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At Southwest Baptist University, we believe in empowering international students to achieve their full potential in STEM fields. Our program is designed to align with your aspirations, as reflected in Jeremiah 29:11:
"For I know the plans I have for you," declares the Lord, "plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future."
Elevate your career with Southwest Baptist University's cutting-edge STEM graduate programs in the heartland of the United States. This program is perfect for ambitious international students, and our residency format offers blended learning.
Transform your future and stand out in the global job market with extended optional practical training (OPT) and curricular practical training (CPT) opportunities in high-demand STEM fields. Our one-week-a-term residency, held in Springfield, MO, connects you with a diverse network of professionals and experts.
Whether you're already in the United States or dream of studying here, SBU's program is your launchpad to transforming your future. Our program is available for international students (F1) currently studying in the United States who wish to remain or travel to our residencies. It is also available for students seeking CPT or OPT in STEM-related fields.
Join the Southwest Baptist family to transform your future and contribute to the advancement of business and technology globally.
Transform your future with our STEM-designated MBA in Data Analytics. This program offers a unique blend of high-impact learning and real-world case studies to prepare you for global business leadership. You'll master advanced data analysis and predictive modeling techniques, working on projects with industry partners that develop skills highly valued in today's market. Benefit from both Curricular Practical Training (CPT) during your studies and extended Optional Practical Training (OPT) opportunities after graduation, giving you valuable U.S. work experience. At Southwest Baptist University, we're seriously academic and seriously Christian. Our Christ-centered, caring academic community prepares servant leaders for a global society, ensuring you're equipped to make an immediate impact in the rapidly evolving world of business analytics. Join our diverse cohort of international students and discover how far you can go.
Students who begin this program in Fall 2024 will be able to transfer courses into any of the programs scheduled to launch in Spring 2025.
Students participating in our international graduate STEM programs receive a discounted tuition rate from the standard rate of $565 per credit hour. Details below:
Tuition: $499 per credit hour
Technology fee: $25 per credit hour
Books: $25 per credit hour
CPT Fee: $499 per semester
Total Program Cost: $21,760
The following programs will be offered in the spring 2025 pending approval from the University's accrediting body the Higher Learning Commission fall 2024.
Students who begin in the MBA DA program in Fall 2024 will be given priority admissions into any programs scheduled to launch in Spring 2025.
1. What are the admissions requirements?
Admissions requirements for the program are straightforward:
In addition to requirements for the program, students must also submit all documentation related to their visa and ability to pay, including:
2. Do I need to show proof of funding?
Yes, students must submit the International Student Financial Information Form and any financial documents required by your admissions counselor. For 2024-2025, the annual amount that students must show they have the ability to pay is $21,306. This includes estimated annual tuition and materials fees of $11,420, as well as estimated annual living expenses estimated as:
Housing: $5,058
Food: $2,952
Miscellaneous: $1,876
3. When will I be admitted?
You will receive a decision on your admission within 3 business days after all materials have been submitted to SBU. After you submit your online application and all required supplemental items, the Office of Graduate Admissions will review your application. Once admitted, you will receive an email with access to your admission letter.
4. What if my SEVIS file will be terminated soon?
If your SEVIS is within one week of being terminated, please email Nicki Harmon (nharmon@sbuniv.edu) and include your U.S. entry date. Our team will work to expedite your admission.
5. Who is my enrollment counselor?
Nick Harmon (nharmon@sbuniv.edu) is your point of contact throughout the enrollment process.
6. What if I have not heard from my enrollment counselor?
The SBU team works through applications, emails, and other questions in order of receipt. Contacting other departments will not expedite your enrollment.
7. What is the cost of books and educational resources?
There is a $25 per credit hour fee for books and a $25 per credit hour fee for educational resources. See the tuition and fees section.
8. Can I get transfer credit from my previous school?
To receive credit for courses from a graduate program at a previous school, you must submit your transcript which will then be reviewed by admissions and academic staff.
1. Can I drop a class?
If you are an F-1 student, you must study full-time. This means at least six credit hours per semester and your CPT course. You cannot drop below this level and remain in student status. CPT courses are required during the residencies that take place each semester.
2. How do I register for classes?
You are automatically registered for classes each semester in a prescribed order. Please do not request to take classes out of order or attempt to self-register.
3. Where can I find the academic catalog?
The academic catalog is available online.
1. What options do I have for transferring credits from another master's program?
Feeling at home in your academic environment is crucial to your success and well-being. If you've found yourself considering a change because your current university just doesn't feel right, you're not alone. Many students transfer degrees for this very reason: seeking a place where they can truly thrive. At Southeast Baptist University (SBU), we understand how important it is to find the right fit, and we're here to welcome you with open arms.
Why give SBU a chance?
As Ephesians 2:10 reminds us, "For we are God's handiwork, created in Christ Jesus to do good works, which God prepared in advance for us to do." At SBU, we believe in helping you discover and fulfill your purpose, become part of something bigger than yourself, and transform your future.
Don't settle for a university that doesn't feel right. Give SBU a chance to be your
home away from home. Contact our admissions office today to learn more about how you
can transfer to Southeast Baptist University and start your next chapter with us.
We're excited to welcome you to the SBU family!
1. How do I transfer my SEVIS record to SBU?
To have your SEVIS record transferred to SBU, you must start with a DSO at your current school. The DSO will inform you of that school's requirements for the transfer of your SEVIS record.
In general, you must submit a copy of your SBU acceptance letter to your current institution. The SBU SEVIS Campus ID will be included in an email upon your admission to SBU. Some schools require transfer-out forms to be completed by the student and a DSO at the new school. A DSO at SBU will be happy to assist you. Contact Dr. Kelly Malone.
When you have met all their requirements, a DSO at your current school will initiate the transfer on the date you and the school agree. You will be considered "in status" while transferring your SEVIS record. However, your employment authorizations will end by the date your SEVIS record is transferred. You will not have employment authorization again until the first day of your new program at SBU.
2. How do I get a travel endorsement?
Students planning to leave the U.S. must notify a DSO before traveling. I-20 travel endorsements are for return travel to the U.S. to continue a program of study, not for leaving the United States.
Students should plan travel outside the required residency dates. Students planning to travel across two separate terms, must request authorization for both terms.
Email dso@sbuniv.edu to request your travel authorization.
3. When will I receive my I-20?
First-time students will receive their I-20 after being admitted to SBU. Once admitted, students will create their SEVIS account and schedule their embassy interview.
SEVIS Transfer students from another US institution will receive an updated I-20 once they are financially cleared and registered for courses. A form will be issued for SEVIS transfer students to complete after they complete the financial clearance process.
It is recommended that students secure their existing I-20 from their previous institution until SBU issues an updated document.
4. How do I know that SBU has received my SEVIS record?
Your previous institution will confirm that your record has been transferred. Retain your existing I-20 until you are issued the updated document.
1. What is the residency requirement?
Hybrid courses require face-to-face time with your professor and classmates. Residencies occur one time per semester, three times per calendar year.  Attendance is a strict requirement for your F1 Student Visa status.
Residency is a two-day class time designed to help you achieve success both academically, and socially. Class time and location varies. Be sure to watch your student email and your Canvas course for updates on residency dates and locations.
2. Where will the residency classes meet?
Face-to-face courses that meet the residency requirement will be held on our Springfield Campus, which is located at 4431 S. Fremont, Springfield, MO 65804. The campus features modern classroom settings and is conveniently located 20 minutes from the Springfield-Branson National Airport.
3. Is the program orientation mandatory?
Orientation is held virtually via Microsoft Teams shortly before the launch of a new semester. The time and information link will be sent out roughly one week before Orientation.
Attendance is strongly encouraged and recommended, but a recording will be available within your 1st course.
4. When will I receive a physical student ID card?
All students will receive a physical student ID card at their initial residency.
1. What career support services are available?
Our Career Center offers specialized support for international students seeking employment in the United States. Services include:
We provide resources to help international students leverage their global perspectives in the American job market. The Career Center also facilitates connections with employers known to hire international graduates.
Additionally, we offer guidance on professional social media use in the U.S. context. This includes:
These services aim to address the specific challenges international students face when seeking employment in the United States, including navigating the digital aspects of professional networking and job searching.
2. Where have graduates from SBU worked after completing their degree?
Graduates of SBU's STEM programs have worked at companies such as Walmart, Microsoft, IBM, Boeing, Google, Lockheed-Martin, Intel, Motorola and many others.