STEM is an acronym that stands for science, technology, engineering and mathematics. Therefore, STEM careers are academic programs that involve one or more of these fields of study. These are some of the institutions with the most outstanding STEM programs in the United States according to US News and World Report.
- Massachusetts Institute of Technology
- California Institute of Technology
- Stanford University
- University of California Berkeley
- Harvard University
These are some examples of STEM programs in US institutions
- Aeronautics and Astronautics
- Bioengineering
- Biomedical Engineering
- Computer Science
- Mechanical Engineering
- Chemical Engineering
- Brain and Cognitive Sciences
In the same line, beyond the benefits of studying a STEM career such as the development of certain skills, the high labor demand, great payment opportunities, among others, studying a STEM career is useful when it comes to Optional Practical Training (OPT).
According to the U.S. Bureau of Citizenship and Immigration Services, OPT is a temporary employment permit (up to 12 months) that is directly related to the major field of study of each student with an F-1 permit (foreign students).
Also, this office details two different means by which this permit may be obtained: Pre-completion OPT and Post-completion OPT.
The Pre-completion OPT translated as "the pre-completion option" may be sought after having been legally enrolled in a full-time academic for one year. If this OPT is granted, the student is authorized to work 20 hours or less per week while the academic term is in progress and full-time during vacation periods.
On the other hand, Post-completion OPT, is the leave that can be applied for after the completion of academic studies. If this is granted, the student can work part-time or full-time, according to his/her interests and needs.
Can studying a STEM career provide benefits in terms of applying for OPT?
Yes. In fact, if a student has earned a degree in a STEM field, he or she is eligible for a 24-month extension of the OPT earned after completion of academic studies in the following cases:
- If he/she has a diploma in any STEM career that is included within the list of STEM careers designated by the U.S. Bureau of Citizenship and Immigration Services, U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement and the U.S. Department of Homeland Security.
- If an F-1 student earned OPT with a diploma that is not related to a STEM career after completion of their studies, they can use previously earned diplomas that are endorsed by the American Institute of Higher Education and seek the STEM extension.
Without a doubt, pursuing a STEM degree can be an excellent option for science, technology, engineering and mathematics enthusiasts who are also looking to become outstanding professionals in a stable career field with ample opportunities for social, personal and global impact by taking Optional Practical Training as a starting point.
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