STEM MBA Programs give particular exposure to or provide specialization in certain fields (science, technology, engineering, and math) that, in combination with the preparation in business administration, are particularly valuable to economic growth in certain fields. A university’s entire MBA program can be STEM-designated or a specific program or major within the program (more on that below).
Acquiring STEM designation requires going through a rigorous curriculum overhaul and ensuring that the courses meet government-established criteria.
A fast-growing number of top MBA programs are seeking STEM designation for some or all of their programs. In fact, in 2024 Harvard Business School became the last M7 program to seek STEM certification.
STEM designation is not only a technical/scientific credential that is appreciated by many employers and recruiters, but it also is an important student recruitment tool.
The STEM-designated MBA offers particular benefits for international applicants, helping schools lure international minds to their programs. Because the tech skills they acquire through these programs are so attractive to employers, the US government allows these international MBA recipients to stay in the US through the STEM Optional Practical Training program, which grants these graduates an automatic 24-month extension, for a total of three years in the US post-graduation.
This means that as schools become more competitive, STEM-designated programs will have a powerful advantage in the recruitment of applicants from outside the US.
Given the new H-1B visa fee, this STEM designation, and the 24-month extension that accompanies it, is increasingly important for international applicants.
Which schools offer STEM MBA programs?
Overall, the majority of top MBA programs now have a STEM-designated MBA option for full-time applicants. For EMBA applicants looking for a STEM-designated program, the options are a bit more limited. Please find more details below:
M7 STEM MBA Programs
Harvard STEM MBA Programs
Stanford GSB STEM MBA Programs
Kellogg STEM MBA Programs
Wharton STEM MBA Programs
- Full-Time MBA Program – Select Majors Only
- Wharton’s STEM-designated MBA majors include: Artificial Intelligence for Business; Business Analytics; Business Economics & Public Policy; Business, Energy, Environment & Sustainability; Environmental, Social and Governance Factors for Business; Finance; Operations, Information & Decisions; Quantitative Finance; Social and Governance Factors for Business; and Statistics
Chicago Booth STEM MBA Programs
MIT Sloan STEM MBA Programs
Columbia Business School’s STEM MBA Programs
Outside of the M7, as of 2025 most full-time MBA programs are also STEM designated.
It is important to note, however, for some schools (as is the case with Wharton) only certain majors have STEM designation. Top schools where STEM designation is limited to certain majors include Dartmouth Tuck, UVA Darden and Michigan Ross.
Other STEM Designated Business Degrees
For those international students looking to take advantage of the STEM OPT extension but not quite ready to pursue an MBA, there are also an increasing number of options available to you. In fact, a number of specialized master’s programs at top business schools are also STEM designated. These include Yale SOM’s Master in Asset Management and MIT Sloan’s Master of Business Analytics, and Columbia Business School’s Master of Science in Accounting and Fundamental Analysis (MSAFA).
Learn more about Specialized Masters Programs here.
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If you are interested in applying to one or more STEM-designated MBA programs and need help with the selection and application, Personal MBA Coach is here to help guide you through the process. Check out our comprehensive services to learn how we can maximize your chances of success.
