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STEM Designated Degree Program List
- Tyler Howell
- May 28
- 3 min read
For international students studying in the United States, selecting a STEM-designated degree can offer significant advantages, particularly concerning post-graduation employment opportunities.
What Is a STEM-Designated Degree?
A STEM-designated degree refers to academic programs in Science, Technology, Engineering, or Mathematics that are recognized by the U.S. Department of Homeland Security (DHS) for their relevance to these fields. The DHS maintains a list known as the STEM Designated Degree Program List, which identifies programs eligible for the 24-month STEM Optional Practical Training (OPT) extension.
This list is based on the Classification of Instructional Programs (CIP) codes developed by the U.S. Department of Education's National Center for Education Statistics. It encompasses core STEM areas such as engineering (CIP code 14), biological sciences (CIP code 26), mathematics (CIP code 27), and physical sciences (CIP code 40), as well as related fields involving research and innovation in these disciplines.
Benefits of a STEM-Designated Degree for International Students
Extended Work Authorization: F-1 visa students who graduate with a STEM-designated degree are eligible for a 24-month extension of their post-completion OPT, in addition to the standard 12 months. This extension allows for up to three years of work experience in the U.S. in a field related to their degree.
Increased Employment Opportunities: The extended OPT period provides international students with more time to gain practical experience and seek long-term employment opportunities, including employer sponsorship for H-1B visas.
Flexibility with Prior Degrees: Students may be eligible for the STEM OPT extension based on a previously earned STEM degree, even if their current degree is non-STEM, provided certain conditions are met.
Why STEM Degrees Are Popular Among International Students
The extended OPT period associated with STEM degrees offers a significant advantage in the competitive U.S. job market. It provides international students with additional time to secure employment and potentially transition to long-term work visas.
Furthermore, the U.S. government's periodic updates to the STEM Designated Degree Program List reflect the evolving nature of STEM fields, incorporating emerging disciplines such as data science, business analytics, and environmental economics. This inclusivity broadens opportunities for international students across various interests and career paths.
STEM Degrees with Integral CPT
If you’re an international student looking for a STEM-designated program that aligns with your career goals, HMS can help. We work with a growing network of accredited U.S. universities that offer CPT and OPT-friendly STEM programs.
Whether you're interested in Computer Science, Data Analytics, Cybersecurity, IT, or emerging fields like AI/ML, our partner institutions offer flexible options tailored to international students, including CPT from day 1, weekend hybrid formats, and affordable tuition.
Ottawa University
EMBA - IT
EMBA - Business Data Analytics
MSCS - Artificial Intelligence & Machine Learning
MSCS - Cybersecurity
National Louis University
Humphreys University
Texas Wesleyan University
Harrisburg University
MS Analytics
• Healthcare Informatics
• Pharmaceutical Sciences
• Individualized
MS Biotechnology
• Biomanufacturing
• Biotechnology Business and Management
• Medical Biotechnology
• Individualized
MS Computer Information Sciences
• Cybersecurity
• Scientific Computing
• Software Engineering and Software Testing
MS Cybersecurity Operations and Control Management
• Cybersecurity and Warfare
MS Healthcare Informatics
• Individualized
MS Human-Centered Interaction Design
• Individualized
MS Information Systems Engineering & Management
• Artificial Intelligence for Business
• Individualized
MS Learning Technologies & Media Systems
• Individualized
MS Pharmaceutical Sciences
MS Project Management
• Agile Lean
• Biotechnology
• Cybersecurity
• Healthcare Informatics
• Human-Centered Interaction Design
• Individualized
MS Techpreneurship
• Individualized
Conclusion
Pursuing a STEM-designated degree in the U.S. offers international students extended work authorization, enhanced employment prospects, and flexibility in leveraging prior education. These benefits make STEM programs an attractive option for those seeking to build a career in the United States.
