In today’s fast-paced business world, finding quality solutions to global challenges in a timely fashion is often the difference between taking a profit and suffering a loss. Business executives know how valuable time is. So if they want to succeed in an ever-changing and shifting business climate, it is crucial that professionals can adapt to this new landscape to lead and succeed.
That is why, on July 1, 2015, the School of Business and Management transitioned all graduate business courses and degree programs in the School from 12 weeks to 8 weeks. Here's how this change may affect you.
1. Why were all Master of Business Administration (MBA), Master of Science in Management (MSM) and Master of Science in Hospitality Management (MSHS) graduate programs changed from 12-week terms to 8-week terms?
You spoke, we listened. The School of Business and Management surveyed students and learned that the majority of them preferred shorter terms. Our reformatted 8-week program allows you to finish your graduate degree program sooner with no additional cost. Students still earn three credits per course whether the course is taken during the 8-week or 12-week term, garnering the same results in a more efficient manner.
2. Are 8-week courses “more difficult” than 12 week courses?
No. The 8-week format is not “more difficult” than the 12-week format. Courses have been redesigned to ensure that the material is manageable within the timeframe and emphasis is placed on quality not quantity. Our mentors have years of professional experience and almost 85 percent hold doctoral degrees, giving you the foundation for success through expertise and attention. Students master the essential competencies of the course in the 8-weeks and are able to apply them to real world situations in no time.
3. Specifically, how will participating in the 8-week format affect my Financial Aid?
The University awards Financial Aid based on attendance patterns. Graduate students in the 12-week term format are awarded a term every 12 weeks, up to four each award year (July-June), under the Standard Award Year (SAY) disbursement model. You can be awarded up to the annual Direct Loan limit of $20,500.00 or Cost of Attendance, whichever is less. The loans are evenly divided over the terms in the SAY award year. Graduate students awarded in the 12-week term format should receive enough loan funds to cover their tuition charges.
Graduate students in the 8-week term format are awarded a term every 8 weeks, up to six each award year, under the Borrower Based Year (BBY) disbursement model. Whereas July is the start term under the SAY, the start term under the BBY is the first term a student is awarded aid under that model. Aid is then awarded over the next 12 months. You can be awarded up to the annual Direct Loan limit of $20,500.00 or Cost of Attendance whichever is less. The loans are evenly divided over the six terms in the BBY award year. Graduate students in the 8-week term format will have a small tuition shortfall which must be either paid out of pocket, through a private loan, or a Graduate PLUS loan.
4. If I transition to the 8-week courses during the award year, how will it impact my Financial Aid?
If you are first awarded aid in the July 2015 - June 2016 award year under the 12-week term format and later transition during the year to the 8-week term format, you will fall under the Borrower Based Year disbursement model beginning the first term you take 8-week courses. Your annual maximum award amount of $20,500.00 will have begun with the first term awarded under the 12-weeks courses. Following your transition, you will be awarded $3,416.00 for the remaining terms as long as the BBY award year annual limit of $20,500.00 or the Cost of Attendance is not reached. The aid for these remaining terms will result in a small tuition shortfall which must be either paid out of pocket, through a private loan, or a Graduate PLUS loan
5. I am enrolled in one of the business and management graduate school programs. Can I remain in the 12-week term?
Yes. You may elect to remain in the 12-week term format for up to one year. However, as of July 1, 2016, we will only offer 8-week courses, so all students will be switched to the 8-week term after that time.
6. I have applied to one of the programs but haven’t been admitted. What are my options related to course format?
Applicants who have not been fully admitted into one of the School of Business and Management graduate programs must complete their graduate program under the 8-week format.
7. Who do I call if I have questions related to my graduate degree program?
If you have questions, contact the Office of Academic Advising by sending an email to academicadvising@tesu.edu. You can also call the Advising Expressline at (609) 777-5680 from Monday through Friday, 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. (EST) or schedule an appointment our quick and easy appointment scheduler.
Written by Thomas Edison State University