STEM-designated degrees give international students the opportunity to work in the United States

A STEM-designated degree is an academic program that falls under one or more of the approved categories from the United States Department of Homeland Security, and is focused on science, technology, engineering, and math (STEM) topics.

A STEM-designated degree is an academic program that falls under one or more of the approved categories from the United States Department of Homeland Security, and is focused on science, technology, engineering, and math (STEM) topics.

Understanding the value of STEM degrees

The Bureau of Labor Statistics predicts that the demand for STEM jobs will grow nearly 11% by 2031. Pursuing a STEM-designated career can pay off: The median annual wage for STEM occupations is around $95,420 — while non-STEM jobs earn a median annual wage of $41,120.

Live and work in the United States with a STEM degree

Opportunities await you after graduation if you pursue a STEM-designated degree. When you graduate with your bachelor’s, master’s, or doctoral degree, you have access to an F-1 visa and are able to complete work experience in your field of study following the completion of your degree through Optional Practical Training.

Training periods can vary, but usually last for 12 months (a 24-month extension is also available). The extension can be used twice in a lifetime which is an additional benefit from the United States Citizenship and Immigration Services. During the OPT period, enrolling in university courses is not allowed.

As the number of skilled technology professionals continues to outpace workers available, the program is crucial for economic growth in the United States.

International students thrive at ASU

The United States — and Arizona State University — continue to be top destinations for international students. According to Open Doors 2022, a report on international educational exchange released by the Institute of International Education and the U.S. Department of State’s Bureau of Educational and Cultural Affairs, nearly 950,000 international students from over 200 places of origin studied at U.S. institutions of higher education in the 2021-22 academic year. Among those institutions, ASU is listed in the top 5 for international student enrollment.

STEM degrees at W. P. Carey

Find the right STEM-designated program for you at ASU’s highly ranked W. P. Carey School of Business. Many undergraduate and graduate offers exist. STEM-designated master's and MBA degrees offered by W. P. Carey include the following:

• Master of Accountancy and Data Analytics (MACC)
• Master of Science in Business Analytics (MS-BA)
• Master of Science in Finance (MS-FIN)
• Master of Science in Global Logistics (MS-GL)
• Master of Science in Innovation and Venture Development (MS-IVD)
• Master of Science in Information Systems Management (MS-ISM)
• Master of Science in Supply Chain Management (MS-SCM)
• Evening MBA
• Executive MBA
• Full-time MBA

Measuring ourselves by whom we include and how they succeed, we are proud to welcome international students from countries around the world.