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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.

Madeline Sargent

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 by 13% by 2027. Pursuing a STEM-designated career can pay off: the national pay average is around $87,570, while non-stem jobs earn roughly half as much, with an annual average of $45,700.

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. In 2020, one million international students are studying at colleges and universities in America. 

International students are starting to become even more engaged in optional practical training programs

During the 2018-2019 academic year 223,085 international students participated in the program, which is a 10% increase over the year before. This report is from the 2019 Open Doors Report on International Education, released by the Institute of International Education and the U.S. Department of State’s Bureau of Educational and Cultural Affairs.

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 graduate degrees offered by W. P. Carey include:

As the #1 public university in the United States for welcoming students near and far, we are proud to represent 136 countries around the world.

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