- The US Department of Homeland Security (DHS) has published a STEM-designated degree list covering more than 500 courses across 22 fields of study
- Eligible international graduates can apply for a 24-month STEM Optional Practical Training (OPT) extension, adding to the standard 12-month OPT period
- The list includes a broad range of subjects, from engineering and computer science to psychology, business, social sciences and digital media
The United States Department of Homeland Security has published a list of more than 500 degree programmes whose graduates may qualify for an extended period of work authorization after completing their studies in the country.
Source: Getty Images
Maintained by the DHS Student and Exchange Visitor Program under Homeland Security Investigations, the STEM Designated Degree Program List identifies courses classified as science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM) for purposes of the 24-month STEM OPT extension.
When combined with the standard 12-month Optional Practical Training (OPT) period available to eligible international graduates, the extension can allow qualifying students to work in the US for up to three years after completing their degrees.
What the US STEM OPT Extension Covers
The DHS list identifies four core subject areas at the broadest classification level:
- Engineering
- Biological and Biomedical Sciences
- Mathematics and Statistics
- Physical Sciences
According to the published guidance described in the list, new programmes added to these four broad categories qualify for the extension without requiring a separate listing.
Beyond these core areas, the DHS recognises 18 additional related subject groups at more specific classification levels. These include Computer and Information Sciences, Health Professions, Architecture, Natural Resources and Conservation, Agricultural and Veterinary Sciences, Psychology, Social Sciences, Business and Management, and Communication and Journalism.
Some of the recognised programmes may surprise students who associate STEM qualifications primarily with engineering, mathematics or computer science.
Examples highlighted in the list include Animation and Interactive Technology, Artificial Intelligence, Cloud Computing, Landscape Architecture, Food Science, Soil Microbiology, Wildlife and Fisheries Management, and Nanotechnology.
The inclusion of these courses reflects the broad range of degree programmes that may qualify under the US government's STEM classifications.
Why the STEM OPT Extension Matters for Foreign Students
For international students studying in the United States, Optional Practical Training is a pathway to gaining practical work experience related to their studies while maintaining the relevant student immigration status.
The standard OPT period is 12 months. Graduates from eligible STEM-designated programmes may apply for a further 24 months of work authorisation through the STEM OPT extension.
This brings the potential total period of OPT work authorisation to 36 months, or three years, for students who meet the applicable requirements.
The extended period can give qualifying graduates additional time to gain professional experience in the United States after graduation.
However, graduating from a programme included on the STEM list does not automatically guarantee approval. Students must also satisfy the applicable immigration and programme requirements to qualify for the extension.
International students considering a US degree should therefore check the official DHS STEM Designated Degree Program List to confirm whether their specific programme qualifies and review the current OPT application requirements before making plans.
Source: Legit.ng