A Simon MS: Your Pathway to the MBA

January 24, 2025 | Simon Admissions Team

If you’re considering business school, it’s likely you’re not only thinking about your short-term success but also your long-term career goals. If you’re an early career professional, start your Simon journey with one of our newly enhanced specialized master’s programs to pave the way for future career growth. Our STEM-designated MS programs are designed to propel your career forward and build a foundation for lasting success, but if you have interest in an MBA down the road, Simon Business School offers a unique opportunity to obtain both a specialized MS degree and an MBA with our MS to MBA Pathway. 

Graduates from Simon’s five full-time MS programs (Accountancy, AI in Business, Business Analytics, Finance, and Marketing Analytics) can apply for admission to the Simon MBA. If admitted, a significant portion of prior MS credits will transfer, which means you’ll complete the MBA program in approximately half the time.

Simon MS graduates have three options for completing the Simon MBA:

The Full-Time MBA Program, which offers the opportunity to immerse yourself in student life in Rochester, New York, and intently focus on academics, your career search, and enriching co-curricular activities (including club leadership roles and case competitions). It's an ideal option for candidates looking to pause their careers for a two-year, full-time MBA student experience. Alumni who have graduated from a Simon MS program within the last five years are eligible to apply to the Full-Time MBA and complete the MBA in one year. 

The Professional MBA (PMBA), which allows you to continue working full-time while you complete your degree with weekday evening courses on a part-time basis. The PMBA program’s in-person classes are self-paced, which means you can take as many or as few courses as you'd like each term to match your personal and professional goals and obligations. Because you can maintain your current employment while pursuing the PMBA, the program is a fantastic option to earn your degree while growing in the workplace. Alumni who have graduated from a Simon MS program within the last five years are eligible for the PMBA.

The Executive MBA (EMBA), which features career resources, professional development opportunities, and global immersion courses to create a truly transformative leadership experience. The program’s part-time, high-flex format allows you to complete the program in person, online, or with a combination of online and in-class learning—making going back to school more manageable for working professionals. All Simon MS alumni are eligible to apply to the EMBA, regardless of graduation year.

No matter which program you choose, a Simon MBA will further elevate your career, enhance your leadership capabilities, and set you apart from the competition.

Admission to the Simon MBA requires a 3.1 cumulative GPA in the Simon MS degree, as well as meeting other standard admission criteria. The Admissions Committee will use all previously submitted MS application materials, in addition to the MBA application, to make a final decision regarding admission. If interested in the MS to MBA pathway, you should connect with the Simon Admissions Office during your MS program to learn about the application process, as well as schedule time to discuss the pathway option with your academic and career advisors during your program.

Wishing you all the best on your business school journey!