St. John Fisher College MBA Program

Introduction

St. John Fisher College (SJFC), located in Rochester, New York, is a private liberal arts college with a reputation for combining rigorous academics, a supportive community, and a forward-looking approach to professional education. Since its founding, the college has sought to balance the traditional values of a liberal arts education with the practical demands of professional and graduate programs, preparing students to thrive in both their careers and their broader communities.

The college offers a wide variety of academic programs across undergraduate and graduate levels, but one of its most distinguished offerings is its Master of Business Administration (MBA) program. Housed within the Ronald L. Bittner School of Business, the MBA program is designed to cultivate the next generation of leaders, innovators, and problem-solvers who can make meaningful contributions in diverse professional fields.

With concentrations in Accounting, the Pharmaceutical Industry, and General Management, the MBA program at St. John Fisher College caters to a wide spectrum of student interests and professional goals. The program combines theoretical foundations with practical applications, offering students a holistic educational experience that emphasizes critical thinking, ethical leadership, and industry-specific expertise.

MBA Programs at St. John Fisher College

The MBA program at St. John Fisher College is structured to give students the flexibility to pursue their unique career paths while ensuring they gain a broad foundation in the core disciplines of business. Students first complete a comprehensive core curriculum covering essential areas such as finance, marketing, management, organizational behavior, operations, and strategy. From there, they may choose to specialize through one of the available concentrations.

MBA in Accounting

The MBA in Accounting is one of the flagship programs offered at SJFC. It is specifically designed to prepare graduates for Certified Public Accountant (CPA) licensure in New York State, a credential that is widely recognized as essential for advancing in the accounting profession.

The program combines advanced coursework in accounting theory, auditing, taxation, and financial analysis with broader studies in leadership, ethics, and strategic management. This integrated approach ensures that graduates are not only technically proficient but also capable of making ethical and effective decisions in complex organizational contexts.

By aligning its curriculum with New York State CPA licensure requirements, the program gives students a significant competitive advantage in the job market. Graduates are well-prepared to pursue careers in public accounting firms, corporate finance departments, government agencies, and nonprofit organizations. The program also fosters adaptability, preparing students for both traditional accounting roles and emerging opportunities in data analytics and financial consulting.

MBA in Pharmaceutical Industry

The MBA in Pharmaceutical Industry is a distinctive concentration that reflects St. John Fisher College’s strong ties to the healthcare and pharmaceutical sectors. Rochester and the surrounding region are home to many companies in these industries, making this program particularly relevant for students interested in pursuing careers in pharmaceuticals, biotechnology, and healthcare management.

This concentration provides students with a specialized curriculum that integrates business knowledge with industry-specific insights. Coursework may cover topics such as pharmaceutical marketing, regulatory compliance, supply chain management, and global business strategies for the healthcare sector. Students gain an understanding of the unique challenges and opportunities facing the pharmaceutical industry, including the intersection of science, policy, and business.

Graduates of this program are well-positioned to pursue roles in pharmaceutical sales, marketing, product management, regulatory affairs, and corporate strategy. They are also prepared to contribute to discussions around innovation, ethics, and patient care, making them valuable assets to employers in a highly regulated and competitive industry.

MBA in General Management

The MBA in General Management concentration is designed for students who wish to build broad-based business knowledge while tailoring their education to their specific career goals. This track allows students to select additional courses that align with their professional interests, thereby deepening their expertise in particular areas such as leadership, entrepreneurship, human resource management, or international business.

The General Management concentration emphasizes the development of core managerial competencies, including communication, problem-solving, decision-making, and team leadership. It prepares graduates for leadership roles across industries by fostering adaptability, strategic thinking, and the ability to manage diverse teams in complex organizational environments.

Because of its flexibility, this concentration attracts students from varied backgrounds, including those seeking to transition into new fields, entrepreneurs aiming to launch their own ventures, and professionals who aspire to advance into higher levels of organizational leadership.

Rankings and Recognition

St. John Fisher College has earned national recognition for the quality of its academic programs and its commitment to student success. Its inclusion in U.S. News & World Report’s "America’s Best Colleges" rankings highlights its growing reputation as a leading institution for both undergraduate and graduate education.

In 2013, St. John Fisher College was named to the list of America’s Best Colleges in the National Universities category by U.S. News & World Report. This recognition placed SJFC among institutions known for offering a wide array of graduate programs and for conducting meaningful research while maintaining a strong undergraduate focus.

In 2012, the college was also included in U.S. News & World Report’s list of America’s Best Colleges, ranking 143rd in the National Universities overall ranking. This achievement underscored its status as a nationally recognized institution of higher learning.

Beyond its overall ranking, Fisher performed well in several subcategories, including recognition from High School Counselors, inclusion on the A+ Schools for B Students list, and acknowledgment in the Best Graduate Schools rankings. These distinctions point to the institution’s reputation for providing an inclusive and supportive educational environment while also maintaining high academic standards.

These consistent rankings demonstrate the academic excellence, accessibility, and value that define St. John Fisher College.

Accreditation

Accreditation is an essential marker of quality and accountability in higher education, and St. John Fisher College has earned recognition from some of the most respected accrediting bodies.

• The college is incorporated under the authority of the Board of Regents of the University of the State of New York.
• It is accredited by the Middle States Commission on Higher Education (MSCHE), a regional accrediting body that ensures the institution meets rigorous standards in areas such as governance, academic quality, student learning, and institutional effectiveness.
• The Ronald L. Bittner School of Business at St. John Fisher College is accredited by the Association to Advance Collegiate Schools of Business (AACSB International). This accreditation is held by fewer than 6 percent of business schools worldwide and is widely regarded as the gold standard for business education.

AACSB accreditation ensures that the MBA program at St. John Fisher College adheres to the highest standards of faculty qualifications, curriculum design, student learning outcomes, and continuous improvement. For students, this means that their degree carries a level of prestige that is recognized globally by employers and academic institutions alike.

Experiential Learning and Industry Connections

One of the hallmarks of the MBA program at St. John Fisher College is its strong emphasis on experiential learning. Students are encouraged to apply classroom theories to real-world business challenges through case studies, consulting projects, internships, and industry collaborations.

The college’s location in Rochester, a hub for healthcare, pharmaceuticals, technology, and finance, provides ample opportunities for students to engage directly with leading organizations. Partnerships with local businesses and global corporations alike allow students to gain practical experience, build professional networks, and enhance their employability.

Faculty members often bring their own professional experiences into the classroom, creating a bridge between theory and practice. Small class sizes foster close mentorship relationships, allowing students to receive personalized guidance in both their academic and professional development.

Career Outcomes

Graduates of the MBA program at St. John Fisher College have gone on to build successful careers in a wide range of industries, from accounting and finance to healthcare and pharmaceuticals.

• Students who complete the MBA in Accounting are especially well-prepared for roles as auditors, tax advisors, controllers, and consultants. Their preparation for CPA licensure in New York State opens doors to prestigious firms and organizations.
• Graduates of the Pharmaceutical Industry concentration often pursue roles in sales, marketing, product development, or compliance within pharmaceutical companies, biotech firms, or healthcare organizations.
• The General Management concentration equips students for leadership roles across industries, making it particularly valuable for entrepreneurs, managers, and professionals seeking to advance into executive-level positions.

The college’s robust alumni network and career services center further support students in their job searches, connecting them with opportunities locally, regionally, and nationally.

Faculty and Learning Environment

The faculty at the Ronald L. Bittner School of Business combine academic excellence with real-world expertise. Many hold doctoral degrees and contribute to scholarly research, while others bring years of professional experience in accounting, finance, marketing, management, and related fields.

This combination ensures that students benefit from an education that is both theoretically rigorous and practically relevant. Faculty members are also committed to mentoring students, guiding them through their academic journeys, and supporting their professional aspirations.

The learning environment at St. John Fisher College is characterized by small class sizes, collaborative learning, and a supportive community. Students are encouraged to share their experiences, challenge assumptions, and learn from one another, creating a dynamic and engaging classroom atmosphere.

Conclusion

The MBA program at St. John Fisher College stands out as a flexible, rigorous, and values-driven program designed to meet the needs of today’s students and professionals. With concentrations in Accounting, the Pharmaceutical Industry, and General Management, the program offers both depth and breadth, allowing students to tailor their education to their career goals.

Consistently recognized in national rankings and backed by prestigious AACSB accreditation, the program demonstrates a strong commitment to academic excellence and student success. Its emphasis on experiential learning, industry connections, and personalized mentorship further enhances the educational experience, ensuring that graduates are well-prepared to excel in their chosen fields.

For students seeking an MBA that combines the rigor of a top-tier business program with the supportive environment of a liberal arts institution, St. John Fisher College offers an outstanding option. By cultivating both professional competence and ethical leadership, the program prepares graduates not only to succeed in their careers but also to contribute meaningfully to their organizations and communities.