What is a STEM-designated degree program?

STEM means an academic program is recognized by the US government for its focus on science, technology, engineering and mathematics. As the number of positions for tech-professionals grow around the globe, these programs are designated by the United States Department of Homeland Security as programs that are mutually beneficial for students and United States organizations.

Benefits of earning a STEM-designated degree

In addition to being recognized as a tech-forward degree, there are other implications for international students who are studying in the United States on a student F-1 visa. For most international graduates, there is an opportunity to work in the US through a program called Optional Practical Training (OPT). Most often, the standard duration for OPT is 12 months. Graduates of a STEM-designated degree program may apply to extend their OPT up to 24 additional months for a total of 36 months.

WashU Olin STEM-designated degree programs

• Master of Accounting
  
• MS in Business Analytics
  
• MS in Supply Chain Management
  
• MS in Finance–Quantitative
  
• MS in Finance–Wealth and Asset Management
  
• Doctoral programs: DBA and PhD
  
• STEM option in Full-time MBA
  

Contact us at OlinGradAdmissions@wustl.edu for more information about the benefits of earning one of our STEM-designated degrees, or if you have questions related to visas and STEM OPT.