{"id":55289,"date":"2024-03-14T07:37:56","date_gmt":"2024-03-14T07:37:56","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/leapscholar.com\/blog\/?p=55289"},"modified":"2026-09-17T12:19:16","modified_gmt":"2026-09-17T12:19:16","slug":"what-is-stem-degree-meaning-list-of-stem-courses","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/leapscholar.com\/blog\/what-is-stem-degree-meaning-list-of-stem-courses\/","title":{"rendered":"What Is a STEM Degree? Meaning, Full Course List, and Why It Matters for OPT"},"content":{"rendered":"<span class=\"span-reading-time rt-reading-time\" style=\"display: block;\"><span class=\"rt-label rt-prefix\"><\/span> <span class=\"rt-time\"> 10<\/span> <span class=\"rt-label rt-postfix\">min read<\/span><\/span>\n<div class=\"quick-read-box\">\n\n  <div class=\"qr-header\">\n    <span style=\"font-size:18px;\">\u26a1<\/span>\n    <h3 class=\"qr-title\">Quick Read<\/h3>\n  <\/div>\n\n  <ul>\n    <li>STEM stands for Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics.<\/li>\n\n    <li>A STEM degree can add 24 extra months to US work authorization.<\/li>\n\n    <li>Associate degrees don&#8217;t qualify for the STEM OPT extension at all.<\/li>\n\n    <li>The official STEM degree list covers over 500 specific CIP-coded programs.<\/li>\n\n    <li>Political science sits in a genuine grey zone, not clearly STEM.<\/li>\n\n    <li>Computer science and data science are unambiguous STEM courses.<\/li>\n  <\/ul>\n\n  <div class=\"qr-footer\">\n    ? Best for: Indian students shortlisting STEM courses for the Fall 2027 intake\n  <\/div>\n\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><\/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\/what-is-stem-degree-meaning-list-of-stem-courses\/#STEM_Degree_Meaning_Duration_and_Popular_Specializations\" title=\"STEM Degree Meaning, Duration, and Popular Specializations\">STEM Degree Meaning, Duration, and Popular Specializations<\/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\/what-is-stem-degree-meaning-list-of-stem-courses\/#Top_Universities_Across_the_World_Offering_STEM_Degrees\" title=\"Top Universities Across the World Offering STEM Degrees\">Top Universities Across the World Offering STEM Degrees<\/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\/what-is-stem-degree-meaning-list-of-stem-courses\/#What_the_Official_STEM_Degree_List_Actually_Includes\" title=\"What the Official STEM Degree List Actually Includes\">What the Official STEM Degree List Actually Includes<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-4\" href=\"https:\/\/leapscholar.com\/blog\/what-is-stem-degree-meaning-list-of-stem-courses\/#Computer_Science_and_Data_Science_Confirmed_STEM_Degrees\" title=\"Computer Science and Data Science: Confirmed STEM Degrees\">Computer Science and Data Science: Confirmed STEM Degrees<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-5\" href=\"https:\/\/leapscholar.com\/blog\/what-is-stem-degree-meaning-list-of-stem-courses\/#Political_Science_and_Health_Science_Where_STEM_Status_Gets_Complicated\" title=\"Political Science and Health Science: Where STEM Status Gets Complicated\">Political Science and Health Science: Where STEM Status Gets Complicated<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-6\" href=\"https:\/\/leapscholar.com\/blog\/what-is-stem-degree-meaning-list-of-stem-courses\/#Associate_Degrees_and_the_STEM_OPT_Extension\" title=\"Associate Degrees and the STEM OPT Extension\">Associate Degrees and the STEM OPT Extension<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-7\" href=\"https:\/\/leapscholar.com\/blog\/what-is-stem-degree-meaning-list-of-stem-courses\/#STEM_Degree_and_the_OPT_Advantage_for_Fall_2027_Applicants\" title=\"STEM Degree and the OPT Advantage for Fall 2027 Applicants\">STEM Degree and the OPT Advantage for Fall 2027 Applicants<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-8\" href=\"https:\/\/leapscholar.com\/blog\/what-is-stem-degree-meaning-list-of-stem-courses\/#STEM_Degree_Salaries_and_Job_Outlook\" title=\"STEM Degree Salaries and Job Outlook\">STEM Degree Salaries and Job Outlook<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-9\" href=\"https:\/\/leapscholar.com\/blog\/what-is-stem-degree-meaning-list-of-stem-courses\/#3_Key_Takeaways_on_What_Is_a_STEM_Degree\" title=\"3 Key Takeaways on What Is a STEM Degree\">3 Key Takeaways on What Is a STEM Degree<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-10\" href=\"https:\/\/leapscholar.com\/blog\/what-is-stem-degree-meaning-list-of-stem-courses\/#Frequently_Asked_Questions_About_What_Is_a_STEM_Degree\" title=\"Frequently Asked Questions About What Is a STEM Degree\">Frequently Asked Questions About What Is a STEM Degree<\/a><\/li><\/ul><\/nav><\/div>\n\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-stackable-heading stk-block-heading stk-block-heading--v2 stk-block stk-33eeded\" id=\"strong-stem-degree-meaning-duration-and-popular-specializations-strong\" data-block-id=\"33eeded\"><h2 class=\"stk-block-heading__text\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"STEM_Degree_Meaning_Duration_and_Popular_Specializations\"><\/span><strong>STEM Degree Meaning, Duration, and Popular Specializations<\/strong><span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2><\/div>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">STEM stands for Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics. A STEM degree is a program in one of these fields, officially defined in the US by the<a href=\"https:\/\/www.ice.gov\/doclib\/sevis\/pdf\/stemList2024.pdf\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\"> <\/a><a href=\"https:\/\/www.ice.gov\/doclib\/sevis\/pdf\/stemList2024.pdf\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">DHS STEM Designated Degree Program List<\/a>, which assigns every recognized field a CIP (Classification of Instructional Programs) code. Only programs with a code on that list count as STEM for immigration purposes, regardless of how technical the subject sounds.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Answering \u201cwhat is a STEM degree\u201d comes down to two things: the acronym itself and the CIP-code definition that makes it enforceable for visa purposes.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-stackable-heading stk-block-heading stk-block-heading--v2 stk-block stk-f4199c9\" id=\"strong-typical-duration-strong\" data-block-id=\"f4199c9\"><h3 class=\"stk-block-heading__text\"><strong>Typical duration:<\/strong><\/h3><\/div>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li><strong>Bachelor&#8217;s degree: <\/strong>3 to 4 years<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Master&#8217;s degree:<\/strong> 1 to 2 years, similar to most non-STEM postgraduate programs<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-stackable-heading stk-block-heading stk-block-heading--v2 stk-block stk-f5d16e8\" id=\"strong-popular-specializations-strong\" data-block-id=\"f5d16e8\"><h3 class=\"stk-block-heading__text\"><strong>Popular specializations:<\/strong><\/h3><\/div>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>Computer science and data science<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Mechanical and electrical engineering<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Biotechnology and biomedical sciences<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Mathematics and statistics<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Physics and applied sciences<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-stackable-heading stk-block-heading stk-block-heading--v2 stk-block stk-6e32a64\" id=\"strong-top-countries-for-stem-degrees-strong\" data-block-id=\"6e32a64\"><h3 class=\"stk-block-heading__text\"><strong>Top countries for STEM degrees:<\/strong><\/h3><\/div>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>United States: most globally ranked STEM universities, plus the OPT advantage<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>United Kingdom: strong engineering and computing, including Imperial College London<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Germany: low-cost or tuition-free public universities with solid engineering<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Canada: strong STEM offerings paired with a post-study work permit<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Switzerland: home to ETH Zurich and a research-heavy STEM culture<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Singapore: a fast-growing STEM hub in Asia with strong industry ties<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">The actual list runs far wider than this shortlist, as the next few sections show.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-stackable-heading stk-block-heading stk-block-heading--v2 stk-block stk-20ed5bc\" id=\"strong-why-students-choose-a-stem-degree-strong\" data-block-id=\"20ed5bc\"><h3 class=\"stk-block-heading__text\"><strong>Why students choose a STEM degree:<\/strong><\/h3><\/div>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>Stronger salary outcomes, covered later in this guide<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Eligibility for extended US work authorization after graduation<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">This second reason is what most Indian applicants are actually trying to confirm when they search this term, so knowing the acronym is only step one.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><strong><em>My insight:<\/em><\/strong><em> In counseling sessions, students almost never ask what the letters stand for. They ask whether their specific course counts, which comes down to a CIP code on the I-20, not the subject&#8217;s name or department.<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-stackable-heading stk-block-heading stk-block-heading--v2 stk-block stk-f2134df\" id=\"strong-top-universities-across-the-world-offering-stem-degrees-strong\" data-block-id=\"f2134df\"><h2 class=\"stk-block-heading__text\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Top_Universities_Across_the_World_Offering_STEM_Degrees\"><\/span><strong>Top Universities Across the World Offering STEM Degrees<\/strong><span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2><\/div>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Once you know what is a STEM degree and which fields qualify, the next step is choosing where to study. Not every STEM college with a strong course carries the same entry bar, cost, or scholarship access. Here&#8217;s a snapshot of well-established options across different regions and budgets.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-table is-style-stripes\"><table class=\"has-palette-color-5-background-color has-background has-fixed-layout\"><thead><tr><th><strong>University (QS Rank 2027)<\/strong><\/th><th><strong>Entry Requirement<\/strong><\/th><th><strong>Tuition Fee<\/strong><\/th><th><strong>Scholarships<\/strong><\/th><\/tr><\/thead><tbody><tr><td><a href=\"https:\/\/mitadmissions.org\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">Massachusetts Institute of Technology<\/a> (QS 1)<\/td><td>Strong math\/science profile, TOEFL 100+ or IELTS 7.0+<\/td><td>USD 64,310\/year, approx. Rs.61.67 lakh (2025-26)<\/td><td>The need-based<a href=\"https:\/\/sfs.mit.edu\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\"> <\/a><a href=\"https:\/\/sfs.mit.edu\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">MIT Scholarship<\/a> meets full demonstrated need<\/td><\/tr><tr><td><a href=\"https:\/\/www.imperial.ac.uk\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">Imperial College London<\/a> (QS = 2)<\/td><td>A<em>A<\/em>A at A-level or IB 40 with HL7 in Maths, IELTS 6.5-7.0<\/td><td>GBP 40,940\/year, approx. Rs.52.55 lakh, for engineering (2025-26)<\/td><td><a href=\"https:\/\/www.imperial.ac.uk\/scholarships\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">Imperial scholarships<\/a> for eligible international undergraduates<\/td><\/tr><tr><td><a href=\"https:\/\/www.stanford.edu\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">Stanford University<\/a> (QS = 2)<\/td><td>Strong academic record, TOEFL 100+ or IELTS 7.0+<\/td><td>USD 62,484\/year, approx. Rs.59.92 lakh (2025-26, tuition only)<\/td><td>Need-based<a href=\"https:\/\/financialaid.stanford.edu\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\"> <\/a><a href=\"https:\/\/financialaid.stanford.edu\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">Stanford financial aid<\/a>, no separate merit scholarship<\/td><\/tr><tr><td><a href=\"https:\/\/ethz.ch\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">ETH Zurich<\/a> (QS 8)<\/td><td>Recognized higher secondary qualification plus strong math\/physics grades<\/td><td>CHF 2,190\/semester, approx. Rs.2.55 lakh, for students who qualified outside Switzerland (from Autumn 2025)<\/td><td><a href=\"https:\/\/ethz.ch\/students\/en\/studies\/financial\/scholarships.html\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">ETH scholarships<\/a>, mainly at master&#8217;s level<\/td><\/tr><tr><td><a href=\"https:\/\/www.caltech.edu\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">California Institute of Technology<\/a> (QS = 7)<\/td><td>Rigorous math\/science coursework, TOEFL 100+ or IELTS 7.0+<\/td><td>USD 65,622\/year, approx. Rs.62.93 lakh (2025-26)<\/td><td>Need-based<a href=\"https:\/\/finaid.caltech.edu\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\"> <\/a><a href=\"https:\/\/finaid.caltech.edu\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">Caltech financial aid<\/a>, no merit scholarships offered<\/td><\/tr><\/tbody><\/table><figcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\"><strong><em>Exchange rates used: <\/em><\/strong><em>Rs.95.90 per USD, Rs.128.31 per GBP, and Rs.116.23 per CHF, as of September 17, 2026. Rates move daily, so check the current rate before budgeting.<\/em><br><strong><em>Sources:<\/em><\/strong><em><a href=\"https:\/\/sfs.mit.edu\/cost-of-attendance-class-of-2029\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\"> <\/a><u><a href=\"https:\/\/www.topuniversities.com\/world-university-rankings\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">QS World University Rankings 2027<\/a><\/u>, <u><a href=\"https:\/\/sfs.mit.edu\/undergraduate-students\/the-cost-of-attendance\/coa\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">MIT cost of attendance<\/a><\/u>,<a href=\"https:\/\/www.imperial.ac.uk\/students\/fees-and-funding\/tuition-fees\/undergraduate-tuition-fees\/2025-26\/faculty-of-engineering\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\"> <\/a><u><a href=\"https:\/\/www.imperial.ac.uk\/students\/fees-and-funding\/tuition-fees\/undergraduate-tuition-fees\/2025-26\/faculty-of-engineering\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">Imperial College London engineering fees<\/a><\/u>,<a href=\"https:\/\/ethz.ch\/students\/en\/studies\/financial\/studiengebuehren.html\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\"> <\/a><u><a href=\"https:\/\/ethz.ch\/students\/en\/studies\/financial\/studiengebuehren.html\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">ETH Zurich tuition fees<\/a><\/u>,<a href=\"https:\/\/finaid.caltech.edu\/costs\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\"> <\/a><u><a href=\"https:\/\/finaid.caltech.edu\/costs\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">Caltech cost of attendance<\/a><\/u>, Stanford Financial Aid<\/em><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><strong><em>Read more:<\/em><\/strong><em><u><a href=\"https:\/\/leapscholar.com\/blog\/mit-scholarships-for-indian-students-eligibility-tips\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">MIT Scholarships for Indian students<\/a><\/u><\/em><em>, <\/em><em><u><a href=\"https:\/\/leapscholar.com\/blog\/stanford-university-scholarship-for-indian-students-eligibility-tips\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">Stanford University Scholarship<\/a><\/u><\/em><em>, <\/em><em><u><a href=\"https:\/\/leapscholar.com\/blog\/eth-zurich-excellence-scholarship-opportunity-programme\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">ETH Zurich Excellence Scholarship<\/a><\/u><\/em><em>.<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><strong><em>My insight:<\/em><\/strong><em> ETH Zurich&#8217;s fee jump is recent and easy to miss if you&#8217;re reading an older blog post. Tuition tripled for international entrants starting Autumn 2025, so any STEM college comparison still quoting the old CHF 730 figure for non-Swiss applicants is out of date.<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-stackable-heading stk-block-heading stk-block-heading--v2 stk-block stk-823e746\" id=\"strong-what-the-official-stem-degree-list-actually-includes-strong\" data-block-id=\"823e746\"><h2 class=\"stk-block-heading__text\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"What_the_Official_STEM_Degree_List_Actually_Includes\"><\/span><strong>What the Official STEM Degree List Actually Includes<\/strong><span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2><\/div>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Most people picture engineering, computer science, and physics when they hear &#8220;STEM courses.&#8221; The real list is broader than that, and it&#8217;s the full answer to \u201cwhat is a STEMdegree\u201d straight from the source that decides it.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-table is-style-stripes\"><table class=\"has-palette-color-5-background-color has-background has-fixed-layout\"><thead><tr><th><strong>CIP Series Type<\/strong><\/th><th><strong>Examples<\/strong><\/th><\/tr><\/thead><tbody><tr><td>Four core series (automatic inclusion)<\/td><td>Engineering, Biological and Biomedical Sciences, Mathematics and Statistics, Physical Sciences<\/td><\/tr><tr><td>Related series (specific programs only)<\/td><td>Agriculture, Architecture, Communication Technologies, and select Psychology and Health Professions programs<\/td><\/tr><tr><td>Notable recent additions (2023)<\/td><td>Landscape Architecture, Geospatial Intelligence, Developmental and Adolescent Psychology, Demography, and Population Studies<\/td><\/tr><\/tbody><\/table><figcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\"><strong><em>Sources:<\/em><\/strong><em> DHS STEM Designated Degree Program List,<a href=\"https:\/\/studyinthestates.dhs.gov\/2024\/07\/review-the-updated-dhs-stem-designated-degree-program-list\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\"> <\/a><u><a href=\"https:\/\/studyinthestates.dhs.gov\/2024\/07\/review-the-updated-dhs-stem-designated-degree-program-list\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">Study in the States: 2023 CIP code additions<\/a><\/u><\/em><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Demography and Population Studies is a useful example of how this list actually moves. It joined the list alongside seven other fields in 2023, based on public nominations, so this isn&#8217;t a static list frozen since 2016.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><strong><em>My insight:<\/em><\/strong><em> Students sometimes assume a course is STEM just because it has &#8220;science&#8221; or &#8220;technology&#8221; in the title. The program name means nothing here. What matters is the CIP code printed on the I-20, assigned by the university based on the actual curriculum.<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-stackable-heading stk-block-heading stk-block-heading--v2 stk-block stk-2e403d9\" id=\"strong-computer-science-and-data-science-confirmed-stem-degrees-strong\" data-block-id=\"2e403d9\"><h2 class=\"stk-block-heading__text\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Computer_Science_and_Data_Science_Confirmed_STEM_Degrees\"><\/span><strong>Computer Science and Data Science: Confirmed STEM Degrees<\/strong><span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2><\/div>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Computer science and data science both sit inside the Computer and Information Sciences CIP series, one of the STEM list&#8217;s core categories. For these two fields, \u201cwhat is a STEM degree\u201d has an unambiguous answer: yes.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">If you&#8217;re weighing a computer science route specifically, it&#8217;s worth understanding how it differs from computer engineering before you commit, since the two get confused constantly despite leading to fairly different day-to-day work.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><em>Our<\/em><em><a href=\"https:\/\/leapscholar.com\/blog\/difference-between-computer-science-vs-computer-engineering\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\"> <\/a><\/em><em><u><a href=\"https:\/\/leapscholar.com\/blog\/difference-between-computer-science-vs-computer-engineering\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">comparison of computer science and computer engineering<\/a><\/u><\/em><em> breaks that down.<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><em>If data science is the direction you&#8217;re leaning toward instead, the<\/em><em><a href=\"https:\/\/leapscholar.com\/blog\/ms-in-data-science-in-usa-eligibility-cost-top-colleges-admission-process\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\"> <\/a><\/em><em><u><a href=\"https:\/\/leapscholar.com\/blog\/ms-in-data-science-in-usa-eligibility-cost-top-colleges-admission-process\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">MS in Data Science in USA guide<\/a><\/u><\/em><em> covers universities and costs specifically for that path.<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><strong><em>My insight:<\/em><\/strong><em> Students rarely ask me whether CS or data science counts. They already know. What they actually need help with is choosing between the two, which usually comes down to whether you want to build systems or extract insight from them.<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-stackable-heading stk-block-heading stk-block-heading--v2 stk-block stk-2385931\" id=\"strong-political-science-and-health-science-where-stem-status-gets-complicated-strong\" data-block-id=\"2385931\"><h2 class=\"stk-block-heading__text\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Political_Science_and_Health_Science_Where_STEM_Status_Gets_Complicated\"><\/span><strong>Political Science and Health Science: Where STEM Status Gets Complicated<\/strong><span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2><\/div>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Political science and health science don&#8217;t have a simple yes-or-no answer. This is exactly where \u201cwhat is a STEM degree\u201d stops being a straightforward question.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>Political science:<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>Generally not on the STEM Designated Degree Program List<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>The closest overlap is Demography and Population Studies, a narrow, quantitative field<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Political science broadly stays outside the list<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>Health science:<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>Health Professions appears as one of the STEM list&#8217;s related CIP series<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Only specific, named programs within it qualify, not the whole category<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>A health informatics or health information management degree may be STEM-designated<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>A general health science or public health degree often is not<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><strong><em>Sources:<\/em><\/strong><em> DHS STEM Designated Degree Program List<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><strong><em>My insight:<\/em><\/strong><em> This is the single most common mix-up we untangle. A student hears &#8220;health science is STEM&#8221; from a friend and assumes their specific program automatically qualifies. It doesn&#8217;t work that way. Always confirm the exact CIP code with your intended university before assuming anything.<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-stackable-heading stk-block-heading stk-block-heading--v2 stk-block stk-8444338\" id=\"strong-associate-degrees-and-the-stem-opt-extension-strong\" data-block-id=\"8444338\"><h2 class=\"stk-block-heading__text\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Associate_Degrees_and_the_STEM_OPT_Extension\"><\/span><strong>Associate Degrees and the STEM OPT Extension<\/strong><span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2><\/div>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Here&#8217;s the part worth being blunt about. What is a STEM degree worth if the credential itself is only two years long? Less than most students assume. The 24-month STEM OPT extension requires a bachelor&#8217;s, master&#8217;s, or doctoral degree.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>A 2-year associate degree does not qualify for the extension at all<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>This holds even if the credential is called an &#8220;Associate of Applied Science&#8221;<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>This holds even if the subject itself is a listed STEM field<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>The degree level matters just as much as the subject<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">This finding directly addresses a genuinely confused search pattern. Students who&#8217;ve heard &#8220;STEM gets you extra work time&#8221; sometimes assume any STEM-labeled two-year credential carries the same benefit. It doesn&#8217;t.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><strong><em>My insight: <\/em><\/strong><em>This trips up more students than the political science question does, precisely because it feels like it shouldn&#8217;t matter; the subject is genuinely STEM, so the degree-level exception feels like a technicality. Immigration doesn&#8217;t treat it that way.<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-stackable-heading stk-block-heading stk-block-heading--v2 stk-block stk-c0eae29\" id=\"strong-stem-degree-and-the-opt-advantage-for-fall-2027-applicants-strong\" data-block-id=\"c0eae29\"><h2 class=\"stk-block-heading__text\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"STEM_Degree_and_the_OPT_Advantage_for_Fall_2027_Applicants\"><\/span><strong>STEM Degree and the OPT Advantage for Fall 2027 Applicants<\/strong><span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2><\/div>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><a href=\"https:\/\/leapscholar.com\/blog\/fall-admissions-in-usa-deadline-intake\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">Fall intake<\/a> (starting August or September) remains the primary, largest intake at most US universities, with<a href=\"https:\/\/leapscholar.com\/blog\/spring-intake-in-usa-universities-application\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\"> <\/a><a href=\"https:\/\/leapscholar.com\/blog\/spring-intake-in-usa-universities-application\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">Spring intake in USA<\/a> in January serving as a smaller secondary option at far fewer institutions.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Since it&#8217;s currently mid-September 2026, Fall 2026 has already begun, so the intake worth actively planning around right now is Fall 2027. Knowing what is a STEM degree matters most right here, where it starts paying off.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-table is-style-stripes\"><table class=\"has-palette-color-5-background-color has-background has-fixed-layout\"><thead><tr><th><strong>Timeline (from today)<\/strong><\/th><th><strong>What Happens<\/strong><\/th><\/tr><\/thead><tbody><tr><td>Now through November 2026<\/td><td>Exams (<a href=\"https:\/\/leapscholar.com\/html-sitemap\/gre-exam\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">GRE<\/a>\/<a href=\"https:\/\/leapscholar.com\/html-sitemap\/toefl-exam\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">TOEFL<\/a>\/<a href=\"https:\/\/leapscholar.com\/exams\/ielts\/practice-test\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">IELTS<\/a>), university shortlisting, and CIP code verification<\/td><\/tr><tr><td>November 2026 to January 2027<\/td><td>Application deadlines (Early Action and Regular Decision)<\/td><\/tr><tr><td>January to March 2027<\/td><td>Admission decisions released<\/td><\/tr><tr><td>March to May 2027<\/td><td><a href=\"https:\/\/leapscholar.com\/blog\/what-is-i20-form-in-usa-fees-and-sample\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">I-20<\/a> issued, <a href=\"https:\/\/leapscholar.com\/blog\/how-to-apply-for-a-student-visa-usa\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">visa <\/a>interview scheduled and completed<\/td><\/tr><tr><td>August\/September 2027<\/td><td>Fall 2027 intake begins<\/td><\/tr><\/tbody><\/table><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><strong><em>Once enrolled, a STEM-designated degree adds real, concrete value: <\/em><\/strong><em>Standard Optional Practical Training (OPT) gives F-1 graduates 12 months of US work authorization, and a STEM-designated degree adds a 24-month extension on top of that, for a total of 36 months.<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><em>Understanding<\/em><em><a href=\"https:\/\/leapscholar.com\/blog\/what-is-opt-and-cpt-difference-between\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\"> <\/a><\/em><em><u><a href=\"https:\/\/leapscholar.com\/blog\/what-is-opt-and-cpt-difference-between\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">how OPT differs from CPT<\/a><\/u><\/em><em> is worth doing early, since the STEM extension applies after standard OPT, not instead of it.<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><em>Our breakdown of<\/em><em><a href=\"https:\/\/leapscholar.com\/blog\/usa-adds-new-stem-fields-for-opt\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\"> <\/a><\/em><em><u><a href=\"https:\/\/leapscholar.com\/blog\/usa-adds-new-stem-fields-for-opt\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">how the US added new STEM fields for OPT<\/a><\/u><\/em><em> covers how these list updates actually happen.<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><strong><em>My insight:<\/em><\/strong><em> August through November is when &#8220;is my course STEM&#8221; questions spike every year, right as Fall applicants finalize their shortlists. If you&#8217;re in that window now, verify the CIP code before you submit, not after the I-20 arrives.<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-stackable-heading stk-block-heading stk-block-heading--v2 stk-block stk-5f82746\" id=\"strong-stem-degree-salaries-and-job-outlook-strong\" data-block-id=\"5f82746\"><h2 class=\"stk-block-heading__text\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"STEM_Degree_Salaries_and_Job_Outlook\"><\/span><strong>STEM Degree Salaries and Job Outlook<\/strong><span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2><\/div>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">STEM occupations continue to out-earn non-STEM roles by a wide margin, which is why confirming what is a STEM degree before committing to a course matters. The figures below come from the US Bureau of Labor Statistics&#8217; most recent STEM employment report, published in December 2025, which remains the latest official comparison of its kind.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Computer and IT roles alone are expected to open up around 317,700 positions a year through 2034, and STEM occupations already make up close to a quarter of the entire US workforce in 2024.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-table is-style-stripes\"><table class=\"has-palette-color-5-background-color has-background has-fixed-layout\"><thead><tr><th><strong>Occupation Category<\/strong><\/th><th><strong>Median Annual Salary (USD)<\/strong><\/th><th><strong>Median Annual Salary (INR, approx.)<\/strong><\/th><\/tr><\/thead><tbody><tr><td>All STEM occupations<\/td><td>$103,580<\/td><td>Rs.99.33 lakh<\/td><\/tr><tr><td>Computer and IT occupations<\/td><td>$105,990<\/td><td>Rs.1.02 crore<\/td><\/tr><tr><td>Operations research analysts<\/td><td>$91,290<\/td><td>Rs.87.55 lakh<\/td><\/tr><tr><td>All non-STEM occupations<\/td><td>$48,000<\/td><td>Rs.46.03 lakh<\/td><\/tr><\/tbody><\/table><figcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\"><strong><em>Exchange rate used:<\/em><\/strong><em> Rs.95.90 per USD, as of September 17, 2026. Rates move daily, so check the current rate before budgeting.<\/em><br><strong><em>Sources:<\/em><\/strong><em><a href=\"https:\/\/www.bls.gov\/emp\/tables\/stem-employment.htm\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\"> <\/a><u><a href=\"https:\/\/www.bls.gov\/emp\/tables\/stem-employment.htm\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">US Bureau of Labor Statistics: STEM employment<\/a><\/u>,<a href=\"https:\/\/www.bls.gov\/ooh\/computer-and-information-technology\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\"> <\/a><u><a href=\"https:\/\/www.bls.gov\/ooh\/computer-and-information-technology\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">BLS: computer and IT occupational outlook<\/a><\/u>,<a href=\"https:\/\/ncses.nsf.gov\/pubs\/nsbsep20261\/stem-talent-education-training-and-workforce-2\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\"> <\/a><u><a href=\"https:\/\/ncses.nsf.gov\/pubs\/nsbsep20261\/stem-talent-education-training-and-workforce-2\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">National Science Foundation: State of the Science and Engineering 2026<\/a><\/u><\/em><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><strong><em>My insight:<\/em><\/strong><em> Take these numbers as a starting point, not a promise. What a graduate actually ends up earning depends far more on the specific course, the university&#8217;s reputation in that field, and the city they land in than on any national median.<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-stackable-heading stk-block-heading stk-block-heading--v2 stk-block stk-e75148a\" id=\"strong-3-key-takeaways-on-what-is-a-stem-degree-strong\" data-block-id=\"e75148a\"><h2 class=\"stk-block-heading__text\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"3_Key_Takeaways_on_What_Is_a_STEM_Degree\"><\/span><strong>3 Key Takeaways on What Is a STEM Degree<\/strong><span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2><\/div>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>1. The CIP code decides, not the course name.<\/strong> A degree is only a STEM degree if its specific CIP code appears on the official list. Check the code, not the title.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>2. Degree level matters as much as the subject.<\/strong> Associate degrees don&#8217;t unlock the STEM OPT extension, no matter how STEM-sounding the subject is. A bachelor&#8217;s degree or higher is required.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>3. Some fields are genuinely contested, and it&#8217;s fine to say so.<\/strong> Political science and general health science do not have clear yes-or-no answers. Verify your assumption before planning your OPT timeline.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><strong><em>Verified by:<\/em><\/strong><em> LeapScholar&#8217;s US counseling team, who help Fall-intake applicants confirm CIP codes and STEM eligibility before finalizing their shortlist.<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><em>Not sure if your shortlisted course actually qualifies? <\/em><em><u><a href=\"https:\/\/leapscholar.com\/webflow_progressive_form?utm_source=Counselling_SEO&amp;utm_medium=Blogs\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">Talk to a LeapScholar counselor before you apply<\/a><\/u><\/em><em>.<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-stackable-heading stk-block-heading stk-block-heading--v2 stk-block stk-a7954d2\" id=\"strong-frequently-asked-questions-about-what-is-a-stem-degree-strong\" data-block-id=\"a7954d2\"><h2 class=\"stk-block-heading__text\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Frequently_Asked_Questions_About_What_Is_a_STEM_Degree\"><\/span><strong>Frequently Asked Questions About What Is a STEM Degree<\/strong><span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2><\/div>\n\n\n<div id=\"rank-math-faq\" class=\"rank-math-block\">\n<ul class=\"rank-math-list \">\n<li id=\"faq-question-1789647325378\" class=\"rank-math-list-item\">\n<h5 class=\"rank-math-question \"><strong>What is a STEM degree in simple terms?<\/strong><\/h5>\n<div class=\"rank-math-answer \">\n\n<p>It&#8217;s a degree in a field officially designated as Science, Technology, Engineering, or Mathematics, based on the program&#8217;s CIP code rather than its subject matter or department name. This designation is what unlocks the 24-month OPT extension for F-1 students in the US.<\/p>\n\n<\/div>\n<\/li>\n<li id=\"faq-question-1789647327121\" class=\"rank-math-list-item\">\n<h5 class=\"rank-math-question \"><strong>Is a data science degree a STEM degree?<\/strong> <\/h5>\n<div class=\"rank-math-answer \">\n\n<p>Yes. Data science sits within the Computer and Information Sciences CIP series, a core category on the official STEM list, so it qualifies without ambiguity.<\/p>\n\n<\/div>\n<\/li>\n<li id=\"faq-question-1789647328347\" class=\"rank-math-list-item\">\n<h5 class=\"rank-math-question \"><strong>Is a computer science degree considered STEM?<\/strong> <\/h5>\n<div class=\"rank-math-answer \">\n\n<p>Definitely. Computer science is one of the clearest, least contested STEM courses on the list, alongside its close relative, computer engineering.<\/p>\n\n<\/div>\n<\/li>\n<li id=\"faq-question-1789647329482\" class=\"rank-math-list-item\">\n<h5 class=\"rank-math-question \"><strong>What is a political science degree about, and does it count as STEM?<\/strong><\/h5>\n<div class=\"rank-math-answer \">\n\n<p>Political science studies government, policy, and political behavior, and it generally sits outside the official STEM list. Treat any claim that it&#8217;s automatically STEM with real caution, and check the exact program&#8217;s CIP code if you&#8217;re unsure.<\/p>\n\n<\/div>\n<\/li>\n<li id=\"faq-question-1789647330688\" class=\"rank-math-list-item\">\n<h5 class=\"rank-math-question \"><strong>What is a health science degree about, and is it STEM?<\/strong><\/h5>\n<div class=\"rank-math-answer \">\n\n<p>It depends entirely on the specific program. Health Professions has some CIP codes on the list and plenty that aren&#8217;t, so a health informatics degree might qualify while a general health science degree might not.<\/p>\n\n<\/div>\n<\/li>\n<li id=\"faq-question-1789647332116\" class=\"rank-math-list-item\">\n<h5 class=\"rank-math-question \"><strong>What is an applied science associate degree, and does it help with OPT?<\/strong> <\/h5>\n<div class=\"rank-math-answer \">\n\n<p>It&#8217;s typically a two-year, career-focused credential, often called an Associate of Applied Science. For the STEM OPT extension specifically, it doesn&#8217;t help at all, since that extension requires a bachelor&#8217;s degree or higher, regardless of subject.<\/p>\n\n<\/div>\n<\/li>\n<li id=\"faq-question-1789647333372\" class=\"rank-math-list-item\">\n<h5 class=\"rank-math-question \"><strong>What is STEM as a major, versus just a subject you study?<\/strong><\/h5>\n<div class=\"rank-math-answer \">\n\n<p>Nobody actually majors in &#8220;STEM&#8221; itself. It&#8217;s a category, not a standalone program. Students major in a specific field, computer science, mechanical engineering, or biology, and that field either carries a STEM degree designation or it doesn&#8217;t.<\/p>\n\n<\/div>\n<\/li>\n<li id=\"faq-question-1789647334552\" class=\"rank-math-list-item\">\n<h5 class=\"rank-math-question \"><strong>How many STEM courses are on the official list?<\/strong><\/h5>\n<div class=\"rank-math-answer \">\n\n<p>Over 500 individual, CIP-coded programs as of the July 2024 update span more categories than most students expect, including agriculture, architecture, and select psychology and communication fields.<\/p>\n\n<\/div>\n<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/div>","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p><span class=\"span-reading-time rt-reading-time\" style=\"display: block;\"><span class=\"rt-label rt-prefix\"><\/span> <span class=\"rt-time\"> 10<\/span> <span class=\"rt-label rt-postfix\">min read<\/span><\/span>\u26a1 Quick Read STEM stands for Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics. A STEM degree can add 24 extra months to US work authorization. Associate degrees don&#8217;t qualify for the STEM OPT extension at all. The official STEM degree list covers over 500 specific CIP-coded programs. Political science sits in a genuine grey zone, not clearly [&hellip;]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":80,"featured_media":83972,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"footnotes":""},"categories":[6],"tags":[],"class_list":["post-55289","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-courses"],"blocksy_meta":{"styles_descriptor":{"styles":{"desktop":"","tablet":"","mobile":""},"google_fonts":[],"version":6}},"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/leapscholar.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/55289","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"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\/80"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/leapscholar.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=55289"}],"version-history":[{"count":26,"href":"https:\/\/leapscholar.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/55289\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":83973,"href":"https:\/\/leapscholar.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/55289\/revisions\/83973"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/leapscholar.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/83972"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/leapscholar.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=55289"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/leapscholar.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=55289"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/leapscholar.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=55289"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}