STEM designations added to Master of Accountancy and Master of Business Administration degrees
The Jack C. Massey College of Business has earned STEM designations for its Master of Accountancy and the Accelerated Master of Business Administration degrees through the U.S. Department of Homeland Security. The designation recognizes programs that meet federal standards for advanced science, technology, engineering and mathematics coursework –– skills that command premium salaries in today’s job market.
Workforce Shortage in the STEM profession
The urgent need for STEM professionals was highlighted during the 2020-2023 semiconductor crisis, which demonstrated how workforce shortages can severely impact the global economy. According to estimates from the Semiconductor Industry Association and Oxford Economics, 1.4 million STEM-related jobs could go unfilled by 2030.
This recognition brings Massey College of Business’s total STEM-designated programs to five, including the online Master of Science in Applied Analytics, as well as undergraduate degrees in accounting and business systems & analytics. Massey joins other business schools nationwide in addressing the critical shortage of STEM professionals needed to meet the growing workforce demand.
A Competitive Edge through STEM
In response to the present and impending state of the STEM workforce, employers are placing greater emphasis on hiring business professionals with expertise in data science, analytics and technology. As a result, STEM programs have become a key differentiator in today’s highly competitive job market.
"Our newly designated programs directly address critical skills gaps in industries like healthcare technology, manufacturing and financial services," said Carrie Finnegan, Massey graduate recruitment & admissions coordinator. "These programs equip our graduates with specialized skills in database modeling, Python programming and financial analytics that are increasingly critical across industries and enhance their employability and long-term career success."
Increased Global Engagement Opportunities
This recognition strengthens Belmont’s ability to recruit top-tier domestic and international students who recognize the advantage of earning a business degree with extended career prospects.
With the STEM classification, international graduates can apply for a 24-month extension to their Optional Practical Training, allowing them to work in the U.S. for up to three years post-graduation instead of one and seek long-term career opportunities in the States. The positive implications for international students support Belmont’s commitment to global engagement.
Both programs prepare graduates for high-demand roles in the digital economy. M.ACC. students gain hands-on experience with emerging audit automation tools, while MBA students learn to translate complex data into strategic business decisions — capabilities increasingly sought after by Nashville's leading employers.
Learn more about the programs in this story.