What is STEM? A guide to science, technology, engineering and maths degrees
STEM (science, technology, engineering and mathematics) is a term used in higher education that refers to subjects related to hard sciences. STEM degrees attract students for their high earning potential, global career opportunities and technological advancements.
STEM fields are booming, with a predicted 8% growth by 2029, according to the Labor of Bureau Statistics. The high demand for STEM professionals makes now a great time to pursue STEM studies and develop essential skills and knowledge to access exciting career paths.
Let’s dive into STEM education and discover how STEM degrees can be your ticket to success.
What is a STEM degree?
A STEM degree refers to any higher education programme focused on disciplines within science, technology, engineering and mathematics. Let’s look at the differences between the four areas of a STEM degree:
- Science
Science covers a broad field of study, from health sciences to physics. The scientific field focuses on research and experimentation, which develops critical thinking skills.
- Technology
Technology is one of the fastest-growing industries, with an ever-growing demand for skilled professionals. The technology field covers degrees, including computer science, software engineering and data science. There are many benefits of pursuing a technology degree, from innovative career opportunities to high-paying career paths.
- Engineering
The engineering field refers to the designing, building and operating of machinery and structures. Engineering, which combines maths, science and technology to create innovative designs, offers some of the fastest-growing roles in today’s professional landscape.
- Mathematics
Mathematics is known as the science of numbers. A mathematics degree opens doors to diverse careers, from academia to finance and economics. Mathematics is another fast-growing field with lucrative career opportunities.
STEM degrees and career paths
STEM degrees offer diverse career paths with dynamic opportunities across various industries to drive innovation using analytical tools and software. STEM education can lead to roles in cybersecurity, environmental science and artificial intelligence (AI) and offer high earning potential, job security and opportunities to develop analytical and problem-solving skills.
So, what are some popular STEM degrees that students can pursue at university?
- Bachelor’s degrees
STEM bachelor’s degrees provide foundational knowledge and in-demand skills required for diverse roles. Popular undergraduate STEM degrees include BEng Software Engineering, BSc Computer Science and BSc Data Science, AI and Digital Business, as well as a bachelor’s in mathematics, biology and health sciences.
- Master’s degrees
Earning a postgraduate STEM degree is a great way to reach senior positions in the STEM fields and access careers in research and academia. Popular master’s STEM degrees that prepare professionals for leadership roles include MEng Computer Science, MSc Data Science, AI and Digital Business and a master’s in mathematics or statistics.
- Doctoral degrees
Higher education STEM studies also extend to the doctoral level, where professionals can gain expertise in a specific area of STEM to access advanced industry roles. Doctoral STEM degrees also provide opportunities for professionals to carry out innovative research and solve complex industry challenges. Popular doctoral STEM degrees include PhDs in computer science, civil engineering and AI.
High-demand STEM careers
There are many STEM careers in high demand across various industries. STEM professionals can share their skills and expertise with companies of all sizes, from global corporations to innovative start-ups.
STEM careers have a reputation for offering competitive salaries, job security and career growth.
Here are some of the most in-demand and fastest-growing STEM careers:
- Data Scientist
- Cloud Engineer
- AI / Machine Learning Engineer
- Civil Engineer
- Operations Research Analyst
- Automation Engineer
Salary potential and job outlook
An appealing aspect of pursuing a STEM career is the high earning potential across all STEM fields. Individuals with technical experience can access high-paying roles, including Data Analyst, Mechanical Engineer and Computer Scientist.
STEM job roles in Germany offer competitive average salaries ranging from €57,506 to €121,666 per year, according to Study In Germany, with the highest-paying roles including Petroleum Engineer, Web Developer, Pharmacologist, Data Engineer and Data Scientist.
Germany’s investment in research and innovation increases the demand for skilled professionals in STEM fields. The crucial role STEM fields play in the country’s economy creates a lucrative job outlook for STEM professionals. Job security is also a major appeal for STEM careers, with Germany’s emphasis on integrating the latest technology across all industries.
Benefits of a STEM degree
STEM degrees carry many benefits for students looking to build a successful career across various industries. STEM fields have had a strong presence in the workforce for a long time now. With more emphasis on the advancement of technology, STEM careers have grown in demand, leading to more opportunities for STEM professionals.
Here are some benefits of pursuing a STEM degree from an accredited university:
- High earning potential
As mentioned, STEM fields boast some of the highest-paying job roles, from Data Scientist to Web Developer.
- Career progression
In addition to lucrative salaries, STEM jobs offer exciting career progression. STEM professionals can quickly climb the corporate ladder with experience and skill development due to the demand for a skilled workforce and diverse career opportunities.
- Global employment opportunities
Due to many STEM positions being remote roles, there are no geographical restrictions. Therefore, STEM workers can access global employment opportunities working for leading companies from anywhere in the world.
- Research and innovation
Another attractive aspect of pursuing STEM careers is the rewarding nature of the job. Whether pursuing groundbreaking research or formulating innovative and environmental solutions, STEM jobs are tailored to individuals with problem-solving and analytical skills.
- Job security
STEM fields offer some of the fastest-growing roles due to the demand for technically skilled professionals. As technology and innovation spread, STEM fields provide more stability and growth.
Challenges and considerations
While STEM degrees offer many benefits, students should consider some challenges that STEM degrees may pose. STEM degrees are designed for individuals with specific skills and characteristics. The requirement for extensive mathematical and technical skills and intensive academic demands means STEM degrees are suited for those with a natural aptitude for STEM subjects.
Students should also consider the necessity for continuous learning. It is common for STEM students to pursue further study via postgraduate and doctoral degrees to access more senior positions. The necessity to regularly update technical skills due to the continual advancement of technology and science is also worth noting.
Due to the numerous long-term benefits, STEM degrees are very competitive. Popular STEM degrees, including engineering and computer science, attract a large applicant pool, and there is growing competition for graduate roles.
Pursue a STEM degree at Gisma
STEM degrees are shaping the future of higher education, with jobs in STEM predicted to grow in line with the increasing demand for skilled professionals.
STEM degrees can unlock lucrative and secure career paths, with emerging roles fuelled by innovation and technological advancement. One of the best ways to access exciting STEM careers is by earning a degree from an innovative university like Gisma University of Applied Sciences.
Gisma offers a diverse range of STEM degrees at its state-of-the-art campuses in Berlin and Potsdam. Whether you’re looking to combine technology and business or targeting the in-demand field of software engineering, Gisma has a programme tailored to your career goals.
Explore our STEM programmes today and build a career that makes a global impact.
FAQs
What does STEM stand for?
STEM stands for science, technology, engineering and mathematics.
Why are STEM degrees important?
STEM degrees are drivers of innovation and technological advancement and provide students with a gateway to pursue careers across critical industries, including healthcare and engineering.
What are some popular STEM careers?
Some of the most popular STEM careers include data science, mechanical engineering, software development, cybersecurity and statistics.
What are the challenges of pursuing a STEM degree?
Some challenges of pursuing a STEM degree include high competition for popular programmes like computer science and the intensive academic demands and requirements for mathematical and technical skills.
Is a STEM degree worth it?
In terms of Return on Investment (ROI), a STEM degree is worth it due to its high earning potential. A STEM degree also provides job stability, diverse career prospects and ample opportunities for career progression.
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