For international students aspiring to build careers in Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics (STEM) fields in the U.S., understanding the STEM Designated Degree Program list is crucial. This list, maintained by the Department of Homeland Security (DHS), essentially outlines the Career Programs List that qualifies for the STEM Optional Practical Training (OPT) extension. This article aims to provide a comprehensive overview of this essential list, helping international students navigate their STEM career paths in the United States.
The foundation of the STEM OPT extension eligibility is the Department of Education’s Classification of Instructional Program (CIP) taxonomy. DHS utilizes this CIP system to define what constitutes a STEM field, ensuring a standardized and recognized approach. This system categorizes educational programs, and specific CIP codes are designated as STEM fields, thereby forming the basis of the STEM Designated Degree Program list. Any updates to this list are officially published in the Federal Register, making it a reliable source of information.
Decoding Eligible CIP Codes for STEM Careers
The STEM Designated Degree Program list encompasses all STEM fields that enable F-1 students to apply for a STEM OPT extension. DHS defines a “STEM field” based on the Department of Education’s CIP taxonomy, primarily focusing on the two-digit series related to:
- Engineering (CIP code 14)
- Biological Sciences (CIP code 26)
- Mathematics (CIP code 27)
- Physical Sciences (CIP code 40)
- Related Fields
This list closely mirrors the previous guidelines for the 17-month STEM OPT extension, ensuring consistency. Core STEM areas, including all fields of study within engineering, biological sciences, mathematics, and physical sciences, are definitively included. Furthermore, “related fields” are also considered STEM. These typically involve areas focused on research, innovation, or the creation of new technologies. These related fields often utilize principles from engineering, mathematics, computer science, or natural sciences, including physical, biological, and agricultural sciences.
This inclusive definition means that a degree program might be considered STEM even if it falls outside the primary CIP two-digit series of the four core areas. DHS can designate CIP codes as STEM-qualifying at the two, four, or six-digit level, allowing for a broader interpretation and inclusion of specialized STEM programs.
The Basis of STEM Field Definition: NCES Expertise
DHS relies on the Department of Education’s National Center for Education Statistics (NCES) definition of a “STEM field” when compiling the STEM Designated Degree Program list. This reliance on NCES ensures that the list is grounded in the Department of Education’s expertise in higher education. The NCES definition uses CIP terminology, which is widely accepted and used by U.S. higher education institutions, providing a common framework for identifying STEM fields.
DHS’s adapted definition offers a clear and objective method for Designated School Officials (DSOs) and adjudicators to accurately identify STEM fields of study. This clarity is vital for international students planning their academic and career trajectories within the STEM sector in the United States. By understanding the STEM Designated Degree Program list and the underlying CIP codes, students can make informed decisions about their education and career paths, maximizing their opportunities for STEM OPT extensions and successful STEM careers.
