In a promising move for international students aspiring to study in the United States, the Biden administration has unveiled a comprehensive revamp of its policy to attract global talent. The focus of this initiative is on bolstering the Optional Practical Training (OPT) program by incorporating 22 new STEM courses—Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics.
Understanding the OPT Program
What is OPT? Optional Practical Training (OPT) is a form of paid industry training for international students with an F-1 Visa in the USA. This training, when geared towards STEM students, is referred to as STEM-OPT. It can be undertaken either before the completion of the academic program (Pre-completion OPT) or after graduation (Post-completion OPT). International students can initially apply for a 12-month OPT, and those in STEM fields have the opportunity to extend it for an additional 24 months.
Welcoming 22 New Fields to the STEM OPT Program
The Department of Homeland Security (DHS) announcement brings exciting prospects for the U.S. economy by including diverse subjects that cater to the ever-evolving landscape of STEM disciplines. The newly added fields are as follows:
- Bioenergy: Covering bioprocessing, biochemical engineering, environmental sustainability, and more.
- Forestry, General: Encompassing forest-related sciences, statistics, and natural resource management.
- Human-Centered Technology Design: Focused on design, human-computer interaction, and product design.
- Cloud Computing: Including data management, cloud security, and web development.
- Anthrozoology: Involving animal behavior, welfare, and conservation.
- Climate Science: Covering climate analysis, policy, and environmental impacts.
- Earth Systems Science: Including biogeochemistry, GIS, and meteorology.
- Economics and Computer Science: Combining data analysis, economics, and computer programming.
- Environmental Geosciences: Encompassing environmental management, geology, and sustainability studies.
- Geobiology: Focused on the evolution of Earth systems and paleontology.
- Geography and Environmental Studies: Covering climate science, human geography, and public policy.
- Mathematical Economics: Involving data analysis, calculus, and microeconomic theory.
- Mathematics and Atmospheric/Oceanic Science: Including atmospheric dynamics, climate modeling, and oceanography.
- Data Science, General: Covering computer algorithms, data management, and statistical methods.
- Data Analytics, General: Involving machine learning, optimization, and probability.
- Business Analytics: Focused on machine learning, logistics, and consumer behavior.
- Data Visualization: Covering cognitive science, graphic design, and statistics.
- Financial Analytics: Including financial data processing, machine learning for finance, and project management.
- Data Analytics, Other: Encompassing research and innovation using computer science and mathematics.
- Industrial and Organizational Psychology: Covering organizational theory, human-machine interactions, and motivation dynamics.
- Social Sciences, Research Methodology, and Quantitative Methods: Involving experimental methods, questionnaire design, and statistical methods.
Impact on the U.S. Economy
This expansion aims to increase the contributions of international students in critical STEM fields, fostering economic growth and innovation. By providing a platform for students to specialize in these emerging disciplines, the U.S. government is paving the way for a more competitive and technologically advanced workforce.
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FAQs on the 22 New STEM Courses Added to the OPT Program in the USA:
What are the 22 new STEM fields added to the OPT program?
In a Federal Register notice published on January 21, 2022, the U.S. Department of Homeland Security (DHS) expanded the STEM Designated Degree Program List by adding 22 new qualifying fields of study for the 24-month STEM OPT extension. The newly added fields include:
Bioenergy
Forestry, General
Forest Resources Production and Management
Human-Centered Technology Design
Cloud Computing
Anthrozoology
Climate Science
Earth Systems Science
Economics and Computer Science
Environmental Geosciences
Geobiology
Geography and Environmental Studies
Mathematical Economics
Mathematics and Atmospheric/Oceanic Science
Data Science, General
Data Analytics, General
Business Analytics
Data Visualization
Financial Analytics
Data Analytics, Other
Industrial and Organizational Psychology
Social Sciences, Research Methodology and Quantitative Methods
Why are these additions significant for international students?
Previously, OPT allowed F-1 students up to 12 months of practical training. Students in eligible STEM fields could then apply for a 24-month extension, giving them up to 36 months of work authorization in the U.S. By adding these emerging and interdisciplinary fields, DHS broadened eligibility to include disciplines like Data Science, Cloud Computing, Anthrozoology, and Industrial and Organizational Psychology, reflecting evolving academic and industry trends.
When did these changes take effect?
The expansion became effective on January 21, 2022, following the official DHS Federal Register notice.
Can students still nominate new fields for inclusion?
Yes—DHS established a nomination process allowing stakeholders to propose additional degree fields for inclusion. Following the January 2022 additions, DHS received many nominations and added eight more new fields in July 2023 through the same process.
Conclusion
The Biden administration’s commitment to attracting global talent through an enhanced STEM OPT program signifies a significant step towards a more inclusive and innovative future. International students now have an expanded array of opportunities to contribute to the growth and development of the United States in the ever-evolving landscape of science, technology, engineering, and mathematics.