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Frequently Asked Questions
About the program
Cost and Financial Assistance
Admission and Course Transfer
International Applicants
For More Information
 
The Program:

Please Note:

Acceptance of applications for this degree has been suspended pending outcome of the College's long-range graduate studies plan.

Q: How long is the program?
A:
The program can be completed in one to one and a half years, depending on your background.  Entering participants need undergraduate courses in finance, marketing, economics and computer science. Individuals who do not have this background must complete courses in these areas as co-requisites. Beyond these foundation courses, the program requires 30 semester hours of graduate-level work . These graduate-level hours include:

• 18 hours of core courses in data base management, web site development, e-business strategy, electronic marketing, management of e-commerce, a semester-long e-commerce project and

• 12 hours of approved electives in areas such as computer science, supply chain management, MIS, finance, psychology, sociology and industrial engineering.

Most full-time participants who have the prerequisites satisfied should be able to complete the program in one calendar year by taking 3-4 courses each spring and fall semester and 1-2 courses each summer session.

Q: I work full-time.  Can I take e-commerce classes in the evening and in Greenville?
A:
You may be able to pick up an occasional class during the evening at Clemson or at the University Center in Greenville, but this will not be the norm.  Currently, e-commerce courses are offered on-campus, primarily during the day. 

Q: Is this program offered in a distance learning format?
A:
Courses in the program are currently offered only in a traditional, instructor-led classroom environment. 

Cost and Financial Assistance:

Q: What is the cost of your program?

A:

Tuition Rates
SC Residents
Non- Residents
Full-time (12hrs or more) $4,608/semester $9,220/semester
Graduate Assistants $1044/semester $1044/semester
NOTE: All fees are subject to change without notice. For the latest fee schedule see: http://www.clemson.edu/attend/undrgrd/cost/feesched.htm    
     
Additional Costs (Estimated)
 
Books $800/semester  

Living Costs (Estimated)
Per Month
Off-Campus Lease $400 - $550
On-Campus Housing (inc. utilities) $400 - $820
Utilities $ 90 - $ 130
Cable TV $ 35 - $ 55
Base Telephone $ 25 - $ 35
Food $ 225 - $275
Entertainment $ 100 - $200

Transportation (use of the free CAT, Clemson Area Transit, system may reduce this)

$ 120 - $200

Q: Can I get an assistantship to help fund my degree?
A: At this time Clemson does not have any graduate assistantships available to offer e-commerce graduate students. Some individuals have been able to find an assistantship with other departments on campus through their own efforts, although these are very limited in availability and highly competitive. Graduate assistant currently pay a flat fee of $689 per semester. Graduate assistantships pay approximately $1,500 per semester (less tax) with a workload of 10 hours per week.
Teaching assistantships normally require a minimum of a Master's degree in the subject area. Most MBA students do not qualify for these types of assistantships.

Q: What other types of financial aid are available?
A:
All applicants are automatically considered for a one-time $5,000 fellowship upon acceptance of their application and financial aid form. Since these are very competitive on a university-wide basis, awards to highly qualified MECOM students are very limited. Besides assistantships, Stafford Loans are available to domestic students (please visit the Financial Aid web site, http://virtual.clemson.edu/groups/finaid/ , for more information). For international students , there are occasionally U.S. federal grants available for specific nationalities. Please contact the U.S. Embassy for information. For minorities , Clemson University has some diversity fellowships available. These are determined by need and academic excellence. Please contact Mr. Jerry Knighton, Access & Equity, E103 Martin Hall, 864/656-3184, knightl@clemson.edu for more information.

Q: Can the application fee or tuition be waived?
A:
Clemson University's Graduate School sets the application fee at a level that just covers processing costs. They will not waive the application fee. Tuition cannot be waived.

 
Admission and Course Transfer:
Q: What documents are required for admission?
A:
The complete application includes
:

1. A copy of your current résumé .
* 1 year of work experience is preferred, but consideration is given to new graduates with exceptional academic credentials.

2. Two official transcripts of all college-level work. International applicants must include official copies of transcripts in both their native language and in English. Clemson University graduates do not need to submit official transcripts of their undergraduate work. You must have earned a bachelor's degree, or its equivalent, from an accredited college or university for consideration.

3. Two letters of recommendation .

4. Official GRE or GMAT scores. To facilitate application processing, please include a copy of your unofficial GRE / GMAT scores with your application package. To send your official scores, use institution code 5111.

5. Official TOEFL scores for international applicants whose native language is not English.
 

6. A 1-2 page Statement of Purpose on why you want an MECOM degree.


7. An electronic application available at: http://www.grad.clemson.edu/f_grad.html

8. The nonrefundable application fee indicated on the application.

9. Proof of South Carolina residency, if applicable, ( http://www.grad.clemson.edu/f_general.html select the GS35 form).

10. International Student Financial Certification Form (international applicants only) ( http://www.grad.clemson.edu/f_general.html select the GS50 form).

Q: What grade point average and GRE/GMAT scores do I need?
A:
As part of the admissions decision we quantitatively weigh your grade point average and GRE/GMAT scores to evaluate your potential academic strength at the graduate level. We like to see a GPA of 3.0 or better and a GRE / GMAT of at least the 73rd percentile.

Q: What other criteria do you use to make your admissions decision?
A:
The admissions process takes into consideration a number of different inputs. Besides your GPA and GRE/GMAT scores, we look at your letters of recommendation and résumé to get a feel for your individual strengths, motivations, and work experience. We prefer that you have at least one year of work experience beyond your bachelor’s degree. We also evaluate major(s) and schools attended to determine the strength of your academic background. If we feel it is necessary, you will be contacted for a personal interview to further assess your potential in the program.

Q: Is work experience required?
A:
Work experience is preferred. But, individuals with strong academic backgrounds may be admitted without work experience.

Q: What are your admissions deadlines?
A:
International applicants must have all of their application materials received by Clemson's Graduate School no later than April 15. This allows sufficient time to process the application and, if accepted, mail the necessary visa papers.

Domestic applicants should have their applications in by May 1. If a prospective domestic student has difficulty meeting this deadline, it may be possible to arrange a later date for submission of application materials.

Q: Is it possible to enter the program in January, at the beginning of the Spring semester?
A:
No, new students are admitted in the fall semester only. Occasionally, prospective students who lack prerequisite courses are permitted to enroll early to take some or all of the prerequisites they need. Special arrangements are necessary to do so. (See prerequisite requirements below.)

Q: May I apply online?
A:
Yes. You are encouraged to apply on-line. The electronic application is available at:
http://www.grad.clemson.edu/f_grad.html  

Q: How can I check on the status of my application?
A:
If you have web access, you may check the status of your application at http://www.grad.clemson.edu/a_us.html for U.S. citizens and permanent residents and at http://www.grad.clemson.edu/a_in.html for international applicants

Please have your student identification number available. If you have a U.S. Social Security Number, use this as your student identification number. If you are an international applicant, use the number that was assigned to you on your application. This number begins with the letters NR.

Q: What are your prerequisite requirements?
A:
Entering participants should have taken undergraduate courses in economics, finance, marketing and computer science. Individuals who do not have this background must complete courses in these areas as co-requisites.

Q: I took some graduate-level classes at another university. Can I transfer them into your program?
A:
We allow a maximum of 6 acceptable, graduate-level semester hours (2 graduate-level classes) to be transferred from an acceptable university (normally AACSB International accredited). If you receive at least a "B"in them, these will count as credit toward Clemson's MECOM degree. If you took more than 2 acceptable classes that could have been transferred and if they duplicate material in Clemson's program, we will not make you retake these subjects. However, you will be required to take additional electives to make up the hours not taken.

 
Questions Commonly asked by International Applicants

Q: What are the chances of an international applicant getting a Graduate Assistantship?
A:
At this time, we have no graduate assistantships to offer any of the E-Commerce graduate students. On rare occasion a student may find an assistantship on campus through their own efforts. However, since competition for obtaining one is so high, the probability of getting one is low. We strongly recommend that all MECOM students do not rely upon having an assistantship to help fund their education.

Q: If I do not get a Graduate Assistantship or some other type of financial assistance from the University, can I work off campus to help support my degree?
A:
The terms of the F1, Student Visa, do not allow you to work off-campus while earning your degree. However, upon graduation international students are allowed a one year, U.S. based practicum.

Q: I have a 3-year bachelor’s degree from India. Can I be considered for admission into your E-Commerce Program?
A:
Clemson University requires that, in addition to your three year bachelor’s degree, you must also have earned a one year Indian Master’s degree, or you must have received a four year bachelor's degree from an acceptable U.S. university, before you can be considered for admission..

Q: What score do I need on the TOEFL?
A:
We require a minimum of 600 (250 on the computerized test) on the TOEFL for your application to be considered.

Q: Do you have an "English as a Second Language Program?
A:
Clemson does not have a separate program for individuals to attend to improve their English before starting graduate level course work. There are "English as a Second Language" classes that, as a graduate student, you may take if you wish. These do not count toward the degree.

Q: What types of job opportunities are available for an international student?
A:
Technology-related degrees are in high demand and many of our international graduates have obtained jobs in information technology. Many of these jobs have been located in the U.S.



For more information about the E-Commerce Program, please contact:
Martha Duke   dmartha@Clemson.Edu,  (864) 656-4905, 124 Sirrine Hall, Clemson University,
Clemson S.C. 29634-1315

Clemson University, Clemson, South Carolina 29634 -- Area Code 864 -- Information 656-3975