Courses are taken on a space-available basis during the fall and spring semesters only. Credit taken at the campuses on a cross-registration basis is considered the same as Buffalo State College credit with the course, grade and quality points added to your permanent academic record. Course by Contract Students who have been accepted into a graduate degree program and are in good standing academically may, with the permission of the instructor, chairperson of the department involved, and the dean of graduate studies, elect to take one or more courses by contract rather than by the usual method. The instructor must be a member of the graduate faculty of the college, and the course must be among those already approved by the college. Courses may be taken by contract only if they are not being offered in the regular schedule during the semester involved.
Independent study is never a substitute for a course already offered.
Prior to initiating a graduate course by contract or a graduate independent study, the student must register for it by obtaining the Application for Individual Graduate Study form from the department offices or the Graduate Office. This form describes the study to be undertaken, and it must be signed by the instructor, the department chairperson, and the dean of graduate studies. These courses also carry variable credit. Workshops emphasize process and implementation of theory and involve participants in the accomplishment of individualized objectives on a specific theme. Conferences emphasize a unique and one-time experience on a given theme.