There are four main definitions of a STEM program, depending upon the agency/entity that defines it:
- STEM for International Students OPT Extension- The STEM OPT extension is a 24-month period of temporary training that directly
relates to an F-1 student's program of study in an approved STEM field. View the DHS STEM OPT Programs list.
- STEM for Carnegie Classification of Doctoral Degrees (used in the Basic Classification for R1/R2 designation) - The Carnegie Classification
categorizes research doctoral degrees into four groups: STEM, Humanities, Social Sciences,
and Other Research Doctorates. View the 2021 Carnegie Program Classification list.
- STEM for the NSF Survey of Graduate Students and Postdoctorates in Science and Engineering (used in the Carnegie Basic Classification for R1/R2 designation) - One of the metrics
in the data model for Carnegie Classification is the number of Post Doctorates and
Non-Faculty Researchers employed. View the NSF STEM programs list.
- STEM for the THEC Outcomes Based Funding Formula - THEC identified a list of STEM and Healthcare programs that will earn a premium in Bachelor's degrees awarded and undergraduate progressions. This applies to undergraduates only. View the THEC Workforce Investment Focus Population programs list.