STEM-Designated Programs

A degree in STEM (science, technology, engineering and math) can lead to a rewarding career, with job security, a high salary and the opportunity to work in innovative fields. STEM degrees can be in engineering or technology, but also in business fields such as business analytics, finance or economics. STEM occupations are high earning, and there is a need for STEM talent in the U.S.

When a program is STEM-designated it means that the U.S. Department of Homeland Security regards the program as providing a STEM education.

Optional Practical Training (OPT)

Optional Practical Training (OPT) is temporary employment in the U.S. for F-1 visa holders. Foreign students can apply to work in the U.S. for up to 12 months per degree program. Graduates of a STEM-designated program can apply to extend their OPT for up to an additional 24 months.

Navigating the steps from degree applicant to recipient of a STEM OPT extension can be challenging. The University of Delaware supports foreign students with information and opportunities. For example, the office of International Student & Scholar Services provides advice for new and continuing international students, and Lerner College’s career services office helps students find internships, mentorships and jobs.

Lerner STEM-Designated Degrees

Graduate

• Accounting with an analytics or MIS major (M.S.)
• Business analytics and information management (M.S.)
• Economics and applied econometrics (M.S.)
• Economics (Ph.D.)
• Finance (M.S.)
• Financial services analytics (M.S.)
• Financial services analytics (Ph.D.)
• Hospitality and sport business analytics (M.S.)
• MBA, business analytics major

Undergraduate

• Business analytics major (B.S.)
• Economics major (B.S.)

Dual Graduate Degrees

• MBA + business analytics and information management (M.S.)
• MBA + chemical engineering (MChE)
• MBA + civil engineering (MCE)
• MBA + computer science (M.S.)
• MBA + electrical and computer engineering (M.S.)
• MBA + finance (M.S.)
• MBA + materials science and engineering (M.S.)
• MBA + mechanical engineering (M.S.)
• Business analytics and information management (M.S.) + cybersecurity (M.S.)

Undergraduate

• Business analytics major (B.S.)
• Economics major (B.S.)

Accelerated 4+1 Degree Programs

Accelerated 4+1 degree programs combine undergraduate and graduate degrees and can be completed in 5 years, with full time attendance.

• Accounting B.S. + Business Analytics & Information Management M.S.
• Economics B.S. + Economics and Applied Econometrics M.S.
• Finance B.S. + Finance M.S.
• Management Information Systems B.S. + Business Analytics & Information Management M.S.
• Marketing B.S. + Business Analytics & Information Management M.S.
• Mathematics & Economics B.S. (double major) + Economics and Applied Econometrics M.S.