The Costello College of Business at George Mason University is proud to now offer three STEM-designated graduate degrees, with the MS in Accounting (MSA) Program joining the MS in Business Analytics (MSBA) and MS in Finance (MSF) Programs.
This prestigious designation highlights the academic excellence and technical sophistication of these programs and is especially valuable for international students on F-1 visas by qualifying them for up to 36 months of post-completion Optional Practical Training (OPT) in the United States.
“The STEM designation signals rigor and indicates that students will be exposed to cutting-edge techniques applicable to various business problems,” says Paige Wolf, associate dean of graduate programs. “STEM programs are typically linked to high-demand industries, enhancing prospects for internships, employment, and advanced career paths in business. Furthermore, by emphasizing technical and analytical skills, these programs better prepare students for innovative roles in the modern workforce.”
The MS in Business Analytics Program was the first program at Costello to receive STEM designation. Designed for anyone seeking to deepen their expertise in data-driven decision-making, the program features an 8-week on-campus session format held in the evenings to accommodate working professionals.
The MS in Finance Program, offered both in-person and synchronously online, is the first and only Chartered Financial Analyst (CFA)-affiliated master’s program in Virginia. The curriculum includes a capstone experience where students manage a live investment fund of more than $400,000 of assets under management. The Student Managed Investment Fund course provides invaluable hands-on experience in financial management and decision-making.
The newest STEM-designated program, the MS in Accounting Program, is available in both online and in-person formats, with flexible full-time and part-time options. “The STEM designation for our MS in Accounting Program is another stamp of quality and is a distinct recognition of the technologically advanced nature of the curriculum,” says Bret Johnson, academic director for the Master's in Accounting Program. “The STEM certification signals to prospective employers that our MS in accounting graduates are well-prepared to take on the evolving challenges and rigors of the accounting profession and also allows our qualified international students to extend their OPT within the United States to three years.”
“The STEM designation across three of our graduate programs is a powerful signal of Costello’s commitment to innovation and career readiness by preparing our graduates to thrive at the intersection of business and technology, both here in the U.S. and globally.”
These programs not only equip students with advanced technical and analytical skills but also open doors to expanded career opportunities, especially for international students seeking extended OPT eligibility. With flexible formats, industry-aligned curricula, and hands-on learning experiences, these degrees position graduates to thrive in today’s dynamic business landscape.