What Majors Are Actually Included in STEM?
STEM is the abbreviation for Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics. In Chinese, it is usually translated as science, technology, engineering, and mathematics. In everyday discussion, people may refer to computer science, engineering, physics, mathematics, and biology as STEM. But in the context of international student immigration status in the United States and STEM OPT, whether a program is considered STEM is not determined by the school's promotional name or by personal judgment. It depends on whether the program's corresponding CIP Code is included on the US Department of Homeland Security's STEM Designated Degree Program List.
1. Science: Natural and Life Sciences
Traditional science fields include physics, chemistry, biology, earth science, astronomy, environmental science, and some medical-related basic sciences.
Modern science programs may also include neuroscience, molecular biology, genetics, biostatistics, epidemiology, and computational biology. But whether a specific program qualifies as DHS STEM still depends on its specific CIP code, not on whether scientific content appears in the curriculum.
2. Technology: Computing and Technology Fields
Common programs include computer science, information technology, data science, Cybersecurity, artificial intelligence, software development, some tracks in information systems, and computer graphics.
It is important to note that "Technology Management," "Digital Media," or "Business Analytics" are not necessarily all STEM. Some schools' programs are assigned eligible CIP codes, while others are not. Therefore, two Business Analytics programs with the same name at two universities may have different STEM status.
3. Engineering: Engineering Fields
Engineering is a broad category in the STEM list, including:
mechanical engineering, electrical engineering, electronic engineering, computer engineering, civil engineering, chemical engineering, biomedical engineering, aerospace engineering, materials engineering, industrial engineering, environmental engineering, nuclear engineering, and robotics-related engineering.
DHS updates the list from time to time. The 2025 update added new eligible fields including mechatronics, robotics, and automation engineering technology, showing that the STEM list adjusts as academic fields develop.
4. Mathematics: Mathematics and Quantitative Disciplines
This includes pure mathematics, applied mathematics, statistics, operations research, computational mathematics, and some actuarial science and data analytics tracks.
Whether economics and finance are STEM cannot be generalized. Traditional Economics may use a non-STEM code, while Econometrics and Quantitative Economics may use another code that qualifies under the STEM list. An MBA also does not automatically become STEM just because it includes data courses.
Why Do International Students Pay Attention to STEM Majors?
Eligible F-1 students, after completing the usual post-graduation OPT, may apply for an additional 24-month STEM OPT extension under the regulations in effect at the time. But this requires more than the degree name. It also requires school and program eligibility, the CIP code, an E-Verify employer, work related to the major, and a training plan, among other conditions.
Therefore, a "STEM major" does not mean automatically receiving three years of work authorization, much less a guaranteed H-1B or green card. Students must still apply on time and comply with reporting, employment, and unemployment-day requirements.
How Can You Verify Your Program?
The most reliable steps are:
check the program name and CIP Code provided by the school; confirm with the international student office and DSO the code recorded on the I-20; compare that code item by item against the latest DHS STEM list; and confirm again when choosing a double major, changing majors, or entering a new program.
Do not rely only on "STEM-designated" advertising on the admissions page. If the advertising is inconsistent with the code on the I-20, you should ask the school for written clarification.
Is STEM Necessarily More Worth Studying Than Non-STEM?
Not necessarily. STEM programs may have stronger job demand and longer OPT opportunities, but course difficulty, personal interests, and career fit are also important. A person who is not good at programming and chooses data science only for immigration status may have difficulty completing the coursework and finding a job. A person with strong ability in law, design, communications, or policy may also achieve long-term success in a non-STEM career.
STEM is an important concept in academic classification and in specific immigration rules. It is not a unified ranking of a major's value. The most mature choice is to compare ability, curriculum, employment, cost, and immigration status rules at the same time, rather than treating "whether it is STEM" as the only standard.