STEM at UNI
UNI offers a wide variety of STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering and Math) programs, including many majors that you may not realize fall within this category, such as business analytics and computer science. Students selecting majors that are designated as STEM by the U.S. Department of Education can qualify for up to three years of Optional Practical Training (OPT) after their graduation. We're here to inform and guide you as you explore your options.
Accredited Programs
A Growing Field
According to the U.S. Department of Labor, in 2021, there were nearly 10 million workers in STEM occupations and this total is projected to grow by almost 11% by 2031 – over two times faster than the total for all occupations. They also pay substantially more with median annual wages (as of May 2021) being $95,420 for STEM occupations, compared to $40,120 for non-STEM occupations.
Leading the Nation in Business
UNI was one of the earliest schools to receive STEM designation for our undergraduate and graduate accounting program. This designation reflects an emphasis on adding quantitative analysis and data science technologies throughout the curriculum – which are skills that are high in demand within the accounting profession. STEM business programs at UNI include Accounting, Business Analytics and Management Information Systems.
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We are seeing a shift in what new accountants are doing on the job, and as a result, we are doing the best we can to have students ready when they reach the workforce. Both our undergraduate and graduate curriculum emphasize STEM skills or technologies in almost every accounting course. UNI accounting students are already in high demand. This will make the demand even greater.
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– Joe Ugrin, Accounting Department Head.
RSM US LLP Chair in Accounting