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Complete STEM Degree Programs list for 24 Month OPT Extension by DHS

To attract and retain International students’ talent in America, the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) on May 11th, 2012  announced that it is expanding the list of STEM (science, technology, engineering, and math ) designated degrees that qualify for 24 months OPT (Optional Practical Training) Extension. This article covers all details related to the same.

What is STEM Degree List ? 24 Months OPT Extension?

The STEM Designated Degree Program list is a complete list of fields of study that DHS considers to be science, technology, engineering or mathematics (STEM) fields of study for purposes of the 24-month STEM optional practical training extension.

F1 students who have graduated with a degree that is part of the STEM Degree list are eligible to extend their OPT for an additional 24 months after their 12-month OPT duration is complete. In total, this gives an F1 student 36 months to work in the US.

Eligibility for 24 months STEM OPT?

For F1 students to be eligible for 24 month OPT extension, they need to have their degree program’s CIP code match with one of the below in the list. You can check more details at What is CIP Code? How to Check CIP Code for your Degree. If the degree you graduated with does not have the relevant CIP code on the I-20, then you cannot avail of the 24-month OPT. Also, you need to be in proper F1 status to avail of the STEM OPT.

Complete List of STEM OPT Degrees by DHS

Below is the complete list of STEM Designated Degrees eligible for 24-month OPT as of the most recent update by DHS.  

 CIP Code
Two-Digit Series 
2020 CIP Code CIP Code Title 
01 01.0308 Agroecology and Sustainable Agriculture. 
01 01.0901 Animal Sciences, General. 
01 01.0902 Agricultural Animal Breeding. 
01 01.0903 Animal Health. 
01 01.0904 Animal Nutrition. 
01 01.0905 Dairy Science. 
01 01.0906 Livestock Management. 
01 01.0907 Poultry Science. 
01 01.0999 Animal Sciences, Other. 
01 01.1001 Food Science. 
01 01.1002 Food Technology and Processing. 
01 01.1099 Food Science and Technology, Other. 
01 01.1101 Plant Sciences, General. 
01 01.1102 Agronomy and Crop Science.
0101.1103Horticultural Science.
0101.1104Agricultural and Horticultural Plant Breeding.
0101.1105Plant Protection and Integrated Pest Management.
0101.1106Range Science and Management.
0101.1199Plant Sciences, Other.
0101.1201Soil Science and Agronomy, General.
0101.1202Soil Chemistry and Physics.
0101.1203Soil Microbiology.
0101.1299Soil Sciences, Other.
0101.8105Veterinary Anatomy. Moved from51.2502.
0101.8106Veterinary Infectious Diseases. Movedfrom51.2511.
0101.8107Veterinary Microbiology and Immunobiology. Moved from51.2504.
0101.8108Veterinary Pathology and Pathobiology. Moved from 51.2505.
0101.8109Veterinary Physiology. Moved from51.2503.
0101.8110Veterinary Preventive Medicine, Epidemiology, and Public Health. Moved from 51.2510.
0101.8111Veterinary Toxicology and Pharmacology. Moved from 51.2506.
0303.0101Natural Resources/Conservation, General.
0303.0103Environmental Studies.
0303.0104Environmental Science.
0303.0199Natural Resources Conservation and Research, Other.
0303.0205Water, Wetlands, and Marine Resources Management.
0303.0502Forest Sciences and Biology.
0303.0508Urban Forestry.
0303.0509Wood Science and Wood Products/Pulp and Paper Technology/Technician.
0303.0601Wildlife, Fish and Wildlands Science and Management.
0404.0902Architectural and Building Sciences/Technology.
0909.0702Digital Communication and Media/Multimedia.
1010.0304Animation, Interactive Technology, Video Graphics, and Special Effects.
1111.0101Computer and Information Sciences, General.
1111.0102Artificial Intelligence.
1111.0103Information Technology.
1111.0104Informatics.
1111.0199Computer and Information Sciences, Other.
1111.0201Computer Programming/Programmer, General.
1111.0202Computer Programming, Specific Applications.
1111.0203Computer Programming, Vendor/Product Certification.
1111.0299Computer Programming, Other.
1111.0301Data Processing and Data Processing Technology/ Technician.
1111.0401Information Science/Studies.
1111.0501Computer Systems Analysis/Analyst.
1111.0701Computer Science.
1111.0801Web Page, Digital/Multimedia and Information Resources Design.
1111.0802Data Modeling/Warehousing and Database Administration.
1111.0803Computer Graphics.
1111.0804Modeling, Virtual Environments, and Simulation.
1111.0899Computer Software and Media Applications, Other.
1111.0901Computer Systems Networking and Telecommunications.
1111.1001Network and System Administration/Administrator.
1111.1002System, Networking, and LAN/WAN Management/Manager.
1111.1003Computer and Information Systems Security/Auditing/Information Assurance.
1111.1004Web/Multimedia Management and Webmaster.
1111.1005Information Technology Project Management.
1111.1006Computer Support Specialist.
1111.1099Computer/Information Technology Services Administration and Management, Other.
1313.0501Educational/Instructional Technology.
1313.0601Educational Evaluation and Research.
1313.0603Educational Statistics and Research Methods.
1414.0000ENGINEERING.
1414.0100Engineering, General.
1414.0101Engineering, General.
1414.0102Pre-Engineering.
1414.0103Applied Engineering. New
1414.0200Aerospace, Aeronautical, and Astronautical/Space Engineering.
1414.0201Aerospace, Aeronautical, and Astronautical/Space Engineering, General.
1414.0202Astronautical Engineering. New
1414.0299Aerospace, Aeronautical, and Astronautical/Space Engineering, Other. New
1414.0300Agricultural Engineering.
1414.0301Agricultural Engineering.
1414.0400Architectural Engineering.
1414.0401Architectural Engineering.
1414.0500Biomedical/Medical Engineering.
1414.0501Bioengineering and Biomedical Engineering.
1414.0600Ceramic Sciences and Engineering.
1414.0601Ceramic Sciences and Engineering.
1414.0700Chemical Engineering.
1414.0701Chemical Engineering.
1414.0702Chemical and Biomolecular Engineering.
1414.0799Chemical Engineering, Other.
1414.0800Civil Engineering.
1414.0801Civil Engineering, General.
1414.0802Geotechnical and Geoenvironmental Engineering.
1414.0803Structural Engineering.
1414.0804Transportation and Highway Engineering.
1414.0805Water Resources Engineering.
1414.0899Civil Engineering, Other.
1414.0900Computer Engineering.
1414.0901Computer Engineering, General.
1414.0902Computer Hardware Engineering.
1414.0903Computer Software Engineering.
1414.0999Computer Engineering, Other.
1414.1000Electrical, Electronics, and Communications Engineering.
1414.1001Electrical and Electronics Engineering.
1414.1003Laser and Optical Engineering.
1414.1004Telecommunications Engineering.
1414.1099Electrical, Electronics, and Communications Engineering, Other.
1414.1100Engineering Mechanics.
1414.1101Engineering Mechanics.
1414.1200Engineering Physics.
1414.1201Engineering Physics/Applied Physics.
1414.1300Engineering Science.
1414.1301Engineering Science.
1414.1400Environmental/Environmental Health Engineering.
1414.1401Environmental/Environmental Health Engineering.
1414.1800Materials Engineering.
1414.1801Materials Engineering.
1414.1900Mechanical Engineering.
1414.1901Mechanical Engineering.
1414.2000Metallurgical Engineering.
1414.2001Metallurgical Engineering.
1414.2100Mining and Mineral Engineering.
1414.2101Mining and Mineral Engineering.
1414.2200Naval Architecture and Marine Engineering.
1414.2201Naval Architecture and Marine Engineering.
1414.2300Nuclear Engineering.
1414.2301Nuclear Engineering.
1414.2400Ocean Engineering.
1414.2401Ocean Engineering.
1414.2500Petroleum Engineering.
1414.2501Petroleum Engineering.
1414.2700Systems Engineering.
1414.2701Systems Engineering.
1414.2800Textile Sciences and Engineering.
1414.2801Textile Sciences and Engineering.
1414.3200Polymer/Plastics Engineering.
1414.3201Polymer/Plastics Engineering.
1414.3300Construction Engineering.
1414.3301Construction Engineering.
1414.3400Forest Engineering.
1414.3401Forest Engineering.
1414.3500Industrial Engineering.
1414.3501Industrial Engineering.
1414.3600Manufacturing Engineering.
1414.3601Manufacturing Engineering.
1414.3700Operations Research.
1414.3701Operations Research.
1414.3800Surveying Engineering.
1414.3801Surveying Engineering.
1414.3900Geological/Geophysical Engineering.
1414.3901Geological/Geophysical Engineering.
1414.4000Paper Science and Engineering.
1414.4001Paper Science and Engineering.
1414.4100Electromechanical Engineering.
1414.4101Electromechanical Engineering.
1414.4200Mechatronics, Robotics, and Automation Engineering.
1414.4201Mechatronics, Robotics, and Automation Engineering.
1414.4300Biochemical Engineering.
1414.4301Biochemical Engineering.
1414.4400Engineering Chemistry.
1414.4401Engineering Chemistry.
1414.4500Biological/Biosystems Engineering.
1414.4501Biological/Biosystems Engineering.
1414.4700Electrical and Computer Engineering. New
1414.4701Electrical and Computer Engineering. New
1414.4800Energy Systems Engineering. New
1414.4801Energy Systems Engineering, General. New
1414.4802Power Plant Engineering. New
1414.4899Energy Systems Engineering, Other. New
1414.9900Engineering, Other.
1414.9999Engineering, Other.
1515.0000Engineering Technologies/Technicians, General.
1515.0101Architectural Engineering Technologies/Technicians.
1515.0201Civil Engineering Technologies/Technicians.
1515.0303Electrical, Electronic, and Communications Engineering Technology/Technician.
1515.0304Laser and Optical Technology/Technician.
1515.0305Telecommunications Technology/Technician.
1515.0306Integrated Circuit Design Technology/Technician.
1515.0399Electrical/Electronic Engineering Technologies/Technicians, Other.
1515.0401Biomedical Technology/Technician.
1515.0403Electromechanical/Electromechanical Engineering Technology/Technician.
1515.0404Instrumentation Technology/Technician.
1515.0405Robotics Technology/Technician.
1515.0406Automation Engineer Technology/Technician.
1515.0499Electromechanical Technologies/Technicians, Other.
1515.0501Heating, Ventilation, Air Conditioning and Refrigeration Engineering Technology/Technician.
1515.0506Water Quality and Wastewater Treatment Management and Recycling Technology/Technician.
1515.0507Environmental/Environmental Engineering Technology/Technician.
1515.0508Hazardous Materials Management and Waste Technology/Technician.
1515.0599Environmental Control Technologies/Technicians, Other.
1515.0607Plastics and Polymer Engineering Technology/Technician.
1515.0611Metallurgical Technology/Technician.
1515.0612Industrial Technology/Technician.
1515.0613Manufacturing Engineering Technology/Technician.
1515.0614Welding Engineering Technology/Technician.
1515.0615Chemical Engineering Technology/Technician.
1515.0616Semiconductor Manufacturing Technology/Technician.
1515.0699Industrial Production Technologies/Technicians, Other.
1515.0701Occupational Safety and Health Technology/Technician.
1515.0702Quality Control Technology/Technician.
1515.0703Industrial Safety Technology/Technician.
1515.0704Hazardous Materials Information Systems Technology/Technician.
1515.0799Quality Control and Safety Technologies/Technicians, Other.
1515.0801Aeronautical/Aerospace Engineering Technology/Technician.
1515.0803Automotive Engineering Technology/Technician.
1515.0805Mechanical/Mechanical Engineering Technology/Technician.
1515.0899Mechanical Engineering Related Technologies/Technicians, Other.
1515.0901Mining Technology/Technician.
1515.0903Petroleum Technology/Technician.
1515.0999Mining and Petroleum Technologies/Technicians, Other.
1515.1001Construction Engineering Technology/Technician.
1515.1102Surveying Technology/Surveying.
1515.1103Hydraulics and Fluid Power Technology/Technician.
1515.1199Engineering-Related Technologies/Technicians, Other.
1515.1201Computer Engineering Technology/Technician.
1515.1202Computer/Computer Systems Technology/Technician.
1515.1203Computer Hardware Technology/Technician.
1515.1204Computer Software Technology/Technician.
1515.1299Computer Engineering Technologies/Technicians, Other.
1515.1301Drafting and Design Technology/Technician, General.
1515.1302CAD/CADD Drafting and/or Design Technology/Technician.
1515.1303Architectural Drafting and Architectural CAD/CADD.
1515.1304Civil Drafting and Civil Engineering CAD/CADD.
1515.1305Electrical/Electronics Drafting and Electrical/Electronics CAD/CADD.
1515.1306Mechanical Drafting and Mechanical Drafting CAD/CADD.
1515.1399Drafting/Design Engineering Technologies/Technicians, Other.
1515.1401Nuclear Engineering Technology/Technician.
1515.1501Engineering/Industrial Management.
1515.1502Engineering Design.
1515.1503Packaging Science.
1515.1599Engineering-Related Fields, Other.
1515.1601Nanotechnology.
1515.1701Energy Systems Technology/Technician. Movedfrom15.0503.
1515.1703Solar Energy Technology/Technician. Moved from15.0505.
1515.9999Engineering/Engineering-Related Technologies/Technicians, Other.
2626.0000BIOLOGICAL AND BIOMEDICAL SCIENCES.
2626.0100Biology, General.
2626.0101Biology/Biological Sciences, General.
2626.0102Biomedical Sciences, General.
2626.0200Biochemistry, Biophysics and Molecular Biology.
2626.0202Biochemistry.
2626.0203Biophysics.
2626.0204Molecular Biology.
2626.0205Molecular Biochemistry.
2626.0206Molecular Biophysics.
2626.0207Structural Biology.
2626.0208Photobiology.
2626.0209Radiation Biology/Radiobiology.
2626.0210Biochemistry and Molecular Biology.
2626.0299Biochemistry, Biophysics and Molecular Biology, Other.
2626.0300Botany/Plant Biology.
2626.0301Botany/Plant Biology.
2626.0305Plant Pathology/Phytopathology.
2626.0307Plant Physiology.
2626.0308Plant Molecular Biology.
2626.0399Botany/Plant Biology, Other.
2626.0400Cell/Cellular Biology and Anatomical Sciences.
2626.0401Cell/Cellular Biology and Histology.
2626.0403Anatomy.
2626.0404Developmental Biology and Embryology.
2626.0406Cell/Cellular and Molecular Biology.
2626.0407Cell Biology and Anatomy.
2626.0499Cell/Cellular Biology and Anatomical Sciences, Other.
2626.0500Microbiological Sciences and Immunology.
2626.0502Microbiology, General.
2626.0503Medical Microbiology and Bacteriology.
2626.0504Virology.
2626.0505Parasitology.
2626.0506Mycology.
2626.0507Immunology.
2626.0508Microbiology and Immunology.
2626.0509Infectious Disease and Global Health. New
2626.0599Microbiological Sciences and Immunology, Other.
2626.0700Zoology/Animal Biology.
2626.0701Zoology/Animal Biology.
2626.0702Entomology.
2626.0707Animal Physiology.
2626.0708Animal Behavior and Ethology.
2626.0709Wildlife Biology.
2626.0799Zoology/Animal Biology, Other.
2626.0800Genetics.
2626.0801Genetics, General.
2626.0802Molecular Genetics.
2626.0803Microbial and Eukaryotic Genetics.
2626.0804Animal Genetics.
2626.0805Plant Genetics.
2626.0806Human/Medical Genetics.
2626.0807Genome Sciences/Genomics.
2626.0899Genetics, Other.
2626.0900Physiology, Pathology and Related Sciences.
2626.0901Physiology, General.
2626.0902Molecular Physiology.
2626.0903Cell Physiology.
2626.0904Endocrinology.
2626.0905Reproductive Biology.
2626.0907Cardiovascular Science.
2626.0908Exercise Physiology and Kinesiology.
2626.0909Vision Science/Physiological Optics.
2626.0910Pathology/Experimental Pathology.
2626.0911Oncology and Cancer Biology.
2626.0912Aerospace Physiology and Medicine.
2626.0913Biomechanics. New
2626.0999Physiology, Pathology, and Related Sciences, Other.
2626.1000Pharmacology and Toxicology.
2626.1001Pharmacology.
2626.1002Molecular Pharmacology.
2626.1003Neuropharmacology.
2626.1004Toxicology.
2626.1005Molecular Toxicology.
2626.1006Environmental Toxicology.
2626.1007Pharmacology and Toxicology.
2626.1099Pharmacology and Toxicology, Other.
2626.1100Biomathematics, Bioinformatics, and Computational Biology.
2626.1101Biometry/Biometrics.
2626.1102Biostatistics.
2626.1103Bioinformatics.
2626.1104Computational Biology.
2626.1199Biomathematics, Bioinformatics, and Computational Biology, Other.
2626.1200Biotechnology.
2626.1201Biotechnology.
2626.1300Ecology, Evolution, Systematics, and Population Biology.
2626.1301Ecology.
2626.1302Marine Biology and Biological Oceanography.
2626.1303Evolutionary Biology.
2626.1304Aquatic Biology/Limnology.
2626.1305Environmental Biology.
2626.1306Population Biology.
2626.1307Conservation Biology.
2626.1308Systematic Biology/Biological Systematics.
2626.1309Epidemiology.
2626.1310Ecology and Evolutionary Biology.
2626.1311Epidemiology and Biostatistics. New
2626.1399Ecology, Evolution, Systematics and Population Biology, Other.
2626.1400Molecular Medicine.
2626.1401Molecular Medicine.
2626.1500Neurobiology and Neurosciences.
2626.1501Neuroscience.
2626.1502Neuroanatomy.
2626.1503Neurobiology and Anatomy.
2626.1504Neurobiology and Behavior.
2626.1599Neurobiology and Neurosciences, Other.
2626.9900Biological and Biomedical Sciences, Other.
2626.9999Biological and Biomedical Sciences, Other.
2727.0000MATHEMATICS AND STATISTICS.
2727.0100Mathematics.
2727.0101Mathematics, General.
2727.0102Algebra and Number Theory.
2727.0103Analysis and Functional Analysis.
2727.0104Geometry/Geometric Analysis.
2727.0105Topology and Foundations.
2727.0199Mathematics, Other.
2727.0300Applied Mathematics.
2727.0301Applied Mathematics, General.
2727.0303Computational Mathematics.
2727.0304Computational and Applied Mathematics.
2727.0305Financial Mathematics.
2727.0306Mathematical Biology.
2727.0399Applied Mathematics, Other.
2727.0500Statistics.
2727.0501Statistics, General.
2727.0502Mathematical Statistics and Probability.
2727.0503Mathematics and Statistics. New
2727.0599Statistics, Other.
2727.0600Applied Statistics. New
2727.0601Applied Statistics, General. New
2727.9900Mathematics and Statistics, Other.
2727.9999Mathematics and Statistics, Other.
2828.0501Air Science/Airpower Studies.
2828.0502Air and Space Operational Art and Science.
2828.0505Naval Science and Operational Studies.
2929.0201Intelligence, General.
2929.0202Strategic Intelligence.
2929.0203Signal/Geospatial Intelligence.
2929.0204Command & Control (C3, C4I) Systems and Operations.
2929.0205Information Operations/Joint Information Operations.
2929.0206Information/Psychological Warfare and Military Media Relations.
2929.0207Cyber/Electronic Operations and Warfare.
2929.0299Intelligence, Command Control and Information Operations, Other.
2929.0301Combat Systems Engineering.
2929.0302Directed Energy Systems.
2929.0303Engineering Acoustics.
2929.0304Low-Observables and Stealth Technology.
2929.0305Space Systems Operations.
2929.0306Operational Oceanography.
2929.0307Undersea Warfare.
2929.0399Military Applied Sciences, Other.
2929.0401Aerospace Ground Equipment Technology.
2929.0402Air and Space Operations Technology.
2929.0403Aircraft Armament Systems Technology.
2929.0404Explosive Ordinance/Bomb Disposal.
2929.0405Joint Command/Task Force (C3, C4I) Systems.
2929.0406Military Information Systems Technology.
2929.0407Missile and Space Systems Technology.
2929.0408Munitions Systems/Ordinance Technology.
2929.0409Radar Communications and Systems Technology.
2929.0499Military Systems and Maintenance Technology, Other.
2929.9999Military Technologies and Applied Sciences, Other.
3030.0101Biological and Physical Sciences.
3030.0601Systems Science and Theory.
3030.0801Mathematics and Computer Science.
3030.1001Biopsychology.
3030.1701Behavioral Sciences.
3030.1801Natural Sciences.
3030.1901Nutrition Sciences.
3030.2501Cognitive Science, General.
3030.2701Human Biology.
3030.3001Computational Science.
3030.3101Human Computer Interaction.
3030.3201Marine Sciences.
3030.3301Sustainability Studies.
4040.0000PHYSICAL SCIENCES.
4040.0100Physical Sciences, General.
4040.0101Physical Sciences, General.
4040.0200Astronomy and Astrophysics.
4040.0201Astronomy.
4040.0202Astrophysics.
4040.0203Planetary Astronomy and Science.
4040.0299Astronomy and Astrophysics, Other.
4040.0400Atmospheric Sciences and Meteorology.
4040.0401Atmospheric Sciences and Meteorology, General.
4040.0402Atmospheric Chemistry and Climatology.
4040.0403Atmospheric Physics and Dynamics.
4040.0404Meteorology.
4040.0499Atmospheric Sciences and Meteorology, Other.
4040.0500Chemistry.
4040.0501Chemistry, General.
4040.0502Analytical Chemistry.
4040.0503Inorganic Chemistry.
4040.0504Organic Chemistry.
4040.0506Physical Chemistry.
4040.0507Polymer Chemistry.
4040.0508Chemical Physics.
4040.0509Environmental Chemistry.
4040.0510Forensic Chemistry.
4040.0511Theoretical Chemistry.
4040.0512Cheminformatics/Chemistry Informatics. New
4040.0599Chemistry, Other.
4040.0600Geological and Earth Sciences/Geosciences.
4040.0601Geology/Earth Science, General.
4040.0602Geochemistry.
4040.0603Geophysics and Seismology.
4040.0604Paleontology.
4040.0605Hydrology and Water Resources Science.
4040.0606Geochemistry and Petrology.
4040.0607Oceanography, Chemical and Physical.
4040.0699Geological and Earth Sciences/Geosciences, Other.
4040.0800Physics.
4040.0801Physics, General.
4040.0802Atomic/Molecular Physics.
4040.0804Elementary Particle Physics.
4040.0805Plasma and High-Temperature Physics.
4040.0806Nuclear Physics.
4040.0807Optics/Optical Sciences.
4040.0808Condensed Matter and Materials Physics.
4040.0809Acoustics.
4040.0810Theoretical and Mathematical Physics.
4040.0899Physics, Other.
4040.1000Materials Sciences.
4040.1001Materials Science.
4040.1002Materials Chemistry.
4040.1099Materials Sciences, Other.
4040.1100Physics and Astronomy. New
4040.1101Physics and Astronomy. New
4040.9900Physical Sciences, Other.
4040.9999Physical Sciences, Other.
4141.0000Science Technologies/Technicians, General.
4141.0101Biology/Biotechnology Technology/Technician.
4141.0204Industrial Radiologic Technology/Technician.
4141.0205Nuclear/Nuclear Power Technology/Technician.
4141.0299Nuclear and Industrial Radiologic Technologies/Technicians, Other.
4141.0301Chemical Technology/Technician.
4141.0303Chemical Process Technology.
4141.0399Physical Science Technologies/Technicians, Other.
4141.9999Science Technologies/Technicians, Other.
4242.2701Cognitive Psychology and Psycholinguistics.
4242.2702Comparative Psychology.
4242.2703Developmental and Child Psychology.
4242.2704Experimental Psychology.
4242.2705Personality Psychology.
4242.2706Behavioral Neuroscience.
4242.2707Social Psychology.
4242.2708Psychometrics and Quantitative Psychology.
4242.2709Psychopharmacology.
4242.2799Research and Experimental Psychology, Other.
4343.0403Cyber/Computer Forensics and Counterterrorism. Movedfrom43.0116
4343.0406Forensic Science and Technology. Movedfrom43.0106
4545.0301Archeology.
4545.0603Econometrics and Quantitative Economics.
4545.0702Geographic Information Science and Cartography.
4949.0101Aeronautics/Aviation/Aerospace Science and Technology, General.
5151.1002Cytotechnology/Cytotechnologist.
5151.1005Clinical Laboratory Science/Medical Technology/Technologist.
5151.1401Medical Science/Scientist.
5151.2003Pharmaceutics and Drug Design.
5151.2004Medicinal and Pharmaceutical Chemistry.
5151.2005Natural Products Chemistry and Pharmacognosy.
5151.2006Clinical and Industrial Drug Development.
5151.2007Pharmacoeconomics/Pharmaceutical Economics.
5151.2009Industrial and Physical Pharmacy and Cosmetic Sciences.
5151.2010Pharmaceutical Sciences.
5151.2202Environmental Health.
5151.2205Health/Medical Physics.
5151.2706Medical Informatics.
5252.1301Management Science.
5252.1302Business Statistics.
5252.1304Actuarial Science.
5252.1399Management Sciences and Quantitative Methods, Other.

The above list is from the Official DHS complete list of STEM Degrees. You can also read DHS Official press release of  STEM Degrees added

   

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58 Comments

    • Turjo,
      It depends on the school and the CIP Code. You should ask the graduate school you are applying to share the CIP code and verify the same in the list above in the article.

      Reply
  1. Hi
    Iam applying for the Ms data science with CIP code 11.0401 in UHCL.
    Is it come under 24 month OPT extention ?

    Regards,
    Sivaram

    Reply
  2. I am very happy to have completed this course. I got a lot of new knowledge on the topic of STEM. The organization of the course is very well structured and prepared. Watching a video is a pleasure. Thanks a lot for the opportunity to get better.

    Reply
  3. English for Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics is a great online course I have studied. It’s amazing to learn more about the use of English language, the proper way of delivering one’s speech or article. This course encourages learners to deeply understand the importance of science which is focused on renewable resources that could help eliminate the harmful gases causing our planet’s temperature high. I am looking forward to accessing some free online courses for personal development and insight. Thank you.

    Reply
    • Komal,
      It varies by the school. You can check the list above ( link in article), if you find anything. You need the CIP code of the program for the same. So ask for CIP code, where you plan to apply and then cross verify the same.

      Reply
  4. Do Certifications for Java, SQL, and other languages fall under STEM? I am not asking in terms of OPT. I am asking this as I have these certifications and am currently on H4 EAD but want to change to H1B.
    I have an MBA degree in Marketing and Management but started coding and I do have these Certifications. Do you think these will suffice the need for for H1B? The work experience as a coder is almost 4 years now.

    Reply
  5. Rinny,

    I am doing Masters in Public Health and my major is Environmental health science. MPH does not come under STEM but my major comes under STEM list, so would i be able to get STEM extension

    Reply
  6. My degree MPH has a non-STEM CIP code, but my major is Epidemiology which is a STEM field. Can I get OPT extension on that basis?

    Reply
    • Sailee,
      In general, you should have your degree CIP code in it. Your Graduate school can clarify, if your degree falls under STEM or not.

      Reply
    • There are so many variations and it always depends on the school. Check with the graduate school on the code, where you are applying to get it confirmed.

      Reply
  7. hello everyone!
    I just wanted to ask whether you get jobs if you do MIS in USA from a average university because of low gre scores.
    Also, Is MS in CS include core programmimg and Managable to students who have done Information Technology as their bachelors.

    Reply
  8. I have a roommate that is wanting to do an OPT STEM extension and he got a graduate degree in MIS from Northern Illinois University. Is there any way to get his extension so he can continue to work here in the US? The DHS has denied his app based on the MIS degree not qualifying as a STEM degree. I feel bad for him and would like to help.

    Reply
  9. i am a dentist & now i want to go to US to do either MASTERS IN PUBLIC HEALTH OR MASTERS IN HEALTHCARE ADMINISTRATION but i am not sure about the OPT WHETHER IT WOULD BE FOR 12 MONTHS OR 29 MONTHS?

    CAN YOU PLEASE TELL ME HOW DIFFICULT IT IS TO GET H1 B AFTER THIS COURSE?

    Reply
  10. i am a dentist & now i want to go to US to do either MASTERS IN PUBLIC HEALTH OR MASTERS IN HEALTHCARE ADMINISTRATION but i am not sure about the OPT

    Reply
  11. I have done Master of Physical therapy from India. Currently, I am on F2 visa in USA. I want to apply for the master degree program like Master of Athletic Training or Master of Science in Kinesiology. My concerns are can I get the OPT and H1b visa at the end of study. Please, guide me.

    Reply
    • Hi Srikanth,

      Wanted to know whether MS in Clinical Research is a STEM course or not?

      If possible can you please suggest good universities for it.

      Thanks!

      Reply
      • You should ask the school or check the CIP code of the degree in school website and then check in the list of STEM degrees list.

        Reply
  12. Hello Everyone,

    I come from a commerce background(non technical), Can i get admission in MS/MBA in MIS STEM Accredited Degree in USA ??

    Reply
    • hi ritika.. m also preparing 4 gre n going 2 do m.s in engineering mngmt…i m certain bout it being a stem course..but not certain bout its job prospect..add me on facebook by name pawan vatsya for further discussion bout the course n job prospect in u.s.a ..or search by email .. marinerpawan4u at yahoo(dot)com on fb.. bi

      Reply
    • hi ritika.. m also preparing 4 gre n going 2 do m.s in engineering mngmt…i m certain bout it being a stem course..but not certain bout its job prospect..add me on facebook by name… pawan vatsya …for further discussion bout the course n job prospect in u.s.a ..

      Reply
  13. I am planning to do ms in mis,
    1)Do it have STEM DEGREE?
    2)california state univ -los angeles doey have stem degree in ms in mis?
    3)university of houston clear lake have Stem Degree in ms in mis?

    Reply
  14. Hi, quick question.
    I studied Interior Architecture for my Bachelor’s,
    Do you think it’s worth it for me to try to apply for the degree of Architectural and Building Sciences/Technology (#12) STEM OPT extension?

    I know it’s very different but do you think it’s worth a try

    Reply
    • Hi Catherine,

      Were you able to figure out if interior architecture qualifies for OPT extension? I’m in the same boat.Let me know,

      Thanks..

      Reply
  15. Hi
    I am selecting MBA IT management from Wester Governors University, UT.
    Is this graduate program comes under STEM designated program.

    Thanks
    Jay

    Reply
  16. Hello… I am having a doubt and hopefully any one of you can clarify this for me…
    I am doing Masters in Business Administration with Major as Management Information Systems… Hence, I would like to know as my major is Information Systems would this degree be considered a part of STEM?

    Thanks and regards,
    Mohammed

    Reply
    • Hi. I have the same situation as you. I am planning to take up MBA in MIS. Wanted to know if it qualifies for extension. Please kindly let me know. Thanks

      Reply
  17. Georgia College was recently had two new undergraduate majors added to the STEM extension list:

    Computer Science (CIP 110101)
    Management Information Systems (CIP 521399)

    Reply
  18. Hi
    I graduated with Accounting degree in 2011 may and my opt is expiring this month.
    i found this job who is applying for my H1B visa this week after my LCA approval gets back from DOL.
    my question here is my bachelors in accounting counts in stem if not
    can i wait for my premium processing H1b results and then apply for cap-gap.
    to make sure it got approved and if God forbid it doesn’t get an approval can i go back to F1 status
    Is there a grace time period after OPT expiration to go back to f1 status instead of apply for cap-gap and losing a privilege of getting F1 status back completely
    in case of H1B rejection

    please advise

    Reply
    • Maryam,
      You will be eligible for cap-gap once your petition reaches USCIS and it has been filed w/ COS w/ start date of Oct 1. Even if your petition is under process and OPT expires, you can continue to stay and work. Just let your DSO know about this. However, if H-1 is filed after the OPT has expired (i.e. during the 60 day grace period), then you are authorized to stay but not work. Again, you need to inform your DSO accordingly.

      I don’t know if you can move to another school during that 60 day grace period.

      Reply
  19. I graduated May 2011 with a degree that wasnt in STEM at that time. However it has now been included in STEM as per this notice. I am still in my OPT (expires this month)
    Can I apply for STEM extension?

    Reply
      • Hi Saurabh,

        1. My Degree is in Economics with a code of 45. 0601.
        The STEM degree is Econometrics and Quantati…46. 0603. What can I do to get this changed?
        (Note: my university does not have 45.0603) What are my options?

        2. I cannot apply for H1 anymore, my OPT expires on Jan 31st 2013. What are the options to stay in the country?

        Thank you for your feedback! a lot of appreciation your way.

        Reply
        • Anonymous,
          1. You will have to talk to your DSO or attorney about this
          2. You can enroll in another school/course and continue to stay on F-1

          Reply
        • Hey,
          would you, please, share your results on 1. with me by email? I’m in exact same situation 45.0601 to 45.0603 (one digit off!! argh!!!)

          Reply
  20. Hi Kumar,

    I have double major in International business and Business economics with a minor in Information system.

    Questions:
    1. Am i allowed for STEM extension as i see on #77 on the list for newly added STEM degrees, Quantitative economics is added.

    2. Does having a minor in IS qualify me for STEM

    If no to both ot the above questions:
    My opt expires 5th Sept and i am yet to apply for h1b do you suggest me to apply for premium petition or regular depending on the rate the quota is being filled.

    Secondly, what is the process for applying for cap-gap (i think i will need this since opt expires in Sept and h1b starts Oct 1st)?

    Lastly, i read a lot of times you saying h1b with COS what does “COS” stand for and what does it mean?

    Thanks a lot i had a lot of general questions which were answered by reading others questions. The above are more specific to my situation thus asking.

    Thanks for your help.

    Reply
    • Abhi,
      I am not sure about the STEM thing, and you should check w/ your DSO. However, if the list includes your QE degree, then you should be fine.

      Answers to your remaining questions:
      – You can apply now in regular processing. If the petition doesn’t get approved by (let’s say) Sep end, then you can upgrade it to PP so that you get the decision before Oct
      – As long as petition has been filed w/ COS w/ start date of Oct 1, you are eligible for cap-gap. Once the petition gets filed, let your school DSO know and they would update the status in SEVIS record
      – COS stands for change of status. Your current visa status is F-1 and it needs to change to H-1 for you to start working on H-1. So when the H-1 petition is filed, employer will have to file it w/ COS. Once approved, your status will change to H-1 from COS approval date which is typically Oct 1

      Reply
  21. Hi,
    I am an IT engineer and will be traveling to USA on the H1B visa in later this year.. My wife is a physiotherapist and I wish that she can either study or work there while I am working in USA (Massachutes, Boston). Please suggest how can my wife apply for study or work permit when I get my H1b stamped in October.

    Please guide.

    Reply
  22. If my Bachelors is from STEM field in India and Masters Degree from USA but not included in STEM branches, then am i eligible for STEM OPT extension?

    Reply

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