STEM Courses in the USA – Complete Guide

When choosing a course of study, students often come across the terms STEM and NON-STEM. Understanding the difference between these two categories is crucial, as it can shape your career path and opportunities. Let’s dive into what each of these means and the unique benefits they offer.

What are STEM Courses?

STEM stands for Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics. These courses are deeply rooted in technical instruction, with a strong emphasis on math, science, and practical applications. If you choose a STEM course, you’ll be prepared for careers in fields like engineering, computer science, biotechnology, and healthcare—industries that require specialized knowledge and technical skills.

What are NON-STEM Courses?

On the other hand, NON-STEM courses cover a broad range of subjects that fall outside the realm of science and technology. This category includes studies in Business Management, Finance, Luxury, Fashion, and many more. Unlike STEM courses, NON-STEM programs focus on developing critical thinking, communication skills, and a broader understanding of the world. These skills are essential for careers in law, politics, journalism, marketing, and education.

Benefits of Choosing STEM Courses

• High Demand in the Job Market: Graduates with STEM degrees are highly sought after globally.
• Higher Salaries: STEM graduates often enjoy higher pay compared to their NON-STEM peers.
• Better Job Positions: Careers in STEM fields tend to offer better roles and responsibilities.
• Favorable Immigration Opportunities: STEM professionals often have an easier time securing visas and work permits.
• Valuable Skills: STEM education equips you with analytical and technical skills that are applicable across various industries.

Benefits of Choosing NON-STEM Courses

• Diverse Career Opportunities: Majors in humanities, business, education, and arts lead to various job paths.
• Well-Rounded Perspective: These courses help you understand the global community and your role in it.
• Essential Skills Development: NON-STEM programs focus on nurturing creativity, communication, and critical thinking.
• Flexibility in Career Choices: Non-STEM degrees allow for a broader range of professional opportunities across multiple fields.

How Do STEM and NON-STEM Courses Differ?

• Focus:
  • STEM Courses: Emphasize mathematical, scientific, and analytical skills. They are centered around logical reasoning, data analysis, and technical problem-solving.
  • NON-STEM Courses: Prioritize critical thinking, creativity, communication, and innovative problem-solving. They are often more interdisciplinary and focus on understanding human behavior, society, and culture.
• Teaching Methods:
  • STEM Courses: Often involve hands-on experiments, lab work, and the use of advanced technology. Learning is frequently application-based, with a focus on solving real-world problems.
  • NON-STEM Courses: Typically include a mix of lectures, discussions, case studies, and written assignments. They encourage debate, reflection, and the exploration of diverse perspectives.
• Career Paths:
  • STEM Courses: Lead to careers in fields like engineering, medicine, IT, biotechnology, and environmental science. These fields often require specialized knowledge and ongoing education or certifications.
  • NON-STEM Courses: Open doors to professions in business, law, education, media, the arts, and social sciences. These fields often emphasize versatility and adaptability, with opportunities for lateral movement between industries.
• Global Impact:
  • STEM Courses: Play a critical role in technological innovation, scientific discovery, and economic development. STEM professionals contribute to advancements in medicine, infrastructure, energy, and more.
  • NON-STEM Courses: Impact social structures, cultural understanding, and global communication. Graduates in these fields often work to improve societal issues, influence public policy, and foster international relations.
• Skill Development:
  • STEM Courses: Focus on developing technical expertise, precision, and a methodical approach to problem-solving.
  • NON-STEM Courses: Emphasize the development of soft skills, such as leadership, negotiation, empathy, and cultural awareness.
• Interdisciplinary Opportunities:
  • STEM Courses: Increasingly intersect with other fields, such as bioinformatics (biology + computer science) and environmental law (environmental science + legal studies).
  • NON-STEM Courses: Often integrate concepts from STEM disciplines, such as digital humanities (technology + humanities) and behavioral economics (psychology + economics).
• Market Demand:
  • STEM Courses: High demand in rapidly growing industries like technology, healthcare, and engineering. Graduates are often recruited for roles that require cutting-edge skills and knowledge.
  • NON-STEM Courses: Demand exists in diverse industries, especially in roles that require strategic thinking, creativity, and effective communication. Graduates often pursue careers in dynamic and evolving sectors like media, business, and education.

Which Courses Offer More Opportunities?

STEM courses provide opportunities in high-demand fields like engineering, technology, medicine, and research. If you’re passionate about inventing, building, or analyzing, a STEM course might be the right choice for you. Conversely, NON-STEM courses offer diverse career paths, from teaching and management to writing and law. The opportunities in NON-STEM fields are vast and cater to a wide range of interests and talents.

Why Study STEM Courses in the USA?

Pursuing STEM courses in the USA offers a multitude of advantages, making it an attractive destination for international students. Here are some key reasons why studying STEM in the USA can be a transformative experience:

1. Silicon Valley:
   • Global Tech Hub: Silicon Valley in California is renowned as the world’s largest technology hub. It provides extensive infrastructure, advanced resources, and a highly skilled workforce, making it a major draw for international students pursuing STEM courses.
   • Innovation Ecosystem: The technological boom in Silicon Valley offers students unparalleled opportunities to engage with cutting-edge technologies and innovative startups.
2. Economic Impact:
   • Job Growth: According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, STEM occupations in the USA are projected to grow by 8% from 2022 to 2032, outpacing the average growth for all occupations. This strong demand indicates abundant career opportunities for skilled STEM professionals.
   • Competitive Salaries: STEM roles often come with higher-than-average salaries, reflecting the specialized skills and knowledge required.
3. Industry Collaboration:
   • Partnerships with Industry Leaders: Many US universities have strong collaborations with tech giants like Google, Apple, and Microsoft, as well as pharmaceutical leaders such as Pfizer and Johnson & Johnson. These partnerships often lead to internships, research opportunities, and job placements for STEM students.
   • Real-World Experience: Students gain practical experience through industry-driven projects and internships, enhancing their employability.
4. Home to the World’s Top Universities:
   • Prestigious Institutions: The USA is home to some of the world’s top-ranked universities, such as Stanford University, Harvard University, and the California Institute of Technology. These institutions consistently rank highly in both subject-specific and global assessments, particularly in STEM fields.
   • Access to Renowned Faculty: Students benefit from learning under renowned faculty members who are leaders in their respective fields.
5. Research Output:
   • Leading in Innovation: American universities are globally recognized for their research output in STEM fields. In 2023, the USA accounted for over 25% of global research and development expenditures, according to the National Science Foundation (NSF).
   • Cutting-Edge Facilities: Students have access to state-of-the-art research facilities, enabling them to contribute to groundbreaking discoveries.
6. Patents and Innovations:
   • Innovation Leadership: The USA leads in patent filings and innovations across various STEM sectors, including biotechnology, telecommunications, and computer hardware/software.
   • Entrepreneurial Opportunities: This environment encourages students to pursue their own inventions and startups, fostering an entrepreneurial spirit.
7. Diversity in STEM Education:
   • Inclusive Initiatives: American universities prioritize diversity and inclusion in STEM education, offering scholarships for underrepresented groups and promoting programs like women in STEM.
   • Broadening Perspectives: These initiatives help create a more representative workforce and bring diverse perspectives to problem-solving.
8. Global Perspective:
   • Cross-Cultural Interaction: Studying STEM in the USA exposes students to a global community, allowing them to interact with peers from diverse cultural backgrounds.
   • Global Market Insights: Students gain insights into various global markets, preparing them to solve problems with a global perspective and an open-minded approach.
9. Vibrant Student Life:
   • Dynamic Campus Life: US institutions offer a vibrant student lifestyle with a wide range of extracurricular activities, societies, clubs, and more.
   • Holistic Development: Students can engage in community service, sports, and other activities, ensuring a well-rounded educational experience.

List of STEM Courses in the USA

The USA offers a wide array of STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics) courses for students. While there are over 300 courses available in this category, choosing the right specialization is crucial for aligning with your career goals. Here’s a list of popular STEM courses in the USA for aspiring students:

• Aeronautical or Aerospace Engineering
• Animal Science
• Agricultural Engineering
• Architectural Engineering
• Behavioral Sciences
• Astronomy
• Biochemistry
• Biology
• Botany
• Biomedical Technology
• Chemical Engineering
• Chemistry
• Computer Programming
• Civil Engineering
• Zoology
• Environmental Studies
• Computer and Information Science
• Forensic Chemistry
• Food Science
• Forensic Science and Technology
• Genetics
• Geology
• Human Biology
• Horticulture Science
• Mechanical Engineering
• Mathematics
• Mining Technology
• Meteorology
• Molecular Biology
• Nutritional Science
• Military Applied Science
• Petroleum Technology
• Nuclear Physics
• Physics
• Pharmacology
• Statistics
• Plant Science

Top Universities for STEM Courses in USA

1.

University: Massachusetts Institute of Technology
QS WUR 2024: 1
Top STEM Programs: Physics, Chemical Engineering, Electrical Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, Aeronautics & Astronautics, Biological Engineering, Civil and Environmental Engineering, Material Science and Engineering, and Nuclear Science and Engineering
Average Annual Tuition Fees (in USD): $82,730

2.

University: Harvard University
QS WUR 2024: 8
Top STEM Programs: Biological Sciences, Computer Science, Chemistry, Physics, Mathematics, Applied Mathematics, Astrophysics, Bioengineering, Biomedical Engineering, and Physical Biology
Average Annual Tuition Fees (in USD): $56,550

3.

University: Stanford University
QS WUR 2024: 2
Top STEM Programs: Aeronautical and Astronautical Engineering, Chemical Engineering, Civil Engineering, Chemistry, Physics, Mathematics, and Biological Sciences
Average Annual Tuition Fees (in USD): $65,082

4.

University: University of California Berkeley
QS WUR 2024: 12
Top STEM Programs: Applied Mathematics, Biomolecular Engineering, Biotechnology, Materials Science, Chemical Engineering, Civil Engineering, Biological Sciences, Computer Science, Chemistry, Physics, and Mathematics
Average Annual Tuition Fees (in USD): $26,358

5.

University: University of Chicago
QS WUR 2024: 21
Top STEM Programs: Behavioral Sciences, Biological Sciences, Computer Sciences, Engineering, Physical Sciences
Average Annual Tuition Fees (in USD): $67,446

6.

University: University of Pennsylvania
QS WUR 2024: 68
Top STEM Programs: Biology, Earth & Environmental Sciences, Cognitive Sciences, Neuroscience, Computational Biology, Biophysics, Biochemistry, Astrophysics
Average Annual Tuition Fees (in USD): $66,104

7.

University: Cornell University
QS WUR 2024: 20
Top STEM Programs: Behavioral neurosciences, Data science, Biochemistry & Molecular Biology, Applied Statistics, Engineering, Geology, Physics, Kinesiology, Computer Science
Average Annual Tuition Fees (in USD): 65,204

STEM OPT in the USA

Students who complete a STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics) degree in the USA have the opportunity to apply for a 24-month STEM OPT (Optional Practical Training) extension. Here’s a breakdown of the key points regarding STEM OPT:

• Eligibility:
  • Students must have already been granted an initial 12-month OPT and must be within its validity period to apply for the STEM OPT extension.
  • The extension can also be applied by students who previously completed a STEM degree from a recognized US university and are now pursuing another degree.
• Second STEM OPT Extension:
  • Students are eligible for a second 24-month STEM OPT extension if they enroll in a new academic program that includes a STEM degree.
  • For instance, if a student received a STEM OPT extension for a bachelor’s degree and later pursues a STEM master’s degree, they can apply for another 24-month STEM OPT extension.
• Application Process:
  • Students must submit the following documents:
    • Form I-765: Application for Employment Authorization.
    • Form I-20: Certificate of Eligibility for Nonimmigrant Student Status.
    • Copy of the STEM Degree: Proof of graduation from a recognized STEM program.
    • Additional Documents: Any other applicable documents as required by the application process.

One-Year STEM Courses in the USA

Several prestigious universities in the USA offer one-year STEM courses, providing specialized education in various fields. Institutions such as Harvard University, Stanford University, MIT, and Caltech offer these intensive programs. Some of the fields covered include:

• Astronomy
• Architectural Engineering
• Chemical Engineering
• Computer Science
• Botany
• Behavioral Sciences
• Biomedical Technology
• Biochemistry
• Civil Engineering
• Chemistry

Eligibility for STEM Courses in the USA

The eligibility criteria for STEM courses in the USA can vary by institution, but generally include the following requirements:

• Bachelor’s Level:
  • Completion of high school education with a focus on Chemistry, Physics, Biology, and Mathematics.
• Master’s Level:
  • A three or four-year bachelor’s degree in a STEM field.
• GPA Requirements:
  • A minimum GPA of 3.0 on a 4.0 scale.
• Visa Requirements:
  • Students must obtain an F-1 USA student visa.
• STEM OPT Eligibility:
  • Students should be eligible for STEM OPT (Optional Practical Training).
• Standardized Tests:
  • GRE or GMAT scores are typically required.
  • English language proficiency test scores, such as TOEFL or IELTS, are necessary.
  • SAT, ACT, or PTE scores may also be applicable.

Documents Required for STEM Course Applications in the USA

When applying for STEM courses in the USA, you will need to submit several important documents, including:

• Scanned Copy of Passport
• Statement of Purpose (SOP)
• Official Transcripts and Mark Sheets (from school and college)
• Two Reference Letters
• English Language Proficiency Test Scores
• Resume or CV
• Letter of Recommendation (LOR)
• Translated Degree Certificate (if not in English)

Pursuing STEM Courses in the USA Without GRE

While the GRE is commonly required for STEM course admission, some universities do offer admission without it. Notable institutions that may waive the GRE requirement include:

• MIT (Massachusetts Institute of Technology)
• California State University, Sacramento
• University of Dayton
• University of Northern Virginia
• University of Pittsburgh
• New Mexico State University
• Stevens Institute of Technology

Admission Process for STEM Courses in the USA

To apply for a STEM course in the USA, follow these steps:

1. Research:
   • Investigate universities, programs, deadlines, and eligibility criteria.
2. Prepare Documents:
   • Gather all required documents and complete the application form before the deadline.
3. Financial Documentation:
   • Prepare proof of financial support to cover tuition and living expenses.
4. Monitor Application Status:
   • Regularly check the status of your application to stay informed about the university’s decision.
5. Post-Acceptance:
   • Once accepted, you’ll receive a confirmation email and either an I-20 or DS-2019 form from the university.
   • Apply for an F-1 student visa.
6. Payment:
   • Pay tuition and other fees on time to secure your spot at the university.