STEM Management Specialization
Introduced in fall 2021, the STEM (science, technology, engineering, and mathematics) management specialization provides classes in management science and quantitative methods. The program is open to all MBA students regardless of track.
This new STEM management specialization is designed to prepare students for an increasingly technology-focused workplace. More and more companies are recruiting leaders with a technology background.
The STEM specialization requires students to take 15 credits of specific electives in addition to the 12 credits of STEM-related classes already present in the MBA core. These electives were chosen based on the descriptions of Classification of Instructions Programs (CIPs) that the United States Department of Homeland Security identifies as STEM-designated courses.
Approved topics include applications of statistics, modeling, forecasting, data analysis, and risk management to business problems. Students must take at least one coding or programming class, one analytics or statistics class, and nine additional credits from a selection of approved tech-related or quantitatively rigorous classes.
The STEM specialization also allows international students on F-1 visas to obtain three years of optional practical training in the United States instead of just one, making the students more attractive candidates to employers.
STEM Requirements
In addition to the 12 credits of STEM-related classes already present in the MBA core, 15 credits are required:
- 3 credits of coding
- 3 credits of analytics
- 9 credits of STEM electives
Some of the STEM courses may be taken outside the BYU Marriott School of Business in different colleges and departments across the university. Students should clear their STEM electives through the MBA program office.