As you would already know, STEM stands for Science, Technology, Engineering, and Math. We’ll tell you something that’s certainly true, and one couldn’t agree more. Being such an advanced country, the US is home to some of the world’s most successful and outstanding scientific and technological achievements and institutions responsible for it. And that especially clears the air about why STEM courses in the US are so prevalent in the 21st century. Every STEM passionate person who can’t wait to dwell in an incredible career in STEM at least for once might have thought or who knows might still be thinking about pursuing it in the US. So, today, we want to discuss everything about STEM courses in the US for such eager students.
In this blog, you can expect answers to questions like the famous STEM courses in the US in 2021. Some of the favorite subjects in STEM for you to look into or even consider. What are the benefits of pursuing STEM in the US? Step-by-step application procedures for your reference. And of course, we’ll list some of the best American institutions with brief details for you here in this article. So, when you finish reading the article, you’ll walk away with complete knowledge about STEM courses in the US.
List of 30 popular STEM courses in the U.S.
First of all, we would like to list some of the prevailing STEM courses in the US in 2021, so you can pick one of your interests and proceed through the article. And the list of 37 top-performing courses and go something like this in alphabetical order:
- Aerospace
- Astronomy
- Architectural Engineering
- Animal Sciences
- Biology
- Bio-chemistry
- Behavioral Sciences
- Biomedical
- Chemistry
- Civil Engineering
- Computer and Information Sciences
- Computer Programming
- Forensic Chemistry
- Food Science
- Forensic Science and Technology
- Environmental Studies
- Genetics
- Human Biology
- Math
- Meteorology
- Military Applied Sciences
- Mechanical Engineering
- Molecular Biology
- Nuclear Physics
- Ocean Engineering
- Physics
- Psychology
- Veterinary Preventive Medicine Epidemiology and Public Health
- Statistics
- Zoology
Importance of STEM Courses in the U.S.
And here’s what it has to offer to the international students….
Every profession in STEM is so highly respected and carries significant importance in the US for several reasons, one of which is the country’s economy. Notably, the US is the global star of major science and technology, which highly contributes to their rising economy. And to sustain its power and continue the legacy, the country is looking for more smart students who can thrive on making mind-boggling technology and accomplishments in groundbreaking innovations, discoveries, and research. So, of course, the US gives such humongous priority to STEM and professions; even many other countries also joined the party by supporting and preaching science and technology.
Likewise, the US enormously encourages its students and welcomes talents from countries worldwide to take care of its science and technology and always have been that way. It might shock some people that around 17% of the US STEM workforce and around 25% in the Physical Science sphere are all international people. You perform well, you’ll hit the jackpot, and that’s the only way we suppose. Another plus here is the luxurious career standpoints.
Let’s look at the average salaries and scope for STEM courses in the U.S. in 2021.
- Civil Engineering and the average salary is around USD 87,060/- per annum with a growth rate of 6% in 10 years.
- Biochemistry and the minimum salary earn is USD 1,05,940/- per annum, and the projected growth rate is 4.90% in 10 years.
- Geographic Information Science & Cartography with an average salary of USD 65,470/- per annum and a growth rate of 15.50% in 10 years.
- Statistics and the candidate can earn up to USD 1,14,000/- per annum, and the growth rate is about 22.50% in 10 years.
- Computer Software Engineering and the folks can earn up to USD 1,11,620/- per annum with a projected growth rate of 0.80% in 10 years.
- Computer Science and the average salary is around USD 1,11,780/- per annum with a growth rate of 10.80% in 10 years.
- Mathematics and the candidate can have USD 1,04,870/- per annum salary in hand along with a growth rate of 5.60% in 10 years.
- Network and System Administration with an average salary of USD 87,070/- per annum and also a growth rate of 0.80% in 10 years.
- Zoology and the folks can earn up to USD 67,760/- per annum, along with a growth rate of 2.30% in 10 years.
- Plant Sciences and the average salary are around USD 70,630/- per annum and a growth rate of 4.70% in 10 years.
- Physics and the candidate can enjoy a good salary of USD 1,22,220/- per annum and a growth rate of 9% in 10 years.
- Ocean Engineering and the candidate can earn an average salary of USD 98,970/- per annum with a growth rate of 6.40% in 10 years.
- Nutritional Sciences and the minimum salary is around USD 61,270/- per annum plus a growth rate of 11% in 10 years.
- Meteorology and the candidate can expect an average salary of USD 95,380/- per annum with a growth rate of 8% in 10 years.
- Mechanical Engineering and the minimum salary is around USD 93,540/- per annum and a growth rate of 1.30% in 10 years.
- Geology and one can expect a salary of USD 92,040/- per annum at a growth rate of 6% in 10 years.
- Forensic Science & Technology and the folks can expect an average salary of USD 62,490/- per annum at a growth rate of 1.70% in 10 years.
- Chemical Engineering and the minimum salary range is around USD 1,14,470/- per annum at a growth rate of 2.90% in 10 years.
- Astronomy with a minimum salary of USD 1,11,090/- per annum at a growth rate of 11.40% in 10 years.
- Agriculture Engineering and the candidate can earn up to USD 79,090/- per annum at a growth rate of around 7.80% in 10 years.
Top STEM programs for International Students in the U.S.
All these stats are sourced from the 2020 Open Doors Report of the International Student Data. And according to the report, there are 5 major STEM programs that most international students have shown interest in: Engineering, Computer and Information Sciences, Mathematics and Statistics, Biological and Biomedical Sciences, and Physical Sciences.
The vast majority of students precisely 220,542 have registered for the Engineering courses in the US in 2020. There are so many amazing courses in the Engineering field and to name a few: Construction Trades, Engineering Technologies/technicians, Mechanic and Repair Technologies/Technicians, Military Technologies, Precision Production, Transportation and Materials Moving and more
On the other hand, around 157,566 international students enrolled for the Computer and Information Science program and all thanks to the growing popularity of IT.
Eligibility guidelines/criteria to apply for a STEM course in the U.S.
It is imperative to know and meet these guidelines and set criteria before you go ahead in the decision-making process. The US in 2021 have criteria, and here it goes:
If you are looking for Bachelors in STEM, here’s what you need to satisfy:
- First, make sure you have the F1 status.
- Twelve years of elementary and secondary education (10+2) from a recognized board is mandatory.
- Successful qualification in ACT/SAT with a minimum score as mentioned by your respective university.
- Successful qualification in English proficiency tests like the IELTS, TOEFL, or PTE Academic again with a minimum score as specified by your respective university.
- Different institutions set different standards for application and eligibility; do check them all thoroughly before you apply.
If you are looking for Masters in STEM, here’s what you need to satisfy:
- First, make sure you have the F1 status.
- A Bachelor’s degree in the most relevant field of study is a must.
- The minimum undergraduate grade-point average is a 4.0 scale, and make sure you meet this requirement.
- Successful qualification is a must in tests such as the GRE/GMAT with a minimum score as mentioned by your respective university.
- Successful qualification in English proficiency tests like the IELTS, TOEFL, or PTE Academic again with a minimum score as specified by your respective university.
- Require minimum work experience as specified by your respective university.
Documents necessary to apply for a STEM course in the U.S.
Many of you may wonder about many things when it comes to the application process. That’s when you need a step-by-step guide to take the pressure off your brain. So, here is a very detailed step-by-step guide to the application process that you can always keep handy.
- Look out for the intakes of your respective universities and note down all the deadlines so you can later choose a convenient date.
- Give the required tests as specified by your university.
- You can either visit the university website and directly apply or consult an expert counselor or agency.
- Once you get the Confirmed Admission Offer, immediately apply for a visa or get visa guidance, pre-departure and post-landing counseling. And here are the documents you are supposed to submit:
- Your Academic transcripts, as stated by your respective university.
- The letter of recommendation.
- Score reports of all the given tests like ACT/SAT/GMAT/GRE/IELTS/TOEFL/PTE Academic.
- Your up-to-date resume.
- Some universities take the Statement of Purpose.
- Lastly, do pay the application fee, and now you are good to go.
Scholarships programs offered to international students:
Scholarships are such an important part and a priceless gift for students and their lives. Especially being an international student, it carries even more importance and lots of smiles. And so, we have mentioned a few scholarship programs that provide you a reasonable amount of relief.
| S.NO | Provider of the scholarship | Name of the Scholarship | Scholarship offered | What’s the eligibility criteria | ||
| 1 | Genetex | GeneTex Scholarship | $2,000 approximately | 1. Excellent academic performance. 2. You should already be enrolled in a STEM program. | ||
| 2 | RevPart | RevPart 2021 STEM Scholarship | Around $250-$1000 | Must be enrolled in a STEM program | ||
| 3 | AfterCollege, Inc. | AfterCollege STEM Inclusion Scholarship | $500 approximately | 1. Must be enrolled in a STEM program. 2. Should possess a GPA of 3.0 scale. | ||
| 4 | Buildium LLC | Buildium’s Build U. Scholarship | Around $2500 every semester | 1. Age >18 2. Must be enrolled in a STEM undergraduate or graduate level. | ||
| 5 | MyBioSource Inc. | MyBioSource Scholarship Program | Around $1,000 | It’s for the fall semester, and the only criteria is you must have enrolled in a STEM program. |
Advantages of pursuing STEM courses in the U.S.
The most awaited section has finally arrived. To be very precise, studying STEM in a star country like America is itself a great advantage. First, however, let’s look into the core benefits that you’ll personally enjoy at every level pursuing your STEM in the US.
Rich Diversity:
You can find literally hundreds and thousands of different people from different cultures and countries all across the world in the US. All this will help you communicate better, understand other cultures, and learn foreign languages. Following the same may also help you build or expand your network down the line. Finally, when you finish your program, you would have a better personality, and it’s a great sign before you begin your career. Meanwhile, you’ll also have so many friends from various cultures, and that’s the best part of studying in a culturally diverse country that’s also outgoing and free.
Active and energetic lifestyle as a student:
When you are in such an outgoing environment where everyone is so enthusiastic about a new day, you start to feel alike. STEM is not only about science and achievements, college life actually promotes and encourages you to be active in extracurricular activities. Sports, debates, parties, concerts, volunteering programs, charity, and many others you comfortably participate in. Carrying the same energetic attitude will massively benefit your physical and mental being in any stressful job scenario. Again, all this will help you gain a better-enhanced personality than you are now.
Uninterrupted access to the people in Silicon Valley:
The tech world’s best obsession Silicon Valley is not so far away. Firstly and most importantly, you’ll be in close contact with companies, people, and their latest innovations as some institutions are located very near to Silicon Valley. You can always find a way to access cutting-edge resources. Some talented students manage to find internships elsewhere in Silicon Valley. And some others even crack the toughest of interviews and work in the best of the best companies in Silicon Valley. And if that’s your dream, even you can too.
Opens doors for opportunities globally:
A STEM or any degree from a recognized university in the US is well respected globally. That degree itself opens several opportunities for the candidate internationally. A STEM student can potentially earn so much with their growing experience literally anywhere. The world is opening up digitally, and such global expansion of technology will create more and more scope than ever before for the students of STEM. And in this competitive world, countries heavily invest in science, research, and technology and need brilliant minds to prosper in different fields before the other countries do.
Quality of Education
Distinctly, 6 in 10 top computer science institutions in the world are in the US. Not just that, more than half of the world’s leading institutions are in the US, and that itself speaks millions about the kind of education they provide to their students. In addition, of course, America is a hot study destination for millions of students abroad and all thanks to its top-notch quality in education. Especially when we are talking about STEM and the training of its students under expert teachers, advanced technology labs, research centers, and libraries, it’s just world-class. Today their computer science students are heading some of the sensational start-ups, unicorns, corporate companies, and big business empires in the tech. And their students from science backgrounds are helping the world with groundbreaking scientific discoveries and innovations from time to time. Well, all this wouldn’t have been possible without quality education.
High paying salaries
STEM is an enthusiastic journey for sure, and a good salary adds more spark to your passion and drives you to work hard. We have discussed it in detail in the above section, and you can find most of the STEM positions are actually high-paying. The remuneration offered to a STEM student is unbelievable. And that’s indeed is one of the reasons why its so famous amongs parents and students like all around the world. And let’s admit companies need brilliant STEM students to help their business grow, and it would be an excellent investment to make.
Establish your own startup
STEMS students are seen to start up their own businesses very early in their careers. Today, it is possible to start a business with sheer talent, creativity, and, of course, tech and little expenses. The STEM students are trained to be creative and develop smart solutions, and the credits also go to the staff and the college culture that motivates and drives their brilliance to goals.
Well, lastly, STEM is a great choice, and the USA is a perfect place to fulfill your dreams, and all you need is the right guidance and counseling. Saying so, if you need any assistance and help in deciding where, when, what and how to begin studying abroad, you for sure can get in touch with us. Our experts are one click away, and you are just one step away from your goal. Furthermore, if you like and feel our content is informative, then don’t forget to bookmark us because we publish such useful content every week. You can keep following University HUB for the latest study abroad updates and a lot more.
