STEM Policies

STEM Policies

Students graduating from programs designated by Columbia University as STEM fields are eligible to apply for an Optional Practical Training (OPT) extension. These designations are based on the University’s assessment of whether a program’s curriculum aligns with the criteria for Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics (STEM) fields, as defined by the Classification of Instructional Programs (CIP) codes.

However, applying for an OPT extension does not guarantee eligibility. The final determination of whether a student’s field of study qualifies as STEM, as well as the approval or denial of an OPT extension application, is made exclusively by the United States Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS).

STEM-Designated Programs at SIPA

  • Master of Public Administration (MPA) – Effective for students entering in Fall 2025 and beyond, classified under Management Sciences and Quantitative Methods, Other (CIP Code: 52.1399).
  • MPA in Economic Policy Management (MPA-EPM) – Classified under Econometrics and Quantitative Economics (CIP Code: 45.0603).
  • MPA in Development Practice (MPA-DP) – Classified under Sustainability Studies (CIP Code: 30.3301).
  • MPA in Environmental Science & Policy (MPA-ESP) – Classified under Environmental Studies (CIP Code: 03.0103).

Important Note: The MPA designation as a STEM field applies only to students who enter the program beginning in Fall 2025 (Academic Year 2025–2026). This designation is not retroactive and does not apply to students who entered the MPA program before Fall 2025.

However, current students may request to transition into the new STEM-designated MPA curriculum, provided they meet the eligibility requirements and complete the revised program requirements. Requests will be reviewed on a case-by-case basis; approval is subject to program regulations and academic standing. Students interested in this option should consult with their academic advisor to determine the implications for degree progression and graduation.

Additional Resources

Visit Columbia's International Students & Scholars Office for resources on the STEM OPT Extension. 

Previously Recognized STEM-Designated Programs at SIPA (students enrolled prior to Fall 2025)

These programs are no longer accepting new students, but students already enrolled are eligible for the STEM designation:

  • Combined curriculum of the International Finance & Economic Policy Concentration (IFEP) and the Data Analytics & Quantitative Analysis Specialization (DAQA) — applicable to both MIA and MPA degrees, classified under Econometrics and Quantitative Economics (CIP Code: 45.0603).
  • Combined curriculum of the Climate, Energy, and Environment Concentration (CEE) and DAQA — applicable to both MIA and MPA degrees, classified under Environmental Studies (CIP Code: 03.0103).
  • Combined curriculum of the Economic and Political Development Concentration (EPD) and DAQA — applicable to both MIA and MPA degrees, classified under Sustainability Studies (CIP Code: 30.3301).

Special Considerations for Combined Curricula

  • The core requirements of the MIA or MPA degrees do not include specific stipulations for graduating with a STEM-designated degree under the IFEP/DAQA, E&E/DAQA, or EPD/DAQA combinations. Students who complete these combinations will receive a STEM-designated degree regardless of focus area.
  • Students in IFEP, E&E, or EPD cannot count DAQA specialization courses toward their Concentration requirements. IFEP–Economic Policy/DAQA students must fulfill specific IFEP requirements and complete nine (9) credits from DAQA’s focus areas—Quantitative Analysis or Computational and Data Analysis.
  • Per DAQA policy, students who pass the SIPA U6501 proficiency exam must take a substitute DAQA course in order to complete the required nine credits in the specialization.

No additional programs or combinations have been authorized as STEM-designated at this time. New full-time SIPA students may enroll in any of the approved STEM programs, adhering to standard program requirements without additional STEM-specific prerequisites.