FAQs About Undergraduate STEM Education

An undergrad degree in a STEM field fuels a student’s successful career trajectory, with plenty of room for pivoting based on changing interests, emerging opportunities, and financial goals.

From choosing a major to preparing for the job market, here are the answers to some of the most frequently asked questions about science, technology, engineering, and mathematics careers and education.

What Is a STEM Major in College?

A STEM major is any degree program related to science, technology, engineering, or math (STEM). This STEM degree list is not exhaustive but covers popular options:

• Agriculture
• Architecture
• Biotechnology
• Biology (general and specific)
• Chemistry (general and specific)
• Computer science, engineering, programming, etc.
• Data science
• Engineering: aerospace, agricultural, civil, computer, electrical, mechanical, etc.
• Environmental health
• Food science and technology
• Geology and earth sciences
• Health information management
• Health sciences
• Marine science
• Materials science
• Mathematics (general and specific)
• Meteorology
• Natural resources conservation
• Nutrition
• Physics (general and specific)
• Social science
• Statistics (general and specific)
• Sustainability

NASA maintains a list with links to institutions that offer each degree.

Does STEM Look Good on College Applications?

Typically, yes. Admissions offices look for evidence that a prospective student has pursued education and experience related to their desired degree. Students who have already attended a STEM school, camp, or program may have an advantage when applying for some colleges. However, the best way to get into a college is to take on challenging coursework, get good grades overall, and have a clear story about your motivations and dreams.

Of course, a career in STEM starts with choosing a program at a university that suits your goals.

How Can I Find the Best STEM Colleges?

While some of the best STEM universities are Ivy League, like Harvard and Cornell, there are good STEM colleges all over the United States with varied program offerings, tuition prices, and scholarship opportunities. Schools known for their STEM-related degree programs are Harvey Mudd, University of Washington, University of California, University of Michigan, Georgia Tech, and Texas A&M, just to name a few.

Aspiring scholars can identify the best STEM college for their goals by asking:

• How big of a school do I want to attend?
• How close to home do I want to be?
• What can I afford?
• What scholarships are available?
• What degrees am I interested in?
• How sure am I about my major? (Some schools require you to declare right away.)
• Which colleges are well-known for my prospective degree(s)?

How Many College Students Are Studying in a STEM Field?

The majority of the most popular college majors are in STEM fields. While available enrollment statistics from the past few years are not comprehensive, research from the National Center for Education Statistics in 2022 confirmed nearly 800,000 STEM degrees and certificates awarded in the US.

So, are more students choosing STEM college degrees? Absolutely. This trend is expected to continue as students aspire to offset a global shortage of workers in certain sectors. 

Do Most STEM Majors Find Jobs After College?

Yes. Earning a STEM degree creates advantages in the job market, even in non-STEM fields. According to the Economic Innovation Group’s 2025 research:  

• About 27% of STEM majors work directly in STEM occupations.
• 14% work in STEM-related fields like healthcare and education.
• Among the remaining 59%, many choose graduate school or another field, especially business.

The STEM career outlook is bright, with jobs expected to grow by 10% between 2023 and 2033, significantly outpacing other occupations.

What Are the Benefits of a STEM Career?

According to the Economic Innovation Group’s research, STEM majors in any field have premium earning potential, from 5% to 30% higher than non-STEM majors. This, paired with strong job security, appeals to many.

A career in STEM also provides flexibility by building critical thinking and other in-demand skills that are invaluable in any workplace. Employees with these skills are more likely to contribute to innovations in various industries, leading to both success and satisfaction. 

Who’s Improving Undergraduate STEM Education?  

Individual educational institutions and organizations like the AAU have a shared responsibility to improve the quality of undergraduate STEM education, inspiring the next generation’s research and innovations. They accomplish this in several ways:

• Increasing student research opportunities with strong mentorship
• Integrating educational technology – e.g., solving an engineering problem with augmented reality
• Using hands-on learning – e.g., leading medical simulations
• Personalizing education for each student – e.g., using AI-assisted study tools
• Taking an interdisciplinary approach to programs
• Collaborating with other schools and community organizations

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