Update to the Department of Homeland Security STEM Designated Degree Program List, 59748-59750 [2024-16127]

Download as PDF 59748 Federal Register / Vol. 89, No. 141 / Tuesday, July 23, 2024 / Notices Collection. We will consider all comments and material received during the comment period. We encourage you to respond to this request by submitting comments and related materials. Comments must contain the OMB Control Number of the ICR and the docket number of this request, USCG–2024–0389, and must be received by September 23, 2024. ddrumheller on DSK120RN23PROD with NOTICES1 Submitting Comments We encourage you to submit comments through the Federal eRulemaking Portal at https://www. regulations.gov. If your material cannot be submitted using https:// www.regulations.gov, contact the person in the FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT section of this document for alternate instructions. Documents mentioned in this notice, and all public comments, are in our online docket at https://www.regulations.gov and can be viewed by following that website’s instructions. Additionally, if you go to the online docket and sign up for email alerts, you will be notified when comments are posted. We accept anonymous comments. All comments received will be posted without change to https:// www.regulations.gov and will include any personal information you have provided. For more about privacy and submissions in response to this document, see DHS’s eRulemaking System of Records notice (85 FR 14226, March 11, 2020). Information Collection Request Title: Security Plans for Ports, Vessels, Facilities, and Outer Continental Shelf Facilities and Other Security-Related Requirements. OMB Control Number: 1625–0077. Summary: This information collection is associated with the maritime security requirements mandated by the Maritime Transportation Security Act of 2002 (MTSA). Security assessments, security plans, and other security-related requirements are in Title 33 CFR parts 101 through 106. Need: This information is needed to determine if vessels and facilities are in compliance with certain security standards. Forms: • CG–6025, Facility Vulnerability and Security Measures Summary. Respondents: Vessel and facility owners and operators. Frequency: On occasion. Hour Burden Estimate: The estimated burden has decreased from 1,070,430 hours to 747,075 hours a year, due to the USCG eliminating the Vulnerability and Security Measures Addendum (CG– VerDate Sep<11>2014 18:47 Jul 22, 2024 Jkt 262001 6025A) from this collection and a decrease in the estimated annual number of responses. Authority: The Paperwork Reduction Act of 1995; 44 U.S.C. chapter 35, as amended. Dated: July 18, 2024. Kathleen Claffie, Chief, Office of Privacy Management, U.S. Coast Guard. [FR Doc. 2024–16161 Filed 7–22–24; 8:45 am] BILLING CODE 9110–04–P DEPARTMENT OF HOMELAND SECURITY U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement [Docket No. ICEB–2023–0018] RIN 1653–ZA46 Update to the Department of Homeland Security STEM Designated Degree Program List U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE), Department of Homeland Security (DHS). AGENCY: ACTION: Notice. This notice announces that the Secretary of Homeland Security (Secretary) is amending the DHS STEM Designated Degree Program List by adding one qualifying field of study and a corresponding Department of Education Classification of Instructional Programs (CIP) code for that field. The list is used to determine whether a degree obtained by certain F–1 nonimmigrant students following the completion of a program of study qualifies as a science, technology, engineering, or mathematics (STEM) degree as determined by DHS, as required for the F–1 student to be eligible to apply for a 24-month extension of their post-completion optional practical training (OPT). SUMMARY: DHS adopts the list announced in this notice as of July 23, 2024. DATES: What action is DHS taking under this notice? The Department of Homeland Security (DHS) is updating the list of STEM fields of study that fall within the regulatory definition of ‘‘STEM field’’ to add one field of study.1 The list, known as the DHS STEM Designated Degree Program List (‘‘STEM list’’),2 is used to determine whether a degree obtained by an F–1 nonimmigrant student qualifies as a STEM degree, as required for the F– 1 nonimmigrant student to be eligible to apply for a STEM OPT extension. The current format of the STEM list, which consists of four primary CIP code series designated at the two-digit level, and CIP codes in related fields designated at the six-digit level, was established in a final rule issued in 2016.3 The STEM list was most recently updated in 2023.4 Why is DHS taking this action? In 2016, DHS published a final rule providing a 24-month extension of OPT for F–1 nonimmigrant students who majored in a designated STEM field of study. See 81 FR 13040 (Mar. 11, 2016) (‘‘Improving and Expanding Training Opportunities for F–1 Nonimmigrant Students With STEM Degrees and CapGap Relief for All Eligible F–1 Students’’) (‘‘2016 STEM Rule’’). The 2016 STEM Rule stated that DHS will continue to accept for consideration suggested additions or deletions to the STEM list and may publish updates to the STEM list in the Federal Register. DHS announced the addition of qualifying fields of study to the STEM list in Federal Register notices published in 2022 (see 87 FR 3317 (Jan. 21, 2022)) and 2023 (see 88 FR 44381 (July 12, 2023)). These notices also included instructions for how interested parties, including members of the public, can nominate CIP codes for potential inclusion on or removal from the STEM list. Following publication of the 2023 Federal Register notice, DHS received a total of 133 nominations, representing 68 unique fields of study, to be added to the STEM list.5 DHS did not receive any nominations to remove CIP codes currently on the list. Nominators may resubmit a nomination FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Sharon Snyder, Unit Chief, Policy and Response Center Unit, Student and Exchange Visitor Program; U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement, 500 12th Street SW, Stop 5600, Washington, DC 20536–5600; email: sevp@ice.dhs.gov, telephone: (703) 603– 3400. This is not a toll-free number. Program information is available at https://www.ice.gov/sevis/. SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: PO 00000 Frm 00034 Fmt 4703 Sfmt 4703 1 While the 2016 STEM Rule provided for ‘‘additions or deletions to the list,’’ no deletions will be made at this time. 2 ICE, DHS STEM Designated Degree Program List, https://www.ice.gov/doclib/sevis/pdf/ stemList2023.pdf (last visited June 6, 2024). 3 See 81 FR 13040, Mar. 11, 2016. 4 See 88 FR 44381, July 12, 2023. 5 These included nominations for medical fields focused on patient care and for business fields of study. Beginning with the 2016 STEM Rule (81 FR 13040, 13075), DHS has generally declined ‘‘to define ‘STEM field’ to include patient care and business fields of study.’’ E:\FR\FM\23JYN1.SGM 23JYN1 Federal Register / Vol. 89, No. 141 / Tuesday, July 23, 2024 / Notices with additional supporting views and evidence, at any time, if their original submission is not addressed in this notice. What is OPT and STEM OPT? OPT is one type of work permission available to certain F–1 nonimmigrant students. It allows eligible F–1 students (except those in English language training programs) to obtain real-world work experience directly related to their major area of study. The STEM OPT extension is a 24month extension of OPT available to F– 1 nonimmigrant students who have completed 12 months of OPT and received a degree in an approved STEM field of study as designated by the STEM list. Who may be impacted by this notice? This notice may impact qualifying F– 1 nonimmigrant students who seek a 24month extension of post-completion OPT. ddrumheller on DSK120RN23PROD with NOTICES1 Where can I find the STEM list? The STEM list can be found in the docket for this notice and on the Student and Exchange Visitor Program (SEVP) website.6 What authority does DHS have to make changes to the STEM list? The Secretary has broad authority to administer and enforce the Nation’s immigration laws. See generally 6 U.S.C. 202; Immigration and Nationality Act of 1952, as amended (INA), sec. 103, 8 U.S.C. 1103. The INA establishes the F–1 nonimmigrant classification for individuals who wish to enter the United States temporarily and solely for the purpose of pursuing a full course of study at an academic institution or accredited language training school certified by the U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement’s (ICE) SEVP. See INA sec. 101(a)(15)(F)(i), 8 U.S.C. 1101(a)(15)(F)(i). The INA provides the Secretary with broad authority to determine the time and conditions under which nonimmigrants, including F–1 students, may be admitted to the United States. See INA sec. 214(a)(1), 8 U.S.C. 1184(a)(1). The Secretary also has broad authority to determine which individuals are authorized for employment in the United States. See INA sec. 274A(h)(3), 8 U.S.C. 1324a(h)(3). Finally, the Secretary, or his or her designee, has authority to maintain the STEM list, which is a complete list of qualifying degree 6 See SEVP, Eligible CIP Codes for the STEM OPT Extension, https://studyinthestates.dhs.gov/stemopt-hub/additional-resources/eligible-cip-codes-forthe-stem-opt-extension (last visited June 6, 2024). VerDate Sep<11>2014 18:47 Jul 22, 2024 Jkt 262001 program categories published on the SEVP website at https://www.ice.gov/ sevis/schools#dhs-stem-designateddegree-program-list-and-cip-codenomination-process. Changes that are made to the STEM list may also be published in a notice in the Federal Register. See 8 CFR 214.2(f)(10)(ii)(C)(2)(ii). Who may nominate a CIP code? Interested parties, including members of the public, may nominate a CIP code for inclusion on, or removal from, the STEM list. CIP codes that already appear on the DHS STEM Designated Degree Program List do not need to be nominated. How does DHS assess nominations? Nominations to add or remove degrees from the STEM list are assessed consistent with the authorizing regulation.7 As defined in the governing regulations, a STEM field is a field included in the CIP taxonomy 8 that falls within the two-digit series containing engineering, biological sciences, mathematics and statistics, and physical sciences, or a related field, which generally involves research, innovation, or development of new technologies using engineering, mathematics, computer science, or natural sciences (including physical, biological, and agricultural sciences). See 8 CFR 214.2(f)(10)(ii)(C)(2)(i). This definition is widely used by U.S. institutions of higher education and provides an objective measure by which to identify STEM fields of study. Through regulation,9 DHS has designated four areas as core STEM fields and lists these four areas at the two-digit CIP code level. As a result, any new additions to those areas are automatically included on the STEM list. These four areas are: Engineering (CIP code 14), Biological and Biomedical Sciences (CIP code 26), Mathematics and Statistics (CIP code 27), and Physical Sciences (CIP code 40). If a degree is not within the four core fields, DHS considers whether the degree is in a STEM-related field listed at the six-digit level. The six-digit designation allows for individualized review of a specific field of study to ensure it meets the ‘‘related field’’ criteria of ‘‘involving research, 8 CFR 214.2(f)(10)(ii)(C)(2). CIP taxonomy is a taxonomic scheme that was developed by the Department of Education’s National Center for Education Statistics (NCES) to support the accurate tracking and reporting of fields of study and program completion activity. See the NCES website (https://nces.ed.gov/ipeds/cipcode/ default.aspx?y=55) (last visited June 6, 2024). 9 See 8 CFR 214.2(f)(10)(ii)(C)(2)(i). PO 00000 7 See 8 The Frm 00035 Fmt 4703 Sfmt 4703 59749 innovation, or development of new technologies using engineering, mathematics, computer science, or natural sciences (including physical, biological, and agricultural sciences).’’ SEVP evaluates submissions to assess whether the degree is generally considered to be a STEM degree by recognized authorities, including input from educational institutions, governmental entities, and nongovernmental entities. SEVP also reviews the National Center for Education Statistics (NCES) definition of the CIP code, and any supporting material submitted by the nominator, such as the required curriculum for the degree and the extent to which it is comprised of core STEM disciplines, as well as research, innovation, and development of new technologies using engineering, mathematics, computer science, or natural sciences (including physical, biological, and agricultural sciences). Nominators may consider providing supporting materials such as letters from educational institutions that offer the degree program attesting to the integration of STEM disciplines in their programs and evidence of STEM engagement in program graduates’ subsequent careers. Additionally, degree requirements and curriculum from multiple nominators may be assessed across academic institutions and compared to industry or professional standards to ensure that the core aspects of the degree are sufficiently consistent among educational institutions. A proposed addition is not required to have all supporting elements to be added to the STEM list. DHS assesses the totality of the submission and may approve the proposed CIP code if the submission presents sufficient evidence and reasoning to establish that the degree under consideration fits within the regulatory definition of a STEM field. How may a nomination be submitted? Nominations may be submitted by email to the SEVP Response Center at SEVP@ice.dhs.gov, with the subject line ‘‘Attention: STEM CIP Code Nomination.’’ Nominators should review the current DHS STEM Designated Degree Program List before submitting their nomination. Interested parties do not need to submit a nomination for a CIP code that is already on the DHS STEM Designated Degree Program List. What new fields of study will be added to the STEM list? The following field of study is being added to the STEM list: E:\FR\FM\23JYN1.SGM 23JYN1 59750 Federal Register / Vol. 89, No. 141 / Tuesday, July 23, 2024 / Notices Environmental/Natural Resource Economics (03.0204). A program that focuses on the application of economic concepts and methods to the analysis of issues such as air and water pollution, land use planning, waste disposal, invasive species and pest control, conservation policies, and related environmental problems. Includes instruction in cost-benefit analysis, environmental impact assessment, evaluation and assessment of alternative resource management strategies, policy evaluation and monitoring, and descriptive and analytic tools for studying how environmental developments affect the economic system. This field of study, as described in the NCES definition, is comprised of STEM disciplines such as research, innovation, or development of new technologies using natural sciences and mathematics. Paperwork Reduction Act (PRA) Eligible students are required to submit a Form I–765, ‘‘Application for Employment Authorization,’’ to request employment authorization and an Employment Authorization Document, and a Form I–983, ‘‘Training Plan for STEM OPT Students,’’ to ensure that they are receiving the academic and training benefits of the STEM OPT extension. Consistent with the PRA, the Office of Management and Budget (OMB) has previously approved the collection of information contained on the current Form I–765 (OMB Control No. 1615–0040) and Form I–983 (OMB Control No. 1653–0054). Although there could be a slight increase in the number of filings for both the Form I–765 and Form I–983 because of this notice, the number of filings currently contained in the OMB annual inventory is sufficient to cover any additional filings. Accordingly, there is no further action required under the PRA. Alejandro N. Mayorkas, Secretary, U.S. Department of Homeland Security. [FR Doc. 2024–16127 Filed 7–22–24; 8:45 am] BILLING CODE 9111–CB–P ddrumheller on DSK120RN23PROD with NOTICES1 DEPARTMENT OF HOUSING AND URBAN DEVELOPMENT [Docket No. FR–6466–N–01] Request for Information; Direct Rental Assistance Office of the Assistant Secretary for Policy Development and Research, Office of the Assistant Secretary for Public and Indian AGENCY: VerDate Sep<11>2014 18:47 Jul 22, 2024 Jkt 262001 Housing, Department of Housing and Urban Development, HUD. ACTION: Request for information. In the Housing Choice Voucher (HCV) program, rental housing subsidies are provided on behalf of an eligible low-income renter to the landlord of a rental unit. Recently, some researchers, advocates, policymakers, and public housing agencies have expressed interest in testing a ‘‘direct rental assistance’’ model. The model would provide a rental housing subsidy directly to the renter, rather than providing it to the landlord. The approach is similar to what HUD did 50 years ago in its Experimental Housing Allowance Program (EHAP). While HUD is not currently providing direct rental assistance, and this Notice does not provide any funding to do so, HUD’s Office of Policy Development and Research (PD&R) and Office of Public and Indian Housing (PIH) are releasing this Request for Information (RFI) to seek public input on the concept to inform future policy development. DATES: Comments are requested on or before August 30, 2024. Late-filed comments will be considered to the extent practicable. ADDRESSES: Interested persons are invited to submit comments responsive to this RFI. All submissions must refer to the docket number and title of the RFI. Commenters are encouraged to identify the number of the specific question or questions to which they are responding. Responses may include the name(s) of the person(s) or organization(s) filing the comment; however, because any responses received by HUD will be publicly available, responses should not include any personally identifiable information or confidential commercial information. There are two methods for submitting public comments. 1. Electronic Submission of Comments. Interested persons may submit comments electronically through the Federal eRulemaking Portal at https://www.regulations.gov. 2. Submission of Comments by Mail. Comments may be submitted by mail to the Regulations Division, Office of General Counsel, Department of Housing and Urban Development, 451 7th Street SW, Room 10276, Washington, DC 20410–0500. HUD strongly encourages commenters to submit their feedback and recommendations electronically. Electronic submission of comments allows the commenter maximum time to prepare and submit a response, ensures timely receipt by HUD, and enables SUMMARY: PO 00000 Frm 00036 Fmt 4703 Sfmt 4703 HUD to make comments immediately available to the public. Comments submitted electronically through the https://www.regulations.gov website can be viewed by other commenters and interested members of the public. Commenters should follow the instructions provided on that site to submit comments electronically. To receive consideration as public comments, comments must be submitted through one of the two methods specified above. Again, all submissions must refer to the docket number and title of the RFI. Public Inspection of Public Comments. HUD will make all properly submitted comments and communications available for public inspection and copying during regular business hours at the above address. Due to security measures at the HUD Headquarters building, an advance appointment to review the public comments must be scheduled by calling the Regulations Division at (202) 708– 3055 (this is not a toll-free number). HUD welcomes and is prepared to receive calls from individuals who are deaf or hard of hearing, as well as individuals with speech or communication disabilities. To learn more about how to make an accessible telephone call, please visit https:// www.fcc.gov/consumers/guides/ telecommunications-relay-service-trs. Copies of all comments submitted are available for inspection and downloading at www.regulations.gov. FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Paul Joice, Program Demonstration Division, Office of Policy Development and Research, Department of Housing and Urban Development; telephone number 312–913–8597 (this is not a toll-free number), or via email at DirectRentalAssistance@hud.gov. HUD welcomes and is prepared to receive calls from individuals who are deaf or hard of hearing, as well as individuals with speech or communication disabilities. To learn more about how to make an accessible telephone call, please visit https://www.fcc.gov/ consumers/guides/telecommunicationsrelay-service-trs. SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: I. Background Developing relevant evidence and using rigorous research are essential for HUD’s mission of creating strong, sustainable, inclusive communities and quality, affordable homes for all. PD&R is responsible for supporting innovation in housing policy, improving HUD programs through evaluations and demonstrations, and conducting E:\FR\FM\23JYN1.SGM 23JYN1

Agencies

[Federal Register Volume 89, Number 141 (Tuesday, July 23, 2024)]
[Notices]
[Pages 59748-59750]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 2024-16127]


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DEPARTMENT OF HOMELAND SECURITY

U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement

[Docket No. ICEB-2023-0018]
RIN 1653-ZA46


Update to the Department of Homeland Security STEM Designated 
Degree Program List

AGENCY: U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE), Department of 
Homeland Security (DHS).

ACTION: Notice.

-----------------------------------------------------------------------

SUMMARY: This notice announces that the Secretary of Homeland Security 
(Secretary) is amending the DHS STEM Designated Degree Program List by 
adding one qualifying field of study and a corresponding Department of 
Education Classification of Instructional Programs (CIP) code for that 
field. The list is used to determine whether a degree obtained by 
certain F-1 nonimmigrant students following the completion of a program 
of study qualifies as a science, technology, engineering, or 
mathematics (STEM) degree as determined by DHS, as required for the F-1 
student to be eligible to apply for a 24-month extension of their post-
completion optional practical training (OPT).

DATES: DHS adopts the list announced in this notice as of July 23, 
2024.

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Sharon Snyder, Unit Chief, Policy and 
Response Center Unit, Student and Exchange Visitor Program; U.S. 
Immigration and Customs Enforcement, 500 12th Street SW, Stop 5600, 
Washington, DC 20536-5600; email: [email protected], telephone: (703) 
603-3400. This is not a toll-free number. Program information is 
available at https://www.ice.gov/sevis/.

SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION:

What action is DHS taking under this notice?

    The Department of Homeland Security (DHS) is updating the list of 
STEM fields of study that fall within the regulatory definition of 
``STEM field'' to add one field of study.\1\ The list, known as the DHS 
STEM Designated Degree Program List (``STEM list''),\2\ is used to 
determine whether a degree obtained by an F-1 nonimmigrant student 
qualifies as a STEM degree, as required for the F-1 nonimmigrant 
student to be eligible to apply for a STEM OPT extension. The current 
format of the STEM list, which consists of four primary CIP code series 
designated at the two-digit level, and CIP codes in related fields 
designated at the six-digit level, was established in a final rule 
issued in 2016.\3\ The STEM list was most recently updated in 2023.\4\
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

    \1\ While the 2016 STEM Rule provided for ``additions or 
deletions to the list,'' no deletions will be made at this time.
    \2\ ICE, DHS STEM Designated Degree Program List, https://www.ice.gov/doclib/sevis/pdf/stemList2023.pdf (last visited June 6, 
2024).
    \3\ See 81 FR 13040, Mar. 11, 2016.
    \4\ See 88 FR 44381, July 12, 2023.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

Why is DHS taking this action?

    In 2016, DHS published a final rule providing a 24-month extension 
of OPT for F-1 nonimmigrant students who majored in a designated STEM 
field of study. See 81 FR 13040 (Mar. 11, 2016) (``Improving and 
Expanding Training Opportunities for F-1 Nonimmigrant Students With 
STEM Degrees and Cap-Gap Relief for All Eligible F-1 Students'') 
(``2016 STEM Rule''). The 2016 STEM Rule stated that DHS will continue 
to accept for consideration suggested additions or deletions to the 
STEM list and may publish updates to the STEM list in the Federal 
Register. DHS announced the addition of qualifying fields of study to 
the STEM list in Federal Register notices published in 2022 (see 87 FR 
3317 (Jan. 21, 2022)) and 2023 (see 88 FR 44381 (July 12, 2023)). These 
notices also included instructions for how interested parties, 
including members of the public, can nominate CIP codes for potential 
inclusion on or removal from the STEM list. Following publication of 
the 2023 Federal Register notice, DHS received a total of 133 
nominations, representing 68 unique fields of study, to be added to the 
STEM list.\5\ DHS did not receive any nominations to remove CIP codes 
currently on the list. Nominators may resubmit a nomination

[[Page 59749]]

with additional supporting views and evidence, at any time, if their 
original submission is not addressed in this notice.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

    \5\ These included nominations for medical fields focused on 
patient care and for business fields of study. Beginning with the 
2016 STEM Rule (81 FR 13040, 13075), DHS has generally declined ``to 
define `STEM field' to include patient care and business fields of 
study.''
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

What is OPT and STEM OPT?

    OPT is one type of work permission available to certain F-1 
nonimmigrant students. It allows eligible F-1 students (except those in 
English language training programs) to obtain real-world work 
experience directly related to their major area of study.
    The STEM OPT extension is a 24-month extension of OPT available to 
F-1 nonimmigrant students who have completed 12 months of OPT and 
received a degree in an approved STEM field of study as designated by 
the STEM list.

Who may be impacted by this notice?

    This notice may impact qualifying F-1 nonimmigrant students who 
seek a 24- month extension of post-completion OPT.

Where can I find the STEM list?

    The STEM list can be found in the docket for this notice and on the 
Student and Exchange Visitor Program (SEVP) website.\6\
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

    \6\ See SEVP, Eligible CIP Codes for the STEM OPT Extension, 
https://studyinthestates.dhs.gov/stem-opt-hub/additional-resources/eligible-cip-codes-for-the-stem-opt-extension (last visited June 6, 
2024).
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

What authority does DHS have to make changes to the STEM list?

    The Secretary has broad authority to administer and enforce the 
Nation's immigration laws. See generally 6 U.S.C. 202; Immigration and 
Nationality Act of 1952, as amended (INA), sec. 103, 8 U.S.C. 1103. The 
INA establishes the F-1 nonimmigrant classification for individuals who 
wish to enter the United States temporarily and solely for the purpose 
of pursuing a full course of study at an academic institution or 
accredited language training school certified by the U.S. Immigration 
and Customs Enforcement's (ICE) SEVP. See INA sec. 101(a)(15)(F)(i), 8 
U.S.C. 1101(a)(15)(F)(i). The INA provides the Secretary with broad 
authority to determine the time and conditions under which 
nonimmigrants, including F-1 students, may be admitted to the United 
States. See INA sec. 214(a)(1), 8 U.S.C. 1184(a)(1). The Secretary also 
has broad authority to determine which individuals are authorized for 
employment in the United States. See INA sec. 274A(h)(3), 8 U.S.C. 
1324a(h)(3). Finally, the Secretary, or his or her designee, has 
authority to maintain the STEM list, which is a complete list of 
qualifying degree program categories published on the SEVP website at 
https://www.ice.gov/sevis/schools#dhs-stem-designated-degree-program-list-and-cip-code-nomination-process. Changes that are made to the STEM 
list may also be published in a notice in the Federal Register. See 8 
CFR 214.2(f)(10)(ii)(C)(2)(ii).

Who may nominate a CIP code?

    Interested parties, including members of the public, may nominate a 
CIP code for inclusion on, or removal from, the STEM list. CIP codes 
that already appear on the DHS STEM Designated Degree Program List do 
not need to be nominated.

How does DHS assess nominations?

    Nominations to add or remove degrees from the STEM list are 
assessed consistent with the authorizing regulation.\7\ As defined in 
the governing regulations, a STEM field is a field included in the CIP 
taxonomy \8\ that falls within the two-digit series containing 
engineering, biological sciences, mathematics and statistics, and 
physical sciences, or a related field, which generally involves 
research, innovation, or development of new technologies using 
engineering, mathematics, computer science, or natural sciences 
(including physical, biological, and agricultural sciences). See 8 CFR 
214.2(f)(10)(ii)(C)(2)(i). This definition is widely used by U.S. 
institutions of higher education and provides an objective measure by 
which to identify STEM fields of study.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

    \7\ See 8 CFR 214.2(f)(10)(ii)(C)(2).
    \8\ The CIP taxonomy is a taxonomic scheme that was developed by 
the Department of Education's National Center for Education 
Statistics (NCES) to support the accurate tracking and reporting of 
fields of study and program completion activity. See the NCES 
website (https://nces.ed.gov/ipeds/cipcode/default.aspx?y=55) (last 
visited June 6, 2024).
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

    Through regulation,\9\ DHS has designated four areas as core STEM 
fields and lists these four areas at the two-digit CIP code level. As a 
result, any new additions to those areas are automatically included on 
the STEM list. These four areas are: Engineering (CIP code 14), 
Biological and Biomedical Sciences (CIP code 26), Mathematics and 
Statistics (CIP code 27), and Physical Sciences (CIP code 40). If a 
degree is not within the four core fields, DHS considers whether the 
degree is in a STEM-related field listed at the six-digit level. The 
six-digit designation allows for individualized review of a specific 
field of study to ensure it meets the ``related field'' criteria of 
``involving research, innovation, or development of new technologies 
using engineering, mathematics, computer science, or natural sciences 
(including physical, biological, and agricultural sciences).''
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

    \9\ See 8 CFR 214.2(f)(10)(ii)(C)(2)(i).
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

    SEVP evaluates submissions to assess whether the degree is 
generally considered to be a STEM degree by recognized authorities, 
including input from educational institutions, governmental entities, 
and non-governmental entities. SEVP also reviews the National Center 
for Education Statistics (NCES) definition of the CIP code, and any 
supporting material submitted by the nominator, such as the required 
curriculum for the degree and the extent to which it is comprised of 
core STEM disciplines, as well as research, innovation, and development 
of new technologies using engineering, mathematics, computer science, 
or natural sciences (including physical, biological, and agricultural 
sciences). Nominators may consider providing supporting materials such 
as letters from educational institutions that offer the degree program 
attesting to the integration of STEM disciplines in their programs and 
evidence of STEM engagement in program graduates' subsequent careers. 
Additionally, degree requirements and curriculum from multiple 
nominators may be assessed across academic institutions and compared to 
industry or professional standards to ensure that the core aspects of 
the degree are sufficiently consistent among educational institutions.
    A proposed addition is not required to have all supporting elements 
to be added to the STEM list. DHS assesses the totality of the 
submission and may approve the proposed CIP code if the submission 
presents sufficient evidence and reasoning to establish that the degree 
under consideration fits within the regulatory definition of a STEM 
field.

How may a nomination be submitted?

    Nominations may be submitted by email to the SEVP Response Center 
at [email protected], with the subject line ``Attention: STEM CIP Code 
Nomination.'' Nominators should review the current DHS STEM Designated 
Degree Program List before submitting their nomination. Interested 
parties do not need to submit a nomination for a CIP code that is 
already on the DHS STEM Designated Degree Program List.

What new fields of study will be added to the STEM list?

    The following field of study is being added to the STEM list:

[[Page 59750]]

    Environmental/Natural Resource Economics (03.0204). A program that 
focuses on the application of economic concepts and methods to the 
analysis of issues such as air and water pollution, land use planning, 
waste disposal, invasive species and pest control, conservation 
policies, and related environmental problems. Includes instruction in 
cost-benefit analysis, environmental impact assessment, evaluation and 
assessment of alternative resource management strategies, policy 
evaluation and monitoring, and descriptive and analytic tools for 
studying how environmental developments affect the economic system. 
This field of study, as described in the NCES definition, is comprised 
of STEM disciplines such as research, innovation, or development of new 
technologies using natural sciences and mathematics.

Paperwork Reduction Act (PRA)

    Eligible students are required to submit a Form I-765, 
``Application for Employment Authorization,'' to request employment 
authorization and an Employment Authorization Document, and a Form I-
983, ``Training Plan for STEM OPT Students,'' to ensure that they are 
receiving the academic and training benefits of the STEM OPT extension. 
Consistent with the PRA, the Office of Management and Budget (OMB) has 
previously approved the collection of information contained on the 
current Form I-765 (OMB Control No. 1615-0040) and Form I-983 (OMB 
Control No. 1653-0054).
    Although there could be a slight increase in the number of filings 
for both the Form I-765 and Form I-983 because of this notice, the 
number of filings currently contained in the OMB annual inventory is 
sufficient to cover any additional filings. Accordingly, there is no 
further action required under the PRA.

Alejandro N. Mayorkas,
Secretary, U.S. Department of Homeland Security.
[FR Doc. 2024-16127 Filed 7-22-24; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 9111-CB-P
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