A-State’s Exercise Science Programmes Gain STEM Designation — and Two More Years to Work

Arkansas State University has announced that both its bachelor’s and master’s degrees in Exercise Science now carry science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM) designation.

Why this matters most to international students

For domestic students, a STEM designation is largely academic recognition. For international students it changes one very concrete number: how long you may lawfully stay and work after you graduate.

An F-1 graduate normally receives 12 months of Optional Practical Training. A graduate of a programme on the US government’s STEM list may apply for a 24-month extension — up to 36 months in total, three times as long.

Three years rather than one is not merely more time. It is long enough to move from a graduate role into a real one, long enough for an employer to see the case for sponsoring a work visa, and long enough to earn back what the degree cost.

What the programme covers

Dr. Amanda Wheeler Gryffin, chair of the Department of Kinesiology, describes exercise science as an interdisciplinary field integrating human physiology, biomechanics, technology and research to improve health, performance and quality of life.

That foundation is precisely why the designation applies: physiology, biomechanics, data analysis and evidence-based practice. It is a laboratory science, not the sports-adjacent degree the name can suggest.

Students work through coursework, laboratory experience and research opportunities, building the technical skills to address complex questions about human movement, exercise and health.

Where graduates go

The university points to careers in healthcare, human performance, research and related industries. Dr. Annette Hux, dean of the College of Education and Behavioral Science, said the designation reinforces the value of the programmes and the growing importance of preparing students with the scientific and analytical skills employers are seeking.

What to verify before you choose

The STEM list is published by the US Department of Homeland Security and is revised over time. When you apply, confirm the specific CIP code of your programme with the admissions office — that code, not the name of the degree, determines whether the OPT extension is available to you.

If you are weighing programmes with post-graduation work in mind, our glossary explains OPT, CPT and STEM briefly, and the programmes page lists everything the university offers.

Source: astate.edu