Undergraduate business program to join Simon Business School in fall 2026

The move ensures that students continue to benefit from a unique combination of rigorous education and professional business training.

The University of Rochester announces that the Barry Florescue Undergraduate Business Program will become part of the Simon Business School beginning in fall 2026. Established 13 years ago in the School of Arts & Sciences, the program has grown to become one of the most sought-after academic areas at the University, with nearly 250 graduates in the past year alone.

The move represents the next step in a strong and productive partnership between Simon and the School of Arts & Sciences. Together, the schools built a program that blends the breadth of a liberal arts education with the depth of professional business training, encouraging students to pursue second majors across the humanities, social sciences, and sciences while also preparing them for high-demand careers in accounting, finance, business analytics, marketing, information systems, and entrepreneurship.

"This move ensures that students in the undergraduate business program will have access to Simon's analytic rigor and long-standing reputation," says Provost Nicole Sampson. "With this shift, student outcomes are expected to advance even further through continued benefits from a broad liberal arts education paired with business and in pursuit of the University's Boundless Possibilitystrategic goal of exceptional education."

By continuing the successful collaboration between Simon and Arts & Sciences, Rochester is deepening its commitment to creating transformative educational experiences that prepare students for successful careers, and for lives of impact, leadership, and discovery.

"This transition strengthens our ability to provide undergraduates with the same rigor, data-driven, AI-forward approach, and global perspective that distinguish Simon's graduate programs," says Mitch Lovett, interim dean of the Simon Business School. "We are excited to welcome these students fully into the Simon community and to expand the opportunities available to them through our alumni network, corporate partnerships, and experiential learning programs."

The integration of the Barry Florescue Undergraduate Business Program fully into the Simon Business School will help ensure that students continue to benefit from a unique combination of rigorous education and professional business training. According to Lovett, the move also underscores Rochester's deep commitment to providing exceptional educational opportunities that empower students to thrive and succeed in today's competitive landscape.