STEM MBA Programs At U.S. B-Schools

University of Southern California Marshall School of Business

MBA Specialization in Management Science

Starting this fall, USC Marshall offers a new specialization “designed to combine data-driven decision-making and analytics with the overall MBA program learning objectives of developing a global and entrepreneurial mindset, building a deep understanding of business fundamentals, and leading high-performing teams,” Suh-Pyng Ku, vice dean for graduate programs, told Poets&Quants in May. “The specialization in STEM-certified Management Science will require the students to enroll in STEM-qualified courses for about half of their electives program.” The new specialization requires 63 units including MBA core, management science electives, and general business electives and promises students will walk away with “the ability to demonstrate expertise in subjects such as statistics, data analytics, operations and supply chain optimization, finance, forecasting, and digital marketing and modeling to prospective employers increasingly valuing such skills.”

University of Wisconsin-Madison School of Business 

Full-Time MBA Specialization in Operations and Technology Management or Supply Chain Management

Wisconsin’s STEM OTM specialization was the pioneer. Launching in 2016, it promised applicants they would acquire “leadership abilities, cross-functional business knowledge, and problem-solving skills needed to drive change and create value for organizations.” The specialization, supported by the Erdman Center for Operations and Technology Management, is for those with a background in engineering, science, or other areas of technology and operations who are interested in seeking advanced positions while priming themselves for future senior leadership roles. Those in it will “Gain broad and deep business and entrepreneurial skills from a flexible curriculum applicable to designing, managing, and improving processes and systems.” The supply chain management specialization is ranked 10th by Gartner among graduate supply chain degree programs in North America. Students undergo training in everything from data analytics and demand to the marketing, promotion, and sourcing of goods. Delivered through the Grainger Center for Supply Chain Management, the specialization “includes extensive experiences solving real-world issues under the direction of an engaged advisory board and alumni network.”

Duke University Fuqua School of Business 

Second Major in Management Science and Technology Management (MSTeM)

This program offers to “deepen your expertise in the tools, frameworks, and models that address managerial problems.” The MSTeM is not a concentration but a second major which “prepares students to both lead and direct analysis, and to get deeply involved with and understand the tools and models that should be utilized to inform and improve decisions.” Duke says the program prepares students for management and leadership roles in health, consulting, tech, and several other fields. 

University of North Texas Ryan College of Business

MBA with Business Analytics Concentration

Launching in fall 2019, the MBA with a Business Analytics concentration is designed to provide an extensive base of knowledge of managerial responsibilities. It has an 18-hour core, with 12 hours of required courses and six hours of electives. The program “is designed for students who desire a more general management background than an MS in Business Analytics, which has more of a specialization and focus in the field.” Career opportunities after completion of the MBA program through the Department of Information Technology and decision sciences are “abundant.” An MBA with a concentration in Business Analytics supports growth and development from two perspectives, the school says: “One, if you have an established career path, the concentration provides you the opportunity to gain the broader, more general perspective necessary for promotion to leading managerial positions. Two, if you are preparing for the business world, the combination of an undergraduate degree with an MBA concentration in Business Analytics provides an excellent foundation for additional career opportunities.”

University of Georgia Terry College of Business

One-Year STEM MBA Option for University of Georgia Undergraduates Majoring in a STEM Discipline 

The Georgia STEM MBA is a one-year degree option for current University of Georgia undergraduates majoring in an eligible science, technology, engineering, or math discipline. Currently there are 45 University of Georgia majors eligible for the degree option. The specialized program is designed for “high-achieving undergraduate students who want a broad base of foundational business courses and the business skills needed for professional advancement and career success.” The curriculum is comprised of eight core courses, an experiential learning course, a business intelligence course, and an additional elective of students’ choosing; additionally, the Communications and Career Effectiveness course offers instruction in effective leadership and communication. This accelerated program is 36 credit hours and can be completed in two semesters; interested applicants can apply during their final year of undergrad study.

University of Connecticut School of Business

MBA with Concentration in Business Analytics, Digital Marketing Strategy, or Financial Management and Investments

The MBA program at the University of Connecticut School of Business offers three concentrations that have STEM CIP, or Classification of Instructional Programs, code designations: Business Analytics, Digital Marketing Strategy, and Financial Management and Investments. Each track is 12 credits. 

University of Massachusetts-Dartmouth Charlton College of Business

MBA with Specialization in Business Analytics

The Charlton MBA “provides advanced study in management for those with business or non-business bachelor degrees.” It requires 30 credit hours and can be completed part- or full-time, on-campus or online. The Charlton MBA is “responsive to the changing demands of the global, technology-driven economy. Taught by leading business scholars and seasoned industry professionals, this advanced degree also offers you the option to concentrate in specific areas.” The school offers 10 concentrations; only business analytics is STEM-approved.