Advantages of STEM Courses and how to pursue them in the USA?

What is a STEM Degree?

The acronym STEM stands for several fields of study that are growing exponentially in
popularity throughout the United States and the world in the past few years. STEM stands
for Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics. The list of STEM programs in the USA
in 2019 includes Aeronautical/Aerospace, Computer and Information Sciences, Mathematics,
Mechanical Engineering, Statistics, geology, Physics, etc.

Why are these important to the American government?

According to the US Department of Labour data, the number of jobs available in the STEM
areas would be close to 1.2 million, however, several studies indicate that there would be a
deficit of suitably qualified candidates to take up these positions. There is a dearth of these
specializations among American graduates as they are more oriented towards business and
humanities. STEM degrees are in high demand in the United States to be competitive in the
world market and because the U.S. government has realized the apparent shortage of
students and professionals educated in these fields.
Simply put, the United States is eager to put more STEM-trained students into their
workforce, and with this vision, the Government has implemented changes in work visa
requirements to attract more international students with these educational backgrounds to
come and pursue higher education in these specializations.

What can you do to earn a STEM degree?

A STEM degree is an essential component to obtaining the career of the future and the
pathways to earning this degree are in some ways limitless. Begin by exploring your fields of
interest, assessing your skills, and preparing to apply for admissions to a U.S. undergraduate
or graduate program. Admissions processes will require your educational transcripts, letters
of recommendations as well as the statement of purpose. Earning a high score on the TOEFL
and possibly on other entrance exams such as the SAT, GRE or GMAT, depending on your
level, are also essential to the admissions process.

Benefits of Earning a STEM Degree

STEM Extension for F1 students in USA
STEM students on an F1 visa who opted to work in the U.S. under the 12 month OPT could
earlier extend it by 17 months, but now as per the latest rule, it can be extended by 24
months. This new OPT rule would be effective has been effective since May 9, 2016.
This is an advantage over non-STEM courses like MBA. Instead of 1 chance at getting the H1-
B, graduates from STEM courses have at least 3 chances of obtaining the H1-B visa and this
increases the probability of success in the visa lottery.

Better job opportunities

As per the U.S Department of Commerce, the number of STEM-related occupations are
expected to grow at 17% from 2008 to 2018 compared to non-STEM occupations which are
estimated to grow at only 9.8%. Job growth does vary based on your specific occupation.
STEM job growth shows no sign of slowing anytime soon. For instance, statistician jobs are
expected to grow 34% over just the next seven years.

Higher Remuneration
It has also been noted that those who’ve earned their degrees in STEM areas earn a very
higher salary. The initial starting salary projections for Class of 2019 bachelor’s degree
graduates strongly indicate that the top-paid graduates this year are expected to earn
engineering ($69,188), computer science ($67,539), and math and sciences degrees
($62,177). In 2019, it was found that people in the United States with a Master’s degree in
Engineering had the highest average starting salary, at 82,589 U.S. dollars. People who held
a Master’s degree in Computer Science had the second-highest starting salary, at 81,466 U.S.
dollars.

Job Satisfaction
Employees who enjoy their jobs are more likely to be productive and successful, and several
surveys indicate that STEM majors report some of the highest levels of job satisfaction. 80%
of mathematics majors, for example, report being satisfied with their jobs, and 85% report
that “things are generally going well.” By comparison, 70% of English majors are satisfied with
their jobs, with closer to 74% reporting that “things are generally going well.”

Flexibility
STEM courses are typically more flexible. For example, an engineering student can pursue
chemical engineering, computer science, environmental science, and so on. Students with
undergraduate biological sciences degrees can pursue graduate options like dental school,
pharmacy school, medical school, or veterinary school. Additionally, many STEM skills are
cross-marketable. Studying science and technology fields gives students a foundation in
mathematics, problem-solving, research methods, and much more.

Diversity
Studying and working in a STEM field provides opportunities to work and interact in a diverse
environment. Studies have shown that STEM classes and careers are among the most
ethnically diverse in the United States today. Pursuing a STEM degree offers increased
opportunities for women and diverse ethnicities, and this also gives any STEM graduate a rich
and diverse environment for working and learning.

Launch your Start-up and Impact Society Using Your STEM Degree
STEM workers are on the cutting edge of innovation in fields like computer technology,
medicine, engineering, design, robotics, and more. It is seen that graduates of STEM
programs have been successful in establishing their start-ups. For being successful you have
to be creative and innovative. Students from a STEM field are trained to think of creative
ways to develop your software or your new app or create a gadget. This ability to discover,
innovate, and ultimately impact society is one reason that STEM majors are a major attraction
among international students.

Sources
1. https://www.transizion.com/top-6-benefits-earning-stem-
degree/https://www.admitkard.com/blog/2018/02/22/stem-courses-in-usa/
2. https://www.graduateshotline.com/jobs-and-career/stem-degrees.html
3. https://www.statista.com/statistics/635512/average-salary-of-graduates-in-the-us-
by-discipline/