{"id":51620,"date":"2023-07-12T13:25:15","date_gmt":"2023-07-12T13:25:15","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/leapscholar.com\/blog\/?p=51620"},"modified":"2026-04-24T09:43:39","modified_gmt":"2026-04-24T09:43:39","slug":"usa-adds-new-stem-fields-for-opt","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/leapscholar.com\/blog\/usa-adds-new-stem-fields-for-opt\/","title":{"rendered":"USA adds new STEM fields for OPT"},"content":{"rendered":"<span class=\"rt-reading-time\" style=\"display: block;\"><span class=\"rt-label rt-prefix\"><\/span> <span class=\"rt-time\">4<\/span> <span class=\"rt-label rt-postfix\">min read<\/span><\/span>\n<p>According to a <a href=\"https:\/\/public-inspection.federalregister.gov\/2023-14807.pdf\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener nofollow\">Federal Register notice<\/a>, the United States will introduce eight new study subjects for international students looking to work professionally there. Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics Optional Practical Training (STEM OPT) will include additional subjects.<\/p><div id=\"ez-toc-container\" class=\"ez-toc-v2_0_68_1 ez-toc-wrap-left counter-hierarchy ez-toc-counter ez-toc-custom ez-toc-container-direction\">\n<div class=\"ez-toc-title-container\">\n<p class=\"ez-toc-title \" >Table of Content<\/p>\n<span class=\"ez-toc-title-toggle\"><a href=\"#\" class=\"ez-toc-pull-right ez-toc-btn ez-toc-btn-xs ez-toc-btn-default ez-toc-toggle\" aria-label=\"Toggle Table of Content\"><span class=\"ez-toc-js-icon-con\"><span class=\"\"><span class=\"eztoc-hide\" style=\"display:none;\">Toggle<\/span><span class=\"ez-toc-icon-toggle-span\"><svg style=\"fill: #192a3d;color:#192a3d\" xmlns=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\" class=\"list-377408\" width=\"20px\" height=\"20px\" viewBox=\"0 0 24 24\" fill=\"none\"><path d=\"M6 6H4v2h2V6zm14 0H8v2h12V6zM4 11h2v2H4v-2zm16 0H8v2h12v-2zM4 16h2v2H4v-2zm16 0H8v2h12v-2z\" fill=\"currentColor\"><\/path><\/svg><svg style=\"fill: #192a3d;color:#192a3d\" class=\"arrow-unsorted-368013\" xmlns=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\" width=\"10px\" height=\"10px\" viewBox=\"0 0 24 24\" version=\"1.2\" baseProfile=\"tiny\"><path d=\"M18.2 9.3l-6.2-6.3-6.2 6.3c-.2.2-.3.4-.3.7s.1.5.3.7c.2.2.4.3.7.3h11c.3 0 .5-.1.7-.3.2-.2.3-.5.3-.7s-.1-.5-.3-.7zM5.8 14.7l6.2 6.3 6.2-6.3c.2-.2.3-.5.3-.7s-.1-.5-.3-.7c-.2-.2-.4-.3-.7-.3h-11c-.3 0-.5.1-.7.3-.2.2-.3.5-.3.7s.1.5.3.7z\"\/><\/svg><\/span><\/span><\/span><\/a><\/span><\/div>\n<nav><ul class='ez-toc-list ez-toc-list-level-1 eztoc-toggle-hide-by-default' ><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-1\" href=\"https:\/\/leapscholar.com\/blog\/usa-adds-new-stem-fields-for-opt\/#Fields_Of_Study\" title=\"Fields Of Study\">Fields Of Study<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-2\" href=\"https:\/\/leapscholar.com\/blog\/usa-adds-new-stem-fields-for-opt\/#Conclusion\" title=\"Conclusion\">Conclusion<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-3\" href=\"https:\/\/leapscholar.com\/blog\/usa-adds-new-stem-fields-for-opt\/#Frequently_Asked_Questions_FAQs\" title=\"Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)\">Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)<\/a><\/li><\/ul><\/nav><\/div>\n\n\n\n\n<p>On July 12, 2023, ICE and DHS announced in a Federal Register notice their amendment to the DHS STEM Designated Degree Program List, adding eight new qualifying fields of study. This list determines the eligibility of international students in F-1 status to apply for a 24-month extension of Optional Practical Training (OPT) in a STEM field. In January 2022, the Biden administration had previously expanded STEM OPT eligibility by including 22 additional fields, such as cloud computing, anthrozoology, climate science, and mathematical economics. The public can nominate fields for inclusion in the degree program list. <a href=\"https:\/\/leapscholar.com\/digest\/news-f1-opt-career-success-usa-guide-2026-2027\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">OPT<\/a> is crucial for international students to gain practical work experience, potentially leading to H-1B status and employment-based green card opportunities.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-stackable-heading stk-block-heading stk-block-heading--v2 stk-block stk-517fab5\" id=\"fields-of-study\" data-block-id=\"517fab5\"><h2 class=\"stk-block-heading__text\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Fields_Of_Study\"><\/span>Fields Of Study<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2><\/div>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-stackable-heading stk-block-heading stk-block-heading--v2 stk-block stk-f475a08\" id=\"landscape-architecture\" data-block-id=\"f475a08\"><h3 class=\"stk-block-heading__text\">Landscape Architecture<\/h3><\/div>\n\n\n\n<p>This course of study equips students for independent professional practice in landscape architecture and research into many facets of it.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>Includes Instruction in&nbsp;<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul>\n<li>Geology and Hydrology<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Project and Site Planning<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Environmental Design<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Landscape Design, History, and Theory<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Soils, Groundcovers, and Horticultural elements<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Applicable Law and Regulations<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Professional Responsibilities and Standards<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-stackable-heading stk-block-heading stk-block-heading--v2 stk-block stk-0c15403\" id=\"institutional-research\" data-block-id=\"0c15403\"><h3 class=\"stk-block-heading__text\">Institutional Research<\/h3><\/div>\n\n\n\n<p>This course of study equips students to work as institutional researchers in postsecondary institutions.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>Includes instruction in&nbsp;<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul>\n<li>Data Analysis<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Data-driven Decision-making<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Data Mining<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Higher Education Administration and Organization<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Research Methods<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Statistics<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-stackable-heading stk-block-heading stk-block-heading--v2 stk-block stk-73cea74\" id=\"mechatronics-robotics-and-automation-engineering-technology-technician\" data-block-id=\"73cea74\"><h3 class=\"stk-block-heading__text\">Mechatronics, Robotics, and Automation Engineering Technology\/Technician<\/h3><\/div>\n\n\n\n<p>A course that educates students to use fundamental engineering concepts and technical expertise to assist engineers in the conception, development, and operational assessment of autonomous, computer-controlled electro-mechanical systems.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>Includes instruction in&nbsp;<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul>\n<li>Computer and <a href=\"https:\/\/leapscholar.com\/usa\/universities-colleges-list\/masters-in-software-engineering-in-usa\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">Software Engineering<\/a><\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Robotics<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Electronic and Electrical Engineering<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/leapscholar.com\/blog\/ms-in-mechanical-engineering-in-usa-eligibility-cost-top-colleges-admission\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">Mechanical Engineering<\/a><\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Control Engineering<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-stackable-heading stk-block-heading stk-block-heading--v2 stk-block stk-14fe031\" id=\"composite-materials-technology-technician\" data-block-id=\"14fe031\"><h3 class=\"stk-block-heading__text\">Composite Materials Technology\/Technician<\/h3><\/div>\n\n\n\n<p>A course of study that prepares students to apply fundamental engineering concepts and technical knowledge in support of engineers and other professionals working in the development, production, and use of composite materials in wind turbines, boats, cars, and other high-tech applications.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>Includes instruction in<\/strong>&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul>\n<li>Computer-Aided Design and Drafting<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Composite Manufacturing<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Composite Repair<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Composite Maintenance<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Material Science<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Composite Materials and Processes<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Mold Manufacturing and Production<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-stackable-heading stk-block-heading stk-block-heading--v2 stk-block stk-9b8e6a3\" id=\"linguistics-and-computer-science\" data-block-id=\"9b8e6a3\"><h3 class=\"stk-block-heading__text\">Linguistics and Computer Science<\/h3><\/div>\n\n\n\n<p>A programme that focuses on how computational methods are used in natural language and how they relate to computer and human language.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>Includes instruction in&nbsp;<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul>\n<li>Computer Programming<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Human Languages<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Linguistic Analysis<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Logic<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Natural Language Processing<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Semantics<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Machine Learning<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Psycholinguistics<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Software Engineering<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Syntax<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-large\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"1024\" height=\"661\" src=\"https:\/\/leapscholar.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/07\/USA-2-1024x661.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-51980\" srcset=\"https:\/\/leapscholar.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/07\/USA-2-1024x661.jpg 1024w, https:\/\/leapscholar.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/07\/USA-2-300x194.jpg 300w, https:\/\/leapscholar.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/07\/USA-2-768x496.jpg 768w, https:\/\/leapscholar.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/07\/USA-2-1536x992.jpg 1536w, https:\/\/leapscholar.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/07\/USA-2-150x97.jpg 150w, https:\/\/leapscholar.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/07\/USA-2.jpg 1920w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px\" \/><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-stackable-heading stk-block-heading stk-block-heading--v2 stk-block stk-e4ae745\" id=\"developmental-and-adolescent-psychology\" data-block-id=\"e4ae745\"><h3 class=\"stk-block-heading__text\">Developmental and Adolescent Psychology<\/h3><\/div>\n\n\n\n<p>This programme with a strong emphasis on the scientific investigation of the distinctive phases of psychological development and growth that people experience from adolescence to adulthood.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>Includes instruction in<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul>\n<li>Cognitive and Perceptual Development<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Emotional Development<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Personality Development<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>The Effects of Biological Maturation on Behaviour<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Theories of Cognitive Growth and Related Research Methods<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Testing and Assessment Methods for Different Age Levels<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Research on Child and Adolescent Behaviour Therapy<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>The Psychology of Aging<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-stackable-heading stk-block-heading stk-block-heading--v2 stk-block stk-191c379\" id=\"geospatial-intelligence\" data-block-id=\"191c379\"><h3 class=\"stk-block-heading__text\">Geospatial-Intelligence<\/h3><\/div>\n\n\n\n<p>This course prepares students to relate human behaviours to cultural, political, economic, social, and physical landscapes to analyse security and intelligence issues from a geographic viewpoint.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>Includes instruction in<\/strong>&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul>\n<li>Aerial Photography Analysis<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Cartography<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Geographic Information Systems (GIS)<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Physical Geography<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Remote Sensing<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Spatial Programming<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Quantitative Methods in Geographic Research<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-stackable-heading stk-block-heading stk-block-heading--v2 stk-block stk-f887c4c\" id=\"demography-and-population-studies\" data-block-id=\"f887c4c\"><h3 class=\"stk-block-heading__text\">Demography and Population Studies<\/h3><\/div>\n\n\n\n<p>A course that emphasises the methodical investigation of population models, population phenomena, and associated issues with social organisation and behaviour.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>Includes instruction in&nbsp;<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul>\n<li>Population Growth<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Spatial Distribution<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Mortality and Fertility Factors<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Migration<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Dynamic Population Modeling<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Population Estimation and Projection<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Mathematical and Statistical Analysis of Population Data<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Population Policy Studies<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Applications to Problems in Economics and Government Planning<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-stackable-heading stk-block-heading stk-block-heading--v2 stk-block stk-909d979\" id=\"conclusion\" data-block-id=\"909d979\"><h2 class=\"stk-block-heading__text\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Conclusion\"><\/span>Conclusion<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2><\/div>\n\n\n\n<p>The USA has taken a new step towards making fields of study more accessible to international students. The new policy will help many students get knowledge and participate in the choice of their fields. Students will get wonderful opportunities to grow and gain knowledge in the process.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-stackable-heading stk-block-heading stk-block-heading--v2 stk-block stk-ece45a4\" id=\"frequently-asked-questions-fa-qs\" data-block-id=\"ece45a4\"><h2 class=\"stk-block-heading__text\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Frequently_Asked_Questions_FAQs\"><\/span>Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2><\/div>\n\n\n<div id=\"rank-math-faq\" class=\"rank-math-block\">\n<div class=\"rank-math-list \">\n<div id=\"faq-question-1689167765642\" class=\"rank-math-list-item\">\n<h5 class=\"rank-math-question \">Q. What are the eligible STEM fields for OPT?<\/h5>\n<div class=\"rank-math-answer \">\n\n<p>The eligible STEM fields for Optional Practical Training (OPT) in the United States are determined by the Department of Homeland Security (DHS). The official list of eligible STEM fields is the STEM Designated Degree Program List. It includes computer science, engineering, mathematics, biological sciences, physical sciences, and more.<\/p>\n\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div id=\"faq-question-1689167786018\" class=\"rank-math-list-item\">\n<h5 class=\"rank-math-question \">Q. How do I know if my degree qualifies as a STEM field?<\/h5>\n<div class=\"rank-math-answer \">\n\n<p>To determine if your degree qualifies as a STEM field, you should consult the STEM Designated Degree Program List published by the DHS. This list specifies the degrees and corresponding fields eligible for OPT extension. If your degree program matches a field on the list, you can consider it a STEM field.<\/p>\n\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div id=\"faq-question-1689167808837\" class=\"rank-math-list-item\">\n<h5 class=\"rank-math-question \">Q. Can I apply for an OPT extension if my degree is not in a STEM field?<\/h5>\n<div class=\"rank-math-answer \">\n\n<p>No, the OPT extension is specifically designed for students who have completed degrees in STEM fields. If your degree is not in a STEM field, you are not eligible for the 24-month extension of OPT. However, you may still be eligible for the standard 12-month OPT period.<\/p>\n\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div id=\"faq-question-1689168018219\" class=\"rank-math-list-item\">\n<h5 class=\"rank-math-question \">Q. Are there any restrictions or requirements for the OPT extension?<\/h5>\n<div class=\"rank-math-answer \">\n\n<p>Yes, there are certain requirements and restrictions for the OPT extension. You must have completed a degree in an eligible STEM field from a recognized U.S. institution, work for an employer enrolled in the E-Verify program, and submit a Form I-983 training plan. Additionally, you must report any changes in employment or address to your designated school official (DSO) to maintain your legal status during the OPT extension period.<\/p>\n\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p><span class=\"rt-reading-time\" style=\"display: block;\"><span class=\"rt-label rt-prefix\"><\/span> <span class=\"rt-time\">4<\/span> <span class=\"rt-label rt-postfix\">min read<\/span><\/span> According to a Federal Register notice, the United States will introduce eight new study subjects for international students looking to work professionally there. Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics Optional Practical Training (STEM OPT) will include additional subjects. On July 12, 2023, ICE and DHS announced in a Federal Register notice their amendment to the DHS [&hellip;]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":5,"featured_media":51622,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"footnotes":""},"categories":[5],"tags":[],"blocksy_meta":[],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/leapscholar.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/51620"}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/leapscholar.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/leapscholar.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/leapscholar.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/5"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/leapscholar.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=51620"}],"version-history":[{"count":5,"href":"https:\/\/leapscholar.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/51620\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":78392,"href":"https:\/\/leapscholar.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/51620\/revisions\/78392"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/leapscholar.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/51622"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/leapscholar.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=51620"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/leapscholar.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=51620"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/leapscholar.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=51620"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}