In today’s fast-paced business world — where AI is reshaping industries, startups are disrupting markets overnight, and global supply chains face constant uncertainty — challenges are complex, competition is fierce, and solutions aren’t always obvious. Success takes more than hard work — it requires an analytical, data-driven mindset. That’s exactly what students at Simon Business School at the University of Rochester develop.
Take, for example, Shresha Karmacharya, who will complete her MBA in Spring 2025.
“When I began considering an MBA, I knew I wanted to pivot into a new career path, but I wasn’t entirely sure what that path would be,” she says. “Simon’s STEM-designated MBA option immediately stood out because of its flexibility and emphasis on analytical thinking. It gave me the confidence that I could explore a variety of fields, like sustainability consulting, impact investing, ethical marketing, and more, while gaining the quantitative tools I’d need to thrive in any direction I chose.”
The MBA for a changing business world
A top 30 US business school, Simon stands out on several key metrics. It is home to the nation’s #6 most diverse MBA programme according to US News & World Report. In the MBA Class of 2026, students represented 22 countries. Graduates span 83 countries and hold leadership roles as presidents, CFOs, and VPs. With such outcomes, it’s easy to see why Simon is also ranked highly for return on investment — most recently #2 by Bloomberg Businessweek (2024).
Another defining feature of the school is its pioneering approach to STEM education. It was the first business school to offer STEM designation across all full-time MBA and MS programmes.
Innovation has been key to Simon’s success and the success of its students. In recent years, the school’s programmes have increasingly embedded another cutting-edge technology: Generative AI tools. Faculty members have incorporated AI business applications throughout the MBA curriculum, with a goal of equipping students with the technical, strategic, and hands-on skills to harness AI for business value.
The full-time MBA curriculum includes tracks in finance, consulting, and marketing. Within these, students can specialise in asset management, banking, corporate finance, venture capital and private equity, strategy, pricing, technology, operations, and brand or product management. Ten minors — including entrepreneurship, global business, health sciences management, and technology consulting – allow even more customisation.
This STEM focus and personalisation attracted many students, including Temitope Ishmael, an MBA student from Lagos, Nigeria. “I was drawn to Simon Business School primarily because of its specialisation track and the STEM MBA option, aligning perfectly with my academic aspirations,” she says. “The marketing specialisation particularly impressed me due to its focus on innovation, problem-solving, and critical analysis — crucial in today’s business landscape.”

Parul Varshney believes that the versatility of the STEM designation ensures she is well-equipped to pivot to new opportunities or take on leadership roles in her chosen field. Source: University of Rochester
Small, strategic, and supportive
Simon has a beautiful campus in Rochester, New York, which has an affordable cost of living. Major cities like Boston, Toronto, and Washington, DC are just short trips away.
Within campus, you’ll be part of a close-knit community. The average class size is between 100 to 110 students – encouraging collaboration and allowing students to challenge each other and gain new perspectives. Simon also offers Full-time MS and part-time Professional and Executive MBA programmes.
Beyond campus, more opportunities await. Specifically, those that boost career prospects. As all full-time MBA students must complete a summer internship, this ensures everyone graduates having applied significant classroom knowledge in real world settings. Simon’s dedicated Centre staff provide individualized support throughout the student experience, including résumé development, mock interviews, and counselling tailored to your aspirations.
International immersions, where students work with global businesses and stakeholders, case competitions, and industry-focused clubs broaden perspectives further. An active alumni base opens more doors, notably in New York City’s finance sector and in multinational high tech and consumer packaged goods firms around the world.
Just as far-reaching is the school’s approach to admissions. Simon aims to empower more talented applicants to join its programmes. As such, admission decisions go beyond test scores and academic performance, considering leadership, professional experience, and community involvement. To further support students, the school offers generous financial aid, with over 90% of MBA students receiving merit-based scholarships. The top ranking for return on investment among top 30 US business schools is a testament to Simon’s commitment to delivering exceptional value to its students.
Interested? Learn more about Simon Business School.
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