The STEM OPT list of degree falling under Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics

May 16 2016 – The new STEM OPT of 24 months came out on May 10 2016 but it has completely redefined STEM OPT including the degrees which fall under STEM itself.  Here is a list of the STEM OPT requirements as per the government.

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 described at 8 CFR 214.2 (f). Under 8 CFR 214.2(f)(10)(ii)(C)(2), a STEM field of study is a field of study “included in the Department of Education’s Classification of Instructional Programs taxonomy within the two – digit series containing engineering, biological sciences, mathematics, and physical sciences,or a related field. In general, related fields will include fields involving research, innovation, or development of new technologies using engineering, mathematics, computer science, or natural sciences (including physical, biological, and agricultural sciences).”

Accordingly, this list designates the following four CIP summary groups/series at the 2-digit CIP code level:
Engineering (CIP code 14),Biological and Biomedical Sciences (CIP code 26), Mathematics and Statistics (CIP code 27), and Physical Sciences (CIP code 40).

Any new additions to those areas will automatically be included on this STEM Designated Degree Program list. Consistent with the definition of “related field” above, related fields in this list include fields involving research, innovation, or development of new technologies using engineering, mathematics, computer science, or natural sciences. DHS designates these fields at the 6-digit level.

Read full stem-list