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.
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
NBA Senior Insider, ESPN
Class of 1991
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
The Post-Standard
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
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
Senior Managing 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 Sports Journalism
Current Student
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
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
Current Student
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
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
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
St. Lucie Elementary
Third Grade Teacher
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
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
St. Joseph the Worker Catholic Academy
Current Student
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. What stood out for me was the residency and my professors. I also appreciated how the courses were designed, allowing me to connect with classmates. I had such a great experience.
- Bernie Crowl
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
Elementary Art Teacher
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
Cayuga Centers
PSR Skills Trainer
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
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
NAMI Greater Houston
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
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
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
Integrated Marketing
I put together presentations every other day here… the volume of data I can sift through, put into a presentation, and present out without practicing is now a seasoned tool in my tool belt!
- Beth Moore
Senior Marketing Associate, Fisher-Price
Master of Arts in Integrated Marketing Communications
If you want something that's helpful and marketable, this is a fabulous program [M.A. Integrated Marketing Communications].
- Elaine Tooley
Executive Director of Presidential Communications at Wake Forest University
Master of Arts in Integrated Marketing Communications
As I look back at how I felt before the Master’s in Communication program, I feel like I've done a complete 180. I learn by doing, and that's what you'll experience in the program. You will choose a real client, conduct research and develop a strategy and tactics supported by that research that you interpret, and then present your comprehensive marketing plan and findings to a panel—just as you would in the real world.
- Jennifer Spoto
Marketing Manager
HSBC Bank
I began actively working at a marketing agency when I started the Master of Arts in Communications program. I found myself putting learning to practice on client projects, giving me added confidence in executing campaign and brand development work.
After graduating, I started my agency, GoldenSnow. In the seven months that we have been in operation, we’ve worked on campaigns for a major liquor distributor, a heavy-hitting cosmetics company, and a non-profit organization, to name a few. Without my experiences at Bona, I don't think I would be where I am.
- Jerry Nieves
Principal, GoldenSnow
Master of Arts in Communication
I truly believe the IMC program gave me an edge over other candidates.
- Megan Wagner
Chief Marketist at MCMarCom
Master of Arts in Integrated Marketing Communications
Leadership
I took five years off between undergrad and graduate school. I was concerned about balancing all things life but SBU's online program made it very easy. I could still go on my honeymoon for almost two weeks while taking a course! As long as you effectively communicate with your professors, anything is possible. The student success coaches also check in and answer questions you might have.
The MSL 615 – Human Resources Management course got me thinking about gaps within my organization, so I drafted a Diversity and Inclusion Coordinator job description and sent it to my Human Resources Director to review. Shortly after, the role was created, and I was promoted to it. By the time I graduated, I had received two promotions.
- Brielynn Bell
One of my professors became a mentor. Now we meet every month to talk about my business goals and strategic planning, and it really upped my leadership game. If you are considering an online master's program in leadership, definitely consider a program like this that's going to give you the personal touch, the credentials, the network and ultimately the confidence to take your career to the next level.
- Christopher "CJ" Gross
Founder and CEO
Ascension Worldwide & TEDx speaker
St. Bonaventure’s leadership program was the best decision I made to help me grow both professionally and personally. Not only did I make lasting connections and friendships, but I was provided the skill sets to further enhance my abilities in the corporate world. Shortly after completing the program, I was promoted to the international side of my company and have continued to grow. It is true, St. Bonaventure University is the place to become extraordinary!
- Christy D. Sullivan
Zippo Manufacturing Company
Master of Arts in Strategic Leadership
My favorite part of the program was the final paper and project. The paper allowed me to dig deep into my organization, their strategic plan, their journey to accreditation and the way ahead. The project allowed me to think more on what type of leader I am and where I want to go as a leader in the US Army.
- Leyla Kosakowski
US Army Medical Command
Master of Arts in Strategic Leadership
The leadership program at St. Bonaventure offered a broad curriculum to cultivate the attributes necessary to be a strong, confident and professional leader in today’s businesses. This comprehensive program covered all aspects of business from marketing, planning, communications, and leadership. This program will nurture the instincts of a leader and teach students to focus their knowledge into the workplace to enhance their potential as a leadership professional.
- Patrick Cluckey
NOCO Distribution LLC
Master of Arts in Strategic Leadership
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
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
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
Founder and Owner
Anchor Advisors
Digital Journalism
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
US Editor
SportBusiness
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
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
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
Buffalo Bills beat reporter
Sports Illustrated
Cybersecurity
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
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
Information System Security Officer
Thales Defense and Security Canada
