Manhattan College School of Business Profile

Manhattan College, founded in 1853, is a distinguished Lasallian Catholic institution located in the Riverdale section of New York City. With a tradition of excellence rooted in the Christian Brothers’ educational philosophy, Manhattan College is dedicated to providing a transformative learning experience that blends rigorous academics with values of service, community, and ethical leadership. Over the years, the institution has become known for its strong liberal arts foundation and its professional programs, particularly in the areas of engineering, education, and business.

The School of Business at Manhattan College reflects the institution’s mission by offering high-quality undergraduate and graduate programs designed to prepare students for meaningful and responsible careers. By integrating academic theory with experiential learning, the School of Business ensures that students acquire not only technical competence but also critical thinking skills, adaptability, and ethical grounding. Programs such as the Five-Year B.S. Business/M.B.A. and the B.S. Professional Accounting/M.B.A. are particularly notable, as they provide students with efficient pathways to advanced degrees and professional certification.

As one of New York’s respected business schools, Manhattan College’s School of Business is accredited by AACSB International, placing it among the top tier of business programs worldwide. Its strategic location in New York City provides students with unparalleled access to professional opportunities, while its reputation for academic rigor and values-driven education ensures a high return on investment for graduates.

The Lasallian Tradition and Educational Philosophy

The Lasallian tradition, which guides Manhattan College, is rooted in the vision of Saint John Baptist de La Salle, the patron saint of teachers. This tradition emphasizes education as a means of empowering individuals to live purposeful and meaningful lives. At Manhattan College, the Lasallian philosophy is reflected in the close interaction between faculty and students, the emphasis on service and social justice, and the integration of ethical considerations into all aspects of learning.

Within the School of Business, this philosophy translates into a curriculum that not only develops professional skills but also cultivates integrity, responsibility, and a commitment to the greater good. Students are encouraged to view business as more than profit generation; they are taught to recognize the social and environmental impact of corporate decisions. This values-driven approach sets Manhattan College apart from many of its peers and resonates deeply in the current global business environment, where ethical leadership is increasingly demanded.

Undergraduate Programs in the School of Business

At the undergraduate level, the School of Business offers a comprehensive suite of programs designed to provide students with a broad foundation in business principles while allowing them to specialize in areas aligned with their career interests. Students may pursue degrees in business administration, accounting, finance, marketing, economics, and related fields. The curriculum balances coursework in quantitative skills, such as accounting and statistics, with courses in organizational behavior, ethics, strategy, and global business.

A highlight of the undergraduate offerings is the Five-Year B.S. Business/M.B.A. Program. This program allows students to complete both an undergraduate business degree and a Master of Business Administration in just five years. By streamlining the educational pathway, the program saves students both time and tuition while giving them an advantage in the competitive job market. The program also provides continuity, allowing students to deepen their knowledge in a familiar academic environment while pursuing advanced studies.

Another innovative undergraduate pathway is the B.S. in Professional Accounting/M.B.A. program. This program is structured specifically to meet the requirements for CPA licensure in the State of New York. It provides students with a curriculum that satisfies the 150-credit requirement for CPA eligibility while also equipping them with advanced managerial skills through the M.B.A. This integrated approach reflects the School of Business’s commitment to aligning academic programs with professional standards and industry needs.

Graduate Business Programs

At the graduate level, Manhattan College’s School of Business offers the Master of Business Administration program as its flagship degree. The M.B.A. program is designed to prepare students for leadership roles in an increasingly complex and globalized business environment. It emphasizes both technical expertise and strategic decision-making, blending core courses in finance, accounting, marketing, and management with electives that allow for specialization.

Students in the graduate program benefit from small class sizes and close faculty mentorship, which foster a collaborative and engaging learning environment. The M.B.A. curriculum is also flexible, accommodating the needs of working professionals who may be balancing career and academic commitments. Evening classes, part-time enrollment options, and accelerated formats reflect the program’s adaptability to diverse student needs.

The integration of the M.B.A. with undergraduate degrees, particularly in the accounting and business administration tracks, highlights Manhattan College’s forward-looking approach to business education. By creating accelerated and combined programs, the School of Business demonstrates its commitment to innovation and efficiency, ensuring that graduates are well-prepared to meet professional demands.

The Five-Year B.S. Business/M.B.A. Program

The Five-Year B.S. Business/M.B.A. Program stands out as one of the School of Business’s most valuable offerings. Students enrolled in this program begin with a solid undergraduate foundation in core business disciplines such as economics, finance, marketing, and accounting. As they progress, they transition into graduate-level coursework that expands on these foundations while also focusing on strategic leadership, ethical decision-making, and advanced analytics.

The program is designed not only to accelerate the timeline for earning an M.B.A. but also to provide continuity in the student experience. Students build long-term relationships with faculty, engage in mentorship opportunities, and participate in professional development programs that span their undergraduate and graduate years. This continuity strengthens both academic growth and professional networking, giving students an edge in pursuing career opportunities.

The B.S. in Professional Accounting/M.B.A. Program

The B.S. in Professional Accounting/M.B.A. Program is particularly attractive to students seeking careers in accounting and finance. Structured to meet the requirements of the New York State CPA examination, this program combines rigorous accounting coursework with the broader managerial perspective provided by the M.B.A. Students graduate with both the technical skills needed for accounting practice and the leadership abilities necessary for advancement into managerial roles.

Graduates of this program are prepared for careers in public accounting, corporate finance, auditing, taxation, and consulting. The program’s integration of technical and managerial training reflects the evolving demands of the accounting profession, where accountants are increasingly expected to play strategic roles in organizations. By offering a curriculum that satisfies CPA requirements while also developing advanced business competencies, Manhattan College positions its graduates as highly competitive candidates in the job market.

Rankings and Recognition

Manhattan College has earned consistent recognition in national rankings, underscoring the value of its education and the success of its graduates. In the 2013 Payscale.com College Return on Investment ranking, the college was listed at No. 32 among more than 1,500 U.S. colleges and universities, placing it in the top 40 for providing graduates with a high return on investment. This ranking highlights the financial benefits of a Manhattan College education, as graduates enjoy strong earning potential relative to the cost of tuition.

U.S. News & World Report has also recognized the college’s excellence, ranking it as the 17th best regional university in the north in 2013. This marked the sixth consecutive year that Manhattan College placed in the regional top 20 in the annual America’s Best Colleges survey. Such consistent recognition reflects the college’s sustained commitment to academic quality and student success.

Forbes magazine further validated the institution by featuring Manhattan College as one of America’s Top Colleges in its 2012 ranking. The college was also rated 13th in the “50 Affordable Colleges with the Best Return on Investment” category in a Bloomberg Businessweek/PayScale survey conducted in 2011. Together, these rankings reinforce Manhattan College’s reputation as an institution that provides both quality and value, ensuring that students’ investments in their education yield substantial personal and professional dividends.

Accreditation and Academic Excellence

The School of Business at Manhattan College is accredited by AACSB International, the Association to Advance Collegiate Schools of Business. This accreditation is widely regarded as the premier standard for business schools worldwide. Fewer than five percent of business schools globally have achieved AACSB accreditation, underscoring the School of Business’s dedication to excellence in teaching, research, and continuous improvement.

AACSB accreditation requires rigorous evaluation across multiple dimensions, including faculty qualifications, curriculum quality, research output, and student learning outcomes. For students, this accreditation provides assurance that their education meets the highest global standards, enhancing both the credibility of their degrees and their competitiveness in the job market. Employers often prefer candidates from AACSB-accredited schools, as the accreditation signals both academic rigor and practical relevance.

The accreditation also reflects the School of Business’s commitment to innovation and responsiveness. By maintaining AACSB standards, the school ensures that its programs remain aligned with the evolving needs of business and industry, providing students with an education that is both current and future-oriented.

Faculty and Research Excellence

Faculty at the School of Business bring a wealth of academic expertise and industry experience to the classroom. Many hold advanced degrees from prestigious institutions and are active in research that contributes to both academic scholarship and practical business solutions. Their research spans areas such as finance, marketing, business analytics, ethics, and international business, ensuring that students are exposed to cutting-edge insights.

In addition to research, faculty members are deeply committed to teaching and mentoring. Small class sizes allow for personalized attention, and faculty often serve as advisors for student projects, internships, and career planning. This supportive environment fosters strong relationships between students and professors, creating a community that extends well beyond graduation.

Experiential Learning Opportunities

Experiential learning is a cornerstone of the Manhattan College business education. The School of Business places strong emphasis on internships, consulting projects, and other forms of applied learning. Students benefit from the college’s location in New York City, one of the world’s most dynamic business hubs, which provides access to internships and networking opportunities in finance, marketing, accounting, and entrepreneurship.

Internship placements allow students to apply classroom knowledge to real-world challenges, gaining practical experience and building professional connections. Consulting projects with local businesses and nonprofits give students opportunities to develop solutions for organizational challenges, honing their analytical and problem-solving skills. These experiences not only strengthen resumes but also provide students with confidence and readiness to enter the workforce.

Alumni Success and Career Outcomes

Graduates of Manhattan College’s School of Business have achieved success across a wide range of industries, including finance, consulting, accounting, marketing, and entrepreneurship. Many alumni hold leadership roles in major corporations, financial institutions, and public service organizations. Their achievements reflect the strong preparation provided by the School of Business and the values-driven education that distinguishes Manhattan College.

The college’s career services center plays an important role in supporting student success. Services include career advising, resume workshops, interview preparation, and networking events with alumni and employers. The strong alumni network provides students with mentorship opportunities and connections that can facilitate job placement and career advancement.

Conclusion

Manhattan College’s School of Business combines the best of academic rigor, professional preparation, and ethical grounding. Through programs such as the Five-Year B.S. Business/M.B.A. and the B.S. in Professional Accounting/M.B.A., the school provides students with efficient pathways to advanced degrees and professional certification. Its AACSB accreditation underscores its commitment to excellence, while its strong rankings confirm the value of its education.

Rooted in the Lasallian tradition, the School of Business emphasizes not only technical competence but also ethical responsibility and service. With dedicated faculty, robust experiential learning opportunities, and a strong alumni network, the School of Business prepares students for both immediate success and long-term leadership.

As Manhattan College continues to evolve, its School of Business remains committed to providing students with the knowledge, skills, and values needed to thrive in a complex and dynamic world.