STEM OPT Majors for International Students | MPOWER Financing

Earning a degree in a STEM field does more than build technical knowledge – it opens doors to longer work authorization for international students, better job prospects and stronger career growth in the United States. For international students, choosing a major that qualifies for STEM optional practical training (OPT) is one of the smartest ways to extend your time after graduation and gain valuable USA work experience.

In this article, you will learn which majors are eligible for the STEM OPT extension, why this matters for your long-term goals and how to make sure your degree sets you up for success.

What are STEM OPT majors?

STEM OPT majors are specific degree programs that qualify international students for a 24-month extension of OPT after graduation. These majors fall within science, technology, engineering and mathematics fields.

International students who complete an eligible STEM degree in the U.S. can work in the U.S. for up to three years after finishing their degree – 12 months under standard OPT plus 24 additional months under the STEM OPT extension.

The U.S. Department of Homeland Security maintains an official list of approved STEM OPT majors. Common examples include:

Computer science
Electrical engineering
Mechanical engineering
Mathematics and statistics
Physics
Biotechnology
Business analytics (if designated as STEM)
Environmental science
Cybersecurity
Data science

It is important to verify that your major’s Classification of Instructional Programs (CIP) code appears on the approved list to qualify.

International STEM graduate working at a U.S. tech company desk with code and data on screens, representing STEM OPT job opportunities.

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Why STEM OPT majors matter for international students

Selecting a STEM OPT major can make a major difference in your career planning:

Extended work authorization

F-1 students who qualify for STEM OPT gain up to three years of work authorization without requiring immediate employer sponsorship. This additional time is valuable for building experience and strengthening future visa applications, such as H-1B petitions.

Better job prospects

Many graduate jobs in the U.S. for international students are concentrated in STEM fields. Employers across technology, finance, health care and engineering sectors actively seek candidates with technical skills.

Pathways to permanent residence

Gaining U.S. work experience through STEM OPT can be a stepping stone toward employer-sponsored work visas and even permanent residence applications over time.

Higher salaries and faster career growth

Graduates from STEM majors often command higher starting salaries and experience quicker advancement compared to non-STEM fields.

Choosing a STEM degree in the U.S. is not just about studying your passion. It can also be a strategic decision that impacts your career flexibility for years after graduation.

How to confirm your program qualifies for STEM OPT

Do not assume your degree automatically qualifies for STEM OPT, even if it sounds technical. Here is how to verify eligibility:

Check the CIP code

Your university assigns a CIP code to your program. This code must match one on the DHS-approved list for STEM OPT eligibility.

Confirm with your Designated School Official (DSO)

Before applying for OPT, meet with your DSO to confirm that your degree program qualifies for the STEM extension. They can verify your CIP code and help you prepare your OPT or STEM OPT applications.

Program name is not enough

Sometimes two programs with similar names may have different CIP codes. For example, a business analytics program at one university might qualify, while the same title elsewhere might not.

Maintain compliance with F-1 visa requirements

You must meet all F-1 visa requirements while studying and during OPT periods to remain eligible for any extensions. Full-time enrollment, good academic standing and timely reporting to your DSO are essential.

International student planning career and finances at home, with a STEM OPT checklist, budget app, and MPOWER support tools visible.

MPOWER Financing: Supporting your STEM future

MPOWER Financing helps international students pursue STEM degrees that lead to stronger work opportunities in the U.S. With no-cosigner and fixed-rate student loans, MPOWER makes it easier to finance your education and unlock career pathways through STEM OPT and beyond.

MPOWER supports international students not only with funding, but also with targeted tools to help you succeed during this transition.

Career services

MPOWER helps students navigate their postgraduation job search with:

A guided internship and job search tool focused on OPT jobs for international students and H-1B friendly employers
A resume builder tailored for U.S. employer expectations
A directory of F-1 eligible roles for both STEM and non-STEM graduates
Job-matching tools that connect your skills to open roles

Visa support

Included with every loan:

A free US student visa support letter for your application
A free visa essentials course that covers USA student visa requirements and helps you prepare for interviews
Access to upgrades like mock visa interviews and options with former U.S. visa officers

Financial tools

Get access to:

A prequalified U.S. credit card to help you build credit
A no-minimum-balance U.S. checking account with partner banks
Education on budgeting for life after graduation

With MPOWER, you don’t just graduate – you graduate with a financial and career strategy.

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A loan based on your future earnings

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FAQs

What are some examples of STEM OPT majors?

Majors like computer science, electrical engineering, biotechnology and data science typically qualify. Always check your program’s CIP code to be sure.

Can business majors qualify for STEM OPT?

Some business programs, such as business analytics or quantitative finance, may qualify if they have a technical focus and meet Department of Homeland Security standards.

How long can I stay and work in the U.S. after graduation with STEM OPT?

You can work up to 12 months under standard OPT, plus an additional 24 months under the STEM OPT extension, for a total of three years.

How do I apply for the STEM OPT extension?

First, complete your initial 12-month OPT period. Then apply for the STEM extension through the U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services with updated documentation from your employer and DSO.

Do I need a job offer to apply for STEM OPT?

Yes. You must have a job offer from an employer enrolled in E-Verify to apply for the STEM OPT extension.

DISCLAIMER – Subject to credit approval, loans are made by Bank of Lake Mills or MPOWER Financing, PBC. Bank of Lake Mills does not have an ownership interest in MPOWER Financing. Neither MPOWER Financing nor Bank of Lake Mills is affiliated with the school you attended or are attending. Bank of Lake Mills is Member FDIC. None of the information contained in this website constitutes a recommendation, solicitation or offer by MPOWER Financing or its affiliates to buy or sell any securities or other financial instruments or other assets or provide any investment advice or service.

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STEM OPT majors: What international students need to know