A STEM degree offers many opportunities to enter a career in one of the hard sciences or advance your current position. Learn more about the opportunities that await you.
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A STEM degree is a degree in the fields of science, technology, engineering, or mathematics. Occupations in STEM fields are projected to grow by 8 percent by 2034, compared to 3 percent for all occupations, according to the US Bureau of Labor Statistics []. By earning a degree in one of these disciplines, you could enter the workforce prepared for a variety of in-demand and high-paying careers. In fact, CEOWorld's list of top-paid majors is largely led by聽STEM fields [].
Let鈥檚 take a closer look at what types of STEM degrees are out there, as well as associated job prospects.
STEM stands for science, technology, engineering, and mathematics, and degrees in STEM can be broken down into these four broad categories. Let鈥檚 take a closer look at each.
Science is the study of the material, physical, and natural world. Many jobs in the sciences require at least a bachelor鈥檚 degree in a related field. Some of the most common science bachelor鈥檚 degrees conferred during the 2021-2022 school year included []:
| Major | Number of bachelor鈥檚 degrees awarded |
|---|---|
| Nursing | 152,040 |
| Biology | 78,254 |
| Kinesiology and exercise science | 26,347 |
| Chemistry | 12,385 |
| Health sciences | 15,406 |
These are some of the fastest-growing jobs that generally require a degree in science, along with their projected growth by 2034, according to the US Bureau of Labor Statistics:
Environmental science and protection technician: 4 percent []
Clinical laboratory technologist or technician: 2 percent []
Exercise physiologist: 9 percent []
Forest science technician: 3 percent []
Veterinarian: 10 percent []
Medical scientist: 9 percent []
Genetic counselor: 9 percent []
Epidemiologist: 16 percent []
Physician assistant: 20 percent []
Nurse practitioner: 35 percent []
STEM majors include majors within the fields of science, technology, engineering, and mathematics. These can range from broader areas like biology or computer science to more focused ones like biochemistry and artificial intelligence. You might also explore interdisciplinary STEM programs that blend a STEM major with other fields, such as biomedical engineering, robotics, or bioinformatics.
When we apply science and math to human activity, we get technology, a field with high demand for skilled workers. While not all tech jobs require a degree, many employers seek candidates through college recruiting programs, and some offer tuition reimbursement and opportunities for continuing education. As we rely more and more on technology, job opportunities should continue to expand.听
Some of the most common technology bachelor鈥檚 degrees conferred during the 2021-2022 school year included []:
| Major | Number of bachelor鈥檚 degrees awarded |
|---|---|
| Computer science | 40,073 |
| Information technology | 13,069 |
| Information science | 9,314 |
| Computer and information security systems | 7,131 |
An advantage of technology careers is that some jobs offer the ability to work remotely. If you鈥檙e looking for a career that you can do from home, a STEM degree in technology could open up new opportunities. These are some of the fastest-growing jobs that generally require a degree in technology, along with their projected growth by 2034, according to the US Bureau of Labor Statistics:
Web developer or digital designer: 7 percent []
Special effects artist or animator: 2 percent []
Software developer, quality assurance analyst, or tester: 15 percent []
Computer and information research scientist: 20 percent []
Information security analyst: 29 percent []
Read more: 12 Best Paying Technology Jobs
If technology is the result of applying science and math to human activity, engineering comprises the methods that get us there鈥攖he design, building, and operation of machines, engines, and other structures. Some of the most common engineering bachelor鈥檚 degrees conferred during the 2021-2022 school year included []:
| Major | Number of bachelor鈥檚 degrees awarded |
|---|---|
| Mechanical engineering | 34,886 |
| Electrical and electronics engineering | 15,840 |
| Civil engineering | 14,379 |
| Chemical engineering | 9,132 |
| Computer engineering | 9,746 |
Generally, you鈥檒l need an engineering degree to be competitive in the field. These are some of the fastest-growing jobs that generally require a degree in engineering, along with their projected growth by 2034, according to the US Bureau of Labor Statistics []:
Petroleum engineer: 1 percent []
Materials engineer: 6 percent []
Civil engineer: 5 percent []
Aerospace engineer: 6 percent []
Aerospace engineering and operations technologist or technician: 8 percent []
Environmental engineering technologist or technician: 1 percent []
Chemical engineer: 3 percent []
Technical writer: 1 percent []
Industrial engineer: 11 percent []
Although STEM classes traditionally do not include the arts, you can find courses in humanities, dance, design, drama, visual art, and similar fields in STEAM programs. The STEAM acronym stands for science, technology, engineering, art, and mathematics. These programs integrate the arts with STEM classes to encourage creativity and critical thinking. For example, you may take computer courses as part of a design major or story writing classes for a video game development major.
If you love mathematics, the science of numbers, quantity, and space, a STEM degree can set you on a path to a rewarding career. Mathematics offers career opportunities in academia and industry in fields ranging from technology to finance. Some of the most common math-related bachelor鈥檚 degrees conferred during the 2021-2022 school year included []:
| Major | Number of bachelor鈥檚 degrees awarded |
|---|---|
| Mathematics | 16,978 |
| Econometrics and quantitative economics | 14,079 |
| Statistics | 3,366 |
| Applied mathematics | 2,809 |
Math skills translate across numerous jobs and industries. By earning a math-related degree, you could potentially build a career in any number of fields that interest you. These are some of the fastest-growing jobs that generally require a degree in math, along with their projected growth by 2034, according to the US Bureau of Labor Statistics []:
Economist: 1 percent []
Actuary: 22 percent []
Postsecondary teacher: 7 percent []
Operations research analyst: 21 percent []
Data scientist: 34 percent []
Mathematician or statistician: 8 percent []
Explore 糖心vlog官网观看鈥檚 helpful resources as you prepare for a career in STEM. You can subscribe to our LinkedIn newsletter, , or check out these resources:
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