New CIP Codes Added to DHS STEM Designated Degree Program List
On July 12, 2023, the U.S. Department of Homeland Security (DHS) published a Federal Register notice announcing the addition of eight Classification of Instructional Programs (CIP) codes to the DHS STEM Designated Degree Program List.
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The DHS STEM Designated Degree Program List, or “STEM List,” is a list of fields of study that DHS considers to be science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM) for the purpose of the 24-month STEM optional practical training (OPT) extension. F-1 students that complete degrees in a major coded with a CIP appearing on the STEM List may be eligible to apply for an additional 24 months of U.S. work authorization in addition to the 12 months afforded by standard post-completion Optional Practical Training. Learn more about F-1 work and training authorizations on the OIS website.
The eight CIP codes added to the STEM List are:
- Landscape Architecture (04.0601)
- Institutional Research (13.0608)
- Mechatronics, Robotics, and Automation Engineering Technology/Technician (15.0407)
- Composite Materials Technology/Technician (15.0617)
- Linguistics and Computer Science (30.4801)
- Developmental and Adolescent Psychology (42.2710)
- Geospatial Intelligence (43.0407)
- Demography and Population Studies (45.0501)
Landscape Architecture is the only CIP on the above list currently approved for use at UIC.
Please note that CIP codes are defined by the U.S. Department of Education and assigned to programs by the academic department based on the program curriculum. CIP code designation is not determined by OIS.
The Office of International Services will continue to monitor DHS changes to the STEM Designated Degree Program List and update the UIC community accordingly. Questions about this announcement can be directed to OIS at ois@uic.edu or (312) 996-3121 during regular office hours of 8:30 a.m. to 5:00 p.m., Monday through Friday.