Douglas Olsen
International students in the US have a wide range of options when it comes to choosing a major. While it's important to select a major that aligns with one's passions, aspirations, and career goals, there are additional considerations for international students, such as job opportunities and immigration pathways. STEM majors, in particular, offer several advantages for international students, including higher wages, increased demand, and improved chances of gaining employer sponsorship or obtaining a visa to live and work in the US. For instance, the US government's Optional Practical Training (OPT) program grants STEM majors an additional 24-month extension to stay and work in the country. Moreover, STEM degrees are associated with high-paying jobs and extensive career growth opportunities, making them an attractive choice for international students seeking to build a career in the US.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Job opportunities | High |
| Salaries | High |
| Examples of STEM majors | Biology, Computer Science, Mechanical Engineering, Statistics |
| Visa options | O-1A, EB-1, H-1B, F-1, STEM OPT, OPT |
| OPT extension | 24 months |
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What You'll Learn
Increased job opportunities and higher salaries
International students with STEM majors have access to increased job opportunities and higher salaries for several reasons. Firstly, STEM degrees are in high demand globally, and this demand is expected to grow. The US, for example, is experiencing a domestic talent shortage and is actively seeking international STEM students to fill this gap. This demand for STEM professionals translates into strong job prospects for international students with STEM majors.
Secondly, STEM jobs often command higher salaries than other professions. For instance, the US Bureau of Statistics reported in 2017 that the national average wage for all STEM occupations was $87,750, almost double the average for non-STEM jobs. STEM workers who majored in STEM fields earned, on average, $101,100 compared to $87,600 for those who did not major in STEM. This wage premium is even more pronounced for foreign-born STEM workers, who tend to earn higher median wages than their native-born counterparts.
Thirdly, international students with STEM majors may have an easier time obtaining employer sponsorship to stay and work in the US after graduation. This is due to the talent shortage in the US and the recognition that STEM degrees offer valuable skills to the US economy. The US government has also implemented programs to attract and retain international STEM talent, such as the STEM Education Bill, which eases the green card process for STEM degree holders. Additionally, international students with STEM majors can take advantage of Optional Practical Training (OPT), which allows them to work in the US for up to 36 months after graduation, providing a longer window to gain work experience and establish their careers in the country.
Finally, specific STEM fields, such as computer science, offer extensive job opportunities and high salaries. Computer-related careers are the most in-demand foreign labor category, according to USCIS's H-1B statistics. The US Bureau of Labor and Statistics predicts that jobs in computer and information systems, finance, and software will be among the highest-paying jobs in the future. Thus, international students with STEM majors, particularly in computer science and technology-related fields, are well-positioned to benefit from increased job opportunities and higher salaries.
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Easier to obtain employer sponsorship
International students with STEM majors have a higher chance of gaining employer sponsorship and being able to legally live in the US after graduation. This is due to a domestic talent shortage in the US, which has led the US government to implement new programs focused on finding more international students for STEM programs. For example, in 2015, President Obama signed the STEM Education Bill into law, which helps international students with STEM degrees to obtain green cards more easily. Additionally, the US wants to attract foreign talent to maintain its global leadership in technology and science and grow its pool of STEM-related workers.
International students with STEM majors are in high demand by companies worldwide due to the growing industry. Technology is a field that is expanding globally as many countries continue to develop and modernise. STEM majors are also more likely to lead to high-paying jobs and extensive opportunities for career growth. For instance, students who major in computer science may find more job opportunities and higher chances of receiving jobs soon after graduation. According to the US Bureau of Labor and Statistics, jobs in computer and information systems, finance, and software are projected to be some of the highest-paying jobs in the future.
Moreover, international students with STEM majors have more certainty about their career paths after graduation. They can take advantage of Optional Practical Training (OPT), which allows them to work for a US employer in their field of study for one year, with a possible extension of up to three years. STEM majors are granted an additional 24-month OPT extension, giving them an extra two years to stay and work in the US. This certainty of work opportunities can be a strong motivator for international students to pursue STEM degrees at top US schools.
The US government's support for international STEM students, combined with the high demand for STEM professionals, makes it easier for international students with two STEM majors to obtain employer sponsorship. They are more likely to find employers willing to sponsor their visas and provide competitive salaries. Additionally, the O-1A visa is an underutilized option for highly educated and skilled STEM experts. It has no annual or country-specific caps and can be renewed indefinitely, providing an excellent pathway for international STEM students seeking long-term career opportunities in the US.
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More likely to gain employment due to worldwide demand
STEM majors are well-known for their strong job prospects and high salaries, making them an attractive option for international students. The US, for example, has implemented programs to attract more international students to STEM fields, such as the STEM Education Bill, which eases the green card process for STEM graduates.
International students with STEM majors have a higher chance of gaining employment and employer sponsorship, allowing them to live and work in the US after graduation. This is due to a talent shortage in the US and the growing worldwide demand for STEM skills, especially in technology. STEM jobs often offer higher salaries, with the US Bureau of Statistics reporting a national average wage of $87,750 for STEM occupations in 2017, almost double that of non-STEM jobs.
Computer science majors, in particular, may find more job opportunities and higher chances of employment soon after graduation. Computer-related careers are the most in-demand foreign labour category, according to USCIS's H-1B statistics. Additionally, the US Bureau of Labor and Statistics projects jobs in computer and information systems to be among the highest-paying jobs in the future.
The US also offers Optional Practical Training (OPT) for international students, providing one year of post-completion work authorization with a possible 24-month extension for STEM majors. This allows international students to gain valuable work experience and makes them attractive to employers.
Overall, pursuing two STEM majors as an international student can enhance employment prospects due to the worldwide demand for STEM skills, the availability of work visas, and the potential for higher salaries.
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Easier to stay and work in the US post-graduation
As an international student, choosing a major that aligns with your passions and career goals is essential. One factor to consider when deciding on a major is the potential impact on your ability to stay and work in the US after graduation. STEM majors offer several advantages for international students in this regard.
Firstly, STEM degrees are in high demand, and there is a talent shortage in the US. This means that international STEM students have a higher chance of gaining employer sponsorship and legally remaining in the US post-graduation. The US government also supports international STEM students through the Optional Practical Training (OPT) program. OPT allows international students with any major to work in the US for up to 12 months after graduation. However, for STEM majors, this can be extended by an additional 24 months, providing a total of three years of work authorization. This extra time can be crucial for gaining valuable work experience and establishing yourself in the US job market.
Furthermore, STEM graduates may be eligible for specific visas that facilitate their stay and employment in the US. The O-1A visa, for instance, is designed for individuals with "extraordinary abilities" in STEM fields and has seen a significant increase in approvals in recent years. The EB-1 visa is another option, which can be self-sponsored and avoids the backlogs associated with other employment-based visa categories. These visas offer flexibility and provide a pathway to permanent residency for highly skilled STEM professionals.
Additionally, STEM careers often command higher salaries and offer extensive opportunities for career growth. The US Bureau of Statistics reported that the average wage for all STEM occupations in 2017 was $87,750, nearly double the average for non-STEM jobs. This higher earning potential can make it easier for international students to support themselves financially during their stay in the US and potentially sponsor their own visas or green cards.
Pursuing two STEM majors as an international student can have its benefits. It demonstrates a strong skill set and a diverse knowledge base, which can be attractive to potential employers. However, it is important to remember that a heavier workload and higher intensity are associated with STEM programs. Balancing two majors may be challenging, but with dedication and hard work, it can be an achievable goal.
In conclusion, for international students aspiring to stay and work in the US post-graduation, choosing a STEM major can significantly enhance their prospects. The combination of employer sponsorship, government initiatives like OPT extensions, visa options, high demand, and lucrative salaries makes it easier for STEM graduates to establish their careers and build a life in the United States.
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More opportunities for career growth
STEM degrees are in high demand across the world, and this demand is only expected to increase in the future. The US, for example, has implemented new programs to attract more international students to STEM programs, such as the STEM Education Bill, which was signed into law by President Obama in 2015. This bill helps international students with STEM degrees to obtain a green card more easily. The US government also supports international students studying STEM through Optional Practice Training (OPT), which allows students to stay and work in the US for an additional 24 months after graduation.
The skills and knowledge acquired through a STEM degree are highly valued by employers and can lead to increased career opportunities and higher salaries. STEM graduates are well-equipped to solve complex problems, make data-driven decisions, and innovate new technologies. These skills are applicable across a wide range of industries, including computer science, engineering, healthcare, finance, and software development.
International students with STEM degrees have a higher chance of gaining employer sponsorship and being able to legally live and work in the US or other countries. This is due to the domestic talent shortage in STEM fields in many countries, making it easier for STEM graduates to gain employment and providing them with greater flexibility in choosing their career paths.
Additionally, STEM careers often offer high salaries and long-term job security. According to the US Bureau of Labor Statistics, jobs in computer and information systems, finance, and software development are projected to be among the highest-paying jobs in the future. STEM occupations also tend to be less susceptible to economic shifts, providing stability and security for those in the field.
Pursuing two STEM majors as an international student can provide a strong foundation for career growth and development. The combination of technical knowledge, critical thinking skills, and practical experience gained through these programs can make graduates highly competitive in the job market and better equipped to adapt to the evolving needs of the industry.
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Frequently asked questions
Having two STEM majors as an international student can increase your chances of gaining employment and employer sponsorship, allowing you to live and work in the US. STEM majors are also known for having strong job opportunities and high salaries.
Biology, computer science, mechanical engineering, and statistics are some examples of STEM majors.
Having two majors can provide you with a broader range of career options and increase your employability in different fields.
It is important to choose a major that aligns with your passions, aspirations, and career goals. Consider the implications of your degree on your ability to stay and work in your desired country.
The process may vary depending on your college or university. Typically, you will need to follow the prescribed steps of the college to have your choice recorded in your academic records. You will also need to update your major on your SEVIS record by contacting the International Student Services office.
