State Code Change Adds IS Programs to STEM Classification
A recent code change from the State of Texas now includes Information System (IS) programs under the STEM classification, creating new opportunities for business students and faculty.
Benefits of this change under the STEM designation include additional scholarship and grant funding pathways for business students and faculty, and a longer period of Optional Practical Training (OPT) Visas for international students, once they graduate from the program.
The importance of combining business knowledge with STEM skills encourages broader industry engagement and the design of programs that better prepare students to solve problems and lead technological innovation.
“The digital economy requires more people who combine excellent soft skills, such as design, communication, and creativity, with business intelligence,” said Laura Treviño, Associate Professor of Information Systems at the Woody L. Hunt College of Business. “Individuals with these skills are greater assets to businesses and the demand for these types of hires is only growing.”
The predicts that demand for STEM jobs will grow by 13% by 2027, with higher wages than non-STEM jobs: The national average for STEM salaries is $87,570, while non-STEM jobs earn roughly half as much, with an annual average of $45,700.
STEM fields offer the fastest-growing professional career opportunities.
A career in STEM offers future job security, flexibility, job satisfaction and outstanding earning potential. Organizations need new hires with the business skills to work across disciplines to tackle difficult problems.