INFORMATION FOR
William Paterson University’s Cotsakos College of Business— one of an elite group of business colleges to achieve international accreditation from the Association to Advance Collegiate Schools of Business (AACSB)—offers a variety of challenging and rewarding degree paths to prepare you to excel in today’s global business environment.
Located in the state-of-the-art building at 1600 Valley Road, the College offers undergraduate programs in accounting, finance, financial planning and wealth management, global business, management, marketing, professional sales, and economics. Graduate students can pursue the master of business administration (MBA) with a choice of on-campus general MBA, finance concentration, or applied business analytics concentration; or our 100% online MBA with concentrations in accounting, applied business analytics, entrepreneurship, environmental and social governance, finance, general, healthcare economics and management, human resource management, marketing, and sales strategy. A variety of accelerated 4+1 combined business programs are also available to help you achieve your MBA in a shorter time and with significant cost savings.
In the Cotsakos College of Business, you will study in small classes, taught by faculty who are recognized experts in their fields—often with significant industry experience. Gain real-world experience through internships, credit-earning practica, job shadowing, and mentoring programs—all designed to prepare you for a meaningful and productive career upon graduation.
You can also benefit from the College’s sophisticated resources including the Global Financial Learning Center, an active trading room that brings the world financial markets to campus, and the Russ Berrie Institute for Professional Sales with its Professional Sales Laboratory.
Dean, Cotsakos College of Business
EMAIL: bowrina@wpunj.edu
PHONE: 973-720-2964
OFFICE: VR 4056
Associate Dean
EMAIL: gritschm@wpunj.edu
PHONE: 973-720-2977
Director of Graduate Programs
EMAIL: grzymkowskiB@wpunj.edu
PHONE: 973-720-3745
An interdisciplinary team of faculty, staff, and student researchers at William Paterson University is advancing research on how artificial intelligence is influencing business approaches to environmental, social, and governance (ESG) issues — work that is helping inform the University’s newly launched ESG concentration within its Master of Business Administration program.
William Paterson’s Cotsakos College of Business is the No. 1 producer of MBA graduates in New Jersey, and the new ESG concentration reflects the University’s continued emphasis on aligning graduate education with evolving business practices and workforce needs.
“Our ESG concentration reflects the depth of expertise among our faculty and the importance of preparing students to navigate complex, data-driven business environments,” says Anthony Bowrin, dean of the Cotsakos College of Business. “By connecting interdisciplinary research with graduate education, we’re ensuring that students are engaging with the same questions organizations are actively confronting.”
The interdisciplinary research team includes:• Peter Caiazzo, associate director, Russ Berrie Institute for Professional Sales• Rajiv Kashyap, professor of marketing• Andrey Kretinin, professor of management: analytics• Cyril Ku, professor of computer science• Raza Mir, professor of management: strategy• Ali Saghiri, assistant professor of computer science• Ana Cristina Siqueira, professor of management: entrepreneurship• Mehmet Turkoz, assistant professor of management: analytics• Michael Aviles ’27, undergraduate Honors College student, computer science
Rather than focusing on a single outcome, the research examines how AI tools can support ESG-related decision-making — from identifying inconsistencies in sustainability reporting to surfacing risk signals embedded in unstructured data such as social media posts, regulatory filings, and corporate communications. Other projects explore how AI may help organizations assess efficiency gains, identify emerging sustainable technologies, and strengthen governance and compliance processes.
In addition to informing the new MBA concentration, the research also supports William Paterson’s online, 12-credit ESG Certificate program.
“There’s a lot of interest in ESG across the business world,” said Kashyap. “In finance, professionals are paying close attention to ESG not only because of impacts on stock prices, but also because of the potential to dampen volatility - a highly valued attribute in today’s uncertain economic environment. Such ESG-driven topics are really driving our graduate students in terms of both their academic interests and professional motivations.”
The research also provides students with opportunities to engage directly in applied, faculty-led projects at the intersection of technology and business — experience that faculty say reflects the evolving expectations of today’s graduate and undergraduate learners.
Aviles, an undergraduate computer science major and Honors College student who has worked on the project, says the experience of collaborating with multiple professors both in his department and beyond has been very rewarding.
“This project is helping me understand that artificial intelligence extends much further than personal use and has a significant impact on the business world,” he adds. Aviles notes that the project has also subsequently made him realize just how integral AI, and his knowledge of it, will be in his career someday.
"Being part of the Costakos College of Business allowed me to immerse myself in the world of accounting and finance through rigorous courses, research opportunities, and support from faculty members. I completed my business honors thesis and learned valuable communication skills that helped me receive two exceptional internships. William Paterson University has given me the tools to jumpstart my career."
Gianna Coscia Double major in accounting and finance, assurance associate, CohnReznick, LLP | Class of 2022
“William Paterson has given me limitless opportunities to expand my leadership capabilities and career readiness, such as helping me perfect my resume, hone my interview skills, and expand my professional network.”
Jay Dhar Professional sales major, accounting minor, business development specialis, Gartner | Class of 2023
