What Does STEM Mean in Education?

When you consider earning a degree, you want to look for an academic program that will prepare you well for your post-graduation goals. A degree isn't just a piece of paper that you frame and hang on a wall. It's evidence that you've put the work in to gain the skills and knowledge you need to succeed in the field of your choosing.

If you're exploring potential areas of study, you might want to consider entering the STEM field. A STEM education can offer you opportunities in a variety of roles after graduation, and may provide you with skills that can translate in different workplace settings.

What Does STEM Mean?

Let’s start with a basic question: Exactly what does STEM mean? It's a term many are familiar with, but don’t necessarily understand. STEM is a common abbreviation for four closely connected areas of study: science, technology, engineering and mathematics. The fields are often associated due to the similarities that they share both in theory and practice.

According to the National Science Foundation, STEM workers contribute to a nation's living standards and economic growth. It's no surprise that the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) projects that occupations in the STEM field are expected to grow by 10.8% through 2032, compared with 2.3% for non-STEM occupations.*

What is Considered a STEM Degree?

A STEM degree is one that falls within the fields of science, technology, engineering or mathematics. Some examples include:

• Bachelor's in environmental science
• Bachelor's in computer science
• Bachelor's in electrical engineering
• Bachelor's in mathematics

Your STEM education can provide versatile skills, like problem solving and critical thinking, that are beneficial both in and out of the workplace.

According to the World Economic Forum's The Future of Jobs Report 2023, employers are looking for candidates who know how to think creatively and analytically and will be able to solve problems the company faces, no matter what field you pursue.

Hands-On Learning in STEM Education

In Southern New Hampshire University’s (SNHU) STEM programs, courses focus on real-world tools that equip graduates to succeed in careers after they complete their education. Highly skilled faculty members bring valuable field experiences to their courses to ensure that students have the skills necessary to excel in STEM positions.

While the field has traditionally been male-dominated, women are increasingly joining the ranks of STEM professionals. On the surface, it might seem like there is good overall gender equity in the STEM job types. Pew Research Center reports, however, that while women make up half of the STEM workforce, the number of women working in different STEM roles varies widely.

High schools, universities, community programs, as well as the federal government, are taking steps to promote opportunities for both genders within STEM education in the last several years.

After Tanner McCarthy '24 watched her sister pursue a STEM degree, it gave her the confidence to do the same. She recently earned a Bachelor of Science (BS) in Mechanical Engineering and a minor in Robotics from SNHU. Beyond her studies, McCarthy got involved with STEM-related initiatives at the Manchester, New Hampshire, campus. She helped start the Robotics Club, and worked at the IT Help Desk and Instructional Support Services during her time at SNHU.

"I think it is important for women to pursue careers in STEM so we can have representation," said McCarthy. "Being able to see someone like you do something that you’re interested in just builds confidence."

Students today also have more options when it comes to where and how they pursue their education.

"The academic world has changed because there are more online learning options than in the past," said Dr. Albanie Bolton, an adjunct in computer science and information technology programs at SNHU and technical lead for the Common Exploration Systems Department at NASA’s Marshall Space Flight Center.

Bolton said that the online learning environment provides a flexible option for learners who can't sit in a classroom every day but still want to advance their careers or learn new skills.

What Are Considered STEM Careers?

When you pursue a degree in this field, you're not limited to a career in science, technology, engineering or mathematics. While you'll be well prepared for one of these fields after graduation, the STEM skills that you'll develop through your studies will equip you for success in any field. Whether or not you want to pursue a STEM job after graduation, a degree in this area can still be an asset in your future job search as a result of the skills that you develop.

For example, due to the integration of computers and software across a variety of workplaces, having a background in technology can be very appealing to a future employer. In fact, BLS projects that computer and technology occupations will add around 377,500 job openings between 2022-2032.* A STEM-related degree can take you in a number of directions.

Actuary

Actuaries use math and statistics to help their clients minimize their risks, particularly in the insurance industry.

According to BLS, actuaries typically have a bachelor's degree in math or business. In 2023, they earned a median salary of $120,000 with a predicted job growth of 23% through 2032.*

Computer and Information Research Scientist

Computer and information research scientists design new approaches to computer technology. This field is projected to grow 23% from 2022 to 2032 according to BLS and computer and information research scientists earned a median salary of $145,080 in 2023.*

Computer and information research scientists often hold a master's degree in information technology or a related field, according to BLS.

Geoscientist

Geoscientists study the composition and structure of the Earth to learn more about both its past and future.

Geoscientists often need a bachelor's degree in geosciences or a relevant field, said BLS. They made a median salary of $92,580 in 2023, and BLS predicts 5% job growth through 2032.*

Information Security Analyst

Information security analysts protect an organization's computer systems. Most information security analyst positions require a bachelor's degree in a computer-related field, such as bachelor's degree in cybersecurity, said BLS.

Information security analysts earned a median salary of $120,360 in 2023, with a 32% job growth through 2032, according to BLS.*

Software Developer

Software developers create applications or systems that run on a computer or another device. According to BLS, software developers earned a median salary of $130,160 in 2023.*

According to BLS, earning a bachelor's degree in computer science is a good way to obtain the strong computer programming skills needed to excel in this career. BLS predicts this role will grow by 25% from 2022 to 2032.*

*Cited job growth projections may not reflect local and/or short-term economic or job conditions and do not guarantee actual job growth. Actual salaries and/or earning potential may be the result of a combination of factors including, but not limited to: years of experience, industry of employment, geographic location, and worker skill.

Alexa Gustavsen '21 is a content facilitator and writer at Southern New Hampshire University. Based in New Hampshire, she completed her bachelor's in creative writing and English on campus at NH. Currently, she is pursuing her master's in marketing online at the university. Connect with her on LinkedIn.