The University of Pennsylvania has become the last of the Ivy League institutions to classify economics as a STEM major. And if you’re wondering why the classification of economics as a STEM field matters, well, it all comes down to visas. That’s right. Visas. You see, most international student visas are valid for one year after a student completes their studies (be it undergraduate or graduate studies). However, international students in STEM fields can become eligible to stay for an additional two-year work extension. It’s known as the Optional Practical Training Extension for STEM Students (STEM OPT). For international undergraduates at UPenn who choose to major in economics, one of the most popular selections from the 89 major choices, this is indeed welcome news.

Penn Re-designates Its Economics Major as a STEM Program

As Pia Singh reports for The Daily Pennsylvanian in a piece entitled “Penn to reclassify economics as STEM major, easing path to visas for international students,” “Starting during the spring semester, the economics department will classify the major under a new STEM federal Classification of Instructional Programs code, which is used to classify academic disciplines, according to an email sent on Thursday from Economics Department Undergraduate Chair Francis Diebold…The economics major in the School of Arts and Sciences will join the mathematical economics major, as well as the Wharton School’s Business Economics and Public Policy and Behavioral Economics concentrations in its new recognition as a STEM program. Penn is the last in the Ivy League to redesignate its economics major as a STEM program, as many of its peer universities — such as Yale University and Cornell University — made the switch in recent years. The change became more popular following the Department of Homeland Security’s inclusion of “Econometrics and Quantitative Economics” in the list of STEM-designated degree programs in 2012.”

College Academics Are a Political Issue

In case you haven’t been following the Trump administration’s ongoing legal challenges to various Ivy League schools, or even the University of Pennsylvania’s own contentions with federal government revocations of student visas, the Ivy League specifically and higher education more broadly have reached a point of unprecedented politicization we haven’t witnessed since the McCarthy era. No matter where you stand on the current state of affairs, we all can agree that even seemingly small details, like whether economics is classified as a social science or a STEM discipline, have enormous ramifications for college students and applicants.

And as far as Ivy Coach’s opinion on the matter? While we’re not afraid to weigh in on controversial subjects within the realm of elite college admissions, and we’re known for dispelling misconceptions, we can’t say we have a firm opinion on whether or not economics constitutes a STEM discipline. But if it means there will be room for more highly talented international students in the economics department at Penn, we’re all for it!

Ivy Coach’s Assistance With American College Admissions for International Students

As the story above illustrates, navigating elite college admissions as an international student is a complex task. The sprawling bureaucracies, low acceptance rates, and insider details can be overwhelming. This is where Ivy Coach comes in. Our team of former elite college admissions officers can guide you through this process, ensuring your child’s best chances of admission to their dream school.

By turning to Ivy Coach’s team of former elite college admissions officers, you can rest assured that your child’s odds of admission to the school of their dreams will be optimized. At the same time, we help you navigate the many hurdles that lie on your child’s path to admission. To get started with us, fill out our complimentary consultation form, and we’ll be in touch with an outline of our services. And for those of you specifically interested in attending the University of Pennsylvania, our very own Jayson Weingarten, a former University of Pennsylvania and Wharton admissions officer, can work with you individually to create a strategic game plan for admission.