Technology is everywhere these days—and careers revolving around technology are the focus of many MBA programs. Although a general-management MBA will help you build strong management and business skills, if you are looking to pivot specifically into technology, there are tech-focused programs designed to help you do so. In addition, all tech MBA programs are STEM designated to ensure that international applicants can qualify for two additional years of working in the United States through Optional Practical Training (OPT).
When considering tech MBA programs, start by reflecting on your goals: Are they technology focused? Are you looking to gain experience at an established large tech company such as Meta, Amazon, Apple, or Google? Or to work at a smaller, more focused company in, say, healthtech or fintech? Or even to start your own tech company?
Tech MBAs were developed to create strong pipelines from business schools to technology companies. Urban legend has it that as MBA students would do a summer internship, companies wouldn’t want them to return to school at the end of the summer, so they’d offer the students full-time jobs on the spot. Therefore, schools worked with tech companies to design shorter programs with experiential learning embedded that would help students get the skills they needed to be successful. Now, tech companies have a pipeline of great talent who can join them for full-time roles more quickly, rather than just offering internships through these tech MBA programs.
Think about your experience to date and whether you can show that technology has been a consistent part of your journey. Did you study engineering or computer science during your undergrad years? Have you gained coding or data-analysis skills at work? During my visit to Cornell Tech’s campus, the school’s director highlighted that the program is looking for people who have worked in a technology-related career. Although most tech MBA programs don’t require you to have a technology background, they will look for strong evidence of your interest and experience in technology. At NYU Stern, for example, 47% of the Tech MBA Class of 2024 majored in engineering, math, and science, versus 25% of the traditional two-year MBA class.
When planning how to pivot into technology, you can consider three options: a tech MBA, a master’s in technology management or engineering management, or a joint MBA/MS or MBA/MEng program.
Tech MBAs
- NYU Stern’s Andre Koo Technology and Entrepreneurship MBA is a one-year MBA program that starts in May in New York City. The program is built around four major components: business core, technology core, Stern Solutions (experiential learning), and electives. Through Stern Solutions, students work with peers, faculty, and industry-leading companies to solve business challenges across NYC and the tech industry. Tech students participate in the IGNITE career-planning program.
- Cornell Johnson’s Tech MBA is a one-year program based at Cornell Tech on Roosevelt Island in New York City. Tech MBA students participate in experiential learning opportunities such as Studio—including Product Studio in the fall and Startup Studio, BigCo Studio, or PiTech Studio in the spring. In addition, students can take part in NYC Fintech intensives.
- Northwestern’s Kellogg & McCormick MBAi program is a joint degree between Kellogg and the McCormick School of Engineering. The program spans five semesters, beginning in September and ending in March, and includes an internship as well as optional industry engagement opportunities. It is geared toward those with technical work experience or a STEM degree.
Master’s Programs in Technology Management or Engineering Management
While a tech MBA can be a great fit for someone who is seeking a one-year degree and does not need a traditional internship, another option is a technology management or engineering management degree.
- Stanford’s MS in Management Science and Engineering is typically an 18-month program, but it can be completed in a single academic year. Students need to complete a multivariable differential calculus course and a general programming course before starting the program, which focuses on both technical and behavioral challenges in running a business.
- Columbia’s MS in Technology Management has a number of program options offered through the School of Professional Studies in New York City. Students can choose to attend full time or part time. It is geared toward new tech professionals and recent grads with the business skills necessary to become leaders in technology. Students can use this degree to either switch to or advance in a career in technology, and a technology-based undergrad degree is not required.
- Duke’s Master of Engineering Management is offered as a one-year program on campus or a two-year program online, and it’s designed for students with fewer than five years of work experience. The degree includes both technical and business courses, along with an internship, and targets those with a technology-based undergraduate degree and career.
Joint MBA/MS or MBA/MEng Programs
For those who are looking to earn both an engineering degree and a business degree in the time it would normally take to complete just one or the other, here are three programs to consider:
- Harvard’s MS/MBA: Engineering Sciences program is geared toward aspiring entrepreneurs and future technology leaders. It hosts a small 30-person cohort and spans four semesters over two years, plus a summer term and a January term. The program was designed to train future technology leaders in both management and innovation.
- UC Berkeley’s MBA/MEng is a two-year degree for those with a BS in a technical field. It was designed to help build leaders who have both technical skills and business acumen. Students participate in both programs through an interdisciplinary project.
- Columbia’s Dual MBA/Executive MS in Engineering & Applied Science is for entrepreneurs, engineers, and product managers who are looking to innovate. The program, which can be completed within two years, includes an engineering capstone that integrates learning across both schools.
There are many ways to pivot to or continue to build a career in technology—so good luck on your journey! For more guidance, sign up for a free 30-minute consultation with a Stratus admissions expert today!
