STEM-Designated Programs
Pursue a Future in STEM Fields
STEM is more than an acronym taken from four areas of study—science, technology, engineering, and math. It encompasses the fields that form the nucleus of technical disciplines contributing to technological breakthroughs and innovation throughout society. A STEM-based education offers the opportunity to develop abilities in critical thinking, collaboration, innovation, and problem solving.
At Post University, we are proud to offer several online and on-campus degree and certificate programs with a STEM designation to help you prepare for a future in your chosen field.
STEM-Designated Degree & Certificate Programs at Post
Build Real-World Skills in STEM Fields
“We want all our students to be workforce ready which is why we developed the MBA program by listening to our students and business leaders. We created the program with the skills employers are looking for when they hire. We personally work with them to help them grow and get across the finish line to graduation with new opportunities in front of them.”
Dr. James Loughran
Interim Assistant Dean
We first want to teach our students who in most cases are in the first third of their professions to continue to cultivate their thinking skills, their ability to really look at the challenges within the educational fields and to be able to utilize that knowledge to help advance them professionally, to help them respond to the needs they see within their organization.”
Peter Madonia
Program Chair, Master of Education
With science and biology, there are always new things coming out. The field is continually advancing. The biology program is going to provide you with the background knowledge that you could use to be successful in a science position. As soon as we start, we are in the lab, you are learning the technical skills to be able to think like a scientist.”
Carla Goldstone, MS
Program Chair, Biology
Computer information systems is an area of business that affects companies in any industrial sector, communications, financial institutions, public organizations, and consultancies. It impacts design, development, operation, and maintenance of information systems, network and database administration, hypermedia, services, and other advanced platforms and technologies for the development of web applications.”
Franklin Orellana
CIS Interim Program Chair
“Our program covers how to lead data analysis projects whose purpose may include industrial process improvement, risk analysis, anticipation of possible epidemics in certain geographical areas, analysis of drug resistance of certain bacteria, the reorientation of marketing campaigns using internal company data with information obtained after analyzing trends in social networks, the design of new products that cover needs detected in certain market niches, the study of the evolution of ecosystems and, in general, decision-making in any organization.”
Franklin Orellana
Program Chair, Data Science Program
Making STEM Education Financially Achievable
At Post University, we work with you one-on-one to help you explore all your options to finance your STEM degree dreams. Check out the below resources:
- Tuition & Fees
- Federal Student Aid
- Scholarships and Other Aid
- Search for STEM-specific Scholarships
- Student Loans
- Payment Options
Transfer Credits: Plus, you could be closer to a STEM degree than you think. We are here to help you maximize the credit you could transfer into your program from prior learning experiences.
Stress-Free Admissions
Ready to explore your possibilities at Post? Follow this step-by-step process:
Step 1 – Fill out your application.
Step 2 – We will help you take it from there.
It is as simple as that. From helping you submit transcripts to reviewing financial aid options to starting classes to graduation day, we are here to help you at every step of the journey.
International Students in STEM
International students pursuing STEM-designated degree programs in the U.S. could be eligible for:
Optional Practical Training (OPT):
International students with F-1 visas are eligible for 12 months of OPT after completing a degree program in the U.S. During this period, students can work in the U.S. in a job directly related to their field of study.
STEM OPT Extension:
STEM-designated program graduates could receive an extension of up to 24 months of OPT. They could, potentially, work in the U.S. for a total of 36 months (3 years) after graduation, helping them gain more work experience in their field, which could be crucial for future career prospects or obtaining an H-1B visa for longer-term employment.
Eligibility for the STEM OPT Extension:
To qualify for the STEM OPT extension, the student’s degree must be in a designated STEM field, and the employer must be enrolled in the E-Verify system, which is a government program that verifies employment eligibility in the U.S.
FAQ’s
What is a STEM-designated degree program?
The acronym STEM, as in STEM-designated academic program, comes from the educational disciplines of science, technology, engineering, and mathematics. To address a shortage of qualified workers in these areas, the U.S. Department of Homeland Security has developed and maintains a list of recognized STEM topics, from biology to data science and beyond. Programs qualify for STEM designation by providing a deeper understanding of relevant STEM fields of study in these disciplines.
How do schools earn STEM designation for programs?
To qualify as STEM-designated, the school must provide documentation that it devotes a substantial portion of the program’s curriculum to the STEM field. The U.S. Department of Homeland Security has developed and maintains a list of recognized STEM topics. This list incorporates the Classification of Instructional Programs (CIP) codes from the Department of Education to identify qualifying STEM programs.
How do I check if a program is STEM-designated?
Find the program’s Classification of Instruction Programs (CIP) code as defined by the Department of Education. Then check the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) STEM Designated Degree Program List for a match. Here is a list of Post University’s STEM-designated programs:
- Bachelor of Science in Biology
- Bachelor of Science in Computer Information Systems
- Bachelor of Science in Data Science
- Graduate Certificate in Learning Design and Technology
- Master of Business Administration – Two STEM Concentration Options
- Financial Analytics
- Business Intelligence and Analytics
- Master of Science in Business Intelligence and Analytics
Why are STEM degrees so valuable?
In recent decades, the Bureau of Labor Statistics has continually made a point about the growing need for qualified professionals in science, technology, engineering, and math (STEM), offering a positive outlook on career opportunities and potential wages. STEM-designated programs provide students the opportunity to develop critical thinking by emphasizing problem-solving, data analysis, and evidence-based reasoning through rigorous coursework and research. They foster innovation by encouraging creativity, experimentation, and the application of theoretical knowledge to real-world challenges. Additionally, in the U.S., international students with STEM degrees may qualify for extended work authorization under the OPT program, enhancing career prospects.
What careers fall under STEM?
To help you explore the possibilities, the Bureau of Labor Statistics has put together a helpful Periodic table of science, technology, engineering and math occupations that could help you explore your possible futures.
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