SVA MFA Design has been designated as a STEM-Certified program. STEM is an approach to learning and development that integrates the areas of science, technology, engineering and mathematics. This has particular advantages for our international students, who are now able to apply for a 24-month extension to their 12-month OPT (Optional Practical Training) student visas. It means that those international students electing to work in the United States following graduation have the option of staying three years instead of the traditional one year after the end of school.