I’ve spent the last week digging into Manhattan University’s newest graduate offering, and I’m genuinely impressed by what they’ve put together. The new STEM-designated Master’s in Business Analytics program launching for the 2025 academic year stands out in an increasingly crowded educational marketplace – and for good reason.
“This program was developed with direct input from industry partners who tell us exactly what skills they need,” explained Dr. Rachel Chen, Dean of Manhattan’s School of Business, during our interview last Thursday. “We’re not just teaching analytics – we’re preparing students to solve complex business problems from day one of employment.”
What caught my attention immediately is how the curriculum bridges traditional business education with cutting-edge technical training. The 30-credit program includes core coursework in data visualization, predictive modeling, and machine learning applications – exactly the skill set that companies across sectors are desperately seeking to fill their talent gaps.
According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, data science and analytics roles are projected to grow at a rate of 31% through 2030, significantly outpacing average job growth. This timing couldn’t be better for Manhattan University’s program launch, especially with its STEM designation that allows international students to qualify for extended Optional Practical Training (OPT) periods of up to 36 months.
“The STEM designation was absolutely critical for us,” noted Professor James Wong, who helped design the program after 15 years at Amazon’s data analytics division. “It makes our graduates more attractive to employers while giving international students valuable work experience in the U.S. market.”
The university has invested substantially in a new Analytics Lab featuring the same enterprise-grade tools used by industry leaders. During my campus tour, I watched students working with Tableau, Python, and R – creating visualizations that transformed complex datasets into actionable business insights. The hands-on approach was evident everywhere.
What differentiates this program from similar offerings I’ve covered at other institutions is its capstone structure. Rather than a single project, students participate in three separate analytics consulting engagements with actual companies throughout the New York metropolitan area. This real-world experience creates an impressive portfolio before graduation.
Dr. Maria Gonzalez, who left her position at McKinsey to join the faculty, emphasized the program’s practical focus: “We’re teaching students to translate data into decisions. It’s not enough to build models – you need to communicate insights effectively to non-technical stakeholders.”
The program’s evening and weekend course options accommodate working professionals, allowing them to immediately apply classroom concepts in their current roles. This practical approach aligns with findings from the MIT Sloan Management Review, which recently reported that 67% of companies struggle to hire candidates who combine technical skills with business acumen.
Tuition sits at $48,500 for the full program – positioning it competitively against comparable degrees at neighboring institutions. More compelling is the return on investment: graduates from similar STEM business analytics programs nationwide report average starting salaries between $85,000 and $110,000, according to data from the National Association of Colleges and Employers.
Financial aid options include merit scholarships covering up to 50% of tuition for qualified applicants. The university has also established relationships with major employers offering partial tuition reimbursement for their employees who enroll.
“We expect this program to reach capacity quickly,” admitted Dr. Chen. “Applications for Fall 2025 open next month, and we’re already fielding inquiries from candidates across the country and internationally.”
The timing feels intentional, as companies increasingly rely on data-driven decision-making amid economic uncertainty. Graduates versed in both business strategy and technical analysis can provide immediate value – something not lost on program developers.
Having covered dozens of program launches over my career, I’m particularly impressed by Manhattan University’s emphasis on ethical data usage throughout the curriculum. Students tackle cases involving privacy concerns, algorithmic bias, and responsible AI implementation – crucial considerations often overlooked in technically-focused programs.
For prospective students weighing graduate options in analytics, this program offers a compelling blend of technical rigor, practical application, and career advancement potential. The STEM designation adds significant value, particularly for international applicants seeking to build careers in the American technology and business sectors.
Applications for the inaugural cohort open February 1, 2025, with classes beginning in August. Based on current industry demand, this program will likely become one of Manhattan University’s most competitive offerings.
