4+1 BUSINESS MASTER'S PATHWAY

The 4+1 Business Master's Pathway is a collaborative partnership between Union College and the University of Rochester's Simon Business School. This program offers a streamlined route for high-achieving students to earn a bachelor of arts or a bachelor of science from Union and a specialized Master of Science from Simon in just five years. Below is a description of the application process and requirements. For complete details on the graduate curriculum, visit the Simon Business School website.

BA / BS + MS Programs Available:

• MS in Accountancy
• MS in AI in Business
• MS in Business Analytics
• MS in Finance
• MS in Marketing Analytics

When to apply:

• You can enter the pathway in one of two ways.
  • Early Direct-Entry Option: Apply as a high school senior (starting fall 2027) through your Union 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 at Union.

Applying as a high school student:

• Indicate your interest in being considered for the program via the Common Application or the Coalition for College Application. An additional supplemental short-answer is required.
• A minimum high school GPA of 3.5 is required, with particular focus on the most rigorous math courses during your junior and senior years of high school.
• No SAT/ACT or GMAT/GRE scores are required for admission through this pathway.
• In their junior year at Union, students admitted through the early direct-entry approach must re-confirm their commitment to continuing into the program and submit an enrollment deposit to the Simon School of Business.

Applying during your junior year at Union College:

• Students must submit an application to Simon by May 1 of their junior year.
• A minimum 3.25 cumulative college GPA is required.
• Applicants must successfully complete the pre-requisite courses at Union College.
• The application fee is waived for Union College applicants.
• No GMAT or GRE scores are required for admission through this pathway.

The most important credential for admissions is a strong academic foundation in quantitative and analytical thinking, as evidenced by:

• Academic Excellence: Students must maintain a minimum cumulative GPA of 3.25 throughout your undergraduate studies.
• Prerequisite Coursework: Students must complete at least one college-level calculus course and one statistics course.
• Analytical Preparedness: While the program is open to all majors, the Admissions Committee values the academic rigor provided by a Union College education, particularly in economics and quantitative fields.
• Professional Drive: Candidates should demonstrate an interest in leveraging data-driven decision-making to lead in modern business environments.

Students admitted through the 4+1 Business Master's Pathway receive significant financial and professional advantages.

• Guaranteed Scholarship: All admitted Union students are guaranteed a 30% tuition scholarship toward their MS degree at Simon.
• Union Faculty Program Director Mentorship and Simon School Support: Throughout a student's time at Union, a dedicated faculty mentor will advise you on coursework and preparation. Opportunities to engage with the Simon School will also be available.
• Early Career Support: Complete a summer workshop series to receive up to three 1:1 career coaching sessions with Simon’s Jay S. and Jeanne Benet Career Management Center, complementing your undergraduate career services.
• Early Admission to Simon: When you apply to Simon through the Business Master’s Pathway, you will receive your admission decision before your senior year at Union begins, allowing you to plan your next academic step with confidence.
• No Testing is Required: No SAT/ACT or GMAT/GRE scores are required for admission through the pathway.