Enquire to study in the UK 
STEM skills are more critical than ever in today’s business world. In the US, 33% of the 195.8 million jobs are in high-skilled STEM fields, which is expected to grow by 10.4% by 2033. Organisations are looking for engineers and scientists just as much as they are recruiting for leaders – specifically, those who understand data, technology, and analytics.
A STEM-designated graduate business degree gives you this double advantage. Unlike traditional business master’s degrees, they equip you with the know-how to interpret trends, optimise processes, and solve complex challenges with data – all of which is becoming indispensable across industries, from finance to marketing to supply chain management.
That’s where the University of Rochester’s Simon Business School stands out. Known for its forward-thinking, hands-on approach across all MS programmes, Simon is one of the best places to build a strong foundation in data-driven business today. It was this very approach that drew Anushka Potdar, an MS in Finance candidate graduating in Spring 2025, to the school.
“I chose Simon Business School for its rigorous coursework and practical learning opportunities, which perfectly align with my career goals,” she says. “The collaborative community has been instrumental in fostering personal and professional growth.” Jaqing Liu MS in Business Analytics & AI ’25 (STEM) @Simon Business School
STEM-designated MS programmes, upgraded
One of Simon’s defining features is its pioneering approach to STEM education. It was the first business school to offer STEM designation across its entire portfolio of Full-time MS and MBA programmes, winning it top rankings for return on investment — #2 by Bloomberg Businessweek (2024).
Today, Simon’s one-year Master of Science (MS) programmes have amassed a track record of success in providing specialised skills in high-demand fields. Within each programme is the option to become even more specialised, through internship and non-internship tracks, advanced certificates, and in-demand concentrations.
In recent years, the school has continued innovating. Though Wall Street has long recognised Simon’s programmes for their expertise in finance, its MS in Finance was enhanced with the addition of three concentrations: Investment Management & Financial Analysis, Corporate Finance & Investment Banking, and Financial Technology & Innovation.
In 2024, Simon launched the MS in Artificial Intelligence in Business as well. This programme helps you build expertise in analytics and data management, with the inclusion of industry-recognised certificates alongside 10 core courses and a choice of eight electives.
“The curriculum focuses on building advanced analytical skills, which are essential for excelling in the field of data-driven decision-making,” says Jaqing Liu, an MS AI in Business candidate set to graduate in Spring 2025.
But this is by no means the only programme that covers AI. Across its MS portfolio, Simon integrates AI into its curricula. It even has generative AI tools embedded into all MS programmes.
For example, in a marketing class where students take on the role of new product manager for companies like Dyson and lululemon, a professor may get students to ask AI what 10 good products these brands should launch, before critically evaluating the answers together. The professor may also ask students to feed previously conducted customer interviews into AI to get a more refined response.
Speaking on the school’s AI use cases, Faculty Director of Academic Support Daniel Keating says it’s all about faculty members using their expertise “to get the most out of [AI] tools” and not the other way around.
Other upgraded full-time MS programmes include Business Analytics and Marketing Analytics, which stand out for their specialisations in Artificial Intelligence and Pricing — one of the few institutions to do so. The MS in Accountancy, meanwhile, includes certificates in Tax and Forensic Accounting and Fraud Examination.
And to make the programmes more accessible, Simon recently updated its full-time MS programmes by removing the pre-fall term, shortening the time required to complete the degree. This change makes it easier and more affordable for students to enter the workforce sooner. “By streamlining programme delivery, Simon has reduced the core full-time MS tuition significantly – more than US$10,000 for each programme – offering more competitive pricing compared to other top 50 US business programmes,” says Dean Sevin Yeltekin.
Yaqing Liu chose the MS programme because it aligns perfectly with his career aspirations of leveraging data analytics to drive business insights. Source: Simon Business School, University of Rochester
A strategic location with career-driven opportunities
Nestled in Rochester, New York, Simon has a beautiful campus and an affordable cost of living — while being just a short trip from major cities like Boston, Toronto, and Washington, DC.
Each year, hundreds of students, representing more than 25 countries, make the most of this location. But what goes on within campus is just as exciting as what lays beyond it.
The school values diversity and works hard to create an inclusive and supportive community. The Office of Student Engagement plays a key role in this — building a sense of community through orientation events, student organisations, and outreach programmes.
“The numerous opportunities to engage in clubs and organisations provide enriching experiences, allowing me to gain valuable hands-on learning outside the classroom,” Jaqing Liu says.
Such career-focused experiences are part of a Simon education. A seamless blend of coursework, internships, and job search support ensures students are well-prepared for the professional world. Central to this is the Jay S. and Jeanne Benet Career Management Centre, which offers résumé development, mock interviews, and personalised career counselling.
This wide-ranging commitment to career success is reflected in Simon’s strong return on investment. In this aspect, the school is ranked among the top 30 US business schools.
Interested? Learn more about Simon Business School.
Follow University of Rochester’s Simon Business School on Facebook, X, LinkedIn, Instagram, TikTok and YouTube.
