Dear EPD students,

You may have seen the recent announcement from SIPA about the degree programs and concentrations that have already received approval as “STEM-designated” programs, which will enable graduates on F-1 student visas to apply for up to three years of OPT after finishing their SIPA degree. As many of you know, we have been working with the SIPA administration to request a similar STEM designation for EPD. Our proposal is still being reviewed by the Provost’s Office, and we hope to receive a final decision very soon – ideally before course registration begins for the fall semester. If approved, EPD’s STEM designation would be similar to the STEM designation for IFEP/DAQA and EE/DAQA, and would be available for all full-time students who can complete both EPD and DAQA requirements before graduation, including continuing students who complete at least two full-time semesters (i.e. Fall 2021 and Spring 2022).

We will provide more guidance after we receive a final decision on our STEM designation proposal, and then will be happy to answer any specific questions by email or during office hours (which we’ll post in upcoming newsletters).

Best wishes,
The EPD Team