ISE GRAD FAQS: commonly asked questions

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.  Please see: http://www.buffalo.edu/international-student-services/immigration-visa/f-1-student/curricular-practical-training--cpt-.html

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 Sean McCabe, ISE Graduate Coordinator (smccabe3@buffalo.edu), for more detailed application instructions.

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.

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 with-in 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 Sean McCabe in 315 Bell Hall. Email preferred: smccabe3@buffalo.edu

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 Sean McCabe for advisement materials and contact the Director of Graduate Studies for questions about course content.

PHD: information is on advisement forms, and you must have faculty agree to serve.  Once the faculty have agreed, please contact Sean McCabe: smccabe3@buffalo.edu, to inform him who has agreed to serve.

B-Exam forms will be sent out every January.

MS: 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 see: https://grad.buffalo.edu/succeed/current-students/forms.html

Please return completed forms to Sean McCabe in 315 Bell Hall.

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. 

Checklist

Please note that the fulltime certification form dictates when your application to candidacy is submitted.  If you need to be registered for less than full time in a given semester then you need to submit your application to candidacy with the full time certification before the start of the semester you need full time certification for.