STEM Designations

What are STEM Designations?

A major hallmark of our distinguished research institution is The UConn School of Business STEM Designated Graduate Degree Programs. UConn's STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics) graduate level business degree programs consist of courses in analytics, finance, technology and business. Graduates benefit from exceptionally high in demand career growth. Their expertise is essential to U.S. economic competitiveness and growth.

As a STEM recent graduate, Optional Practical Training (OPT) allows for students on an F-1 Visa to stay in the United States for an additional 24-month post-graduation to participate in on-the-job training within the STEM field. Taken in addition to the 12 months that all programs provide, STEM students will enjoy 36 months (3 years) of OPT.

Why is STEM Designations important?

Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics (STEM) fields are essential to U.S. economic competitiveness and growth. Over the last several decades the country has experienced a significant shortage of qualified workers for employment in STEM fields. Increasingly, businesses have to hire international workers to meet their needs. Therefore, STEM designated educational programs make it possible for international graduates to remain stateside longer to establish their careers and to help meet the demand for STEM-educated professionals.

UConn’s STEM designated programs, and their related initiatives, also play an important role in Next Generation CT, a state legislation passed into law and signed by the governor, that will invest over $1.5 billion dollars in UConn over the next 10 years.

Why UConn?

UConn’s STEM designated programs, and their related initiatives, also play an important role in Next Generation CT, a state legislation passed into law and signed by the governor, that will invest over $1.5 billion dollars in UConn over the next 10 years.

STEM Designations: Benefits and Features 

  • Elite Research Faculty and Expert Practitioners
  • Cutting-Edge Technology
  • International Student Sponsorships Available
  • Your Pace: Part-time or Full-time
  • Locations: Hartford and Stamford, Connecticut

 

How will students benefit?

Under the traditional OPT program, international students who graduate from colleges and universities in the U.S. are able to remain in the country and receive training through work experience for up to 12 months. Students who graduate from a designated STEM degree program can remain for an additional time on an OPT STEM Extension.

STEM graduates are essential to U.S. economic competitiveness and growth and in short supply. This OPT extension makes it attractive to businesses to hire international students.

What does STEM career growth look like?

  • Between 2017 and 2029, the number of STEM jobs will grow 8%. The largest growth will be seen in computing, engineering, healthcare, and advanced manufacturing – all areas where UConn School of Business Alumni have thrived post-graduation. (US Bureau of Labor Statistics)
  • In the last 3 decades, employment in STEM occupations has increased by 79%, with notable growth from 9.7 million to 17.3 million. (Pew Research Center)
  • Related to healthcare and insurance, a field that is robust in the state of Connecticut, 15% job and field growth is expected by 2029. (Bureau of Labor Statistics)
  • Salary differences between STEM and non-STEM workers show a notable difference: with STEM workers in all occupations earning, on average, 14% more annually. (US Census Bureau)

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Which program is right for you?

MSBAPM

The MS in Business Analytics and Project Management (MSBAPM) is a top ranked, leading masters program that teaches the skills that reach far beyond solving key business issues, it also provides students with the skills needed to become a leader in the industry. The 37-credit degree program allows students to establish and improve their skills in hands-on course work and transformative experiential learning through internships, data challenges, and consulting projects. With flexible scheduling, study full-time or part-time, in person at either our Hartford or Stamford, CT locations.

MSFRM

The MS in Financial Risk Management (MSFRM) at the University of Connecticut is designed for business professionals who want to enhance their careers by fully understanding how to identify and manage various types of financial risk.

This program is offered in-person, full-time or part-time at our Hartford and Stamford campus locations. Finish in as few as 15 months with 36 credits, or add an optional concentration to finish in 19 months with 45 credits.

MS in FinTech

UConn's MS in Financial Technology is a 36-credit program that consists of a mix of analytics, technology, and business courses and is intended to prepare the student for entry into the world of Financial Services Technology. Disciplines in FinTech may include areas such as Finance, InsurTech, MedTech, and RegTech. With a flexible course of study, students can study full-time or part-time, in person at either our Hartford or Stamford, CT locations.

MBA: STEM Concentration

UConn's top-ranked MBA degree is a 57-credit program that offers your choice of three STEM Designated Concentrations in Business Analytics, Digital Marketing Strategy, and Finance. The MBA program offers busy professionals an optimum balance of independence and personal engagement with leading expert faculty. Students enjoy access to superior career coaching, support services, and our expansive, distinguished alumni network. Study full-time or part-time, in person (Hartford, Stamford, and Waterbury) or online.