The fields of science, technology, engineering, and mathematics — also known as the acronym STEM — are key segments of a wide range of industries around the globe. STEM careers are available in accounting, architecture, health care, software development, and many other sectors.
With a degree in a STEM field, you will have a versatile skill set and in-depth technical knowledge to support multiple career options. Even better, careers in STEM-related fields are growing: the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics projects a 10.8% increase in STEM employment by 2031.
Read on to learn more about what STEM means, opportunities available in STEM-field professions, what STEM stands for in education, and which STEM schools you can consider for your degree.
What Is STEM?
As we mentioned earlier, the STEM full form stands for science, technology, engineering, and math. These specializations are grouped together for their impact and strong contributions in innovation, business development, and job creation.
Additionally, at universities, STEM disciplines often share core foundational concepts, also known as STEM curriculum. For example, a computer science degree combines technology, engineering, and mathematical subjects with classes that may include hardware engineering, programming, numerical analysis, graphics, and data security. STEM degrees can enhance your creativity, critical thinking, analytical abilities, and problem-solving skills as you learn more about interconnected subjects.
As technology and consumer needs evolve, the following STEM-field subjects are growing in demand:
Behavioral economics
Environmental science
Mechatronics
Pharmaceutics
Psychology
Robotics
STEM degree programs build transferable skills that prepare you for many professional roles in engineering, analytics, data management, health, strategic management, and more. With guidance from expert faculty and the opportunity to learn from real-world case studies and simulation tools, you can look forward to developing a diverse skill set for your future career.
Now that you have an idea of what does STEM stand for, let’s take a look at why STEM education is a valuable asset to have on your resume.
Why Is STEM Important?
Science, technology, engineering, and mathematics are the foundation to many of the advancements and technological innovations in modern society. From computers, phones, and data systems to weather forecasts and medical advancements, STEM-related principles and findings have contributed significantly to the world we live in today.
STEM-field degrees equip professionals with the necessary knowledge and skills that global employers value and seek out in their employees. According to the World Economic Forum, STEM degrees are the US’s most desirable qualifications, featuring high pay and strong career prospects. Graduates entering the workforce are qualified for roles in operations, may already exhibit industry specializations (e.g., petroleum engineering, video game programming, or architectural design, to name a few), and are solutions-driven, well positioned to discover better outcomes and efficiency.
To put it simply, STEM is important because:
It has innovation at its core: From medical breakthroughs to clean energy, STEM professionals lead discovery and invention.
It builds essential skills for the future: STEM courses strengthen analytical thinking, digital literacy, communication, and collaboration.
STEM experts are in high demand: Graduates in STEM fields enjoy some of the lowest unemployment rates and highest salaries in the job market.
STEM has global relevance: STEM knowledge is universally applicable, allowing graduates to work anywhere in the world.
Understanding “what is STEM?” helps students appreciate its role in technology and science while shaping a smarter, more sustainable society.
What Are the STEM Subjects?
STEM subjects cover a wide range of disciplines across science, technology, engineering, and mathematics. Each category contributes unique expertise but together, they create a foundation to solve real-world problems. A well-designed STEM curriculum integrates these subjects to encourage exploration, experimentation, and innovation. Below is a detailed look at each area, along with popular STEM courses and how they connect to future career opportunities.
Science
Science is the foundation of all STEM fields. It focuses on discovering how the world works through research, observation, and experimentation. Whether studying living organisms, chemical reactions, or the laws of physics, scientists hone their curiosity and critical thinking skills, essential for any aspiring STEM professional.
Core science subjects include:
Biology: Understanding life processes, genetics, and ecosystems
Chemistry: Studying matter, molecular interactions, and chemical change
Physics: Exploring motion, energy, and the structure of the universe
Astronomy: Observing celestial bodies and cosmic phenomena
Environmental Science: Examining sustainability and the impact of human activity
Geology: Investigating the Earth’s layers, resources, and natural events
If you are interested in pursuing a science-related STEM program, some popular choices among international students are:
Astrophysics
Biomedical Science
Environmental Studies
Forensic Science
Marine Biology
Science-based STEM degrees prepare students for careers in health care, research, energy, and environmental management.
Technology
Technology applies scientific principles to design, develop, and enhance digital systems that simplify daily life and power entire industries. It is one of the fastest-growing STEM subjects, opening pathways in software, automation, and digital innovation.
Core technology subjects include:
Computer Science: Coding, algorithms, and system design
Information Technology: Managing and maintaining networks and databases
Cybersecurity: Safeguarding digital information and systems
Artificial Intelligence: Training machines to learn, reason, and predict outcomes
Software Development: Building applications, websites, and platforms
For students passionate about innovation and the digital world, top technology-based STEM degrees among international students include:
Information Systems
Machine Learning
Web and App Development
These STEM courses prepare students for in-demand careers such as data scientist, software engineer, or IT consultant, where technology drives every solution.
Engineering
Engineering transforms ideas into real-world systems, machines, and structures. It combines creativity with technical expertise and is one of the most diverse areas in STEM education.
Core engineering subjects include:
Aerospace Engineering: Building aircraft, spacecraft, and propulsion systems
Chemical Engineering: Creating processes for materials, fuels, and pharmaceuticals
Civil Engineering: Planning and constructing buildings, bridges, and roads
Electrical Engineering: Developing circuits, energy systems, and electronics
Industrial engineering: Streamlining operations and optimizing production
Mechanical Engineering: Designing and manufacturing machines and tools
If you enjoy designing, building, and problem-solving, many international students pursue engineering-oriented STEM majors like:
Bioengineering
Renewable Energy Engineering
Robotics and Mechatronics
Structural Engineering
Systems Design
Engineering students learn to apply math and science to solve practical problems, often through hands-on labs, projects, and internships. Work often directly impacts industries including construction, manufacturing, sustainability, and transportation.
Mathematics
Mathematics is the backbone of STEM, giving structure to science and technology. It equips students with analytical and problem-solving skills essential for designing models, interpreting data, and developing reliable, real-world solutions.
Core mathematics subjects include:
Algebra: Relationships between numbers and variables
Applied Mathematics: Mathematical modeling for real-world systems
Calculus: Change, motion, and optimization
Geometry: Shapes, measurements, and spatial reasoning
Statistics: Data analysis, interpretation, and probability
For those who love numbers, logic, and analysis, popular mathematics-driven STEM fields for international students include:
Actuarial Science
Financial Mathematics
Operations Research
Quantitative Analysis
Mathematics builds the analytical foundation for countless STEM careers, from AI development to financial forecasting.
Interdisciplinary STEM courses
Many modern programs in universities around the world combine multiple STEM subjects to meet emerging industry needs. Interdisciplinary STEM courses are designed to help students bridge gaps between fields — for example, using coding in biology or applying physics in health care.
Popular interdisciplinary STEM courses include:
Biotechnology: Integrating biology and engineering to advance medicine
Data science: Combining math, statistics, and technology to interpret big data
Environmental engineering: Applying science and design to sustainability initiatives
Nanotechnology: Using chemistry, physics, and materials science at the nanoscale
These integrated programs reflect the essence of STEM — combining innovation, experimentation, and analytical precision to address complex global challenges.
Now that you understand what STEM stands for, let us look at what STEM courses mean and why do they matter?
Why Consider Majoring in a STEM Field
Choosing a STEM major means investing in a future of innovation, creativity, and opportunity. Here is why international students often choose these types of courses in the US:
Graduates are high in demand — There is a growing need for artificial intelligence, machine learning, and robotics engineers, along with environmental specialists, data analysts, and economists. Many organizations need well-prepared professionals who can drive innovation and developments within the company.
A STEM education offers transferable skills — This curriculum covers a broad range of subjects such as mathematics, engineering, software management, and biomedical engineering. As you master your technical skills, STEM degree programs encourage students to build adaptability, innovation, planning, and execution capabilities, all of which are essential to any professional role.
Graduates earn higher incomes — STEM professions offer higher entry-level salaries compared to other types of jobs. For example, data security officers, mechanical engineers, architectural engineers, and computer scientists are some of the highest-paid roles in the US.
Understanding a STEM field, meaning which courses and potential careers are available, offers insights on which subjects you can consider for your academic studies. Taking STEM courses early is a great way to determine which topics and potential fields are a good fit for your interests, capabilities, and goals.
Popular STEM Career Choices
Graduating with a degree in a STEM field opens the door to a wide range of dynamic, high-paying, and future-oriented careers. As STEM courses teach both technical and transferable skills such as problem-solving, critical thinking, and communication, graduates are in demand across nearly every global industry.
According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, jobs in STEM-related occupations are projected to grow faster than non-STEM jobs, driven by advances in artificial intelligence, renewable energy, biotechnology, and data analytics. Whether you are passionate about technology, science, engineering, or mathematics, there is a STEM career path that aligns with your goals.
Depending on your major, your career path may include roles like:
AI specialist
Biotechnologist
Civil engineer
Cybersecurity analyst
Data scientist
Environmental scientist
Financial analyst
Mechanical engineer
Software developer
Statistician
As STEM fields continue to evolve, diversity and inclusion have become just as important as innovation itself. Around the world, more women are entering science, technology, engineering, and mathematics programs and bringing in new perspectives, ideas, and leadership to industries once dominated by men. Let us further explore the role of women in STEM.
Women in STEM Courses: A Rising Movement
For decades, many STEM fields were largely male-dominated. However, the landscape is changing rapidly as more women across the globe pursue STEM education, research, and leadership roles. From developing sustainable energy solutions to advancing artificial intelligence, women in STEM courses are driving change, challenging stereotypes, and shaping industries for the better.
According to the UNESCO Institute for Statistics, women now represent around 35% of STEM students in higher education worldwide, and that number continues to grow each year. In the US, universities and organizations are making significant strides in improving gender balance to empower women to thrive in STEM environments.
At the university level, initiatives include:
STEM scholarships for women that reduce financial barriers to higher education.
Research opportunities encouraging female students to participate in innovation-driven projects.
Industry partnerships that connect women with internships and role models in STEM careers.
On-campus organizations that build peer communities and foster collaboration among female STEM majors.
Some notable organizations such as Girls Who Code, Society of Women Engineers, and Women in Data Science (WiDS) aim to close the gender gap by giving young women the tools, confidence, and visibility they need to succeed.
Women graduating with STEM degrees from US universities often go on to secure positions at leading tech companies, research centers, and global nongovernmental organizations. Beyond strong employment prospects, these experiences allow women to become role models in their home countries, showing that innovation, leadership, and scientific excellence know no gender.
Study at the Best Universities with Shorelight’s Help!
The acronym STEM branches out to many industries and occupations that you can explore to find the right career. A Shorelight counselor can provide application assistance for a STEM school that suits your objectives and will be there to assist you every step of the way. From academic support and guidance in understanding what STEM stands for, get in touch with an advisor who can clarify all the questions you may have regarding your STEM education.
Take the first step toward your future career in STEM today!
