A Look Into Top STEM MBA Programs
Over the past few years, many of the top US business schools have achieved STEM designation. By identifying their MBA programs as STEM degrees, business schools give international students the opportunity to remain in the US for an extra 2 years post-graduation and gain training via work experience.
These programs benefit domestic students as well, equipping them with the skills to excel in business and tech and stand out to potential employers.
So, how do STEM MBA programs differ from traditional full-time programs? While some business schools’ full-time MBA programs are STEM-designated without any curriculum changes, other schools now offer specific specializations.
Below, get a glimpse into these unique STEM MBA opportunities.
Harvard Business School
Harvard’s MS/MBA: Engineering Sciences Program is designed for those with undergraduate degrees in engineering, computer science, or a related technical field.
- Focus: The STEM MBA program at Harvard focuses on engineering, design and business fundamentals.
- Post-MBA Objectives: Most students aim to found technology-intensive startups. Others aspire to lead new ventures in established technology companies.
- Application Information: Applicants can apply in Round 1 or Round 2. One additional essay question is required for Harvard’s MS/MBA Engineering Sciences Program.
Kellogg
Kellogg’s Management Science major qualifies as a STEM-designated field of study that prepares students to both manage and direct analyses to improve decisions.
- Focus: The major focuses on the application of analytical techniques, tools and models across the school’s academic disciplines.
- Post-MBA Objectives: Kellogg’s Management Science major prepares students for a wide range of careers including consulting, technology, finance and entrepreneurship.
- Application Information: Applicants can select Management Science as an area of academic interest for any of Kellogg’s 3 application rounds.
NYU Stern
Along with its STEM-designated full-time MBA, NYU Stern also offers a Tech MBA program. The Andre Koo Tech MBA is a one-year STEM MBA program that gives students a foundation in business and allows them to graduate with a focus in technology.
- Focus: NYU Stern’s Tech MBA focuses on four key curriculum components: the business core, the technology core, Stern Solutions and electives.
- Post-MBA Objectives: The program’s experiential learning opportunities immerse students in the tech industry and prepare them to solve real-world problems post-graduation.
- Application Information: When starting an MBA application for NYU Stern, candidates can select the Andre Koo Tech MBA as their program of choice. The essay questions remain the same as the full-time questions.
Cornell Johnson
Cornell’s one-year Tech MBA program is STEM-designated. With the majority of the program based at Cornell Tech in New York City, students have access to a rapidly growing tech sector.
- Focus: The Cornell Tech MBA program focuses on STEM MBA core courses and exposes students to topics ranging from financial accounting to marketing and leadership.
- Post-MBA Objectives: Cornell’s STEM MBA program prepares students for career success in the digital economy.
- Application Information: Those interested in the program can apply separately via the Cornell Tech website.
USC Marshall
The USC Marshall IBEAR MBA provides a STEM track for MBA hopefuls. The one-year program is designed for globally focused mid-career professionals.
- Focus: USC’s IBEAR MBA focuses on curricular and co-curricular learning, allowing students to build the knowledge, tools and business networks to become global business leaders.
- Post-MBA Objectives: Those who attend USC’s STEM MBA program are seeking global leadership positions post-graduation.
- Application Information: Due to its global focus, IBEAR MBA does not accept a large number of students from any one country. Thus, applicants are advised to apply early. The application deadlines vary slightly from the full-time MBA application deadlines.
So why are STEM MBA programs growing in popularity? STEM-designated programs really began to take off in 2016 when the US federal government created the STEM Designated Degree Program.
Along with helping international students, STEM classifications are attractive to future employers across the board. STEM graduates can also expect to receive higher salaries compared to traditional MBA graduates!
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