Frequently Asked Questions

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. Students admitted to the College of Business will initially be designated as Pre-Business (PREB). Upon completion of 45 or more credit hours with an overall 2.0 grade point average and the completion of pre-business core courses, a student may be admitted as a major in the College of Business. Contact the Office of Admissions (936-468-2504) for more information.

 

Am I required to see an advisor to register?

All freshmen (fewer than 33 earned hours) and all first-time transfer students must see an advisor in the department of the major prior to registration. "Undecided" majors are advised in the Dean's Office. All pre-business (PREB) majors must be advised every semester before they will be allowed to register. Pre-business majors are advised in the Pre-Business Advising Center in McGee 169A. Certain hours will be set aside for PREB advising. Advising will be done in small groups, and you will be assigned a time slot. All juniors and seniors (not classified as pre-business) must be advised at least once per year. All students are encouraged to see an advisor prior to registration each semester.

 

What math course should I take first?

If your TASP math score is below 230 (math area failed), you must begin with MTH 098. If you have a TASP math score between 230 and 270, you may begin with either MTH 098 or 099 (098 recommended for weaker students). You may also take MTH 099 if you have made a grade of "C" or higher in MTH 098. If you have a TASP math score of at least 270, or if you have made a grade of "C" or higher in MTH 099, you may enroll in either MTH 143 or MTH 220. You must make a grade of "C" or higher in MTH 143 before you can take MTH 144. A placement test is given at the beginning of each semester for those who feel that their TASP score does not reflect their true ability in mathematics. See your advisor for more information.

 

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 can not 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.

 

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."

What do the terms "probation" and "suspension" mean?

When a student's cumulative grade-point average (GPA) falls below 2.0 in a regular semester, the student goes on "probation." A student on probation can enroll for classes but cannot telephone register or "preregister." A student on probation should be advised by the chair of his or her department. If a student on probation fails to raise the GPA to 2.0 in the next regular semester, he or she goes on "suspension." A student on academic suspension may be allowed to continue in the University through any of the following procedures:
(1) Following the student's first suspension, attend summer school at Stephen F. Austin State University and:  
(a) Raise his/her grade point average to the minimum University standard as specified in the General Bulletin, or  
(b) Pass with a C average or better at least 9 semester credit hours as specified by his/her dean.  
(2) Following the student's first suspension, be reinstated on probation automatically after one semester's absence from the University. Following the student's second suspension, be reinstated on probation automatically after an absence from the University of two regular semesters and the intervening summer term, if any. Following the student's third suspension, be reinstated on probation automatically after an absence from the University for four regular semesters and the intervening summer term(s). Following the student's fourth and subsequent suspensions, be reinstated on probation automatically after an absence from the University of six regular semesters and the intervening summer terms. A student on suspension should contact the College of Business Dean's Office immediately for more information.

 

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.

 

Should I take MGT 370 or 377? I have heard both courses mentioned.

Freshmen business majors entering in fall 1997 or later are required to take MGT 370 as part of their College of Business core requirements. The same requirement applies to students who began college earlier but who have elected to be governed by the 1997-98 General Bulletin. Students who are required to take MGT 370 may also take MGT 377 as an elective depending on their major. Students who are enrolled under a General Bulletin earlier than 1997-98 must complete MGT 377 instead of 370. The proper course will be listed on your degree plan.

 

What are "upper division" courses, and when should I take them?

Upper division courses are those numbered 300 and higher. To take an upper division course in the College of Business, you must be admitted to a major other than PREB and be classified as a junior or senior (66 or more hours completed). The junior/senior requirement applies to all SFA students enrolling in business courses regardless of their major. In addition, business majors should have completed the following courses:  ENG 131, 132; MTH 143, 144, 220; ACC 231, 232; BCM 247; ECO 231, 232; CSC 121.

 

I want to take a course that has a prerequisite. Can I take both at the same time?

No. Prerequisites must be completed with a passing grade prior to enrollment in the course in question. Some courses require a particular grade in the prerequisite course(s). For example, all Computer Science courses require a grade of C or higher in each prerequisite. Only courses listed as "co-requisite" may be taken simultaneously.

 

When should I file my degree plan?

The degree plan should be filed as soon as possible after completing 45 or more credit hours with an overall 2.0 grade point average and the completion of the following courses: ENG 131 & 132, MTH 143, 144, & 220, ACC 231 & 232, ECO 231 & 232, and BCM 247. To file the degree plan, call or stop by the College of Business Dean's Office during normal business hours.

 

When should I file my graduation plan?

The 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. Students planning to graduate in May should file early in the fall semester, and students planning to graduate in August or December should file early in the spring semester. To file the graduation plan, stop by the College of Business Dean's Office during normal business hours.

 

How many credit hours of coursework does it take to obtain a bachelor's degree in the College of Business?

The minimum is 130 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 Computer Science 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 130 hours.

Can I count a "study abroad" course toward my degree?

Maybe. Numerous such programs are available, but you should visit the Admissions Office (Rusk Building, phone 936-468-2504) and only consider programs on their approved list. The Admissions Office may also be able to tell you what a particular course would transfer as. It is also a good idea to visit with an advisor in the department of your major to look at how the course would count in your degree program.

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. Education majors should establish a formal credentials file at the beginning of their junior 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.