For international students planning to pursue graduate studies in the United States, STEM-designated programs have always been a key consideration during the school selection process.
Recently, another popular program officially joined the ranks of STEM fields—
The Master of Science in Integrated Marketing (MS in Integrated Marketing) at New York University's School of Professional Studies (SPS) has officially obtained STEM designation.
Source: NYU
In recent years, the scope of US STEM majors has continued to adjust. In July 2023, the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) updated the STEM major list again, adding eight new professional fields.
Source: Federal Register
At the same time, as data analytics, AI, and quantitative methods continue to permeate curricula in business, marketing, communications, and public policy, some programs previously not considered STEM-focused have also gained STEM designation.
CheersYou takes you through a look at these trending changes.
Popular Programs Gaining STEM Designation
New York University
MS in Integrated Marketing
In September 2024, the MS in Integrated Marketing program at New York University's School of Professional Studies (SPS) officially received STEM designation.
Source: NYU
Integrated Marketing has traditionally been a typical marketing program, and Marketing itself is not usually the first field people associate with STEM disciplines.
However, as Data Analytics, AI, MarTech, and consumer data analysis become increasingly integral to marketing decision-making, marketing education itself is evolving.
University of Southern California
Master of Applied Communication Research
This year, the USC Annenberg School for Communication and Journalism expanded its existing Communication Management program framework to launch the MS in Applied Communication Research, a STEM-designated program.
Source: USC
The program emphasizes strengthening skills in Quantitative Methods, Statistics, Empirical Research, and AI, while also covering topics such as Big Data, Communication Technologies, and Data Science. It highlights solving problems through data and research methodologies.
University of Georgia
Master of Applied Communication Research
Source: GT
Georgia Tech also emphasizes that applicants do not necessarily need a technical undergraduate background. This is a typical characteristic of many "STEM-focused business programs" in recent years: while the programs themselves are becoming increasingly quantitative, admission requirements are not strictly limited to traditional STEM majors.
Columbia University
Master of Public Administration
Starting from Fall 2025, Columbia's SIPA has implemented a new MPA curriculum. The updated Master of Public Administration program has officially become a STEM-designated program.
The adjusted MPA curriculum further strengthens areas such as Economics, Data Analytics, Budgeting and Financial Management, Leadership, and Business Management, aiming to enhance students' ability to use data for policy analysis and decision-making.
Source: Columbia
Source: Cornell
The program has also officially obtained STEM designation by adjusting its corresponding CIP Code.
Harvard University
Harvard Business School MBA
In 2024, the HBS MBA was officially reclassified as a STEM program, effective starting with the Class of 2025.
This change is related to the increasing inclusion of data analytics, artificial intelligence, and quantitative methods in MBA curricula in recent years.
For example, the school added "Data Science and AI for Leaders" to the first-year required curriculum, while the content of Management Science in second-year elective courses has also continued to expand.
Source: Harvard
This indicates that even top-tier MBAs, which were previously centered on General Management, are now further strengthening their focus on data and quantitative capabilities.
Northwestern University
MSEd in Educational Studies
The Master of Science in Education (MSEd) in Educational Studies at Northwestern University’s School of Education and Social Policy has also become a STEM-designated program.
This program not only focuses on educational theory and practice but also covers areas such as Educational Technology, Research Methods, and Instructional Design. It emphasizes using research tools, technological means, and data-driven methods to understand learning processes, design instructional strategies, and evaluate educational outcomes.
Source: NWU
Educational programs are increasingly integrating with technology, research, and data analytics.
What This Means for International Students
One key reason why the STEM designation attracts attention from international students is the availability of the STEM OPT Extension.
Typically, eligible F-1 students can apply for up to 12 months of Post-completion OPT after finishing their studies.
However, graduates with qualifying STEM degrees may be able to apply for an additional 24-month STEM OPT Extension, potentially extending their post-graduation work authorization to a total of 36 months.
Source: USCIS
Please note:
A school declaring a program as STEM does not guarantee that every student will automatically receive 36 months of OPT. Final eligibility for the STEM OPT Extension depends on specific factors such as the CIP Code, I-20 information, employer qualifications, and individual circumstances.
Additionally, whether new STEM designations apply may vary depending on the year of enrollment.
Therefore, it is best to rely on the latest information from the university’s official website and the International Student Office before applying or enrolling.
In just a few years, the range of majors covered by the STEM designation has been continuously expanding.
Data analytics, artificial intelligence, and technological tools are becoming deeply integrated into traditional non-STEM fields such as business, marketing, management, policy, and communications.
For students preparing for US graduate applications for Fall 2027 and beyond, in addition to focusing on major directions and university rankings, you should also pay closer attention to changes in the STEM designation of your target programs to seize more application and employment opportunities.
Applying for STEM Programs? Contact CheersYou (清柚教育)
If you are preparing for US graduate school applications and want to learn more about STEM programs, curriculum details, and application requirements, feel free to contact CheersYou (清柚教育) for tailored school selection and application planning.
