Business Master's Pathway

When to Apply

You can enter the Pathway program in one of two ways:

• Early Option: Apply when you submit your University of Rochester undergraduate application via the Common Application or the Coalition for College Application.
• Junior Year Option: Apply directly to Simon Business School during your third year as an undergraduate.

How it Works

Through the Pathway Program, you can complete up to eight MS credits during your senior year:

• 5.5 credits of core graduate coursework in the fall
• 2.5 elective credits in the spring

These credits can transfer directly into your chosen Simon MS program, and can also be used to fulfill your undergraduate degree requirements.

It is not mandatory that you take Simon master’s level courses your senior year—you’ll be able to take advantage of the benefits below no matter how you plan out your studies.

Key Benefits of the Business Master’s Pathway Program

• Early Admission to a Simon MS program: solidifies your post-graduation plans in your junior year.
• Dedicated Support from Simon’s Benet Career Management Center, in addition to support undergraduate students receive from the University Gwen Greene Center, including:
  • Access to career onboarding tools the summer before senior year
  • Up to three one-on-one coaching sessions with a Simon career advisor
  • Support for landing a pre-MS summer internship
• Simplified Application Process: No GMAT or GRE score required, and your application fee is waived
• Guaranteed Scholarship: All University of Rochester Business Master’s Pathway students are guaranteed a $15,000 scholarship for their MS degree.

Additional benefits if you choose to take courses in your senior year:

• Bolstered Résumé: Demonstrate your drive to excel to future employers by taking graduate courses during your senior year.
• Reduced MS Course Load: Completing MS credits early means fewer courses during your 5th year, allowing more time for job searching, experiential learning, and networking; you can also choose to take additional MS electives in your 5th year at no extra cost.

Program Expectations

Eligibility for the program requires students to have a high academic standing throughout their time at the University. Those admitted simultaneously with their undergraduate application are expected to maintain a 3.25 GPA overall during their undergraduate studies and will need to complete an abbreviated form during their junior year confirming their intent to pursue the Pathway program. 

Students must receive a grade of “B” or better in each graduate course taken during their undergraduate studies for transfer credit to be considered. 

While we encourage students interested in the Business Master’s Pathway to pursue an undergraduate degree in business, the program is open to all undergraduate majors.