Testimonials
Many graduates of St. Bonaventure’s online master’s programs are sounding off on their experiences, skills learned and the overall impact the master’s degree has had on their personal as well as professional lives.
EdD Educational Leadership
The Ed.D. Educational Leadership program at St. Bonaventure University has allowed me to shape assignments and research in areas that I can apply to my current role in higher education (Interim Dean, College of Business and Engineering Technology). One area where I have been able to apply my academic work is in leading efforts to advance university-industry collaborations to enhance our regional innovation ecosystem.
- Adam Miller
From the very first screening interview, there was a warmth and sense of excellence that immediately stood out. My initial conversation with my admissions advisor confirmed my suspicion that SBU is truly something special. She made me feel like I wasn't just another applicant. It felt like I had a friend and mentor walking beside me every step of the way, cheering me on and making sure I had everything I needed. Thanks to her and the SBU team, I am able to make the dream of pursuing my doctorate come true. Go Bonnies!
- Liesl Hara
The Doctor of Educational Leadership program is one of the most thoughtfully designed programs I have ever encountered. The instructors are not only experts in their fields, but they are also genuinely invested in their students' success. I can send an email and, most of the time, receive a response within minutes or by the next day. The program moves quickly, yet the support from faculty makes it manageable. I also love the online format, which provides the flexibility I need to balance school with my career. I find myself bragging to everyone about how I’m earning my doctorate at SBU!
- Richard Vara
Sports Journalism
Some of the best opportunities I’ve had in my career have been through St. Bonaventure. The baseline of accuracy, fairness, thoroughness—those stay with me every day. They are the elements of my process I do every day on the job.
- Adrian Wojnarowski
Former sports reporter, ESPN
Class of 1991
The program, faculty and everything I learned from SBU's sport journalism program put me in a position to open this door, which I'm truly grateful for. The Sports Illustrated team even tested me on newsworthy instincts during the interview process just to tell you how 1:1 it applied with what I learned and developed at Bona's.
- Blake Silverman
MA in Sports Journalism, 2024
These journalism programs are grounded firmly in the real world and have a close eye on continued evolution for both the programs and the students in them. Talented alumni at the top of their fields contributed to an equally talented and dedicated faculty to ensure the right mix of academia and real-world applications.
- Chris LaPlaca
Senior Vice President of Corporate Communications
ESPN
Sports journalism, like all journalism, relies on the fundamental skills of developing sources, writing or broadcasting engaging stories based on a wealth of reporting. In the SBU sports master's programs, those key areas will be addressed and highlighted.
- Donna Ditota
Sportswriter
Syracuse Media Group
I can honestly say that enrolling in this program is one of the best decisions I have ever made. St. Bonaventure allows you to work with their sports teams so that you can become an experienced and knowledgeable journalist. I even had the opportunity to work as an assistant producer in a television truck at the 2022 U.S. Open Golf Championship.
- Jack Milko
MA in Sports Journalism, 2023
Alumni
The masterclass helped me better understand what the journalism world is really like. I learned a great deal from every speaker and will use this knowledge in my career decisions moving forward. It exceeded my expectations.
- Jackson Sperau
MA in Sports Journalism
Current Student
The greatest part of the academic experience was the preponderance of professors who weren’t content merely saying they cared, but showed it.
- Michael Vaccaro
Lead Sports Columnist
New York Post
It's exciting to see the new Sports Journalism master's program being offered at SBU. It’s a rapidly changing business, but with the advancements in technology and evolution of digital media, there are more job opportunities than ever. Some of the nation’s best sports journalists have come through the Jandoli School, so I am proud to see SBU’s commitment to advancing its learning opportunities.
- Rayna Banks
Coordinating Producer
ESPN
The Journalism masterclass led by alumni taught me that the classes thus far are making each of us more balanced in our skills and approaches. It's also clear how St. Bonaventure alumni care about each other even after the years in the academic setting have long passed by.
- Rob Tiongson
MA in Digital Journalism, 2023
Alumni
My greatest mentors come from SBU. I could reach out to a professor at any time and ask if I was making the right choice or presenting myself in the right way. I am mostly grateful for being pushed constantly to better myself by many professors.
- Shannon Shepherd
Previous Buffalo Bills beat reporter
Sports Illustrated
The journalism masterclass exceeded my expectations. It was great to hear the alumni answer all the questions about the field. It is one thing to read about the industry in a textbook, but it is another to hear from people who have had successful careers in the field.
- Zach Reger
MA in Sports Journalism, 2023
Alumni
School Counseling
I have learned so many valuable skills especially in the internship and the feedback I have received there. I was able to learn so much from my professors and classmates that have made me better and taught me different perspectives on how to approach situations. The courses and professors are all great. You can tell that the school and the faculty really care.
- Amanda Baron
MSED School Counseling, 2021
Alumni
The faculty in the program have extensive knowledge and experience. They all make sure to foster a supportive online learning environment. The coursework in each class has not only been reasonable to balance with life demands but it also allows us to reflect on our own unique life experiences. When everyone comes together to share their thoughts and experiences, it allows for a diverse learning environment.
- Erin Weeks
MSED School Counseling, 2022
Alumni
I have been able to apply some skills learned in my teaching career as I am in a demographic of students who need support on a daily basis. I find myself using skills every day sometimes without even knowing it until after. I like that we go through the program together and are able to lean on one another for peer support, make connections, and faculty are very respectable, helpful, and supportive as well.
- Kathryn Albro
MSED School Counseling, 2022
Third Grade Teacher, St. Lucie Elementary
I chose St. Bonaventure because it was affordable, accredited, had lots of positive reviews and a Christian background. The faculty is heavily supportive and always available to meet and assist with needs, concerns, and questions. I would absolutely recommend this program, this has been a great experience.
- Kathryn Wassong
C2 Education
Education Coordinator
I LOVE attending SBU for the Online MSED Counseling program because everyone from the enrollment staff to faculty members make you feel like family. You will receive outstanding support and guidance from the placement office, where they will find your internship sites so you can focus on your coursework.
- Maria Cabanit
MSED School Counseling, 2021
Alumni
Clinical Mental Health Counseling
SBU has a great reputation as an institution and the online counseling program offered me the opportunity to work while taking classes. The tuition was also very reasonable. The faculty are knowledgeable and take the time to help the students out. It's a great program with a lot of support. The coursework is also excellent, and I feel that I'm gaining a lot of real-world experience.
- Andrew Austin
MSED Clinical Mental Health Counseling
Current Student
My experience at SBU has been nothing short of amazing. Admissions counselor Ranissa was extremely encouraging and helpful from the start. I have felt a strong amount of genuine care about myself and my journey from applying to my program, to now getting started. There is a strong sense of community at the university between all faculty and staff that transfers to us students, so it has been really exciting starting my masters program this year. You can tell that everyone involved truly cares and wants you to succeed. I could not imagine having a better experience through this process and really appreciate all the support I’ve received. I’m so excited to be a Bonnie!
- Anya Thompson
January 2025
I chose SBU because it was the only school with a degree that suited my future plans. I wanted an MSED in CMHC, and doing it online was very convenient. I also appreciated how the courses were designed, allowing me to connect with classmates. I had such a great experience.
- Bernie Crowl
MSED Clinical Mental Health Counseling, 2021
Bryant Park Therapy, Psychotherapist LP
I’ve been pleasantly surprised with the amount of interaction and support I’ve received from the faculty and staff. My student success coach is always supportive, knowledgeable and timely while clearly enjoying what she does, and the faculty truly help to build a sense of community and connectivity.
- Cassandra Harris-Towner
MSED Clinical Mental Health Counseling, 2023
Alumni
I would absolutely recommend SBU to someone considering getting their degree in clinical mental health counseling because although the program is remote, everybody makes an effort to get to know each other on a human level. The support from faculty and my student support advisor has been phenomenal.
- Dana Martin
MSED Clinical Mental Health Counseling
Current Student
I work in a change management role in financial services. Being equipped with counseling skills has allowed me to lead more effective discussions about upcoming changes and helped people adjust to change and understand their own barriers to change. The faculty support has been strong - many students are balancing complex lives while studying.
- Erika Gullo
MSED Clinical Mental Health Counseling
Current Student
I have learned so many great counseling skills at St. Bonaventure and so far, I have been able to apply most of what I am learning in my job as a psychosocial rehabilitation skills trainer. I can apply my skills in listening, counseling with an understanding of theories, and I have a better understanding of many mental disorders. I have been excelling at my job because of these skills and I am thankful to have this knowledge.
- Frank Yarbrough
MSED Clinical Mental Health Counseling, 2024
Alumni
The coursework is presented in such a clear way, that it was not hard to stay on top of my work. The faculty are so supportive and are always there to help and answer any questions that we may have. I know graduate students can get easily worried about things, and the faculty did a great job of maintaining equilibrium among the students.
- Japriest Quentez Jerry
MSED Clinical Mental Health Counseling, 2022
Lakeside Behavioral Health System, Mental Health Technician
The classes and materials used are phenomenal. I have learned so much about counseling and have gained hands-on experience conducting counseling. Specifically, group, theories, and career counseling afforded these experiences and they really helped. The group course was literally life-changing for me. I was wowed at the end of the course and have never experienced this before. There is also support when needed and help with navigating classes etc.
- Joseline Rodriguez
CancerCare Inc.
Co-Payment Specialist Certified Patient Navigator
Not only is St. Bonaventure ranked highly by US News and World Report, but the student success data for the counseling education program are some of the most impressive I noted during my school search. Only having to take one class at a time is ingenious; there are no knowledge deficits going into courses, so I rarely have to double back and connect the dots between concepts. It also saves a ton of anxiety knowing that SBU will assist me with my practicum and internship placements-no other universities I considered do that.
- Justin Coffey
MSED Clinical Mental Health Counseling
Current Student
The support you receive from faculty is out of this world. I never knew that kind of help was out there! I like that my professors not only teach but are required to work out in the field as well. I would recommend SBU to anyone looking to earn a Master's in Clinical Mental Health Counseling.
- Karly Elizabeth Fritsch
MSED Clinical Mental Health Counseling
Current Student
I would absolutely recommend this program because it has been convenient, flexible, and given me opportunities and unwavering support. Learning techniques from the clinical mental health counseling program has taught me how to communicate in various settings effectively. My professional and personal relationships have only improved with learning new skills to help others.
- Kayla Newkirk
MSED Clinical Mental Health Counseling, 2023
Alumni
St. Bonaventure has given me ample opportunity to form a community with my professors and peers. If I have a question, I have a network of people whom I can reach out to and whom I trust. The professors are top-notch, and I receive all of the individualized attention that I could ever want from a program, despite it being online.
- Laura Klain
MSED in Clinical Mental Health Counseling, 2022
Certified Life Coach, Bud to Blossom Life Design
The coursework in my program is very updated and pertains to changes in the world in the future, which I find very important since that is the world that I will be working in. I would recommend St. Bonaventure University to someone who is considering this program because the level of support and the quality of education is unmatched compared to other universities offering competing programs.
- Tori Tomlin
MSED Clinical Mental Health Counseling
Current Student
Digital Journalism
I believe the real-world application stands out the most. Having the ability to learn from professors and countless Bonnie alums who have excelled in journalism and broadcasting has been worthwhile.
- Ben Blakely
MA in Digital Journalism, 2023
Alumni
At Bona’s, I learned much more than the mere nuts and bolts of everyday journalism. I learned how to listen to the unheard, how to see the invisible among us, how to recognize the dignity in all.
- Dan Barry
New York Times Columnist
Pulitzer Prize-winner
St. Bonaventure is a special place that nurtures and develops a student's whole self, and not just their career skills. There are a lot of places where one can prepare for a career, but St. Bonaventure is uniquely positioned to develop students who are then prepared to both do well and do good in the world.
- Eric Fisher
Newsletter Writer
Front Office Sports
The most important characteristic in this industry is experience. There is no place better suited to give you the experience needed than right here at Bonaventure. Real world applications in an environment of encouragement is critical to hone your skills for the future.
- Justin Craig
Senior Director of Audio
ESPN
Not only will the program set you up for success, but you'll have access to an alumni base that will actually talk to you. Being a small school has its perks.
- Stephon Johnson
Staff Writer
New York Amsterdam News
MBA
St. Bonaventure’s MBA program is incredible. Not only is the structure of the program accommodating for the working professional, but the class sizes allow for both one-on-one interaction as well as group participation. Because of my experience at St. Bonaventure, I have a much better understanding of the ins and outs of a business, what truly makes a business successful and where I see myself in the future. SBU was the perfect fit for me.
- Christy A. Williams
Key Account Manager at Founders Brewing Co.
Master of Business Administration
I have had many wonderful outcomes from my online MBA at SBU: I was inducted into Beta Gamma Sigma, which introduced me to an international network of business professionals for future career opportunities; I gained the necessary confidence I previously lacked to advance my career in the financial services industry; and, I have been granted job offers from several corporations who are aware of the excellent career preparation SBU’s business school has to offer.
- Marcus Jones
MBA 2021
Certified Personal Banker, Five Star Bank
My decision to pursue an MBA at St. Bonaventure University is one I will be forever grateful for and is one I recommend to anyone considering a graduate program. Some key benefits offered are the flexible class schedule, range of electives to peak your specific field of interest, and tight-knit class sizes that allowed an in-depth discussion to be had with peers and each professor. The communication and interpersonal skills gained in this environment are invaluable.
- Mike Iulianello
Mondelēz International
Master of Business Administration
I chose St. Bonaventure's online graduate program because it is a very convenient way to get your master’s degree while working full-time. The most challenging part is balancing school and work, but to navigate that I make weekly assignment schedules.
- Sierra Michaels
New Era
The formation of my business took place while I was enrolled in the MBA program, so every class was applicable to something I needed to know. My MBA concentration was in marketing, and the marketing courses really helped me to establish my company’s brand and build a reputation in the community. Even after two years in business, I use marketing metrics and client feedback every day to better understand my target market and how to reach them.
- Theodora Turner
MBA 2018
Founder and Owner, Anchor Advisors
Cybersecurity
SBU offered everything I was looking for: accreditation, a great course content outline and hands-on experience. Students stay on top of the latest technology trends within cybersecurity, and the instructors provide great articles to complement course material. I was able to keep working while preparing myself for a career change.
- Cristian Alvarez
MS in Cybersecurity, 2023
Alumni
The faculty is what stood out for me. They are very helpful and supportive. Cost and syllabus drew me to the program, and I've already been able to apply the Leaned Ethical Hacking methods at work.
- Mayur
MS in Cybersecurity, 2023
Alumni
I certainly could have done self-study and pursued a certification in one or more of the cybersecurity disciplines, but one of the components of education that I really value is interaction. I learn more when I talk with other people and share experiences, and the instructors at SBU have emphasized interaction. That's the type of experience I wanted – to learn and form professional relationships.
- Scott Russell
Director of Customer Support
MS in Cybersecurity, 2021, Panasas
St. Bonaventure's Cybersecurity master's program content is perfect for providing the necessary knowledge base for a security leader. The instructors are very knowledgeable and were outstanding in reassuring me, checking up on me and guiding me along the way. It is more of a family feeling than just a school.
- Shawn Ellis
MS in Cybersecurity, 2021
Information System Security Officer, Thales Defense and Security Canada
Business Analytics
SBU's MSBA program allowed me to choose my concentration and develop the skills I was interested in. Faculty members have worked at well-known companies, are published authors and overall have a breadth of professional and academic experience, which I had not encountered at previous institutions. My student support advisor was invaluable, which allowed me to focus entirely on my academic performance. I learned a plethora of new technical skills, which I could utilize immediately. I haven't even received my diploma and already have a new job!
- Megan Drewer
MS in Business Analytics, 2022
Alumni
What attracted me to St. Bonaventure’s online Master of Science in Business Analytics was the program’s comprehensive curriculum and the flexibility it offered. As someone who works a full-time job, being able to pursue my advanced degree without sacrificing quality was paramount. St. Bonaventure’s reputation for excellence, combined with real-world analytical applications made it the perfect choice for advancing my career. The opportunity to learn from well-respected industry experts and a diverse group of classmates solidified my decision.
- Michael Abbott
MS in Business Analytics, 2024
Alumni
