The McIntire School of Commerce at the University of Virginia today received STEM designations for three of its programs: B.S. in Commerce, M.S. in Commerce, and M.S. in the Management of Information Technology (M.S. in MIT). The U.S. Department of Homeland Security, based upon definitions of a STEM field set forth by the U.S. Department of Education, applies the designations to degree programs.
“A significant orientation toward technical, analytical, and quantitative skill development is a longstanding hallmark of all our curricula, and these STEM designations are a reflection of our strategic focus,” says Carl Zeithaml, Dean of the McIntire School. “As a community that deeply values diversity, these designations will allow us to attract applicants who bring competitive academic rigor, rich global perspectives, and significant value to our classrooms.”
The designation requires that a substantial amount of a degree program’s coursework incorporate quantitative and analytical topics that align with STEM—science, technology, engineering, and mathematics—or related fields. Neither the curricula nor the faculty will change as a result of the designations; the STEM-related coursework for the core and elective courses that comprise these programs is already in place. Programs with a STEM designation offer eligibility to international students with F-1 visa status to remain in the U.S. longer after graduation. All international students are eligible to apply for up to 12 months of work authorization; however, graduates of a STEM-designated program have the opportunity to apply for an additional 24 months on an optional practical training (OPT) extension.
“These designations demonstrate the McIntire School’s continual responsiveness to the growing worldwide demand for well-rounded, analytical thinkers in the workforce,” Zeithaml says. “As business practices become increasingly reliant on analytics, we evolved our programs to stay current, if not future-oriented, ensuring that our students graduate with the technical skills employers seek.”
The McIntire School’s B.S. in Commerce is ranked as the #2 U.S. undergraduate business program by Poets&Quants. Approximately 17% of McIntire’s more than 700 current undergraduates hold citizenship from a country other than the U.S.
The M.S. in Commerce, now in its 11th year, is a pre-experience one-year master’s degree designed for students with an undergraduate degree in the liberal arts, science, or engineering. International students comprise 20% of the current class. The program was ranked the #2 master’s in management program worldwide by The Economist in 2017.
The M.S. in MIT is a recognized leader in developing technology-savvy managers and decision makers. The unique one-year master’s degree helps business and technology professionals learn to create greater business value through the effective use of current and emerging technologies.
The designations will go into effect spring 2019.
About the McIntire School of Commerce
The McIntire School of Commerce at the University of Virginia proudly celebrates a nearly 100-year commitment to preparing its students to become thoughtful, innovative leaders in global business and society. McIntire’s unique integrated educational experience leverages technology, welcomes corporations into the classroom, and offers unparalleled, immersive global learning opportunities. The School is home to six research centers and many highly regarded undergraduate, graduate, and certificate programs.
