Ursinus College has signed a new affiliation agreement with Simon Business School at the University of Rochester in New York.
The five-year Business Master’s Pathway program offers students a streamlined route into one of Simon’s five full-time master’s programs — accounting, finance, business analytics, marketing analytics, and artificial intelligence in business.
“The 4+1 partnership between the University of Rochester and Ursinus College redefines what is possible for Ursinus graduates by transforming ambition into acceleration,” said Jennifer VanGilder, Ph.D., professor of business and economics and department chair. “The bridge between undergraduate foundations and graduate-level expertise will equip students to rise faster, think bigger, and lead with confidence as they begin their professional careers.”
The Pathway program, a first-of-its-kind partnership for Ursinus, is designed for high-achieving undergraduates who want to get a head start on solidifying their post-graduation plans. Simon is ranked among the top 30 business schools in the United States. Students can apply to secure their seat in the program as early as their senior year of high school when applying to Ursinus College. They can also apply as a college junior at Ursinus.
“This partnership offers students – students already at Ursinus, and now also high school students considering Ursinus – a trajectory toward an excellent graduate program while experiencing APEX and a broad liberal arts education that will equip them for a rapidly changing world,” added Kelly Sorensen, Ph.D., interim provost and vice president for academic affairs.
All students who are admitted to the Pathway program will receive early access to certain Simon School career services, starting the summer prior to their senior year of college. This includes a series of virtual workshops and up to three one-on-one virtual career coaching appointments. These supports expand upon the career support offered at Ursinus during a student’s senior year.
“These partnerships reflect our shared commitment to expanding access to high-quality graduate education,” said Nicole Sampson, provost at the University of Rochester. “By working with these outstanding partner institutions, we are enabling talented students to transition more easily from undergraduate to graduate study and prepare for successful careers with a Simon degree. Together, we are building a powerful bridge that expands opportunity and delivers lasting value for students and their families.”
No GMAT or GRE is required to apply to the program, and the application fee is waived for Ursinus students. All Pathway students are also eligible for a 30% tuition scholarship if they maintain a 3.25 GPA during their undergraduate study.
