USDHS Adds 22 Fields to STEM Designated Degree Program List

USDHS Adds 22 Fields to STEM Designated Degree Program List

On January 21, 2022, the U.S. Department of Homeland Security announced that it has added 22 fields of study, and corresponding Department of Education Classification of Instructional Programs (CIP) codes [also known as CIP/Major codes], to its DHS STEM Designated Degree Program List. The new list is effective January 21, 2022.

The full announcement, published in the Federal Register, is available here.

This list of STEM Designated fields of study is the basis for eligibility for F-1 STEM Optional Practical Training Extension authorization (STEM OPT) as well as the new initiative of the J-1 Academic Training authorization expansion for undergraduate and pre-doctoral degree programs in STEM [outlined in earlier article – State Department Expands J-1 Academic Training for Undergraduate or Pre-Doctoral Degree Programs in STEM].
MIT is reviewing the announcement, though there are no current MIT academic programs that are assigned one of the 22 new CIP codes that would constitute a change in program becoming STEM-designated.