Over the past few decades, the demand for science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM) professionals has increased drastically, and colleges have adapted their program offerings to meet this ever-growing need. STEM degrees can lead to exciting careers in specialized areas, ranging from biomedical research to space exploration and beyond.
As a high school student, it can be tricky to choose the right program for you, given how many choices there are. If math and science are some of your best subjects, then you can use this list of 70 STEM degree options as a starting point for exploring where that skillset can take you. Make sure to read through the end to see projected salaries for some of the most popular career paths!
Benefits of Choosing a STEM Degree
If you’re eager to pursue a future in a STEM field, there are plenty of advantages to your plans. While there is considerable variance from one STEM field and subfield to the next, in general, STEM degrees can lead to a career that is:
- Well-compensated
- In a high-growth field
- Positioned for potential career advancement
STEM graduates may work on solving complex challenges, contributing to societal progress, and making life better for others. They can work at the forefront of technological and scientific breakthroughs, enhancing our understanding of the world around us and making possible what had previously seemed impossible.
Another benefit of a STEM degree is that many STEM careers offer the possibility of hands-on work in the field. It can also teach transferable skills, while inspiring curiosity, creativity, and collaboration.
Of course, the potential for a high-earning career in a high-growth field is one of the prime benefits of a STEM degree. We provide some projections for STEM degree salaries in the frequently asked questions at the end of this article (plus some quick tips for how to look up salaries for your desired career path).
STEM Majors: 70 Bachelor’s Degree Options
Science Degrees
This category of STEM majors includes life sciences (e.g., biology, ecology) and physical sciences (e.g., chemistry, physics). It also includes environmental sciences and medical/health sciences. Various types of scientists often split their time between fieldwork and lab work, along with analyzing their findings and developing reports. For example, an environmental scientist ($80,060) may collect samples in the field and then return to a lab to study them.
There are numerous career possibilities for science-minded students. Here are some common science majors offered at colleges in the U.S.:
- Agronomy and crop science
- Animal sciences
- Astronomy
- Atmospheric sciences and meteorology
- Biochemistry
- Biology
- Ecology
- Geological and earth science
- Marine biology
- Microbiology
- Molecular and cellular biology
- Chemistry
- Communication sciences and disorders
- Environmental science
- Fire science
- Physics
- Forensic Science
Medical / Health Degrees
It’s no secret that health professionals are in high demand. And while many students have their sights set on later attending medical school, there are plenty of professions within this area of study that do not require graduate degrees.
Many future healthcare professionals choose to study one of the science degrees listed in the section above. For example, biology is the most common major among accepted medical school students. But you can major in anything and still get into medical school as long as you take the required courses and steps (such as the MCAT test).
As the healthcare industry continues to expand its practices across a wide area of disciplines, colleges have adapted their programs to meet this ever-growing need.
Some healthcare-focused bachelor’s degrees include:
- Biomedical Sciences
- Dental hygiene
- Environmental health
- Genetics
- Health information technology
- Health sciences
- Healthcare administration
- Kinesiology
- Medical laboratory science
- Neuroscience
- Nursing
- Nutritional sciences
- Pharmaceutical Sciences
- Public health
- Radiation Therapy
- Respiratory Care
Sidenote: Did you know that pre-med isn’t a major?
Technology Degrees
Technology helps drive innovation across all industries, from finance to healthcare to retail and beyond. When students consider the tech field, they often think of computing degrees, and indeed, computer science, cybersecurity, and similar majors fall into this category. Yet, technology also includes areas like construction technology, which means the field can appeal to students with varied interests.
The technology field is ideal for practical problem-solvers who have strong attention to detail and enjoy learning skills like programming.
Here are some majors that fall into the this category:
- Artificial intelligence
- Computer science
- Computational and geospatial science
- Computer system administration
- Construction/building technology
- Cybersecurity
- Database management
- Data management technology
- Data science
- Environmental control technologies
- Game design and game development
- Information technology
- Software development
- Web design and development
Engineering Degrees
The engineering field is incredibly diverse. It’s also interdisciplinary, combining elements of science, technology, and mathematics. At its heart, engineering focuses on designing, building, and improving systems, machines, and structures that can solve problems or improve life in some way.
There are many subfields within engineering, and your specific STEM major in your chosen subfield will directly translate to a likely career outcome. For example, civil engineering majors are likely to become civil engineers, while nuclear engineering majors are likely to become nuclear engineers.
Here are some common engineering undergraduate majors:
- Aeronautical/aerospace engineering
- Bioengineering
- Biomedical engineering
- Chemical engineering
- Civil engineering
- Computer engineering
- Electrical engineering
- Electronics engineering
- Environmental engineering
- Industrial engineering
- Materials engineering
- Mechanical engineering
- Nuclear engineering
- Petroleum Engineering
- Software engineering
Mathematics Degrees
If you enjoy doing your math homework and other students ask you for help with theirs, this could be the right STEM field for you. Mathematics includes pure math, which covers all sorts of mathematics concepts from differential equations to calculus. A pure mathematics major may lead to a career in teaching, computing, or insurance.
Applied math majors, on the other hand, focus on the application of mathematics principles to solving problems. An applied math major could lead to careers as an actuary, banker, or financial analyst.
- Accounting
- Actuarial science
- Applied mathematics
- Economics
- Finance
- Mathematics
- Mathematics education
- Statistics
Preparing for STEM Admissions: Steps to Take in High School
If you think that a STEM degree is the right fit for you, the following steps can help you get started during high school.
Know the benchmarks
It’s not uncommon for aspiring STEM students to need a strong academic track record in high school. Compared to non-STEM degrees, STEM degrees may require:
- Higher test scores
- Higher GPA
- More academically rigorous coursework
Every school sets its own requirements, so do your research as you plan your future. Keep in mind that the general admission requirements may not apply universally to all degrees; that is, some programs like majors in STEM may have more rigorous requirements.
Throughout high school, look for ways to set yourself apart from other applicants, such as by tackling independent research projects.
Take STEM-related classes
As an aspiring STEM college student, you should take STEM-related classes in high school. Talk to your guidance counselor about enrolling in advanced math and science classes, such as Advanced Placement (AP) courses. Ideally, by your senior year, you should be enrolled in calculus, and you should already have completed multiple science classes with labs.
Read more tips for choosing high school classes.
Explore programs that offer hands-on experience
While you’re progressing through high school, start exploring your STEM degree options. In particular, take a look at degree programs that align with your interests and also offer professional experience. Some schools might offer internship placements, co-ops, and job placement.
Some schools may also offer special programs for high-performing STEM students, such as opportunities to work on research projects alongside faculty. Hands-on experience is important for STEM graduates. While you’re researching opportunities at various schools, take a look at recent graduate career outcomes.
Research whether grad school is required
Some, but not all, STEM careers require graduate-level education. Some also require licensure or certification, along with continuing education requirements. Still other STEM careers only require graduate-level education for those interested in pursuing career advancement (e.g., registered nurses who want to become advanced practice registered nurses).
Students should understand career requirements before pursuing a particular path.
Job shadow or volunteer in your desired field
It’s helpful to have an inside look at different STEM careers in your desired field. Look for volunteer opportunities that align with your interests. If you’re interested in computer science, for example, you might volunteer to help a local nonprofit develop a new website.
You can also explore job shadowing and internship opportunities to gain first-hand experience while also improving your college application. For example, if you’re thinking of earning a finance degree, look for a job shadow or internship at a bank or investment firm.
Consider college counseling
College counseling is often a good choice for college-bound students, particularly future STEM students who are planning on applying to highly competitive programs.
While each school and degree program has different admissions requirements, STEM admissions is often more competitive than general admissions. For example, general admissions requirements at Texas A&M include mid-level test score ranges, but this school has one of the most competitive engineering programs in the U.S.. This means engineering applicants should have test scores of 1550+. In addition, Texas A&M’s engineering applicants can expect earlier deadlines than general admissions.
College counseling can help students succeed despite stiffer competition and tighter deadlines. Find out how the APPLY NOW! Advantage Program helps students stay on the right track throughout the admissions process.
What is a STEM degree?
A STEM degree is a college degree program in a science, technology, engineering, or mathematics field. These programs prepare students to pursue careers in technical or scientific fields, such as computer science and biology. STEM degrees teach field-specific skills, along with critical thinking and problem-solving.
What are some STEM-related extracurricular activities?
Competitive college programs look at more than just GPA; they consider the totality of the student’s high school career, including opportunities for learning and personal growth beyond the classroom. Extracurriculars can demonstrate proficiencies in hard skills, like programming or robotics, along with soft skills, like leadership and teamwork.
Some STEM-related extracurriculars include:
- Coding clubs
- Science Olympiad
- Robotics clubs
- Astronomy club
- Science National Honor Society
- Science fairs
- MathCounts
- HOSA-Future Health Care Professionals
Independent research projects are also a good choice, as are STEM-related volunteering roles. For more ideas, read our extensive list of 150+ high school extracurriculars.
How much do STEM jobs pay?
Below we list some projected salaries for some popular STEM jobs. Keep in mind that some of these roles were require advanced degrees in addition to a bachelor’s. These are median annual salaries taken from the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics Occupational Outlook Handbook, current as of May 2024.
Average annual salaries for some STEM professions:
- Psychiatrists – $239,200
- Radiologists – $239,200
- Environmental scientist – $80,060
- Registered nurse – $93,600
- Chemist – $86,620
- Speech-language pathologist – $95,410
- Information security analyst – $124,910
- Computer scientist – $140,910
- Data scientist – $112,590
- Civil engineers – $99,590
- Nuclear engineers – $127,520
- Actuary – $125,770
- Financial analyst – $101,910
- Physician assistant – $133,260
- Biomedical engineer – $106,950
- Accountant – $81,680
While a robust median annual salary can be tempting on its own, keep in mind that it’s best to choose a degree that aligns with your interests and career preferences, regardless of anticipated salary. There are plenty of benefits to earning a non-STEM degree, as well.
What is the best STEM college?
The best STEM college for you will be one that offers a robust program in your area of interest, along with opportunities like internships, fully equipped labs, and research projects. Different schools have different academic strengths, but in general, some top STEM schools include:
- Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT)
- California Institute of Technology (Caltech)
- Harvard University
- Johns Hopkins University
- Stanford University
- Georgia Institute of Technology (Georgia Tech)
- University of Texas at Austin (UT)
- Princeton University
- Texas A&M
How do you know if STEM is for you?
A STEM degree can be a good choice for those who are curious about how the world works, who enjoy solving problems, and who want to make an impact. It can also be a good path for those who do well in STEM subjects in high school.
However, it’s important to prioritize your personal preferences. It’s best to choose a degree that aligns with a career that you will genuinely enjoy, rather than a degree that promises a high salary or one that fulfills your parents’ wishes for you. Your future career will require countless hours of your life, so job satisfaction is a priority.
Need help preparing for college?
Wherever you are in your college preparatory journey, the friendly experts at KD College Prep can help you work toward your goals. We offer comprehensive college counseling services and test prep programs that help students reduce stress and streamline the admissions process.
If you need help exploring college majors and career options, we have you covered. Schedule a free consultation to discuss your specific needs and goals with a KD advisor.
