Graduate Student Frequently Asked Questions

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What do I need to do to participate in Curricular Practical Training (CPT)? You should first review UB’s International Student Services (ISS) office website to confirm your eligibility and learn about specific authorization dates and application deadlines. 

If you have additional questions regarding eligibility and your application, we suggest that you then contact the ISS office. They are the experts in this process and will let you know if you qualify or not. When you receive an offer letter from an employer, please email Deanie Hedrick, ISE Graduate Coordinator, for more detailed application instructions.

How do I get an internship? What are the CPT regulations? Students work with the Career Design Center (CDC) and use resources (through CDC) such as Bullseye by Handshake.

What do I need to do to participate in Optional Practical Training (OPT)? You should first review UB’s International Student Services (ISS) office website to confirm your eligibility and learn about application deadlines. Please see: http://www.buffalo.edu/international-student-services/immigration-visa/f-1-student/optional-practical-training--opt-.html

You will need a letter from an academic advisor letter to apply for OPT. You can generate the letter on the SEAS portal website.

What courses do I need to take? All ISE Master’s programs require 30 credits. The required courses you need will depend on your degree program (Masters of Science or Master of Engineering) and concentration (Human Factors, Operations Research, Production Systems, or General IE). Please email Graduate Coordinator for advisement materials and contact the Director of Graduate Studies for questions about course content.

Are there prerequisites for the course? None to enter the program

When is class registration? First-semester MS students register after MS orientation. MS orientation is the week before classes start. Keep checking your UB email for more information on orientation and other things going on at UB and let me know if you have any other questions.

What are Specializations made available for a graduate student? Human Factors, Operations Research, General IE, and Production Systems.

What are the details about supply chain management courses? Can we take some operation and supply chain management courses from the School of Management (SOM)? ISE is offering IE 581 in the Fall. Students can take courses in the SOM (there is a requesting process that’s covered in orientation, SOM/other dept courses are pending availability of seats).

What is the minimum number of credit hours per semester? For Fall and Spring, a minimum of 12 credits is required to be full-time. See the International Student Services Page for more information. Note that the courses will be 3 credits each. In your final term, you will apply for a reduced course load to complete the remaining courses.

Is it a 3 semester or 4-semester program? Our program typically requires at least 3 semesters. 

Is there a specialization in Robotics? We do not have a robotics specialization, but there are CSE and MAE elective courses in robotics. 

Can I register for courses in other departments? You can take courses in other SEAS departments and the School of Management – pending availability of seats in those courses.

What if I'm having trouble registering? There is a force registration form located on the SEAS portal.  Please submit a form for processing, as this is the only path to being force registered. Please note, the IE department only controls IE courses.  

Am I allowed to take electives outside of ISE?  Yes. Master’s program students are allowed to take up to a maximum of 3 elective courses outside of the department. All electives taken outside of the School of Engineering and Applied Sciences must first be approved by the Director of Graduate Studies using the elective approval form. If you do not get approval, you may not be able to use the course towards your degree requirements. 

If you are awarded a student appointment, appointments will be completed within the first two weeks of the semester. You will be contacted for any forms needed from you. If you have additional questions, they can be directed to the Graduate Coordinator. 

How do I obtain TA/RA/scholarships/funding? TA/RA positions are filled by PhD students. The department does not have additional funding for master's students.

How can I get an on-campus job? It is important for international students to stay in compliance with F-1 visa regulations. International students should see ISS’ page for On-Campus Employment. Students can also visit the UB Career Design Center and UB Campus Dining & Shops for more employment opportunities during their degree. 

If you are an MS student you must be recommended by the faculty in order to take the B-Exam.

If I am an international student, can I extend my degree conferral beyond the required deadlines? No. Project and Portfolio track MS students must graduate in three semesters. Thesis track MS students have the option to stay for a fourth semester. To switch to Thesis track you must be approved to complete a thesis under the guidance of a specific ISE faculty member.

Where can I find forms such as those for used to document full-time student certification, leave of absence and application to candidacy?

Forms can be found on The Graduate School website. Please return completed forms to the Graduate Coordinator.

Students who are interested in leading a research project for an MS culminating experience should considering pursuing a MS thesis. For this, the student will need to work closely with a faculty advisor who will provide research guidance during the thesis.

1. Find a faculty advisor willing who is willing to advise you on your thesis.  Either a faculty member will approach you or you are welcome to pitch your idea to the faculty member who has expertise in the area of your interest. Please see faculty biographies.
2. Once a faculty member agrees to work with you on a thesis, that faculty member will contact the ISE Graduate Coordinator.
3. You will then submit a track change request. This change allows international students to take a 4^th semester to complete thesis, if needed. But you need to contact the ISS office to make sure you visa status is secure. 
4. You are allowed a max of 6 credits and minimum of 3 credits of IE 559/560 MS research guidance to count towards your thesis.

Steps for the thesis defense:

1. You and your advisor will agree when you are ready to defend your thesis.
2. Once you have this date you must contact the Graduate Coordinator so a room can be scheduled. You must also send the graduate coordinator your advisor name(s), thesis title and abstract.
3. Once you defend your thesis, the required forms for your degree completion will be sent on your behalf to the graduate school.
4. Your last step will be to submit your thesis to the graduate school by the deadline listed here. This is also a good resource for you as it lists the format needed for your thesis as well as other important information. 

How does the culminating experience work? 

• Project track = Internship track (F-1 visa holders will start out this way)
• Portfolio track = domestic students will start this way
• Thesis Track (must be recommended by advisor)

How do I get a job after graduation? Students work with the Career Design Center (CDC) and use resources (through CDC) such as Bullseye by Handshake.