Why you should pursue a STEM degree in the U.S.

Most Bangladeshi students know that science, technology, engineering and math (STEM) degrees provide 24 extra months of OPT work authorization, bringing the total to 36 months instead of 12. However, reducing STEM degrees to just “more OPT time” misses their broader strategic value and creates misunderstandings about how STEM designation actually works. Not every degree in science, technology, engineering or math automatically qualifies. The designation depends on specific program codes, not just general fields.

Understanding what makes programs STEM-eligible, how to verify designation before enrolling, what responsibilities come with STEM OPT and how STEM status affects employer interest and loan repayment capacity which helps you make informed decisions that extend far beyond work authorization timing.

What makes a degree program STEM-designated

STEM isn’t a category universities claim arbitrarily. It’s a formal designation tied to government classification systems.

The Classification of Instructional Programs (CIP) code system

The U.S. Department of Education assigns each academic program a six-digit CIP code. The Department of Homeland Security (DHS) designates which codes qualify as STEM for immigration purposes.

Examples of STEM CIP codes:

Computer science: 11.0701
Electrical engineering: 14.1001
Data science: 30.7001
Business analytics: 52.1301

Verification before enrollment:

Don’t assume. Verify your program’s STEM status by:

Checking your university’s STEM-designated programs list
Reviewing your I-20, which should indicate STEM status
Asking admissions directly about CIP code
Searching the official DHS STEM-designated degree program list

Understanding program selection through how to choose a university in the U.S. helps you prioritize STEM verification during research.

Surprising inclusions and exclusions

Not all technical programs are STEM: General business degrees, some interdisciplinary programs blending STEM and non-STEM content and professional programs structured as applied practice rather than technical study may not qualify.

Some unexpected programs are STEM: Certain economics programs with heavy quantitative focus, some research psychology programs emphasizing statistics, quantitative finance and actuarial science.

The curriculum matters: Two universities offering “data analytics” might have different STEM status based on actual curriculum content and how the program is coded.

A Bangladeshi computer science graduate gives a technical presentation at a whiteboard in a startup office, explaining algorithms.

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Multiple H-1B lottery attempts

Standard OPT (12 months):

One H-1B lottery attempt before authorization expires
Must leave U.S. if not selected

STEM OPT (36 months):

Up to three H-1B lottery attempts during authorization period
Significantly improved odds of selection

Statistical advantage: Having three attempts instead of one transforms your probability of securing long-term work authorization.

Career development timeline

Employer investment perspective:

Companies hesitate hiring candidates with only 12 months authorization. Training takes months, limiting return on investment. Thirty-six months changes this calculation fundamentally.

Professional growth opportunities:

Time to move from entry-level to senior positions
Ability to demonstrate sustained value
Opportunity to switch companies if needed
Extended period to prove you’re worth H-1B sponsorship

Learn about career planning through job search tips for postgraduate international students resources.

Maintaining STEM eligibility

During your program

Curriculum choices matter: Choosing too many non-technical electives might affect STEM degree status or raise questions about work relevance during OPT.

Documentation maintenance: Save course syllabi, project descriptions, transcripts and degree conferral documentation. You’ll need these when applying for STEM OPT.

A Bangladeshi data science student sits in a bright university classroom

STEM OPT extension requirements

The extension isn’t automatic and comes with specific obligations.

Employer requirements

E-Verify participation:

Your employer must participate in E-Verify, the federal employment verification system. Not all companies do.

Before accepting positions: Verify employer E-Verify participation. Smaller companies and startups are less likely to participate. Government contractors and large corporations typically do.

Form I-983 training plan:

You and your employer complete a formal training plan outlining learning objectives, how the position relates to your degree, oversight methods and goals.

Compliance obligations

Requirement	Frequency	Consequence
Report employment start/end	Within 10 days	Potential termination
Update training plan	Every 12 months	Status violation
Maintain degree field relevance	Continuously	Authorization invalidity
Stay under 150 days unemployment	Throughout extension	Automatic termination

The reality: STEM OPT involves more administrative work than standard OPT. Budget time for compliance reporting.

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FAQs

Can I add STEM designation after enrolling in a non-STEM program?

Not easily. Your degree’s CIP code is assigned based on the program you enroll in. Verify STEM status before accepting admission.

Do all engineering degrees qualify as STEM?

Most do, but verify your specific program’s CIP code. Engineering management programs sometimes aren’t STEM-designated if structured as business rather than technical degrees.

What if my university lists my program as STEM but DHS doesn’t recognize it?

The DHS STEM-designated degree program list is the authority for OPT purposes. Confirm official designation with your university.

Can I do the 24-month extension after 12 months of regular OPT?

Yes, as long as you apply before your initial OPT expires. Many students work 12 months on regular OPT, then extend for 24 more months.

Does a STEM bachelor’s qualify me for STEM OPT after a non-STEM master’s?

No. Your most recently completed degree determines eligibility. If your master’s isn’t STEM-designated, you only qualify for standard 12-month OPT. Learn more about OPT jobs for international students regardless of designation.

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 degree in the U.S.: Strategic advantages beyond the optional practical training (OPT) extension

What makes a degree program STEM-designated