University at Buffalo Reviews

"Although I'm relatively new to the University, I can tell you that it offers a quality education at a more than reasonable cost. I was offered an academic scholarship on top of that, so the cost is quite reasonable. My specialization, when declared, will be GIS, so the use of technology in classes is quite heavy. There are also multiple specializations that one can choose from. Check the website to find them all, including the new advanced certificate in historic preservation. Most of your classes (read nearly all of your classes) are located on the South Campus of the University, which is closer to the city and on the Buffalo NFTA Metro line, which is really convenient because you don't really want to live in University Heights. Reasonable cost, good grad school with serious international credibility, and PAB certified."

"The Graduate program is generally good as it helps you improve your knowledge and skills after first degree however, its challenge comes from the fact that, International students are open to fewer scholarship and financial support which sometimes make life on campus a bit difficult!"

"The Universityat Buffalo, State University of New York has a very strong School Counseling M.Ed. progam. Professors and advisors work closley with students to provide necessary, relavent, and often times, hands-on education and experiences. I felt very well prepared to begin my job as a school counselor. The schedule was manageable with the rest of my busy life, including children and a career. I really felt I received a complete education and would be hard pressed to find anything negative about the program."

"A very theory heavy program, lacking in practical application of skills and practices relevant to the field of Arts Management. The foundation courses are saturated with sociology, anthropology, and vague, unconnected and far reaching references to the arts. This is primarily due to the fact that the professor teaching them has a doctorate in Sociology. WHAT TO EXPECT: - Expect to read the majority of the first book of "Das Capital" and never know why during your first class, inexplicable titled "Why Manage The Arts?" - Do not expect any of the readings to connect back to Arts Management, Arts Administration, or Arts in general. In fact, readings about the arts barely surface before the second semester. - Expect the rest of your classmates to be just as confused as you are. - Expect classes and schedules to change at a moments notice with no regard for your career, personal life, or responsibilities. Having a job is not an excuse for missing a class, even if that class time was changed only a day before. - Expect no guidance, assistance, or mercy from the Administrative Staff, they don't care if you have a job, and they don't care that you can't find the connection in your classes, assignments, and the title of your major. As far as they are concerned, it's there... even if it's really and truly not. - Expect to fall in love with Pierre Bourdieu, John Pick, and Michel Foucault, as you will cherish the rare instances they appear in your reading assignments and actually discuss issues pertaining to the arts, rare being the operative word. - Expect to write, a lot, as you are expected to be a published author on the subject of Sociology with some vague connection and references to the Arts by the time the program is concluded. - Do not expect any remnant of practical, hands on experience that you can use later in your career from the foundation courses. - Expect to constantly wonder why you've invested your time and energy in a Sociology Program when you signed up for Arts Management. With that said, if you like reading and analyzing articles by such scholars as Karl Marx, Fred Taylor, Henry Ford; discussions about Capitalism vs. Socialism from a staunchly socialist perspective; long-winded descriptions of the economy and governmentality; and the constant, nagging question of what any of your assignments have to do with Arts Management; this is the program for you. On the brightside, there is one series of classes that you will actually be able to apply to your professional career given you have one upon graduating with little to no practical experience to fall back on, and that would be the classes pertaining to Legal Studies. These classes will teach you about important legal issues, the 1st amendment and how it applies to the arts, workers rights, contracts, and copyright law. Not to mention the professor is interesting, funny, and very down to earth. The class is challenging, but you won't want to miss it and you'll be wishing she taught every one. You may also get to travel to D.C. for Museum Advocacy day and meet your senators and representatives while learning how to advocate for museums. Of course, you'll be wondering why you weren't sent to D.C. for Arts Advocacy Day instead, but by then you'll be so far gone in the pursuit of your Sociology - I mean Arts Management - Masters that you'll recognize that logic and this program don't really coincide."

"Pros: 1. UB is one of the leading universities in Geography. It is filled with well-known faculties in the field. 2. UB is located in Amherst, NY, one of the safest cities in New York. Cons: 1. Funding in Geography Department is limited. The number of new funded PhD students is shrinking. 2. The weather of Buffalo, NY is too cold in the winter."

"Low cost of living, nice summers but brutal winters!"

"First and foremost you can't beat the affordability of an education from a state school. That being said, UB has a great range of highly qualified professors, and since graduating have added several more with an even wider breadth of academic interests to keep the program up-to-date and relevant. As with any program, the trick is finding the professors that you work well with and moving forward with them in your field of interest. Buffalo itself is a great affordable place to live with culture in every corner if you're willing to go out and look a little bit. Public transportation could use an upgrade however its unlikely not to befriend someone with a car who wouldn't be willing to drive around now and again. Diversity within the program is far reaching, including Fiji, India, Iraq and Korea to name a few. Overall, I'm glad I stuck with it!"

"I went to UB for the high rate of students who pass the Pharmacy Board Exams on the first try. I feel that this reflects the quality of the education provided. Although the area surrounding the South Campus (where the school of pharmacy is located) is nothing like the suburban North Campus, I feel safe and have grown to like it."

"Great education, just revamped the curriculum and just opened a new pharmacy building. The down side is nothing is really given any opportunities you want you must pursue. But then again we are adults so despite paying for assistance we do need to learn to take responsibility."

"The History Departments Graduate Program at UB is a wonderful academic environment. I have met some wonderful people while enrolled in some fantastic professors with even more wonderful professors. The History facilities (such as the Graduate Students Lounge and the Graduate Lecture Rooms) could use some updating, in terms of not just paint and furniture but technology as well. But that is an issue many departmental programs face and not a "deal breaker", so to speak. The program allows for a greater sense of choice and exploration in our chosen field as well as prepares us for drawing our own conclusions. Rather than simply being taught what history "is" we are asked to come up with those answers ourselves which is important for our future success in the field. While most would jump too quickly to say that our workload is too heavy, it both is and isn't simultaneously. The quantity seems daunting the first semester, but by the beginning of the second semester the professors and your peers have demonstrated that it is possible and that you must simply find your own rhythm in order to be successful in the program. Overall this is truly a great school, with a great department offering a terrific program filled with the friendliest and kindest people!"

"The pros of my program is that it is a very small program. There are only 9 students in my program so we get a lot of one on one time with our professors and we are all close and work really well together. Cons of my program is that it is a one year Master's program. It is very condensed and is very overwhelming at times."

"Pros: The PI here are really accessible and most of them are really willing to spend time and talk to you. They can be your teacher and also a mentor at the same time. Cons: Here is Buffalo, car is a need. It's hard to go anywhere if one doesn't have a car especially in winter. The school provides transportation to other campuses and mall, super markets and so on. But going to school might be difficult if you don't have a car and you live off-campus."

"While I am quite happy with my advisor and my experience, overall this program needs major improvements. Primarily funding - they have a huge lack of it. In addition, some advisors have too many students to properly guide. The work load is very small, and most professors do not require much. However, you can find opportunities for yourself through various clubs and organizations. As long as you are good at managing your own time and encouraging yourself to take the next step, you will do well here."

"I believe the UB MBA Program helped me grow and learn more than could ever be taught in a textbook. I feel confident and believe I am going on to do great things and I believe a lot of that is due to my wonderful experience and the growth I endured while at The University at Buffalo Master's in Business Program."

"Buffalo is an up and coming city and the surrounding area where the SOM is located is one of the safest suburbs in the area, Amherst, yet is a subway ride away from the busy downtown area. The Buffalo network is strong both locally and internationally. Students truly bond and become a family in the program along with faculty and staff. Everyone knows each other and the support is incredible."

"Pros: The professors are helpful Cons: Financial aid"

"UB is very reputable since the graduates are usually favored by employers. The MBA program is very practical, from teamwork to networking. The program is really real business oriented, expecially several classes, such as Data Modeling, Business Strategy, and Organization Behavior. All of the above mentioned points are greatly valued by students. The limitation is that Buffalo does not have many opportunities for students to pursue. Therefore, students are under pressure to search for jobs out of Buffalo. Generally speaking, I think the 2 years UB MBA is very valuable."

"Pros- insight to international affairs as well as public policy. Cons- Lack of minorities"

"The Philosophy Department at the University of Buffalo (UB) is an excellent program for the rigor of the curriculum, caliber of the faculty, and its affordability. With regard to the first point, UB's philosophy curriculum is diverse with course offerings including Ancient, Chinese, early modern, and contemporary philosophy, including classes from both the analytic and continental traditions. As such, students must take courses from a variety of different sub-specialities within the discipline. In addition, there are plenty of independent courses of study under the guidance of faculty, should students wish to gain a deeper understanding of a particular topic, philosopher, or text. This reflects the fact that UB expects its students to be well-rounded. Unsurprisingly then, UB's faculty have diverse areas of expertise, which ensures your research interests will be supported, a crucial factor if you already have an idea of what you'd like to write your thesis or dissertation on. Finally, the university's surrounding community is extremely affordable. There is an abundance of affordable housing of all varieties and in a wide array of settings, from urban, suburban and even semi-rural, all of which are located just a short commute from either campus. Plus, getting to campus is comparatively easy--due to public transport and traffic-less roads. Further adding to the affordability of life in Buffalo are opportunities for financial support. UB's philosophy department offers teaching assistantships to many incoming students based on scholarship, which not only helps defer tuition costs, but allows you to gain valuable teaching experience (including the ability to teach undergraduate classes on your own), which has historically set its graduates far apart from other graduating students who are competing to enter the job market. In addition, there are fellowships and research assistantships, as well. But perhaps UB's greatest strength is the level of support and flexibility that its professor-advisors show towards their students. If a desired class isn't offered, chances are, an independent group study can be arranged for. If a student needs a refresher course at the undergraduate level, that can be arranged. If a student has competing demands due to being enrolled in a dual-degree program, arrangements can be made with a minimal amount of bureaucratic hassle. Finally, professors at UB are approachable and there are abundant opportunities to become involved in the life of the department, from managing the department newsletter, to participating in the Graduate Student Association or one of the many conferences that are regularly held in the department, which allows one to present papers and meet prominent philosophers from other campuses. The department has even created special recreational opportunities for new students to become acquainted with each other and the surrounding community as well. In sum, if one is looking for an outstanding, but affordable MA or PhD program, UB's philosophy department is well worth the personal and financial investment."

"Pros: very friendly environment, interesting classes. Cons: job opportunities after graduation are little"