DHS Designates “Demography and Population Studies” as STEM Degree

On July 12, the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) released a Federal Register notice adding “Demography and Population Studies” to the programs within the DHS sciences, technology, engineering, or mathematics (STEM) designated degrees program list. This addition allows international students to remain in the United States for two years of “Optional Practical Training” as opposed to the previous one year.

The Population Association of America (PAA), a COSSA Governing Member, worked with its membership to secure designation of “Demography and Population Studies” within this category.

Read more about this successful change on the PAA website here.