UNIVERSITY PARK, Pa. — Students from all undergraduate majors now have more time to apply to one-year master’s programs offered by the Penn State Smeal College of Business. The college has extended the application deadlines in response to the global COVID-19 pandemic.

“In these unprecedented times of uncertainty, extending our deadline allows students more time to determine what is the right move for their careers and their futures,” said Ryan Hess, associate director of admission at Smeal.

The college is waiving the original April 1 deadline and will now accept applications on a rolling basis for its five residential, one-year master’s programs, all of which are held at University Park:

• Master of Accounting: Students will gain the technical competence and expertise to pass the CPA Exam and enter a career in any area of accounting. Begins fall 2020.
• Master’s in Business Analytics (STEM-designated): Students will gain the skills needed to transform raw data into evidence-based decisions in today’s fast-paced business environment using descriptive, predictive and prescriptive analytics. Begins fall 2020.
• Master’s in Corporate Finance (STEM-designated): Students will develop critical thinking skills in areas such as corporate strategy, valuation, market analysis, capital budgeting, mergers and acquisitions, investment analysis and more, to stand out in the corporate world. Begins summer 2020.
• Master’s in Management and Organizational Leadership: Students with a STEM background will gain a strong business foundation to help them compete for early career management and leadership roles with top organizations. Begins fall 2020.
• Master of Science in Real Estate Analysis and Development (STEM-designated): Students will gain the specialized analytical tools and techniques to help them succeed in careers such as commercial real estate analysis, real-estate portfolio management, real-estate research, commercial lending and more. Begins summer 2020.

Additionally, all of these master’s programs are “stackable,” meaning students can potentially earn two degrees in two years by pursuing a dual degree and waiving overlapping classes.

How to apply

Since Penn State has transitioned to virtual instruction and staff are operating remotely, the Smeal graduate admissions team and ambassadors are available to meet with prospective students virtually. The team will be expediting reviews received after April 1 to ensure applicants have sufficient time to obtain the necessary transcripts, exam scores, and travel visas.

If a student is unable to submit test scores due to the closing of testing centers, applications will still undergo review; however, test scores will be required before a final decision can be made. Domestic students who are unable to complete the exam can apply for a testing waiver.

“Before COVID-19, many students thought they had figured out what they were going to do after graduation,” Hess said. “However, the volatile economy has caused a change of plans for many students. Our programs offer students an opportunity to gain additional skills before entering the workforce. This can provide them with a leg-up in an increasingly competitive marketplace.”

For more information about Smeal’s one-year residential master’s programs, visit the website.