Oklahoma City University has boosted its STEM status by adding four graduate programs with STEM designation in the Meinders School of Business.
Meinders has introduced two new STEM-designated degrees – Master of Science in Data Analytics and Master of Science in Financial Analytics – and has gained STEM designation for a pair of its MBA concentrations: MBA in Data Analytics and MBA in Financial Analytics.
The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics projects that jobs requiring a STEM-based degree will grow significantly faster than other jobs over the next decade. STEM job opportunities are expected to increase by 13% by 2027, offering more attractive salary packages than non-STEM jobs. In fact, the Oklahoma State Regents for Higher Education have launched a special program called Blueprint 2030 to help meet that demand.
According to YMGrad, a college search service, “STEM graduates are at the forefront of more lucrative opportunities.”
The STEM designation means many international students on F-1 Visas may be eligible for an extended Optional Practical Training (OPT) of up to 36 months to work in the U.S. The standard OPT window for non-STEM-designated degrees is only one year.
Here’s a brief description of OCU’s STEM-designated graduate business programs:
MBA in Data Analytics
Prepares students to meet ‘Big Data’ business challenges. Graduates emerge prepared to apply data analysis, visualization and artificial intelligence prediction tools to create maximum value and expand market opportunities for organizations.
MBA in Financial Analytics
Educates students with a broad spectrum of knowledge in corporate finance and investments, data analysis, computer programming, Excel-based financial modeling and portfolio and risk management. Graduates emerge prepared to answer specific business questions and forecast possible future financial scenarios for organizations.
MS in Data Analytics
Students study fundamental principals in programming, data science and analytics, including data visualization, data engineering, forecasting, predictive models and cloud computing. Skills can translate to a wide range of business and organizational practices.
MS in Financial Analytics
Students are educated in financial strategy and decision-making through the lens of analytical evaluation. Financial modeling, portfolio and risk management, income analytics and a variety of data programs are covered.
For more information, click here.
