This is the first year that Olin hosts two STEM designated degrees. Both our Master of Science in Finance Quantitative (MSFQ) and our Master of Science in Customer Analytics (MSCA) have a STEM designation. STEM stands for Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics. STEM fields are gaining more notice and popularity these days. Many STEM educated individuals help fuel innovation and entrepreneurship.
Guest Blogger: David McKee, Associate Director of Student Affairs, Graduate Programs
STEM degrees can also benefit students in a few key ways. Our students come away with a more technical specialization in a business area. STEM is also a hot topic for employers so many of our graduates may see increased interest on behalf of employers. Finally our international students have the potential to gain an additional authorized off campus work experience during their time in the US.
International students are allowed to apply for a period called Optional Practical Training, normally done after they graduate. This Optional Practical Training lasts for 12 months and students can work in jobs that directly relate to their program of study. For students who attend a STEM designated program they can apply for an extended 17 month Optional Practical Training, which gives them 29 months of possible work experience without needing to apply for a work visa which are in limited supply. This gives international students a higher level of flexibility. However, if students completed a STEM undergraduate degree and have already completed STEM Optional Practical Training they will not be eligible for a second extension.
STEM degrees are typically not offered in a business school, but Olin’s MSFQ and MSCA are highly quantitative. The classes in these programs require students to have a higher level of Math and more experience with specific technologies than we typically see in graduate business degrees.
Most often these degrees are featured in Engineering and Arts and Science schools. That we have two in the business school is an exciting milestone for Olin. But it also demonstrates that Olin is breaking new ground in providing business degrees that offer students the opportunity to specialize in these two technical areas and provide innovation in the future of quantitative finance and customer analytics.
For all of these reasons the Olin community is excited for this new development. Our students are excited about what these designations may mean for them and we are seeing more interest from excellent applicants for these degrees.
