Types of STEM Degrees and Majors to Consider

If you're majoring in a STEM field, that means your degree program falls under the umbrella of science, technology, engineering or mathematics.

While you can’t major in STEM itself, programs in this category include ones that emphasize research, innovation or the development of new technologies.

What is Considered a STEM Major?

You might be surprised to learn what bachelor’s degree programs fall within STEM. Listed below are undergraduate degree programs and related careers that you might not have considered:

Computer Science

So much of life today is conducted through technology, and a lot of programming, networks and algorithms are at play to make that possible.

Earning a computer science degree can introduce you to all of that and more, allowing you to develop foundations in software development and computing principles. With this knowledge, you can learn to analyze complex problems and design and evaluate solutions while specializing in an area that interests you.

Computer science roles include:

• Computer programmers
• Mobile app developers
• Web developers

Read More: What Can You Do with a Computer Science Degree?

Cybersecurity Degree

Ransomware and other intruders not only hold an organization’s network hostage — they can also cost companies millions of dollars. Learn how to respond to threats, assess risk and apply security techniques by taking courses that address network security, application security and incident response and investigation.

When pursuing a cybersecurity degree, you may have the opportunity to work with common operating systems and software, learn programming languages and use simulation tools to practice configuring and securing realistic computing networks.

Some cybersecurity careers include:

• Cybersecurity analysts
• Information security analysts
• IT auditors 

Other roles include penetration tester, vulnerability analyst and security architect, according to Terry Winn, a cybersecurity adjunct at Southern New Hampshire University (SNHU). That means there's a chance to specialize in the areas that interest you.

Winn, who's been immersed in the field since 2009, is focused on governance, risk and compliance. He said he enjoys the problem-solving challenges that come with his work.

"Every situation/challenge is different, and it stretches your mind as you try to develop a risk-based solution to address the overarching issue," he said.

Read More: What is a Cybersecurity Degree?

Data Analytics Degree

As the volume of data continues to explode, organizations look to professionals who can collect, manage and develop insights from it.

A data analytics degree combines facets of business, information technology, and mathematics and teaches you how to use data mining, simulation and optimization. You may be introduced to tools that are key for scripting, data manipulation, visualization and statistical analysis.

Data analysts can work in roles such as:

• Database administrators and architects
• Market research analysts
• Operations research analysts

Read More: What is Data Analytics?

Environmental Science Degree

Climate change and global warming continue to spark concerns worldwide. Environmental scientists protect the planet and study air and water quality and more, according to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS). They analyze environmental issues related to everything from waste and pollution to health risks and hazards to natural resources, BLS said.

When pursuing an environmental science degree, you could build a strong foundation in both the natural and physical sciences through coursework and hands-on experience.
Some careers in environmental science include:

• Climate change analysts
• Conservation scientists
• Meteorologists 

Curiosity, a desire to help people and a few mentors drew SNHU Associate Dean of Science Tyra Davey to the sciences.

"At a very young age, I was asking questions about 'why': Why was the sky blue? Why are the clouds white? Why is it raining today, but not tomorrow?" she said. Davey noted she also felt compelled to learn about extreme weather and ways to stay safe when experiencing it.

So, she decided to study meteorology and atmospheric science in college and became a certified SKYWARN® Storm Spotter. "When I went into meteorology, this was a primary goal of mine: to teach people about the weather and help them prepare for storms and stay safe," she said.

Read More: What Can I Do with an Environmental Science Degree?

Game Programming and Development Degree

If virtual reality and creating games and simulations in 2D and 3D excite you, a degree in game programming and development might be the right fit.

You may have the opportunity to study game platforms, interface design, game theory and game development production. You could also learn how to create experiences within virtual game environments.

Some careers related to game programming and development include:

• Game developers
• Simulations programmers
• Tools programmers 

Two-time SNHU graduate Derald Wise '14 '18G first came to the game programming and development field while in the military. He trained service members for deployment using simulators. "In the process of training soldiers using technology, obviously I started to get a little bit more familiar with how that technology was being developed and used," he said.

Wise went back to school to earn a bachelor's degree in the field and a master's degree in marketing and then leveraged both of them in his career as an immersive consultant focused on simulation technologies.

Geoscience Degree

Much more than the study of rocks and volcanoes, geosciences look at the processes that form and shape Earth's surface, natural resources and how water and ecosystems are interconnected, according to the U.S. Geological Survey (USGS).

If you pursue a geoscience degree, you may analyze data and use the latest technology to study all aspects of the earth and present your findings.

Careers in geoscience may include:

• Environmental engineers
• Geographic information systems analysts
• Geologists 

Wyatt Martensen '21 began doing geospatial work while enlisted in the U.S. Army, and, with the encouragement of his chief warrant officer, decided to advance his education with a bachelor's degree in the field while active duty. As a cartographer, SNHU's geosciences program aligned well and, he said, it opened more doors for him in his role.

"My job is to make sure that all the buoys and all the ports — all those maps and charts — they're up to date and make sure that those maps are attributed correctly," Martensen said. "And the biggest thing that helped me through college is understanding the programs that I now use in my day-to-day job."

Read More: What is Geoscience, Exactly?

Health Information Management (HIM) Degree

The healthcare sector needs professionals who can manage and interpret health data. With an HIM degree, you'll learn about medical terminology, data management, medical coding and classification and more. Courses may also cover information system applications and healthcare law and ethics. You'll gain insights into quality management and healthcare reimbursement methods.

This degree prepares you to understand and safeguard sensitive health data, analyze and use it to improve healthcare delivery and navigate the complex regulatory environment of the healthcare industry.

Career options within HIM may include:

• Clinical information specialists
• Database administrators
• Health information technologists

Read More: What is Health Information Management?

Information Technology Degree

Technology is integral to smooth business operations, and it’s critical to put the right solutions in place to ensure security and continuity.

When earning an IT degree, you may have the option to concentrate in areas such as:

• Business management
• Cybersecurity
• Data analytics
• Project management
• Software development

Some IT roles you might consider include:

• Computer support specialists
• Information technology project managers
• Network administrators

Read More: What is IT? Understanding Information Technology Today

Mathematics Degree

Solving today’s complex business problems requires professionals who can apply mathematical reasoning and problem-solving skills. As a result, employment in math occupations is projected to grow much faster than other occupations, with approximately 37,100 job openings annually between 2023 and 2033, according to BLS.*

If you pursue a mathematics degree, you could get broad exposure to the key branches of mathematics. You can also learn industry-standard programming languages like Python, MATLAB and R to become more competitive in the job market.

With the help of a mathematics degree, you can consider career roles such as:

• Actuaries
• Finance and predictive analysts
• Mathematicians and statisticians

Read More: What is a Degree in Math and Why is It Important?

Are STEM Majors Hard?

STEM majors can be challenging, but their rigor shouldn’t stop you from pursuing one. In addition to a variety of foundational science, math and computer courses, you'll take courses specific to your program of choice.

No matter the STEM major, you’ll be asked to apply critical thinking, data analysis and complex problem-solving skills to a variety of projects and experiments.

It might take some trial and error to grasp certain topics, but that's normal. "People who are successful in STEM learn to be comfortable making mistakes as part of their learning process, as well as knowing when and how to ask a good question," Davey said.

If you do find yourself struggling, she recommended letting your instructor know. They are there to offer support and can often do so with empathy.

"Especially in STEM courses, it is important to share what you’ve tried so far and on what step you find yourself getting stuck with your instructor so they can help steer you in the right direction," she said.

You may also be challenged to break out of your comfort zone, along the way to earning a STEM degree — and, according to Davey, it might feel uncomfortable at first.

"For me, this meant that I needed to network," she said. "You can learn so much from others, so don’t hesitate to reach out to someone who currently works in the industry you’re interested in."

Building relationships with your instructors, peers and advisors can be a game-changer in this field.

"This network of people can guide you in navigating your career path through mentorship and help accelerate you forward," Davey said. They can also support you if you encounter self-doubt along the way, she said.

Learning Options to Try

There's no 'right' way to earn a STEM degree. With STEM degrees available at college levels and options to take classes in person or online — or even a mix of both, your experience may look different than someone else's.

What's important is that you find what works best for you.

Online STEM Degree

If you are juggling work, family or other commitments, you may decide to complete your degree at a slower pace. Choosing a university that offers flexibility and recognizes the prior knowledge you’ve obtained on the job can make getting your degree easier. If you already hold IT certifications, you may be eligible to transfer credits toward your program.

With more programs available online, you may still be able to work full-time while you pursue your STEM degree. Studying from home also might make it easier for you to dedicate the time you need to your classes.

Learn more about how online classes work.

Start With an Associate Degree

You might also consider taking one step at a time when it comes to completing your STEM degree. Earning an associate degree in computer science, for example, can take less than two years to complete, positioning you to enter the field sooner.

Some schools, such as SNHU, will then allow you to apply all 60 associate degree credits to a four-year degree so you can advance from an associate to a bachelor's degree.

Specialize With an Advanced Degree 

If you already hold a bachelor’s degree in a non-STEM field, you may wish to earn a master’s degree to improve your job prospects. Career changers and career advancers often leverage master’s degrees to earn promotions or move from individual contributor roles to leadership roles, said Jonathan Kamyck, a senior associate dean of STEM programs at SNHU.

As part of your master's in cybersecurity program, for example, you can learn how to develop enterprise-level security strategies on behalf of your organization, he said.

A master’s degree in a STEM field can also provide new insights into programs, research techniques and analyses that can help you create efficiencies and add business value to your current job. Regardless of your ultimate career goals, a graduate degree in a STEM field can help set you apart from the competition.

Experiential Learning in STEM

STEM courses often include experiential learning opportunities, labs and projects, according to  Kamyck.

Kamyck said you can benefit from assignments that allow you to explore, reflect and apply your problem-solving skills to real-world projects.

For example, his students learn ethical hacking techniques to compete in a competition called the National Cyber League (NCL). SNHU's NCL team recently placed fourth nationally.

Regardless of how they fare in the tournament, Winn, who has coached SNHU's NCL team for the past seven years, said students get to practice with authentic technologies, reflect on what they’ve learned and leave with resume-building experience.

"Students pursuing a STEM degree should take advantage of every opportunity they can find," he said.

Are STEM Degrees Worth It? 

Davey believes hers was. "My degree has allowed me to work with some bright people from all different backgrounds and experiences," she said. "I’ve gotten to work across disciplines to study and solve important problems, and travel to places that I wouldn’t have otherwise seen."

If you want to build skills and knowledge in a certain science, technology, engineering or mathematics discipline, selecting a STEM degree that aligns with your goals could be a good decision.

Many universities incorporate high-demand credentials into their coursework, further preparing you for entry into your field of choice. For example, students earning a bachelor's in computer science at SNHU learn programming languages that are used to develop software, applications and websites, such as C++, JavaScript and Python.

When you graduate from the program, you should be able to show employers a portfolio of your work, demonstrating your ability to apply your knowledge to real-world challenges.

It should be noted that a degree may just be one part of the equation if you're pursuing a job in STEM. Winn, for instance, tells NCL participants that a combination of education, certification and experience are needed to break into a cybersecurity role. Persistence and a positive mindset also help.

"Sometimes, the cybersecurity field can be challenging to break into, so do not get discouraged if the first few results are unsuccessful," Winn said. "Shake off any rejections and continue pressing forward with the job search."

Are STEM Degrees in Demand? 

It’s not surprising that some of the most popular STEM majors fall within tech. Due to big data and cloud computing growth, demand for workers with strong technology skills continues to grow.*

According to BLS, employment in computer and information technology jobs is expected to grow much faster than other occupations, with about 356,700 job openings annually through 2033.* The median annual salary for professionals working in these occupations in 2023 was $104,420, BLS reported — more than double the median salary for all occupations.* 

Even if you aren’t interested in computer science, other STEM majors can prepare you for career opportunities and competitive salaries.* For example, you might consider an engineering degree. BLS reported that mechanical engineers earned a median annual salary of $99,510 in 2023.*

According to the National Center for Science and Engineering Statistics (NCSES), STEM roles made up 24% of the total U.S. workforce in 2021.

Professionals working in STEM occupations statistically experience lower rates of unemployment than their non-STEM counterparts, according to the NCSES.* Workers in STEM jobs typically earned higher salaries, too.* BLS reports that those in STEM jobs earned a median of $101,650 in 2023, compared to the median $46,680 earned in non-STEM roles.*

Earning a STEM degree doesn’t only boost your earning potential and position you for success in a technical field; it offers you transferable skills that are attractive to hiring managers across many sectors.* The U.S Census Bureau survey revealed that 62% of STEM majors in 2019 were employed in non-STEM fields such as business, education and the social sciences.

So, Should You Earn a STEM Degree?

Consider how you approach problems. "If you find yourself curious about how things work and you are persistent when faced with a challenge, a STEM major might be a good fit for you," Davey said.

While you might not have decided which program is right for you, you can choose from many options that will allow you to explore the latest topics and apply your knowledge. No matter what STEM major you ultimately pick, the skills you’ll learn can prepare you to solve tomorrow's challenges.

*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.

Krysten Godfrey Maddocks ’11G is a writer who covers K-12 and higher education topics, including policy and the role of digital technology in education. She spent almost a decade working in various marketing roles at an educational assessment company before launching a strategic marketing company. Maddocks earned a master's degree in marketing from Southern New Hampshire University and a bachelor's degree in English/ journalism from the University of New Hampshire. Connect with her on LinkedIn.