Is NYU Stern MSBA STEM-designated, and how does that impact OPT and visa opportunities for internationals?

Question

T Mehta · Accepted Answer

Yes, the NYU Stern MSBA is STEM-designated, which is a big plus for international students. The STEM tag means graduates qualify for the standard 12 months of OPT plus a 24-month extension, giving a total of 36 months of work authorization in the U.S. This extended window is important because analytics and consulting firms often need more time before sponsoring an H-1B.
Students often use those three years to move from entry-level analyst roles into more senior positions, making them stronger candidates for visa sponsorship later. Employers in New York &mdash; especially banks and consulting firms &mdash; are more comfortable hiring when they know candidates have that extra time.
The program&rsquo;s location also helps since most internships convert to full-time roles within the OPT period, reducing the stress of rushing into sponsorship right after graduation.

Preet J · Answer

One overlooked advantage of Stern&rsquo;s MSBA being STEM is the breathing room it gives after graduation. Instead of scrambling for sponsorship within a year, the OPT extension stretches the runway to three years.
&bull; The first year of OPT usually goes toward an initial analyst or data science role, often in consulting or finance. &bull; The two-year extension lets grads shift into higher-paying jobs, which makes employers more willing to file H-1B later. &bull; Networking in New York during those years plays a big role, as many international students land their sponsorship by moving firms once they&rsquo;ve built U.S. experience. &bull; Some grads even use this window to transition from technical analytics to strategy-heavy roles without the visa pressure.
Overall, the STEM status makes it much easier for internationals to secure long-term opportunities in the U.S. without rushing career choices.
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