may be repeated.
According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, management occupations are expected to grow five percent between 2019 and 2029 nationwide and will result in about 505,000 new jobs.
A master’s in business management provides many career choices in the service industry—such as banking, insurance, health care, law, or sports—or in the product industry—such as manufacturing or marketing management. You may opt for a career with a multinational corporation, college administration, or government agency.
Career examples:
Academic sales manager
Business adviser/analyst
Business development manager
Construction manager
Data analyst
Logistics and distribution manager
Marketing coordinator/executive
Operations and quality management
Project manager
Property administrator
Retail manager
Risk manager
Supply chain manager
Unique Focus
The M.S. in business management program includes a distinct focus on management development and highlights digital communications, applicable to both the private business and nonprofit sectors.
Bustling Location
The program capitalizes on Buffalo State’s urban location and low cost, as well as business opportunity growth in Western New York.
Serving Many Disciplines
Our program accepts students without business prerequisites and work experience. The program is open to undergraduates from numerous disciplines including art, criminal justice, education, engineering, hospitality and tourism, the sciences, and many others.
Exceptional Faculty
The program is taught by a mix of full- and part-time faculty members who are involved in the business community, have extensive industry experience, and are committed to providing quality education to their students.
Small Class Sizes
Our small class sizes allow for more engagement, creating a collaborative atmosphere that helps include students in the conversation.
SUNY Value
Receive the highest quality management education at a substantial cost savings compared to other local private colleges and universities.
Completion Time
The business management M.S. program is offered in an intensive 12-month full-time format, or a part-time format.
