Programs
Choosing a Major at A-State: Fit First, OPT Second
A lot of students search for the major that is "easiest to stay in the US with" before they even pick a school. That question is not wrong, but putting it first often leads to choosing a subject you cannot sustain or do not enjoy. The better order is: understand yourself first, then look at STEM designation and Optional Practical Training (OPT) rules. This article follows that order, using program information from Arkansas State University (A-State).
Start with yourself, not with trends
Before you look up the STEM list or read "hot major" rankings, spend 30 honest minutes answering a few questions:
- In high school or college, which subject did you genuinely enjoy and do well in - not the one you memorized for a good grade, but the one that made you want to learn more?
- Do you work better with numbers, language, people, machines, or abstract ideas?
- Do you learn best through theory, hands-on lab work, or group projects and presentations?
Choosing a major close to your strengths and learning style helps you keep a steady GPA over four years. That matters because most A-State scholarships - the International Freshman Scholarship, Transfer Scholarship, and ACT/SAT merit tiers - require you to maintain a minimum GPA to keep renewing them. See the scholarships page for details.
STEM and OPT: get the facts straight before deciding
After graduation, international students in the US can apply for OPT to gain practical work experience related to their field of study, with a base period of 12 months. If your major falls under the STEM list defined by the US government, you may apply for a 24-month extension, bringing total OPT to up to 36 months. This is a federal policy that can change over time.
One point matters a lot here: STEM status is determined by a program's specific CIP code, not by its general title. Two programs with similar-sounding names at different universities are not always classified the same way, and a program that sounds unrelated to technology can still carry a STEM-eligible CIP code. Do not guess based on the major's name - ask an advisor or the Vietnam Office to confirm the CIP code and STEM status of the exact A-State program you plan to apply to.
This article does not promise employment, salary outcomes, or the ability to stay in the US after OPT. Those outcomes depend on US immigration policy at the time and on individual circumstances, not on anything a university can guarantee.
What A-State offers
A-State offers 160+ degree programs across 9 colleges, spanning business, engineering, nursing, education, social sciences, and the arts. Several fields carry recognized specialized accreditation, which adds real value to your degree for further study or professional practice:
| Field | Accreditation |
|---|---|
| Business | AACSB |
| Civil, electrical, mechanical engineering | ABET |
| Nursing | ACEN |
| Education | CAEP |
With this range of programs, most students can find at least a few options that genuinely match their strengths, whether in engineering, business, health sciences, or the social sciences. Browse the full list on the academics page.
Choosing a major, step by step
- List 3-5 majors that fit your strengths and interests, based on the self-assessment above.
- Use the major finder tool to match your interests against A-State's programs.
- Read the detailed program descriptions and check for specialized accreditation where relevant.
- If STEM/OPT matters to you, ask an advisor or the Vietnam Office to confirm the CIP code and STEM status of the specific program you intend to apply to - never rely on the title alone.
- Compare your profile against undergraduate admissions or graduate admissions requirements to see where you currently stand.
Keep in mind that tuition, scholarships, the STEM list, and related regulations can change from year to year or with shifts in US federal policy. Always verify current figures before you submit an application.
Talk to International Admissions about the right major for you
If you are torn between a few majors, or need to confirm whether a specific A-State program carries STEM designation, the Vietnam Office (VNIS) can help based on your actual profile and goals. Reach out at study@astate.edu.vn, call the hotline 097 586 1994, or leave your details on the contact page.
Photo by ThisisEngineering on Unsplash
