The Texas Higher Education Coordinating Board gave a McCombs School of Business master’s program a STEM certification for its “emphasis on quantitative methods, statistical analysis and technological applications,” the college announced in an Oct. 17 press release. 

McCombs leaders said the Master’s in Professional Accounting certification will improve students’ success in the job market and benefit international students. 

MPA Faculty Director Kristina Zvinakis said given the high ranking of the McCombs accounting program, graduates are already desirable among potential employers. However, she said this designation will help McCombs MPA graduates stand out even more in the job market.  

“This STEM designation suggests that our program is preparing students for a heavily technology-based profession; certainly, it should make our graduates more desirable,” Zvinakis said. 

The designation could also benefit international STEM students because they can apply to stay and work in the United States for up to three years through Optional Practical Training. In contrast, international students who complete degrees outside STEM-related fields can only stay in the U.S. and work for up to 12 months. 

MPA Career Coach Raka Badhuri said employers might turn down international students because they are hesitant to sponsor them due to the additional cost. She said international students graduating from the MPA program will now be seen as more desirable among employers due to the longer extension they receive with the STEM designation. 

“Three years is a long time with an employer,” Badhuri said. “That definitely encourages employers to hire them.” 

MPA student Annie Teng said she thinks this will be helpful to her peers who are international students. In 2023, about 10% of all graduate students in the McCombs graduate school were international. 

“I do think job retention rates from MPA to an accounting job are pretty solid, to where most people don’t have to worry,” Teng said. “That way a lot of people would have considered (that) as a bonus for them.”