Undergraduate Student FAQs

College of Business Undergraduate Frequently Asked Questions

Quick Answers to Help Guide Your Journey

Navigating your undergraduate experience shouldn’t be complicated. This resource provides clear answers to common questions about the College of Business, so you can stay focused on your goals and make the most of every opportunity.

 

Admissions & Requirements

Freshman applicants are admitted directly into the Stony Brook University College of Business upon admission to the university, provided they indicate their interest in a business major on their application. Stony Brook uses a holistic admissions review that considers your overall GPA, strength of curriculum, co-curricular involvement, evidence of leadership, and special talents — there is no automatic cutoff for any single factor. The Fall Regular Decision deadline is February 1.

The Stony Brook University College of Business does not set a minimum GPA cutoff for admission. Admissions decisions are made holistically based on your full academic record, course rigor, and personal accomplishments. Competitive admitted students typically have strong academic histories with above-average GPAs and challenging course loads including AP, IB, or honors classes.

Yes, Stony Brook University is test-optional for undergraduate applicants, including those applying to the College of Business. You are not required to submit SAT or ACT scores. If you do submit scores, they are considered as part of a holistic review — the average SAT score of enrolled students is approximately 1390, with an average math score of 720.

Yes, qualified transfer students can be accepted directly into the College of Business at Stony Brook University. Transfer applicants who indicate a business major on their application are admitted into the program upon acceptance to the university. Stony Brook reviews transfer applicants holistically, considering college GPA, prior coursework, and other academic and personal factors.

For Fall enrollment, the Regular Decision application deadline for first-year students at Stony Brook University is February 1. There is no separate application for the College of Business — you apply through Stony Brook's standard undergraduate admissions process and indicate your intended major. Transfer application deadlines vary by term; visit the Stony Brook Undergraduate Admissions website for the most current dates.

 

Programs & Majors

The Stony Brook University College of Business offers two undergraduate degree programs: a Bachelor of Science (B.S.) in Business Management and a Bachelor of Science (B.S.) in Accounting. Both degrees provide a rigorous grounding in core business disciplines and prepare students for careers in the private sector, public sector, and graduate study.

Within the B.S. in Business Management, students at the Stony Brook University College of Business can specialize in one of four areas: Accounting, AI for Business Innovation, Finance, Marketing, or Operations Management. Students also complete coursework in business statistics, decision sciences, and general management, giving them a broad, versatile business foundation alongside their chosen concentration.

Yes. The Stony Brook University College of Business offers coursework and specialization tracks focused on artificial intelligence and emerging technologies in a business context. Students can develop skills in AI applications, business analytics, and digital transformation, preparing them for careers in AI product management, data-driven decision-making, and technology-led business innovation.

Yes, students at the Stony Brook University College of Business can pursue minors or, in many cases, double majors in combination with their business degree. Popular pairings include economics, computer science, data science, and psychology. Students should work closely with their academic advisor to map out a feasible course plan and ensure all degree requirements are met within a four-year timeline.

Yes, the Stony Brook University College of Business holds AACSB (Association to Advance Collegiate Schools of Business) accreditation, which is the highest distinction a business school can receive. AACSB accreditation is held by fewer than 6% of business schools worldwide and signals rigorous standards in faculty qualifications, curriculum quality, and student outcomes. This accreditation is recognized by employers and graduate programs globally.

 

Career Outcomes & Internships

Approximately 95% of Stony Brook University College of Business graduates secure employment or enroll in graduate school within one year of graduation. The College's location on Long Island — close to New York City's major financial, consulting, and technology hubs — gives students exceptional access to internship and full-time job opportunities with both global corporations and fast-growing startups.

Stony Brook University College of Business students can find internships through multiple channels: the Handshake job board, the College of Business Career Center, semester-specific Career Fairs hosted by the College, and through self-sourced opportunities. The Career Center posts more than 2,000 internship opportunities each year for undergraduate students across all disciplines.

Yes, Stony Brook University business students can earn 3 academic credits for a qualifying internship. To receive credit, students must complete a minimum of 150 hours of work during a school semester, meet the academic requirements set by the College of Business, and have the internship approved in advance. Both paid and unpaid internships may qualify, and positions can be on-campus or off-campus.

The Stony Brook University College of Business attracts recruiters from a wide range of industries including finance, consulting, healthcare, technology, and consumer goods. Given the College's proximity to New York City, students regularly receive offers from major financial institutions, Big Four accounting firms, Fortune 500 companies, and leading tech employers. The College hosts dedicated Career Fairs each semester where employers actively recruit for internship and full-time roles.

The Stony Brook University College of Business offers a dedicated Career Center with resources including one-on-one career coaching, resume and cover letter review, mock interviews, access to the Handshake recruiting platform, employer networking events, and bi-annual Career Fairs. Students also benefit from Stony Brook's broader Career Center, alumni mentorship networks, and professional development programming designed specifically for business students entering competitive industries.

 

Academic Experience & Student Support

Yes. The Stony Brook University College of Business has a dedicated Office of Student Services (OSS), located in Harriman Hall, Room 109, that provides academic advising specifically to business students. The OSS team assists students with major and minor degree requirements, semester scheduling, transfer credit evaluations, and degree clearance. The College serves approximately 1,600 undergraduate business students, and advisors recommend that all business majors meet with their advisor every semester to stay on track.

Yes. The Stony Brook University College of Business offers a selective Business Honors Program (BHP) for high-achieving undergraduate students. BHP students enroll in honors-designated business courses, collaborate with faculty on academic and applied research projects, and participate in team-based experiential learning with corporate partners — including mentorship from senior executives. Students also complete projects designed to create tangible societal impact. Applications are reviewed on a rolling basis, with a priority deadline of October 15.

Yes. The Stony Brook University College of Business supports and encourages undergraduate students to study abroad. Partner university programs offer pre-approved business courses taught in English, and students may also choose from dozens of additional programs available through Stony Brook's Study Abroad Office. Scholarships are available through the Study Abroad Office, and students are encouraged to visit the office in Melville Library (E-1340) early in their academic career to plan accordingly.

Stony Brook University College of Business students have access to a wide range of academic support resources, including dedicated business academic advisors in the Office of Student Services, university-wide tutoring centers, writing support through the Academic Success and Tutoring Center, and the library's research services. Within the College, faculty office hours and the Business Honors Program also provide elevated academic engagement for students who seek additional challenge and mentorship.

The Stony Brook University College of Business is an AACSB-accredited program that blends rigorous academic coursework with applied, real-world learning. Students benefit from a curriculum grounded in quantitative analysis, business strategy, and professional development, alongside experiential opportunities including internships, case competitions, and corporate partner projects. The College's location in the greater New York City metropolitan area gives students direct access to one of the world's most dynamic business environments, while the campus setting provides a focused, community-oriented academic experience.

 

Student Life & Organizations

The Stony Brook University College of Business is home to a diverse range of student organizations. These include the American Marketing Association (AMA), Women in Business, the Latinos Business Association, the SBU Finance Society, the SBU Investment Club, the Risk Management and Insurance Club, the Real Estate Club (run in partnership with the Real Estate Institute), and a petitioning chapter of Beta Alpha Psi — an internationally recognized honors organization for accounting and finance students. Professional business fraternities Alpha Kappa Psi and Delta Sigma Pi are also active on campus.

Yes. The Stony Brook University College of Business has both an Investment Club and a Finance Society. The Investment Club is student-run and focused on building practical knowledge of investing, financial markets, and economics — members participate in competitions to deepen their real-world experience. The Finance Society works closely with College of Business alumni and faculty to help students explore career paths in finance, share industry experiences, and identify internship and job opportunities across the field.

Yes. The Stony Brook University College of Business hosts case competitions for undergraduate students, including an annual Accounting Case Competition that challenges teams to apply accounting and business concepts to real-world scenarios under competitive conditions. Winning teams have received cash prizes and full scholarships to Becker CPA Exam Prep. Students also compete in external case competitions through clubs like the Investment Club and the American Marketing Association, gaining experience that directly strengthens their resumes and interview performance.

The Stony Brook University College of Business provides multiple structured networking opportunities for undergraduate students. These include bi-annual College of Business Career Fairs where employers actively recruit for internships and full-time roles, alumni mentorship programs, and professional development events organized by the College's Career Center. Student organizations — particularly the Finance Society, American Marketing Association, and professional fraternities Alpha Kappa Psi and Delta Sigma Pi — regularly host speakers, alumni panels, and industry networking events throughout the academic year.

Yes. Business students at Stony Brook University can pursue membership in Beta Alpha Psi, a prestigious international honors organization for accounting, finance, and information systems students, with a chapter at the College of Business. Additionally, the College's Business Honors Program (BHP) provides a selective, enriched academic track for high-achieving students. Stony Brook University also maintains university-wide honors and dean's list recognition for students who meet academic achievement benchmarks.