Question about OPT employment requirements

[ahoy 0]

My boyfriend recently was approved for OPT, but it's been rough so far. His college has been giving him the runaround when it comes to getting things clarified (scheduling him for appointments when no one would actually be there... multiple times). One thing that the person in charge of his OPT stuff at his college has said is that since this is a post-completion OPT, the position would not only need to be related to his field of study but would also have to require a 4 year degree.

He has a Bachelor's in History so the pickings are already slim, and while we think a volunteer position (at a library, museum, archive, etc) would be his best option, very few of those list a 4 year degree as a requirement.

I have searched and searched and I can't find anything on the internet backing up what this person has told him. Everything I've read simply says that the position must relate to his area of study.

So, is it true? Must whatever paid/unpaid work he gets explicitly require a 4 year degree to be valid for OPT?

[newacct 688]

Anything in his field should be fine. He can even start his own company if he wants.

[Pickle 65]

This is what USCIS list as the requirements (I'm sure you've seen this yourself, maybe your boyfriend's school's DSO needs to see it too): http://www.uscis.gov/eir/visa-guide/f-1-opt-optional-practical-training/understanding-f-1-opt-requirements and http://www.uscis.gov/eir/visa-guide/f-1-opt-optional-practical-training/f-1-optional-practical-training-opt and http://www.uscis.gov/sites/default/files/USCIS/Outreach/Upcoming%20National%20Engagements/Upcoming%20National%20Engagement%20Pages/2012%20Events/June%202012/Form_I-765_OPT_Overview_06-19-2012.pdf

Don't see anything about a 4 year degree, I don't recall that requirement from when I was on OPT myself. If DSO is adamant, call USCIS to confirm.