The Cameron School of Business at the University of North Carolina Wilmington has received a STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics) designation from the federal government for all specializations within its MBA program.
A STEM-designated MBA program falls under at least one of the approved categories from the U. S. Department of Homeland Security. These programs blend strategic business knowledge with analytical capabilities, enabling graduates to make data-driven decisions, navigate analytical complexities and lead in a technology-driven marketplace.
“The new STEM designation of our MBA programs is a reflection of the analytical focus of the curriculum,” said Dr. Nivine Richie, associate dean for graduate, international and executive programs. “The Cameron School of Business is growing in its technological advances, and the faculty have expanded the curriculum to meet the analytical needs of our community. Embedded in the curriculum are courses that equip students with forecasting, modeling and analytical skills, especially in the International MBA program.”
Graduates of CSB’s MBA program work in a range of fields, including healthcare, finance, business analytics, cybersecurity, risk management and more. The STEM-focused curriculum represents the new direction of the MBA in response to the expectations of students, alumni and employers.
“Academic programs must change and innovate to meet the career needs of students and the workplace needs of businesses,” said CSB Dean Rob Burrus. “After adapting to the needs of career-minded adults in moving our MBA to an online format, our faculty have moved tirelessly toward providing our graduates with the analytical skills necessary for businesses to succeed in the global economy.”
UNCW is growing in its STEM focus with the addition of the Center for Cyber Defense Education and new bachelor’s degrees in cybersecurity and intelligent systems engineering. A STEM-designated MBA aligns the business education offered by CSB with the strategic priorities of the university.
The new designation is especially impactful for international students in the face-to-face International MBA as it offers students two additional years of optional practical training, allowing for the recruitment of excellent international applicants. UNCW is the third school in the UNC System to achieve a STEM designation for its MBA program, following UNC-Chapel Hill and North Carolina State University.
UNCW’s psychology program also received a STEM designation, furthering the university’s commitment to STEM-focused curricula.
"Developmental psychology is a cornerstone of UNCW’s psychology program with dedicated faculty teaching courses, conducting research, and mentoring students,” said Dr. Kate Nooner, interim associate dean for the College of Science and Engineering and psychology department chair.
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