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As careers in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM) are expected to surge 10.8% by 2032, the Penn State Smeal College of Business is set to equip future business leaders with the skills they need through its one-year residential master’s programmes. As the demand for STEM professionals is rapidly increasing, according to the US Bureau of Labor Statistics, Smeal graduates are poised to benefit from this growth.
Smeal offers a portfolio of one-year, STEM-designated master’s programmes designed to provide students with a competitive edge in the job market. These programmes include an MBA and master’s in accounting; business analytics; finance; real estate and development; and supply chain management. Each programme combines advanced analytical skills with essential soft skills, ensuring graduates are well-prepared to meet the demands of today’s business challenges.
Upon completion, international students can apply to extend their Optional Practical Training (OPT) by 24 months on top of the typical 12 months. The OPT refers to the up to 12 months of temporary employment that is directly related to an F-1 student’s major area of study.
“The Master’s in Business Analytics (MBAN) from Smeal has increased my earning potential and opened up a larger scope of job opportunities,” said Risha Rathod, a recent graduate. “The work I do today at my job is directly in line with what I learned in the programme.”
Graduates of the MBAN program, like Rathod, emerge with a comprehensive set of skills, including data visualisation, data mining, and descriptive, predictive and prescriptive analytics. These skills enable them to transform raw data into evidence-based decisions, making them valuable assets to any organisation.
“I find this programme to be indispensable for my short and long-term career goals,” said Jonathan Brancato, a credit analyst and MBAN graduate. “I will be able to bring all three levels of the analytical maturity model (descriptive, predictive, and prescriptive) to any organisation I become a part of.”
Penn State Smeal College of Business allows you to stack your MBA with other master’s degrees. Source: Penn State Smeal College of Business
Smeal’s One-Year MBA is equally versatile and customisable, allowing students to build a learning plan with stackable credentials. This enables them to earn a sequential degree in areas including accounting, business analytics, finance, real estate analysis and development, and supply chain management.
The Master’s in Real Estate Analysis & Development stands out for its focus in market analysis, site selection, valuation and portfolio management to prepare for a career in commercial real estate and ARGUS certification. The programme offers exclusive opportunities through Penn State Smeal’s Borrelli Institute for Real Estate Studies, where students can network with alumni and industry professionals and participate in events such as the Sustainability Initiatives in Real Estate Panel Discussion & Reception and Real Estate Boot Camp.
“The Real Estate Boot Camp is the best,” said Kelly Duffey, a graduate who now works as a real estate analyst at Duff and Phelps. “I had not even heard of Duff and Phelps before the career fair. The Argus training meant everything in getting the second-round interview, they were very impressed that we had a taste of Argus,” she said. “After my second interview … I took the initiative to reach out and tell them about the experience of our site visit in New York, and soon after, they got back to me and offered me the position.”
Brendan Barrett, another graduate, agrees. “The combination of resources that the programme offers, as well as the name recognition, is unbeatable,” he said.
In addition to technical skills, Smeal’s programmes emphasise soft skills through courses such as Communication Skills for Management, Global Business Environment, and Team Process and Performance. These courses help students build stronger interpersonal attributes and emotional intelligence, which are critical in today’s global business environment.
Although Smeal is among the largest business schools in the US, students will take these courses in traditional face-to-face small-size classroom settings. Smeal’s faculty are not only accomplished researchers, editors of leading journals, and industry consultants to top companies, but also dedicated mentors. They consistently rank in the top 10 among public universities for research published in business journals and are always available to support students.
“I was impressed with how knowledgeable and helpful the staff and faculty were and how many opportunities I had to network with potential employers to create impactful relationships,” said Barrett.
Graduates of Smeal join one of the largest alumni networks in the world, with more than 92,000 Smeal alumni and over 760,000 Penn State graduates worldwide. This extensive network provides ample opportunities for mentorship, career advice and valuable connections.
With the critical knowledge, capabilities, and perspectives gained at Smeal, graduates are well-prepared for their next great opportunity. Penn State is ranked no. 4 for graduate success, making it an ideal choice for those seeking to advance their careers.
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