OIPS maintains F-1 student records and provides advising services to students engaged in OPT/STEM OPT.
Faculty and staff can nominate a degree program to the federal government's STEM-designated degree program list.
STEM designation is based on a program’s Classification of Instructional Programs (CIP) code. The U.S. Department of Homeland Security (DHS) maintains the official list of STEM-designated CIP codes, and new degree programs can be nominated for inclusion if they meet federal requirements.
Background
Students holding F-1 visas who complete a degree program at George Mason may qualify for up to 12 months of work authorization in the U.S. after graduation—known as Post-Completion Optional Practical Training (OPT). STEM-designated degree program graduates may qualify for up to 36 months of work authorization in the U.S. after approval from U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services.
Consideration of New CIP Code Nominations
Nominations to the DHS list of STEM-designated CIP codes must include justification and supporting materials that specify how a nominated degree program meets the regulatory requirement that the field of study involves "research, innovation, or development of new technologies using engineering, mathematics, computer science, or natural sciences (including physical, biological, and agricultural sciences)." 8 CFR 214.2(f)(10)(ii)(C)(2)(i), the definition of "related fields." An emphasis on the innovation of new technologies is key.
Use the information below to confirm a program’s current status, prepare nomination materials that meet federal guidelines, and navigate George Mason’s internal approval process through Academic Affairs in the Office of the Provost.
Process
- Academic unit representatives will submit nominations and supporting documentation via Dynamic Forms. Representatives will access the Departmental Request for University nominations to the DHS STEM List Dynamic Form by logging in with their Mason NetID.
- The provost/designee will vet requests from representatives from academic units across the university and notify Office of International Programs and Services (OIPS) of those CIP code nominations that are approved for submission.
- Approved nominations will be submitted to DHS’s Student and Exchange Visitor Program (SEVP) on a yearly basis, by the federal government deadline.
Timeline
April 1: Deadline for academic units to submit completed nominations
June 1: Office of the Provost completes review of nominations and notifies OIPS of approved nominations
August 1: Principal Designated Official in OIPS submits approved requests to SEVP
Note that additions to the STEM list do not necessarily occur annually and DHS does not provide expected timelines for future updates.
Required Documentation
Academic Unit:
- Six-digit code of the CIP code to be nominated.
- Name of the George Mason University degree program and level (e.g., BS, MS, PhD).
- Name, title, and email address of the academic unit representative making the request.
- Narrative (4-6 paragraphs on signed department letterhead) providing a detailed description of how the field of study under this CIP code engages students in research, innovation or development of new technologies using engineering, mathematics, computer science or natural sciences (including physical, biological and agricultural sciences). The narrative should include:
- Focus on innovation of new technologies
- Required coursework in the degree program
- Explanation of how courses meet the definition of “Related Fields” of STEM degree engagement in research, innovation, or development of new technologies
- Link to Curriculum Vitae (CV); do not submit the CV in a separate document
- Consider demonstrating the similarity in the curriculum with STEM programs in comparable institutions
- Report on signed letterhead from the program director, department chair, or dean (program director recommended) providing lists of: 1) typical STEM-related job positions/careers which graduates of the nominated degree program are expected to pursue, and 2) examples of actual internships and/or companies and organizations in STEM fields in which alumni of the degree program have found employment.
- Recommendation letter (2-3 paragraphs on signed college letterhead) from the dean’s office that affirms how inclusion of the CIP code on the DHS STEM list is a priority for the college.
Office of the Provost:
- One cover letter summarizing the approved nominations will be provided by the Office of the Provost to accompany the submission by OIPS.
Contact Us
Reach out to the Director of Accreditation and State Authorization, Susan Woodruff, or the Associate Director of International Programs and Services, Tran Beatson, with questions about CIP code nominations to the DHS STEM Designated Degree Program List.