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STEM-designated MBA Management Science Degree Option

The MBA Management Science Degree Option is a credential available to Foster’s Full-time MBA students, which builds on the required Foster core curriculum and helps students further develop quantitative and analytical skills and capabilities.

Students who complete 16 credits from a defined list of management science elective courses and meet the degree requirements of the Foster Full-time MBA Program earn both the MBA parent degree and the STEM-designated MBA Management Science Option. Importantly, Foster Full-time MBA students will be able to earn the 16 credits with careful elective course selection without having to lengthen their 2-year program or incurring additional tuition expense.

Completion of the MBA Management Science Option also permits Foster Full-time MBA students studying on F-1 visas to participate in both the initial 12-month period of post-degree Optional Practical Training (OPT) while also applying for the 24-month STEM OPT Extension.

Learn more about the STEM designation and OPT extension, and U.S. Government policies here.

Which courses are included in the degree option?

To earn the MBA Management Science Degree Option, students must complete 16 credit hours of eligible courses in Accounting, Entrepreneurship, Finance, Marketing, Quantitative Analysis, and Operations Management.

Who can apply to the MBA Management Science Degree Option?

Students who have been admitted to the Foster School of Business Full-time MBA program and have successfully completed the majority of the “core” required courses can apply for this option.

When do I apply for the MBA Management Science Degree Option?

At the earliest, students in the Full-time MBA program can apply for admission to this option after completion of their first year in the program.

What is the name of the degree that I will earn?

The degree awarded will be a Master of Business Administration – Management Science. This will appear on the transcript for any student who applies for this option and satisfies the option requirements.

Who might be interested in this degree option?

This degree option is useful for students desiring a deep dive into analytics and/or our international students.

As an international student, does this degree option affect my ability to work in the U.S. after graduation?

The new degree option is STEM-designated according to criteria from the United States Department of Homeland Security. International students who want authorization to work in the U.S. may qualify for a STEM OPT extension of an additional 24 months to obtain an employer sponsored visa. For international students interested in working in the United States after graduation, the new degree option may also improve chances of receiving an H-1B work visa.