The STEM MBA combines the rigorous foundations of business management with the expertise in data, technology, and quantitative decision-making that employers are seeking. The program is designed to help students develop skills relevant to roles that require the ability to analyze complex information, apply quantitative methods, evaluate financial and operational data, and support strategic decision-making. The STEM MBA will help prepare students for analytically intensive and technology-enabled business roles in key areas such as management analysis, financial analysis, operations analytics, accounting and financial analytics, business intelligence, and information systems leadership. 

For International students, the STEM MBA may also support eligibility for the 24-month STEM OPT extension, providing up to 36 months of work authorization in the U.S. after graduation. This unique designation may enhance career opportunities, especially in sectors reliant on technical skills. International students should consult Rowan’s International Center for guidance on individual visa and OPT eligibility. 

Very much so. The core of the traditional MBA is retained in the STEM MBA. Both programs require completion of 36 credits with half of those credits coming from core required courses in business.  

The other half of the program is customizable—for both the traditional MBA and the STEM MBA. Students in both programs* have 18 credits (or six 3-credit courses) in electives to pursue the areas of interest they want expertise in.

With these 18 customizable credits, students can choose either: 

• TWO Concentrations (2 content-aligned clusters of 3 courses each)  

        OR 

• ONE Concentration (3 predetermined courses grouped together) and THREE elective courses from among 3 different areas of interest.  

*The difference for the STEM MBA is that students must complete at least 18 credits of STEM-designated coursework, representing 50% of the 36-credit MBA curriculum. STEM-designated credits may be fulfilled through a combination of required/core courses and approved STEM-designated Concentration or elective coursework.

It is important to note that 3 of the core traditional MBA courses are also STEM designated: 

• FIN 04500 Financial Decision Making 
• MGT 07550 Operations Analytics 
• MIS 02501 Information Systems for Managers 

The time to completion for the STEM MBA will be flexible and will vary depending on student preferences. Students working full-time jobs and pursuing coursework part-time will typically take about two to three years to complete the degree. For students pursuing the STEM MBA full-time, the completion time will range from one year (Fall, Spring, and Summer study) to two years (typically Fall and Spring study only; sometimes includes Summer).  

The maximum time to completion allowed is seven years. 

Current STEM-designated Concentrations available under the STEM MBA include: 

• STEM-Accounting 
• STEM-Business Analytics
• STEM-Finance 
• STEM-Management Information Systems (MIS) 
• STEM-Data Analytics 

Yes. To complete the STEM-designated MBA, students must complete at least 18 credits of STEM-designated coursework, representing 50% of the 36-credit MBA curriculum. STEM-designated credits may be fulfilled through a combination of required/core courses and approved STEM-designated Concentration or elective coursework. This structure allows STEM MBA students to choose two Concentrations.  

Academic Advisors and Success Coaches will help students plan coursework carefully to ensure they meet the STEM-designated credit requirement while selecting courses aligned with their career goals. 

Yes. To complete the STEM-designated MBA, students must complete at least 18 credits of STEM-designated coursework, representing 50% of the 36-credit MBA curriculum. STEM-designated credits may be fulfilled through a combination of required/core courses and approved STEM-designated Concentration or elective coursework. This structure allows STEM MBA students to choose one STEM Concentration and a choice of three STEM-designated or graduate business studies electives.  

Academic Advisors and Success Coaches will help students plan coursework carefully to ensure they meet the STEM-designated credit requirement while selecting courses aligned with their career goals. 

A STEM-Accounting Concentration is an ideal option for those who want a career that draws on their quantitative strengths and their interest in working on cyclical and special projects involving advising, problem-solving, management and planning. A Concentration in STEM-Accounting focuses on the profession's role in driving technological advancement, accounting's use of higher-level math skills, and emphasis on data analytics. This emphasis builds skill sets in technology and data to keep pace with the demands of an evolving accounting profession. 

The STEM-Business Analytics Concentration is designed for students who want to strengthen their analytical, problem-solving, and decision-making skills. Coursework emphasizes analytical frameworks, data analysis, statistical models, and technology-enabled approaches to business problem solving. 

A Concentration in STEM-Finance is an ideal option for those seeking to build skill sets in technology and data to keep pace with the demands of the Finance profession. A Concentration in STEM-Finance focuses on the profession's role in driving technological advancement, utilizes complex quantitative methods, and builds analytical skills by emphasizing data analytics.   

The STEM-Management Information Systems Concentration is designed for students interested in using technology to improve project management, operations, systems design, implementation, productivity, and organizational decision-making. 

A STEM-Data Analytics Concentration prepares students to use data analysis, statistical models, and other quantitative methods to solve complex business problems and apply business strategies for maximum effectiveness and efficiency across a wide range of industries.  

At Rowan, the MBA in Data Analytics is part of the College of Business, while the MS in Data Science is housed in the Math and Computer Science departments. This distinction influences the types of coursework and content included in each program.

The STEM MBA with a Concentration in Data Analytics focuses on using data to make strategic business decisions. It blends technical skills like data visualization, business intelligence, and statistical analysis with leadership and communication training, which prepares graduates for roles like data analyst, business analyst, or strategy consultant. 

The MS in Data Science emphasizes programming, machine learning, and algorithm development. Graduates often become data scientists, machine learning engineers, or data engineers working in highly technical or research-based environments.

The STEM MBA with a Concentration in Data Analytics is ideal for students who want to pursue careers in business.

Students interested in starting the STEM MBA in Fall 2026 should use the application for our standard MBA to apply for the STEM MBA. During the application process, you must select one of the STEM-designated Concentrations (STEM-Accounting, STEM-Business Analytics, STEM-Finance, STEM-Management Information Systems (MIS), or STEM-Data Analytics). However, while the program is in transition, the STEM designation may not yet be reflected in the application system. Instead, choose from one of the corresponding MBA Concentrations during the application process: Accounting Concentration, Business Analytics Concentration, Finance Concentration, Management Information Systems (MIS) Concentration, or Data Analytics Concentration. Once the STEM program launches, your registration will be updated to STEM. 

For international students, once you submit your application, please send an email to graduatebusinessstudies@rowan.edu to coordinate with our STEM MBA/MBA academic advising team. They will work with Rowan's International Center to help adjust your records in the Fall 2026 semester to formally reflect the STEM designation. Your records will be updated across Rowan University as well as in any external systems for student visa management.

The direct application for the STEM MBA will be available in the Admissions Portal sometime during the Spring, Summer, or Fall 2026 semester for students applying to start in Fall 2026, Spring 2027, and beyond. Until the direct application is available, the Rohrer College of Business invites applicants to use the standard MBA application. 

The direct application for the STEM MBA will be available in the Admissions Portal sometime during the Spring, Summer, or Fall 2026 semester for students applying to start in Fall 2026, Spring 2027 and beyond. 

Students interested in starting the STEM MBA in Fall 2026 should use the application for our standard MBA to apply for the STEM MBA. During the application process, you must select one of the STEM-designated Concentrations (STEM-Accounting, STEM-Business Analytics, STEM-Finance, STEM-Management Information Systems (MIS), or STEM-Data Analytics). However, while the program is in transition, the STEM designation may not yet be reflected in the application system. Instead, choose from one of the corresponding MBA Concentrations during the application process: Accounting Concentration, Business Analytics Concentration, Finance Concentration, Management Information Systems (MIS) Concentration, or Data Analytics Concentration. Once the STEM program launches, your registration will be updated to STEM. 

For international students, once you submit your application, please send an email to graduatebusinessstudies@rowan.edu to coordinate with our STEM MBA/MBA academic advising team. They will work with Rowan's International Center to help adjust your records in the Fall 2026 semester to formally reflect the STEM designation. Your records will be updated across Rowan University as well as in any external systems for student visa management.

Admissions requirements will mirror the standard MBA. You can prepare to apply to the STEM MBA by familiarizing yourself with the admissions requirements and beginning the steps that are required from students, such as requesting letters of recommendation, so you will have them when the time comes to apply:  

Admission Requirements 

• Rowan Application (no application fee) 
• Bachelor’s degree (or its equivalent) from an accredited institution of higher learning 
• Official transcripts from all colleges attended (regardless of number of credits earned) 
• Current professional resume 
• Typewritten statement of professional objectives 
  • Provide reasons for pursuing the program. Describe how you might use this program to advance your career (educational goals beyond the master's level, if applicable, are also relevant). 
• Two letters of recommendation 
  • Letters of recommendation should be from professional administrators, current or prior supervisors or peers in professional settings, and/or faculty from prior academic pursuits. For those that are self-employed, letters may come from long-time clients. Content in letters should include information which attests to the applicant's ability to pursue a graduate degree. 
  • Letters of recommendation from the applicant's family and friends are not accepted. 
• Minimum undergraduate cumulative GPA of 2.5 (on a 4.0 scale) 
• GMAT (or GRE) is optional. Candidates with strong academic records, relevant professional experience, and/or that hold specific business-related credentials are automatically waived from the GMAT (or GRE); learn more about the GRE/GMAT waiver criteria. Candidates that do not meet the waiver criteria may want to submit a GMAT (minimum score of 450) or GRE test result to strengthen their application. 
• Upon acceptance into the STEM MBA program, students may still need to fulfill Foundation course requirements, dependent upon previous undergraduate coursework completed. For a full list of required Foundation courses visit: MBA Curriculum or visit the next FAQ. 
  

Yes, the STEM MBA (as well as the standard MBA) does require Foundation courses to be completed. The Rohrer College of Business requires Foundation courses to ensure all students are equipped with key baseline and foundational knowledge needed for undertaking graduate-level coursework in business. During the application process, students’ official transcripts will be reviewed by Admissions to determine which previous coursework counts toward these requirements. Upon acceptance into the STEM MBA program, students will be alerted to which Foundation courses they will need to complete. After students are accepted into the STEM MBA program, they must begin to satisfy any outstanding Foundation requirements as they proceed through the program.  

Full List of Foundation Courses for the STEM MBA Program  

• Calculus: Techniques & Applications 
• Statistics I 
• Foundations of Accounting OR Principles of Accounting I & II 
• Principles of Economics: A Survey OR Microeconomics & Macroeconomics 
• Principles of Marketing 
• Principles of Finance 
• Operations Management 

Typically, students with an undergraduate degree in business will have already satisfied many of these course requirements. As noted, students may begin in the STEM MBA program prior to completing all their Foundation requirements. However, these requirements must be satisfied early in the program to maintain forward momentum towards degree completion. Students may also choose to complete their outstanding Foundation courses before beginning the STEM MBA program if they prefer.  

For international students: to be admitted to the STEM MBA, you must not be missing more than 2 Foundation courses at the time of applying. You are welcome to complete outstanding courses in your home country, or you can plan to complete the Foundation courses via an approved external provider listed in our Foundation Fact Sheet. 

Foundational coursework may be done in a variety of ways, such as by completing equivalent undergraduate courses, noncredit tests, online courses, and/or community college classes. To access a full list of admission requirements, visit the Rowan University MBA website page and click Admission Requirements. Review our Foundation Fact Sheet for more on Foundation requirements. Contact our Program Coordinator at Graduatebusinessstudies@rowan.edu for pre-admission academic advising if you'd like help planning your pathway or have questions about Foundation requirements.  

For pre-admission advising contact the Assistant Director, Graduate Admissions, Eleni Liacopulos, at liacopulos@rowan.edu.    

Yes, you can! If you are admitted to the regular MBA for Fall 2026, you will have the opportunity to switch to the STEM MBA once it officially launches during the Fall 2026 semester.

In order to qualify for the STEM OPT extension and other benefits, it is essential that you choose one of Rowan's officially STEM-designated Concentrations when applying. 

The available STEM-designated Concentrations are: 

• STEM-Accounting 
• STEM-Business Analytics
• STEM-Finance 
• STEM-Management Information Systems (MIS) 
• STEM-Data Analytics 

If you are applying to the STEM MBA prior to Fall 2026, your application form may not list the above "STEM" Concentrations as options for you to select. Instead, you should select just "Accounting," "Business Analytics," "Finance," "Management Information Systems," or "Data Analytics" on your application, to ensure you are on track to complete the STEM MBA requirements. 

Once you submit your application, please send an email to graduatebusinessstudies@rowan.edu to coordinate with our STEM MBA/MBA academic advising team. They will work with Rowan's International Center to help adjust your records in the Fall 2026 semester to formally reflect the STEM designation. Your records will be updated across Rowan University as well as in any external systems for student visa management.

Your MBA program and Concentration will be updated to reflect STEM during the Fall 2026 semester.

Students pursuing the STEM MBA will be supported through academic advising beginning as early as the pre-admission stage. Academic Advisors and Success Coaches will help students develop a Plan of Study that aligns with STEM requirements, Concentration or elective interests, and career goals. International students will also work with Rowan’s international student support resources to understand enrollment and visa-related considerations. 

Students admitted to the regular MBA program before the STEM MBA officially launches can transition to the STEM MBA once the program is live. (The International Center will update records in Rowan’s internal systems and across external systems to reflect the STEM designation for international students.)

Please note, when applying, you must choose one of the STEM-designated Concentrations—STEM-Accounting, STEM-Business Analytics, STEM-Finance, STEM-Management Information Systems, or STEM-Data Analytics. However, while the program is in transition, the STEM designation may not yet be reflected in the application system. Instead, choose from one of the corresponding MBA Concentrations during the application process: Accounting Concentration, Business Analytics Concentration, Finance Concentration, Management Information Systems (MIS) Concentration, or Data Analytics Concentration. Once the STEM program launches, your registration will be updated to STEM.

Working with an Academic Advisor will help students select coursework that meets the required 18 credits of STEM-designated coursework and supports a smooth transition into the STEM MBA, once approved and available.

The STEM MBA program will offer five Concentrations: 

• STEM-Accounting 
• STEM-Business Analytics
• STEM-Finance 
• STEM-Management Information Systems (MIS) 
• STEM-Data Analytics 

Yes, international students who complete a STEM-designated degree may be eligible to apply for the 24-month STEM OPT extension, subject to federal regulations and individual eligibility requirements. Once the STEM MBA program is officially launched, international students who have been admitted to the program through the regular MBA and are enrolled in STEM-designated courses will have their records updated, making them potentially eligible for the 24-month STEM OPT extension, in addition to the standard 12-month OPT period. The International Center will update students’ F-1 visa records and if the student meets eligibility requirements, make the necessary adjustments for them to benefit from the STEM OPT extension. 

International students will work with Rowan’s international student support resources to understand enrollment, STEM OPT, and visa-related considerations. 

You should apply to the regular MBA program as you would normally. However, you must choose one of the STEM-designated Concentrations—STEM-Accounting, STEM-Business Analytics, STEM-Finance, STEM-Management Information Systems, or STEM-Data Analytics. However, while the program is in transition, the STEM designation may not yet be reflected in the application system. Instead, choose from one of the corresponding MBA Concentrations during the application process: Accounting Concentration, Business Analytics Concentration, Finance Concentration, Management Information Systems (MIS) Concentration, or Data Analytics Concentration. Once the STEM program launches, your registration will be updated to STEM.

Students pursuing the STEM MBA will be supported through academic advising beginning as early as the pre-admission stage. Academic Advisors and Success Coaches will help students develop a Plan of Study that aligns with STEM requirements, Concentration or elective interests, and career goals. International students will also work with Rowan’s international student support resources to understand enrollment and visa-related considerations. 

OPT 

Optional Practical Training (OPT) allows F-1 visa students to work in the United States in a job related to their field of study for a specific period. Students can apply for up to 12 months of OPT during or after their studies. For more details, see Off Campus Employment for International Students.

STEM OPT Extensions 

For STEM-designated degree programs like the STEM MBA, students are eligible for an additional 24-month STEM OPT extension, allowing them to work in the U.S. for a total of up to 36 months post-graduation. During this period, students can gain valuable practical experience in their field without the need for employer sponsorship. To qualify for the STEM OPT extension, the job must be related to the student’s field of study, and the employer must be enrolled in the E-Verify program. 

This extended work authorization is a significant advantage for international students completing STEM-designated programs, as it provides extra time to gain work experience in the U.S. before needing to transition to a different visa status. 

You can use Pre-Completion OPT while still enrolled as a student, provided the work is related to your program of study. Pre-Completion OPT is limited to part-time work (20 hours/week during the school year and full time during breaks). 

For more details, see Pre-Completion OPT for International Students. 

Post-Completion OPT allows F-1 students to work full time in the United States for up to 12 months after graduation, as long as the work is directly related to their degree program. For STEM-designated degree programs like the STEM MBA, students are eligible for an additional 24-month STEM OPT extension, allowing them to work in the U.S. for a total of up to 36 months post-graduation. During this period, students can gain valuable practical experience in their field without the need for employer sponsorship. To qualify for the STEM OPT extension, the job must be related to the student’s field of study, and the employer must be enrolled in the E-Verify program. 

This extended work authorization is a significant advantage for international students completing STEM-designated programs, as it provides extra time to gain work experience in the U.S. before needing to transition to a different visa status. 

For more details, see Post-Completion OPT and OPT STEM Extension for International Students.

If you are enrolled in a STEM-designated program, such as Rowan’s STEM MBA, you may be eligible for a 24-month STEM OPT extension after completing your initial 12-month OPT period. This provides a total of up to 36 months of work authorization, allowing you to gain more experience in your field without needing an employer sponsorship. 

For more details, see OPT STEM Extension for International Students.

Using Pre-Completion OPT does not affect your eligibility for Post-Completion OPT, but it can reduce the total amount of time available for Post-Completion OPT. For example, if you use part-time Pre-Completion OPT (up to 20 hours per week) during your studies, the time used will be subtracted from your 12-month Post-Completion OPT eligibility. However, if you use full-time Pre-Completion OPT, it will reduce your Post-Completion OPT by the same amount of time. 

For STEM-designated programs like the STEM MBA, the 24-month extension is available after your initial 12-month OPT, regardless of how much Pre-Completion OPT you used. 

For more details, see Off Campus Employment for International Students.

Curriculum and Academic Planning: For any questions related to academic planning or the STEM MBA curriculum, please contact the Graduate Business Studies team at graduatebusinessstudies@rowan.edu. 

Admissions processes: For admissions process guidance email Rowan's Office of International Admissions at international@rowan.edu (+1 856-256-4747).

Visa and OPT: Consult with the International Center team at rowanic@rowan.edu for guidance on your specific eligibility. 

Receive Updates: Please visit and provide your contact information in our STEM MBA Interest List to sign up for updates and stay informed.

Please visit and provide your contact information in our STEM MBA Interest List to sign up for updates and stay informed.

Rowan’s MBA and STEM MBA programs require students to have baseline knowledge in several business subject areas, called Foundation requirements. These include:

• Calculus: Techniques & Applications
• Statistics I 
• Foundations of Accounting OR Principles of Accounting I & II 
• Principles of Economics: A Survey OR Microeconomics & Macroeconomics 
• Principles of Marketing 
• Principles of Finance 
• Operations Management 

At the time of applying, your official transcript(s) will be reviewed by our Admissions Team to determine if you have already completed coursework that satisfies these requirements. If your background includes courses that are equivalent (in content and level), they may be waived. If not, you will be required to complete any missing Foundation areas before or during your graduate studies. You can get a head start by reviewing our Foundation Fact Sheet, which outlines the requirements in detail and gives you multiple options for how to complete them.

No. F-1 visa holders must have no more than two outstanding Foundation requirements at the time of application to the MBA or STEM MBA. This is to ensure students can complete the program within the standard visa timeframe.

You have two main options:

1. Complete one or more Foundation requirements before applying to the STEM MBA to ensure you only have two Foundation courses outstanding. Many students use low-cost, flexible platforms such as Sophia.org, which are listed in the Foundation Fact Sheet.
2. Apply to Rowan’s Business Certificate of Graduate Study (COGS) program. This is a 9-credit graduate certificate that can serve as a bridge to the MBA. All 9 credits count towards the 36 credits of the MBA. While enrolled in the Business COGS, you can complete outstanding Foundation courses, and then apply to the STEM MBA once eligible.

The Business COGS allows international students to take graduate-level business courses and demonstrate academic success at Rowan. It is an ideal option for those who:

• Need more than two Foundation courses
• Have an undergraduate U.S. equivalent GPA below 3.3 (but higher than 2.5)
• Do not yet have significant professional work experience

By completing the Business COGS with a 3.5 GPA or higher—and satisfying any outstanding Foundation requirements as needed on an individual basis—students may qualify for admission to the MBA or STEM MBA without needing to meet the standard GPA or GMAT/GRE thresholds.

No. International students cannot be admitted on a probationary basis due to F-1 visa requirements. All eligibility requirements must be fully met at the time of admission, including GPA, Foundation requirements, and academic readiness.

If you are an international applicant with an undergraduate U.S. equivalent GPA below 3.3 (but at least 2.5) and do not have significant career achievements, you may not qualify for direct admission to the MBA. However, you can:

• Enroll in the Business COGS
• Complete any required Foundation courses
• Earn a 3.5 GPA or higher in the Business COGS

This pathway can make you eligible for admission to the STEM MBA without needing a GMAT/GRE or higher undergraduate GPA.

You can contact the Graduate Business Studies team at graduatebusinessstudies@rowan.edu. We’re happy to help you explore your next steps and determine the best pathway to achieve your academic and career goals.