As technical knowledge becomes increasingly relevant across diverse industries, many MBA programs seem to be vying to dominate the intersection of science and management education. Supplementing its global focus, Purdue University’s Krannert School of Management has launched two programs specifically targeting students with a background in science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM). Starting in 2015, Krannert will offer applicants the option of a full-time, one-year MBA for STEM Professionals, designed to bring management education to applicants who possess three to five years of work experience in a technical field. In addition, the school has proposed a similar 16-month weekend MBA option that is awaiting official approval.

These specialized programs reflect, as Bloomberg Businessweek suggests, the growing role of STEM professionals in entrepreneurship, consulting and managerial positions. Each of Krannert’s new programs will reportedly consist of two career tracks, with one for entrepreneurs and another for those looking to join larger companies. The full-time curriculum entails a summer session and four modules that combine a business core and a wide selection of electives with STEM-related case studies and learning projects. As Dean Christopher Earley avowed, “Krannert is uniquely positioned to provide this program because it is a business school integrated into one of the world’s leading STEM-focused universities.”