The Department of Homeland Security adds 'Geography and Environmental Studies' to its STEM Designated Degree Program list.
The change, announced January 21, 2022, allows nonimmigrant students studying geography to apply for the STEM OPT program, a temporary employment opportunity for F-1 students.
"The STEM OPT program permits F-1 students earning bachelor’s, master’s, or doctoral degrees in certain STEM fields to remain in the United States for up to 36 months to work in their field of study. Adding 22 fields of study will ensure the U.S. economy benefits from students earning degrees in the United States in competitive STEM fields."
In addition to geography, 21 other fields were added to the list, "expanding the number and diversity of students who excel in STEM education and contribute to the U.S. economy,” according to DHS Secretary Alejandro Mayorkas.
Read the full announcement for more information. Photo by Marc Rentschler on Unsplash.
