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 all of the 18 customizable credits must be STEM designated. This means that students will choose all their electives and Concentrations configurations from STEM-designated courses, with very rare exception.  

To earn the STEM designation, 50% of the MBA (or 18 credits) must be STEM. It is important to note that 2 of the core traditional MBA courses—FIN 04500 Financial Decision Making and MGT 07550 Operations Analytics—are also STEM designated. 

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

Yes. You can use the 18 customizable Elective credits that make up half of the 36-credit STEM MBA program to pursue one STEM-designated Concentration (3 courses of 3 credits each) and then use the remaining 9 credits as STEM Electives. For example, you can use the 18 customizable credits for a STEM-Finance Concentration (3 courses of 3 credits each) and then choose a STEM-Data Analytics course (3 credits), a STEM-Accounting course (3 credits), and a STEM MIS course (3 credits)—or whatever STEM courses are preferable to you, depending on your unique areas of interest. All 18 customizable credits (half of the program), whether arranged into Concentrations or used as Electives, must be STEM-designated to fulfill the requirements of the STEM MBA.  

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. 

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-MIS Concentration is an ideal choice for analytical problem-solvers interested in leveraging technology to optimize project management, daily operations, computer information systems design and implementation, as well for an organization’s maximum benefit for marketability, profitability, productivity, and efficiency. 

A STEM-Data Analytics Concentration is an ideal option for those seeking to develop their problem-solving strengths and decision-making skill sets through the use of data analysis, statistical models, and other quantitative methods. 

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 Global Application Form (this form will be ready soon) 
• $65 (U.S.) nonrefundable 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. 
• In order to ensure all students are equipped with key baseline and foundational business knowledge for graduate-level coursework in business, Rowan requires all students to satisfy a set of Foundation requirements in the following content areas: 
  • Calculus 
  • Statistics 
  • Accounting (Financial and Cost) 
  • Economics (Micro & Macro) 
  • Marketing 
  • Finance 
  • Operations Management 

Please see the Foundation Fact Sheet for guidance and options that match your learning style, timeline, and budget. 

• Visit our Admissions page for more information on the application process or to contact an Admissions Advisor directly. 

Yes, you can! If you apply to the regular MBA and are admitted, you will have the opportunity to switch to the STEM MBA once it officially launches in Fall 2025, provided you meet the necessary requirements. However, 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-Finance 
• STEM-Management Information Systems (MIS) 
• STEM-Data Analytics 

If you are applying to the STEM MBA prior to December 2025, your application form may not list the above Concentrations as options for you to select. Instead, you should select just "Accounting," "Finance," "Management Information Systems," or "Data Analytics" on your application, to ensure you are on track to complete the STEM MBA requirements. Your MBA program and Concentration will be updated to reflect STEM as soon as the option is available.

Once enrolled, you’ll need to work with an Academic Advisor to ensure that all of the courses you take are STEM-designated and align with the STEM MBA requirements. By doing this, you'll be set up to transition smoothly into the STEM MBA program and enjoy the full benefits, including the extended OPT period.

For guidance, please reach out to our Graduate Business Studies team at graduatebusinessstudies@rowan.edu, and they will help you navigate the process. 

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: https://sites.rowan.edu/international/current/employment/off-campus-employment/cpt.html 

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: https://sites.rowan.edu/international/current/employment/off-campus-employment/precompletionopt.html  

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: https://sites.rowan.edu/international/current/employment/off-campus-employment/postcompletionopt.html and https://sites.rowan.edu/international/current/employment/off-campus-employment/optstemextension.html  

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: https://sites.rowan.edu/international/current/employment/off-campus-employment/optstemextension.html  

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: https://sites.rowan.edu/international/current/employment/off-campus-employment/cpt.html 

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, while the program is in transition, it is important that students choose one of the STEM-designated Concentrations when applying, even though the STEM designation will not yet be reflected in the application system. Working with your Academic Advisor will ensure that the classes you enroll in are STEM-designated and eligible for the STEM MBA once the program is officially active. 

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

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

However, while the program is in transition, the STEM designation will not yet be reflected in the application system. Students should choose from one of the corresponding MBA Concentrations: Accounting Concentration, Finance Concentration, Management Information Systems (MIS) Concentration, or Data Analytics Concentration. 

Working with your Academic Advisor will ensure that the classes you enroll in are STEM-designated and eligible for the STEM MBA once the program is officially active.  

The STEM MBA program will offer four Concentrations when it launches in Fall 2025, pending final approval: 

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

You should apply to the regular MBA program as you would normally. However, make sure to choose one of the STEM-designated Concentrations—such as STEM-Accounting, STEM-Finance, STEM-Management Information Systems, or STEM-Data Analytics—during the application process. This will ensure that once the program goes live in Fall 2025, your transition to the STEM MBA can happen smoothly. We recommend working with your Academic Advisor to ensure you’re on the right track with your course selections to qualify for the STEM MBA. 

However, it is important to note that, while the program is in transition, the STEM designation will not yet be reflected in the application system. Students should choose from one of the corresponding MBA Concentrations: Accounting Concentration, Finance Concentration, Management Information Systems (MIS) Concentration, or Data Analytics Concentration. 

Working with your Academic Advisor will ensure that the classes you enroll in are STEM-designated and eligible for the STEM MBA once the program is officially active.