By Lacie Blankenship
Vanderbilt Business has reached a new milestone with the official STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics) designation for its flagship MBA program. This designation highlights the school’s commitment to preparing students to thrive in today’s data-driven and technology-focused business world. While the Vanderbilt MBA program has long utilized a STEM curriculum, this new formal STEM designation for the entire MBA program is effective with the Vanderbilt Class of 2025.
Tom Steenburgh, Ralph Owen Dean, Vanderbilt Business
“The STEM designation for the Vanderbilt MBA program is a testimony to our longstanding commitment to preparing students with the skills needed to thrive in today’s rapidly changing and technology-focused business world,” says Tom Steenburgh, Ralph Owen Dean of Vanderbilt Business.
What does a STEM designation mean for international students?
STEM-designated degree programs offer a significant advantage for international students interested in pursuing a career in the United States. Under the Optional Practical Training (OPT) program, international students who receive F-1 status and graduate from an American college or university are eligible for OPT, which provides up to 12 months of work authorization in their field of study. Graduates of STEM-designated programs are eligible for an extension of their OPT period (STEM OPT), which gives them an additional two years for a total of 36 months.
Now that the Vanderbilt MBA program is STEM-certified, international graduates with F-1 status can apply to work in the United States for three years after graduation, instead of just one year, without needing employer sponsorship. This extended OPT period gives international graduates valuable time to gain hands-on experience, build professional networks, establish careers, and secure roles in high-demand fields. It also increases their chances of getting a work visa.
At Vanderbilt, each MBA student must choose at least one area of concentration as the focus of their studies, with the option to add additional concentrations, specializations, or emphases. This structure allows students to align their education with specific career paths, which can improve their chances of receiving a job offer in the United States. Programs with a clear focus have a better chance of meeting USCIS criteria for H-1B visa status, as they demonstrate a stronger connection to specific job roles, as long as the student’s job offer clearly aligns with the specialty.
Hire smarter: why is STEM designation noteworthy for companies?
Management Hall, Vanderbilt University
The STEM designation for a degree program opens doors for companies looking to hire individuals ready to excel in today’s business landscape. Business professionals who graduate from a STEM program, like the Vanderbilt MBA, bring expertise in quantitative areas such as data analytics and financial modeling, allowing them to add immediate value to the organizations they join.
The STEM designation for employers hiring international graduates means access to innovative and fresh talent who can work for up to 36 months under the OPT program before employer sponsorship is needed. This period also allows employers to integrate skilled professionals into their teams without immediately engaging in the visa sponsorship process. With a more flexible timeline, companies can make the most of new employees with more strategic, long-term hiring decisions.
“The Vanderbilt MBA program has a tradition of developing top-tier business professionals; this new designation proves our graduates leave well-equipped to address the complexities of today’s business environment, allowing them to immediately add value to employers looking to innovate and grow,” says Amanda Fend, Director of MBA Recruiting at Vanderbilt.
Why does STEM matter in business education?
STEM-designated degree programs are a win-win for students and employers alike. The Vanderbilt MBA curriculum is designed for the future of business. The STEM-designated program provides students with the core classes needed to succeed in business and the flexibility to customize their learning and develop the subject matter expertise to catapult or change careers.
In addition to the MBA program, Vanderbilt’s Master of Marketing and MS Finance programs are STEM-certified.
