Why you should consider a STEM bachelor’s degree
As you get ready to start your college search, you may have many questions and uncertainties about your future. What should I study? Will I find a job after graduation? How can I balance my interests with what’s practical? One good answer is a degree in a STEM field—Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics.
STEM is part of our everyday lives, from the smartphones that wake us up to the appliances that help us cook. It affects how we grow our food, how we get to school and even the video games and movies we watch. Even the specialized sports clothes we wear are designed using engineering and innovative materials.
Choosing a STEM degree equips you with the skills to work in hundreds of great-paying jobs. Even those that haven’t even been thought of yet.
The STEM field is wide open at Central Michigan University. See our full list of STEM undergraduate majors.
STEM careers are booming
Many career choices
STEM fields offer lots of career paths. Whether you like computer science, engineering, biotechnology (using living things to make products) or environmental science (studying how to protect nature), there are many jobs waiting for you. You could work on creating new medical technologies or design eco-friendly cities. The options are endless.
High demand and job growth
With new technology always coming out, STEM careers are in high demand. According to the U.S. Department of Labor, in 2021, there were nearly 10 million workers in STEM occupations in the U.S. alone. They are projecting 11% growth by 2031, over two times faster than the total for all occupations. The need for skilled professionals means more job security and lots of career choices after you graduate.
Competitive salaries
STEM careers usually pay well. According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, the median average wage of people is STEM occupations is more than twice that of those in non-STEM jobs. Many STEM jobs offer great benefits and chances to move up in your career. This financial stability can give you a comfortable life and the opportunities to keep learning more.
Exciting work
STEM graduates can work on groundbreaking projects that make a positive impact on the world. Whether it's improving healthcare, finding solutions for climate change or creating new technologies, you’ll be at the front of important changes.
What is a STEM degree?
Studying a STEM degree not only gives you technical skills but also helps you think critically and solve problems. Here are some specific STEM degrees worth thinking about:
- Astronomy: Studies the stars, planets and the entire universe beyond Earth. Jobs can be in astrophysics, space exploration or teaching.
- Biology: Focuses on life sciences like genetics, microbiology and ecology. You can work in healthcare, research or environmental conservation.
- Chemistry: Looks at the makeup, structure and properties of matter. This degree is useful for careers in medicine, pharmaceuticals, environmental science and materials development.
- Computer science: Focuses on programming and software development. Prepares you for jobs in software engineering, data analysis and cybersecurity.
- Data science: Businesses rely on data to make informed decisions. This degree combines statistics and computer science to analyze that data. Leads to jobs in data analysis and artificial intelligence.
- Engineering: Includes civil, mechanical, electrical and aerospace engineering. This degree prepares you with hands-on experience designing and solving problems in various engineering fields.
- Environmental science: Focuses on studying and protecting the environment through sustainable solutions. Jobs can be in conservation, research and policymaking.
- Mathematics: Prepares you for various mathematical fields and applications, including statistics, analytics and theoretical mathematics. You can work in finance, education or technology.
- Physics: Provides a deep understanding of the laws of nature and the universe. You can pursue careers in research, engineering or technology development, contributing to advancements in various scientific areas.
- Statistics: Focuses on data analysis and interpretation, equipping you with skills to work in healthcare, finance and social sciences.
Benefits of earning a STEM degree
Earning a STEM degree helps you develop important skills like critical thinking, problem-solving and analyzing information. These skills are useful in many different jobs, making you a valuable employee.
Hands-on learning
STEM education often includes labs, internships and research projects. This hands-on experience helps you apply what you’ve learned and prepares you for real-world challenges.
Access to cutting-edge technology
STEM programs often use the latest technology. You’ll get to work with advanced tools and resources, keeping you up to date in your field.
Preparation for many career paths
A STEM degree prepares you for various careers, from research to starting your own business. The fast-changing nature of these fields ensures your skills stay relevant.
Scholarship opportunities for STEM students
Scholarships for STEM fields can help students pay for their degrees. These scholarships come from different places, like government programs, private organizations and schools. For example, the National Science Foundation (NSF) gives out scholarships and grants to help more underrepresented students join STEM careers.
Also, many tech companies, such as Google and Microsoft, offer scholarships to promote diversity in technology. Local community groups and universities also have their own scholarships for STEM students, aiming to support a variety of backgrounds and achievements.
STEM field degrees at Central Michigan University
The College of Science and Engineering is home to our STEM programs. Filled with hands-on experiences, you’ll have a wide choice of résumé-building activities to participate in:
- Take part in InSciTE, our Integrating Science, Technology and Engineering program.
- Build and race a one-passenger off-road vehicle with the Baja SAE Team.
- Find an internship at our STEM Career Fair.
- Do research at the CMU Institute for Great Lakes Research on Beaver Island.
- Check out our Adobe Digital Lounge.
- Research with your professors in our 227 labs across campus.
- Join our eSports team.
- Exhibit your research at our Student Creative and Research Endeavors Exhibition.
Plus, there are more than 80 scholarships available to students in our College of Science and Engineering!
The benefits of a STEM degree are clear.
From diverse job opportunities and high demand to good salaries and the chance to make a big impact, a STEM education offers a bright future. If you’re excited about solving complex problems and helping society, think about applying to a STEM program at CMU. Your future self will thank you.