Simon Admissions Blog

Simon’s STEM-designated degrees open doors

May 21, 2024 | Admissions & Programs Team

Updated September 5, 2024

Did you know: Simon Business School is a leader in STEM (science, technology, engineering, and math) business education. We were the first school in the US to offer a STEM-designated option to full-time MBA students in any specialization, but even before that, Simon’s four full-time specialized master’s programs were STEM designated. This has had particular benefits for our international students because it allows them to work in the US for up to three years on a student visa.

Now, students can earn a STEM-designated degree from Simon in the following programs:

*We are excited to introduce new Advanced Certificates of Achievement, designed to complement our STEM-designated full-time master's degrees and provide students with specialized skills in key areas of business and technology. These certificates in AI, FinTech & AI, Pricing, and Tax, offer focused training and allow students to further customize their education to meet their career goals.

Simon’s focus on STEM was a natural progression given the analytical foundation and longstanding reputation for quantitative rigor in its degree programs. But you may be wondering how easy it is to satisfy the requirements. For Simon’s MS programs, all candidates receive a STEM-designated degree once they complete the program requirements needed for graduation—STEM courses are built into the curriculum, so no special course selection or planning is needed. 

For full-time MBA candidates, in order to meet the STEM requirements, 50% of their MBA credits must be in courses that are STEM-eligible. Some of the MBA core classes qualify, so students typically achieve this pretty easily. In fact, the majority of students—and 96% of international students—in the MBA Class of 2024 chose to pursue STEM designation.

Similarly, Professional MBA and Executive MBA candidates will need to make their advisor aware of their intention to pursue a STEM degree so their course selection can be guided appropriately during the program.

What about STEM’s impact on your post-graduation career aspirations? Consider the following:
 

  • International students hired in a STEM-eligible job have the opportunity to work in the US for up to three years on their student visa through optional practical training (OPT). This helps to bridge the gap between a student and work visa and allows more chances at the visa lottery.
  • STEM skills are increasingly important in today’s data-driven business environment. A STEM-designated degree from Simon signals program quality and rigor to employers.
  • A STEM-designated degree shows recruiters that you'll arrive on the job with analytic tools and leadership skills that positively impact a company's bottom line. And even better, for programs where STEM designation is optional, it can be achieved at the same length and cost as the non-STEM option.

Learn more about STEM at Simon in a recent podcast episode.

If you're curious about where a STEM-designated degree can take your career, don’t wait—this time next year, you’ll be glad you started your business school journey now. We hope to see your application soon!

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