Introduction
In the present world, just earning a standard degree may not be enough for students to get a flourishing job or start an exciting career. Companies are looking for highly qualified and skilled professionals with extensive knowledge and technical skills. It is where STEM education plays a vital role.
STEM means science, technology, engineering, and mathematics education. STEM degrees or courses focus on a theoretical approach to these subjects while providing adequate practical exposure. Through STEM, the students learn to integrate different subjects with the help of a technological approach. It was in 2001 when the National Science Foundation (NSF), USA, announced the abbreviation of STEM, and since then, it has been the most discussed topic in the education sector.
Why Study STEM Programs in US Universities?
Through STEM education, a student is prepared to face real-world challenges. A STEM degree helps enhance students' higher-level thinking abilities by connecting the real world with the classroom. Completing a STEM degree from one of the best STEM colleges in the US will allow students to enhance their communication, collaboration, problem-solving, research, creativity, and critical thinking skills. A student will need these skills to succeed in this competitive and challenging world.
Hence, completing your STEM course from one of the top universities for STEM majors in the US will open a plethora of options for you. Let's look at some of the popular STEM degrees in the US.
Popular STEM Courses
When it comes to STEM education, the United States of America is always a favorite choice of students. The United States offers students some great opportunities and additional time to stay in the country after completing the STEM course. Below are some of the top STEM programs in US universities:
- Aeronautical Engineering
- Biochemistry
- Chemical Engineering
- Agricultural Engineering
- Computer and Information Science
- Mechanical Engineering
- Zoology
- Statistics
- Pharmacy
- Mathematics
- Physics
- Genetics
- Physical Science
- Civil Engineering
- Chemistry
These are just a few courses mentioned above; the list is far more extensive. The above list will give you an idea of which all subjects range in the STEM curriculum.
Top US Universities for STEM Courses
There is a huge demand for STEM professionals, and the United States of America focuses on developing highly skilled and qualified professionals. The US universities also emphasize international students joining their universities. Before you apply, you can check whether the course is offline, or you can even do these STEM courses online. Here is the checklist of some of the top universities for STEM majors in the US:
- Massachusetts Institute of Technology
- Harvard University
- Stanford University
- University of California, Berkeley
- Arizona State University
- University of Dayton
- Columbia University
- California Institute of Technology
- New York University
- University of South Florida
Once you apply to any of the above universities (or any other), check for the required criteria mentioned on the STEM page of the university. There can be an opportunity where you may get STEM scholarships for US universities. Since securing admission may be challenging in one of the top universities, getting a scholarship will be an added advantage.
Careers in STEM
By completing a STEM education in US universities, students can expect to start a prosperous and flourishing career in one of the many STEM fields. Since there are many courses to choose from, students who complete a major's degree in STEM can get good pay jobs on higher designations.
Moreover, there is a huge demand for skilled professionals in the United States as well. Many universities in the US offer OPT to international students. A student can stay for an additional 12 months through OPT to work in the United States. Additionally, there are several STEM internships in US universities that one can apply to gain exposure to the practical aspects of STEM while completing their studies.
Below are some of the STEM careers in the US. You can also look for STEM careers outside the US, depending on the course and the degree you go for.
Careers in Aeronautics
|
Job Title |
Average Salary |
|
Aerospace Engineer |
$69000 - $110430 |
|
Mechanical Engineer |
$62000 - $90000 |
|
Pilot |
$70000 - $121000 |
|
Aircraft Mechanic |
$41000 - $61000 |
Careers in Biology
|
Job Title |
Average Salary |
|
Medical Laboratory Technician |
$39000 - $46000 |
|
Biologist |
$41000 - $68000 |
|
Research Scientist |
$75000 - $88000 |
|
Biomedical Engineer |
$61000 - $89000 |
Careers in Biotechnology
|
Job Title |
Average Salary |
|
Research Laboratory Technician |
$36000 - $50,000 |
|
Research Associate |
$51000 - $67000 |
|
Research Scientist |
$81000 - $92000 |
Careers in Chemistry
|
Job Title |
Average Salary |
|
Research Scientist |
$75000 - $88000 |
|
Chemical Engineer |
$66000 - $100000 |
|
Toxicologist |
$64000 - $112310 |
Careers in Computer Science
|
Job Title |
Average Salary |
|
Web Developer |
$50000 - $70000 |
|
Computer Support Technician |
$39000 - $54000 |
|
Software Engineer |
$75000 - $103000 |
|
Information Technology Manager |
$61000 - $94000 |
Careers in Environmental Science
|
Job Title |
Average Salary |
|
Civil Engineer |
$57000 - $86000 |
|
Environmental Consultant |
$45000 - $74000 |
|
Environmental Health and Safety Manager |
$58000 - $89000 |
|
Environmental Scientist |
$43000 - $67000 |
Careers in Math
|
Job Title |
Average Salary |
|
Mathematician |
$67000 - $99000 |
|
Actuary |
$60000 - $123000 |
|
Software Engineer |
$75000 - $103000 |
|
Data Scientist |
$85000 - $120000 |
Careers in Mechanical Engineering
|
Job Title |
Average Salary |
|
Mechanical Engineer |
$62000 - $90000 |
|
Mechanical Designer |
$53000 - $65000 |
|
Biomedical Engineer |
$61000 - $89000 |
Careers in Industrial Engineering
|
Job Title |
Average Salary |
|
Industrial Engineer |
$61000 - $84000 |
|
Process Engineer |
$65000 - $90000 |
|
Supply Chain Analyst |
$56000 - $66000 |
The above list is just a small part of the career prospects you can get by doing one of the many STEM courses. The list doesn't end here, and the careers can be unlimited. For example, with a STEM degree, if you can get an option to work in one of the best airline companies, you can also get a job in Hollywood, sportswear, or even the agricultural industry.
Your career path will depend on the chosen STEM field and your interest.
Challenges in STEM Courses
Like any other course or degree, a student can face certain challenges while studying STEM courses. Whether you are studying in one of the best STEM colleges in the US, you may still face certain issues.
Below are some of the common challenges faced by a STEM student:
- Most students are unable to connect the dots with what is being taught in the classroom and how it can be implemented in the real world. When the connection doesn't happen, they tend to lose interest in that subject.
- A lot of students wish to pursue STEM because it is in demand but face problems if they are not from a Math, Chemistry, or Physics background. Students who have taken these courses in high school are likely to succeed in STEM programs.
- Even though the STEM stream is evolving, the teaching methods are not changing at that speed. With the same teaching methods in place, there can be instances of students being unable to keep up with the course and losing interest.
- If there are fewer hands-on learning activities in any specific course or STEM field, the students cannot reciprocate the theoretical concepts into practical knowledge. Thus, they are not able to take most of the STEM courses.
To overcome certain of the above situations, as a student, you should go through the university’s requirements before applying for the course. If you are a perfect match and your goal aligns with the course curriculum, you will face fewer challenges while studying the STEM course.
Bottom Line
STEM is an ever-emerging field, and its demand is growing at a very high speed. With different fields and career options, it may be challenging for a student to decide which one to go for. But the best approach will be to choose a field based on the interest and its need in various sectors.
Moreover, studying in STEM universities gives an upper edge since the students can stay and work in the US after completing the course. Additionally, with different internships being offered in some of the top universities in the US, it becomes easier for the students to learn and grasp the concepts simultaneously.
