Master of Finance degree program gains STEM classification | MIT Sloan (2024)

The MIT Sloan Master of Finance program announced June 2 that it has achieved classification as a STEM (science, technology, engineering and math) program. This new designation, determined by the Department of Homeland Security, allows international students to extend their training in the United States by working in their field of study.

The rigorous Master of Finance degree program, founded in 2008 at the height of the financial crisis, can be completed in either 12 or 18 months. This year’s class of 115 students will begin July 1. Eighty-eight percent of the class hails from outside the United States. Students come from 31 different countries, including Ukraine, Portugal, and Belarus.

“International students make a vital contribution not only to our educational community here at MIT Sloan, but also to the nation,” said Heidi Pickett, director of the Master of Finance program. “Allowing them to stay here after they graduate and gain experience at American companies and startups is a wonderful complement to their formal education.”

David Schmittlein, dean of MIT Sloan, noted that the new classification opens up opportunities for all Master of Finance students.

“The designation ensures that MIT Sloan will continue to attract the best and brightest students from the United States and around the world, and will help us empower the next generation of global financial leaders,” Schmittlein said.

Pickett discussed the impact of the STEM designation, as well as the addition of the program’s new concentration in financial engineering.

What is the significance of the STEM classification?

International Master of Finance graduates on F-1 visas will be able to remain in the United States for an additional 24 months via the optional practical training STEM extension. Instead of 12 months of optional practical training, they have a total of 36 months under STEM, which amounts to an extra two years of working in the United States.

What were the recent changes to the Master of Finance curriculum that made the classification possible?

MIT Sloan bolstered the curriculum requirements to include financial mathematics, financial markets, and advanced corporate finance. It also added concentrations in capital markets, corporate finance, and financial engineering for students who want to further specialize their degree. These are the changes that helped students meet the standard for the STEM designation.

Why was now the right time to offer a new concentration in financial engineering?

Last year we introduced both the 18-month pilot and two concentrations, one in capital markets and one in corporate finance. Our program provides students the opportunity to customize their curriculum. In the past, students have had the opportunity to choose courses that are more quantitative-focused in preparation for opportunities that may be more technical. With the increasing use of new technologies and access to big data, quantitative roles can be quite attractive to Master of Finance students. It was both market and student demand combined with MIT’s strong position in finance that made perfect sense to offer a concentration in financial engineering.

Who might be interested in the financial engineering concentration?

It is ideally suited for students joining the Master of Finance program with a solid preparation in mathematics and programming skills and an objective to pursue more technical finance roles after graduation.

For more info Zach Church Editorial & Digital Media Director (617) 324-0804 zchurch@mit.edu

Master of Finance degree program gains STEM classification | MIT Sloan (2024)

FAQs

Is Masters in finance considered STEM? ›

The Master of Finance Program is a STEM-designated degree program (science, technology, engineering and math).

Is business or finance considered STEM? ›

No, business is not a STEM major.

STEM stands for science, technology, engineering, and mathematics. Business is not a STEM major, but there are positions in the world of business that involve STEM-based skills. Some positions in business that involve STEM-based skills include: Financial Analyst.

What is the MFin program at MIT Sloan? ›

The mission of the MFin program at MIT Sloan is to create the next generation of principled, global financial leaders able to apply with the latest modern finance theories and methods. We're interested in students with the drive and ambition to go on to advance financial management practice and improve the world.

How long is MIT Sloan Master of Finance program? ›

The MFin program degree is completed in 18 months with the option to accelerate the degree requirements and complete it in 12 months. This allows you to tailor the program to your specific needs.

Does finance qualify as STEM? ›

Accounting and finance are often considered STEM (science, technology, engineering, and math) majors because they involve the use of quantitative and analytical skills to solve problems and make decisions.

What masters are considered STEM? ›

STEM is an abbreviation for Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics. It includes all the subdisciplines within these fields and STEM graduates are in high demand across various industries.

Why is finance not a STEM major? ›

Accounting and finance are not considered STEM majors. Neither involve enough math at the undergraduate level. They are business majors. If you to MIT and join their MFin program, or if you join the Master's in Finance at Stanford, you might be able to call it STEM.

Is finance a STEM major in us? ›

The STEM field is a broad one, and it includes many of the most vital, well-researched, and well-funded disciplines in the world. And yet, accounting and finance were never officially recognized as components of the STEM curriculum.

Is finance and accounting a STEM major? ›

Yes, accounting is a STEM major. The Accounting STEM Pursuit Act of 2021 recognizes that accounting is a STEM field.

Is MBA or Mfin better? ›

The MBA equips graduates with a broader skill set and knowledge base composed of multiple aspects of the business world. An MF program, on the other hand, is much more finance specific. The applicant's career goals will largely determine which type of program they choose.

What is the salary at MIT Sloan? ›

Salaries trended upward in 2022, with the average base salary increasing 7.6% to $159,391, and the median base salary increasing 10% to $165,000.

Is MIT Sloan MBA stem? ›

STEM Classification

The Sloan Fellows MBA Program qualifies as a STEM-designated program, allowing international students to extend their training in the U.S. by 24 months after graduating.

What is the salary after MIT Sloan MBA? ›

MIT Sloan MBA Program Employment Report and Salaries 2021-2022. The median base salary offered to MIT Sloan graduates is $1,65,000. The median sign-on bonus reported by students is $30,000. 95.9% of the class was employed 3 months after graduation, and 63.5% of job offers were through school-facilitated activities.

What is the highest paying masters in finance? ›

Highest-paying finance jobs
  • Investment banker.
  • Hedge fund manager.
  • Financial analyst.
  • Information technology auditor.
  • Financial software developer.
  • Private equity associate.
  • Chief compliance officer.
  • Chief financial officer.
Mar 16, 2023

What is the average GPA for Masters of Finance? ›

The minimum GPA required for consideration for admission is a 3.0, but the average average applicant GPA is in the range of 3.6 and 4.0.

What majors count as STEM majors? ›

For those asking, “What is a STEM major?” the answer includes, among others:
  • Computer Science.
  • Engineering.
  • Health Science.
  • Information Technology.
  • Mathematics.
  • Physics.
Nov 23, 2021

What majors aren t STEM? ›

A non-STEM major is a major that isn't in science, technology, engineering, or mathematics. This means non-STEM majors include those in business, literature, education, arts, and humanities.

Is finance a PhD STEM? ›

Candidates with undergraduate training in economics, mathematics, engineering, statistics, and other quantitative disciplines have an ideal background for doctoral studies in this field. Effective 2023, The Wharton Finance PhD Program is now STEM certified.

How many years is a Master's degree in STEM? ›

Requires 9 hours of graduate coursework in a discipline content area, which may be waived for students with a master's degree in a STEM discipline (e.g., physics or chemistry, not science education). Typically take 3 years to complete the degree.

How do I know if my degree is STEM? ›

Check that your major is correct and STEM eligible. On the first page of your I-20, towards the middle, your major is listed. Next to the major is a series of numbers, called the CIP code. If your CIP code is listed on the STEM Designated Degree Program List, then your major is eligible for the STEM OPT Extension.

Is Harvard MBA considered STEM? ›

The MPA/ID Program is a designated STEM-eligible program (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics).

Is financial economics a STEM degree? ›

The Master of Science in Financial Economics is a designated STEM degree program that will give you the theoretical knowledge, quantitative skills and real-world experience to launch a successful career.

Is financial economics a STEM? ›

This is a STEM designated degree, which focuses on the systematic study of mathematical and statistical analysis of economic phenomena and problems.

Is economics and finance STEM? ›

Why are finance and economics typically not considered STEM fields? First, we know they are not science, technology or engineering so that just leaves math. Granted, finance (accounting) and economics both use math. Economics also uses models, so there are some opportunities for CS majors or even data scientists.

Is Masters in finance STEM in USA? ›

As many of you should be aware of STEM-certified programs and related Optional Practical Training (OPT) for F-1 international students, note that MS in Finance in the USA may or may not be a STEM designation program. Whether or not it is STEM-certified will depend on the university.

Is MBA finance a STEM course in USA? ›

The STEM MBA course allows international students to stay and work in the US for three years post-graduation. Some standard programs considered STEM by the US Government include Management Science, Business Statistics, Quantitative Methods, Mathematics, and Computer.

Is MS in accounting a STEM degree in USA? ›

The Master of Science in Accounting and Business Analytics is a full-time, STEM-designated 33-credit minimum master's degree you can complete in 9-12 months – or two terms of study – provided you have completed the prerequisite requirements and a bachelor's degree in accounting from a U.S. school.

Is Masters in accounting a STEM major? ›

The Master of Professional Accountancy is a STEM-designated degree program (science, technology, engineering and math).

Do finance majors become accountants? ›

Yes, you can get an accounting job with a finance degree. Finance and accounting may be slightly different, but they are closely related subjects. Therefore, if you study finance and decide you want to change careers and pursue an accounting career, you may be able to since the educational paths are similar.

Would accounting be considered STEM? ›

This follows a resolution in 2021 by the American Accounting Association that accounting be included with the designation of STEM programs. In addition, universities across the country have successfully achieved STEM designation for their accounting degrees from the U.S. Department of Education.

Who earns more MBA or masters in finance? ›

According to Bloomberg, beginning salaries for those with an MBA tend to be higher than entry-level salaries for those who have earned a master's in finance.

What is better CFA or masters in finance? ›

If you are primarily interested in managing wealth for institutions or in an institution such as a mutual fund, then the CFA and/or a Master's are the most recognized. If you are primarily interested in working for a company as a financial analyst, financial manager or in a similar role then a Masters is a good choice.

Is a masters in finance equivalent to an MBA? ›

Master of Business Administration

Compared to the master's in finance, the MBA will prepare students for the entire corporate landscape, as opposed to just the finance field. As a result, MBA programs often take longer to complete than a master's in finance programs.

Is MIT Sloan prestigious? ›

Massachusetts Institute of Technology (Sloan) 2023-2024 Rankings. Massachusetts Institute of Technology (Sloan) is ranked No. 4 in Best Business Schools. Schools are ranked according to their performance across a set of widely accepted indicators of excellence.

What is the reputation of MIT Sloan? ›

MIT Sloan School of Management is one of the top universities in Cambridge, United States. It is ranked #=16 in QS International Trade Ranking 2023.

How hard is MIT Sloan? ›

MIT Sloan Requirements

That means it takes a lot to be among those 670 people who get accepted into the program and not one of the 5,798 who get rejected. To start with, anyone who wants to get into MIT Sloan must have excellent grades. On average, students going into MIT Sloan have a GPA of 3.6 on a 4.0 scale.

Does MBA give you STEM opt? ›

Graduates from STEM-certified MBA programs are eligible for an additional 24 months (three years in total) for their OPT. Candidates must request recommendation from their schools for the OPT.

Which US universities offer MBA as STEM? ›

  • NYU Stern School of Business.
  • Ross School of Business.
  • UC Berkeley (Haas) - Engineering School.
  • Kellogg School of Management.
  • Yale University - School of Management.
  • UCLA Anderson.
  • The University of Texas at Austin.
  • Cornell University.
Apr 25, 2023

What is the difference between MIT and MIT Sloan? ›

The MIT Sloan culture is similar to, but also distinct from, overall MIT culture, and is influenced most strongly by its MBA program. MBA students come from more than 60 countries every year, with just over half coming from North America, and 60% holding US citizenship.

What is the highest MBA salary ever? ›

10 MBA jobs that pay well
  • Investment banker. National average salary: ₹42,090 per month. ...
  • Business consultant. National average salary: ₹43,586 per month. ...
  • Project manager. National average salary: ₹46,339 per month. ...
  • Finance manager. National average salary: ₹49,231 per month. ...
  • SAP consultant. ...
  • Chief technology officer.
Mar 20, 2023

What is the average MBA salary from Boston University? ›

Boston University Graduates & Alumni Salaries - By Degree
DegreeSample SalarySalary Comparison
Other Degree$155,000155000.0
Executive MBA$137,000137000.0
Masters in Management$133,000133000.0
MBA$125,000125000.0
2 more rows

Which MBA specialty pays the most? ›

An MBA concentration helps students focus their degree and prepare for specialized career paths. The highest-paying MBA concentrations include consulting, finance, and technology.

Can finance majors make 6 figures? ›

in finance graduates can earn competitive salaries of up to six figures. Graduates with finance degrees might work for employers like private businesses, financial institutions, accounting firms and financial agencies.

What is the average salary of a Master in finance in the US? ›

Masters Finance Salary
Annual SalaryMonthly Pay
Top Earners$138,500$11,541
75th Percentile$103,000$8,583
Average$79,903$6,658
25th Percentile$47,000$3,916

What is the starting salary after Masters in finance in USA? ›

The median Master's in Finance salary for MiF graduates in the US is US$80,000, according to the 2021 Corporate Recruiters Survey from the Graduate Management Admission Council (GMAC).

How hard is a masters in finance? ›

The degree of difficulty in a Masters program in Finance depends on the person and the amount of discipline they have as a student. The lessons of the Masters degree often involve real-world, career-based courses taught by experienced professors who may have, at one time, served in fiduciary roles within a corporation.

Is 3.72 a good GPA in masters? ›

Although actual requirements vary, most graduate admissions committees typically expect applicants to have GPAs from 3.0–3.3 for master's programs and from 3.3–3.5 for doctoral programs.

Do finance majors make a lot of money? ›

How much does a Finance Major make? The average Finance Major in the US makes $101,038. Finance Majors make the most in San Francisco, CA at $152,743, averaging total compensation 51% greater than the US average.

Why is finance not considered STEM? ›

Finance, economics are social science, not hard science. It uses mathematics to help proof a concept of thinking, not necessarily explain how things work, and can have consistently repeatable outcome. Some examples of STEM product are air travel and the telecommunication infrastructure: it works everytime.

Is MS MBA a STEM? ›

STEM-designated degree program

The Leeds MS/MBA program is a STEM designated degree program that gives international students the benefit of being work eligible for up to three years post-graduation.

Is Masters in Finance STEM in USA? ›

As many of you should be aware of STEM-certified programs and related Optional Practical Training (OPT) for F-1 international students, note that MS in Finance in the USA may or may not be a STEM designation program. Whether or not it is STEM-certified will depend on the university.

What's considered a STEM major? ›

STEM degrees are college programs in science, technology, engineering and mathematics. STEM degrees have seen increasing demand in jobs for the last decade. The term STEM is usually applied to loosely describe areas that directly relate to the hard sciences.

Is financial mathematics a STEM? ›

STEM Extension: Financial Mathematics is a USCIS-approved STEM field and as such, our graduates are eligible to apply for a 24-month STEM extension of their 12-month OPT. For more information about STEM eligibility, please visit OIA's STEM Extension webpage.

Is MS economics a STEM major? ›

Nonetheless, recognizing economics as a STEM major welcomes a math-based option for learners with broader interests.

Does MBA in finance fall under STEM? ›

A general MBA program may seek out a STEM designation if the curriculum focuses heavily on business analytics. Often, though, MBA programs offer STEM-related concentrations in business analytics, finance, marketing, and supply chain operations.

Which MBA is STEM? ›

A STEM MBA, also known as a STEM-certified MBA, teaches you to bridge the gap between business and technology through specialized programs. STEM stands for “science, technology, engineering and mathematics” and generally relates to technical careers.

Is John Hopkins MBA STEM? ›

Johns Hopkins Carey Business School is one of the first 10 graduate business schools in the country with a full-time MBA that's entirely STEM-designated.

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