Rowan University MBA & Rankings

Rowan University, located in Glassboro, New Jersey, is one of the most dynamic and comprehensive state universities in the region. Known for its blend of academic excellence, affordability, and commitment to innovation, Rowan has steadily risen in national recognition. Among its many academic offerings, the Master of Business Administration program at the Rohrer College of Business has become a centerpiece of its professional education, drawing students from across the region and beyond. This program reflects Rowan’s broader mission of preparing leaders and innovators who can contribute meaningfully to the global economy.

The Evolution of Rowan University

Founded in 1923 as Glassboro Normal School, Rowan has undergone a remarkable transformation over the decades. Initially created to train teachers, the institution evolved into Glassboro State College, expanding its curriculum beyond education. In 1992, a historic $100 million gift from industrialist Henry Rowan catalyzed the university’s transformation into a comprehensive institution of higher education. Today, Rowan University is not only a state research institution but also one of the fastest-growing universities in the country, with strong programs in business, engineering, medicine, and the arts.

The Rohrer College of Business, which houses the MBA program, reflects this legacy of growth and innovation. Named after William G. Rohrer, a prominent businessman and philanthropist, the college has embraced a mission of preparing business leaders who combine technical knowledge with ethical decision-making and a strong sense of social responsibility.

Overview of the MBA Program

Rowan University’s Master of Business Administration program is designed for both traditional students and working professionals who seek to advance their careers in the competitive world of business. The program combines academic rigor with flexibility, ensuring that students gain the skills they need while still accommodating the demands of their personal and professional lives.

Students in the MBA program can choose from a wide range of specializations, including accounting, management information systems, finance, management, marketing, and supply chain and logistical systems. Each specialization is tailored to meet the needs of specific career paths, while the overall program emphasizes leadership, strategic thinking, and ethical decision-making.

The program is structured to allow maximum flexibility in completion time. Students may finish the degree in as little as 12 months if enrolled full-time, or they may take up to six years to complete the program part-time. This approach allows Rowan to serve both recent graduates who wish to accelerate their careers and working professionals who must balance their studies with other commitments.

Specialization in Accounting

One of the most popular and significant specializations in Rowan’s MBA program is accounting. The accounting specialization is designed to provide students of diverse academic backgrounds with both foundational knowledge and advanced expertise in the field. For students who may not have an undergraduate degree in accounting, the program offers introductory coursework to build essential skills. From there, students move into more advanced topics such as auditing, taxation, financial reporting, and managerial accounting.

The accounting specialization equips graduates for careers in public accounting, corporate finance, government, and non-profit organizations. Additionally, the program helps students prepare for professional certification exams such as the Certified Public Accountant (CPA) designation. By combining technical rigor with broader business training, Rowan ensures that accounting specialists are not only adept at financial analysis but also capable of assuming leadership roles within organizations.

Specialization in Management Information Systems

Another standout specialization is management information systems (MIS). This concentration prepares students to bridge the gap between technology and business strategy. Students learn how to design, implement, and manage information systems that support organizational goals. Courses cover topics such as database management, systems analysis, project management, and emerging technologies.

In an era when businesses rely heavily on technology for decision-making and competitive advantage, graduates with MIS expertise are highly sought after. Rowan’s emphasis on practical, hands-on learning ensures that MIS students graduate ready to manage technological innovation within organizations and adapt to rapidly changing business environments.

Finance, Management, Marketing, and Supply Chain Specializations

Rowan’s MBA program also offers strong specializations in finance, management, marketing, and supply chain and logistical systems.

The finance specialization provides students with in-depth knowledge of corporate finance, investments, and financial markets. This concentration prepares graduates for roles in banking, investment management, financial analysis, and corporate treasury functions.

The management specialization emphasizes leadership, organizational behavior, and strategic planning. Students learn how to motivate teams, design effective organizations, and develop strategies that align with long-term goals. This specialization is particularly valuable for those aspiring to general management or executive roles.

Marketing, another cornerstone of the program, equips students with the ability to analyze consumer behavior, design effective campaigns, and utilize digital tools to reach diverse audiences. Rowan’s marketing courses combine traditional theories with contemporary approaches such as social media marketing and data analytics, ensuring that graduates remain relevant in a changing field.

Finally, the supply chain and logistical systems specialization addresses one of the most critical aspects of modern business: the efficient movement of goods and services. Students learn about procurement, distribution, logistics, and global supply chains. This specialization prepares graduates to manage operations that are increasingly complex and globally interconnected.

Flexibility in Program Duration

One of the distinguishing features of Rowan’s MBA program is its flexibility in program duration. While some students may wish to complete the program as quickly as possible, others may prefer to balance coursework with full-time careers and family responsibilities. Rowan allows both options, offering an accelerated one-year track for full-time students as well as a flexible six-year timeline for those studying part-time.

This flexibility reflects Rowan’s commitment to accessibility and inclusivity. By accommodating students at different life stages, the program ensures that a Rowan MBA is attainable for a wide range of individuals. Whether students are recent graduates looking for a competitive edge or seasoned professionals seeking to enhance their leadership skills, Rowan provides a pathway that suits their needs.

National and Regional Recognition

Rowan University’s MBA program has received national and regional recognition for its quality and growth. In the U.S. News & World Report’s first-ever edition of Top Online Education Program rankings, Rowan’s MBA was cited as a leading program. This acknowledgment demonstrates the university’s ability to adapt to the digital era of education, offering online opportunities that maintain the rigor of traditional learning.

The Philadelphia Business Journal also highlighted Rowan’s MBA as a leader in growth, noting that enrollment jumped 81 percent from 2008–09 to 2009–10. This surge reflects the growing reputation of the program and its appeal to students across the Delaware Valley and beyond.

In the U.S. News & World Report’s “Best Colleges” 2012 edition, Rowan was ranked in the top tier of Best Regional Universities in the North. The university tied for 21st place in this category, moving up from the previous year’s ranking of 23rd. The recognition affirmed Rowan’s position as a strong regional institution that offers comprehensive undergraduate and graduate programs.

Rowan’s Rohrer College of Business has also been recognized by The Princeton Review, which ranked the MBA program among the best 301 business schools. Students surveyed by the Review noted that Rowan is “a great regional school whose current programs and commitment to expansion of the program will continue to take great strides in drawing students from outside this region.” This endorsement captures the growing confidence students have in the MBA program’s trajectory.

Accreditation and Global Standards

Accreditation is a vital marker of quality in business education, and Rowan’s MBA program is fully accredited by AACSB International, the Association to Advance Collegiate Schools of Business. Fewer than 15 percent of business schools worldwide hold this distinction, placing Rowan’s Rohrer College of Business among an elite group of institutions.

AACSB accreditation ensures that Rowan meets rigorous standards in curriculum, faculty qualifications, student learning outcomes, and continuous improvement. For students, this accreditation adds significant value to their degrees, signaling to employers that they have received an education aligned with global standards of excellence.

The Rohrer College of Business

At the heart of Rowan’s MBA program is the Rohrer College of Business, a dynamic hub of innovation and professional development. The college emphasizes experiential learning, entrepreneurship, and community engagement. Students are encouraged to apply classroom concepts to real-world challenges, whether through internships, consulting projects, or case studies.

The Rohrer College of Business also houses resources such as the Rowan Center for Innovation and Entrepreneurship, which supports students in launching new ventures. For MBA students, these opportunities provide invaluable hands-on experience and the chance to develop entrepreneurial mindsets.

Rowan’s Broader Reputation

Beyond the MBA program, Rowan University has earned a reputation as one of New Jersey’s most respected institutions. Its academic offerings extend across multiple disciplines, from engineering and medicine to education and the arts. Rowan’s growth has been fueled by its commitment to research, innovation, and community service.

The university’s transformation into a research institution has further enhanced the value of its graduate programs. For MBA students, this means access to a vibrant academic environment where faculty are actively engaged in research and bring cutting-edge knowledge into the classroom.

Preparing Students for the Global Marketplace

Rowan’s MBA program is not only about academic knowledge; it is about preparing students to compete in a multicultural, global marketplace. Courses emphasize cross-cultural communication, global economics, and international business strategies. Graduates are equipped not only to manage organizations in the United States but also to lead teams and projects in diverse international contexts.

This global perspective is increasingly essential in a world where businesses are interconnected through global supply chains, international finance, and digital communication. Rowan’s MBA ensures that its graduates have the cultural awareness and strategic insight needed to thrive in this environment.

Alumni Success and Networking

The success of Rowan’s MBA program can also be measured through the achievements of its alumni. Graduates have gone on to assume leadership positions in corporations, non-profit organizations, and government agencies. Many alumni return to mentor current students, creating a strong network of support and professional connections.

This alumni network strengthens the value of the Rowan MBA, providing graduates with access to professional opportunities and fostering a sense of community long after graduation.

Affordability and Accessibility

Rowan’s MBA program combines quality with affordability, making it a competitive option for students seeking value in higher education. As a state university, Rowan is committed to maintaining tuition rates that are accessible to a wide range of students while ensuring that academic standards remain high.

By offering an MBA that is both affordable and accredited by AACSB International, Rowan positions itself as a premier choice for students who want to invest in their future without incurring excessive financial burden.

Conclusion: A Growing Legacy of Excellence

Rowan University’s Master of Business Administration program exemplifies the institution’s broader commitment to academic excellence, accessibility, and innovation. With specializations in accounting, management information systems, finance, management, marketing, and supply chain and logistical systems, the program offers students the flexibility to pursue their professional interests while gaining a solid foundation in business leadership.

National recognition, strong accreditation, and an emphasis on experiential learning further distinguish Rowan’s MBA. Whether students complete the program in one year or over several years, they graduate with the skills, knowledge, and ethical grounding needed to succeed in a complex global economy.

Rowan University has already established itself as a leader in higher education in New Jersey and the surrounding region. Its MBA program reflects this reputation and continues to grow in prominence. For students seeking a rigorous, flexible, and respected MBA, Rowan University offers an ideal path to personal and professional achievement.