What Is a STEM Degree? And What Can You Do With One?

A STEM degree is a degree in the fields of science, technology, engineering, or mathematics. Occupations in STEM fields are projected to grow by 8 percent by 2034, compared to 3 percent for all occupations, according to the US Bureau of Labor Statistics [1]. By earning a degree in one of these disciplines, you could enter the workforce prepared for a variety of in-demand and high-paying careers. In fact, CEOWorld's list of top-paid majors is largely led by STEM fields [2].

Let’s take a closer look at what types of STEM degrees are out there, as well as associated job prospects.

4 types of STEM university degrees

STEM stands for science, technology, engineering, and mathematics, and degrees in STEM can be broken down into these four broad categories. Let’s take a closer look at each.

STEM degree list: Science degrees

Science is the study of the material, physical, and natural world. Many jobs in the sciences require at least a bachelor’s degree in a related field. Some of the most common science bachelor’s degrees conferred during the 2021-2022 school year included [3]:

These are some of the fastest-growing jobs that generally require a degree in science, along with their projected growth by 2034, according to the US Bureau of Labor Statistics:

• Environmental science and protection technician: 4 percent [4]

• Clinical laboratory technologist or technician: 2 percent [5]

• Exercise physiologist: 9 percent [6]

• Forest science technician: 3 percent [7]

• Veterinarian: 10 percent [8]

• Medical scientist: 9 percent [9]

• Genetic counselor: 9 percent [10]

• Epidemiologist: 16 percent [11]

• Physician assistant: 20 percent [12]

• Nurse practitioner: 35 percent [13]

What are STEM majors?

STEM majors include majors within the fields of science, technology, engineering, and mathematics. These can range from broader areas like biology or computer science to more focused ones like biochemistry and artificial intelligence. You might also explore interdisciplinary STEM programs that blend a STEM major with other fields, such as biomedical engineering, robotics, or bioinformatics.

Technology degrees 

When we apply science and math to human activity, we get technology, a field with high demand for skilled workers. While not all tech jobs require a degree, many employers seek candidates through college recruiting programs, and some offer tuition reimbursement and opportunities for continuing education. As we rely more and more on technology, job opportunities should continue to expand. 

Some of the most common technology bachelor’s degrees conferred during the 2021-2022 school year included [3]:

An advantage of technology careers is that some jobs offer the ability to work remotely. If you’re looking for a career that you can do from home, a STEM degree in technology could open up new opportunities. These are some of the fastest-growing jobs that generally require a degree in technology, along with their projected growth by 2034, according to the US Bureau of Labor Statistics:

• Web developer or digital designer: 7 percent [14]

• Special effects artist or animator: 2 percent [15]

• Software developer, quality assurance analyst, or tester: 15 percent [16]

• Computer and information research scientist: 20 percent [17]

• Information security analyst: 29 percent [18]

Read more: 12 Best Paying Technology Jobs

STEM fields: Engineering degrees

If technology is the result of applying science and math to human activity, engineering comprises the methods that get us there—the design, building, and operation of machines, engines, and other structures. Some of the most common engineering bachelor’s degrees conferred during the 2021-2022 school year included [3]:

Generally, you’ll need an engineering degree to be competitive in the field. These are some of the fastest-growing jobs that generally require a degree in engineering, along with their projected growth by 2034, according to the US Bureau of Labor Statistics [4]:

• Petroleum engineer: 1 percent [19]

• Materials engineer: 6 percent [20]

• Civil engineer: 5 percent [21]

• Aerospace engineer: 6 percent [22]

• Aerospace engineering and operations technologist or technician: 8 percent [23]

• Environmental engineering technologist or technician: 1 percent [24]

• Chemical engineer: 3 percent [25]

• Technical writer: 1 percent [26]

• Industrial engineer: 11 percent [27]

Do STEM classes include the arts?

Although STEM classes traditionally do not include the arts, you can find courses in humanities, dance, design, drama, visual art, and similar fields in STEAM programs. The STEAM acronym stands for science, technology, engineering, art, and mathematics. These programs integrate the arts with STEM classes to encourage creativity and critical thinking. For example, you may take computer courses as part of a design major or story writing classes for a video game development major.

Mathematics degrees

If you love mathematics, the science of numbers, quantity, and space, a STEM degree can set you on a path to a rewarding career. Mathematics offers career opportunities in academia and industry in fields ranging from technology to finance. Some of the most common math-related bachelor’s degrees conferred during the 2021-2022 school year included [3]:

Math skills translate across numerous jobs and industries. By earning a math-related degree, you could potentially build a career in any number of fields that interest you. These are some of the fastest-growing jobs that generally require a degree in math, along with their projected growth by 2034, according to the US Bureau of Labor Statistics [4]:

• Economist: 1 percent [28]

• Actuary: 22 percent [29]

• Postsecondary teacher: 7 percent [30]

• Operations research analyst: 21 percent [31]

• Data scientist: 34 percent [32]

• Mathematician or statistician: 8 percent [33]

Stay current with STEM trends

Explore Coursera’s helpful resources as you prepare for a career in STEM. You can subscribe to our LinkedIn newsletter, Career Chat, or check out these resources:

• Read an insider story: Meet the Engineer Strengthening His Leadership Skills

• Watch on YouTube: What Jobs Can I Get With a Computer Science Degree?

• Consider your career path: How to Start Learning Data Science: Custom Course Guide

Whether you want to develop a new skill, get comfortable with an in-demand technology, or advance your abilities, keep growing with a Coursera Plus subscription. You’ll get access to over 10,000 flexible courses to help you find your learning path and the direction you want to take your STEM degree.

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