Academics | 4/1/2025

What is a STEM Degree?

Learn more about STEM majors in science, technology, engineering, and math, and explore the diverse career opportunities they offer in high-demand industries.

What if you could design bionic limbs, detect diseases before they become pandemic, or discover a groundbreaking gene therapy?

The real question isn't "What if?" It's "Where do I start?" The answer is STEM.

Science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM) degrees can lead to exciting and innovative careers that positively impact the world. Perhaps that's why the field is growing so quickly with STEM occupations projected to grow 10.4% by 2033, compared to 4% growth for all occupations.

With this increasing demand, having a STEM degree can pay off—literally. The proof is in the numbers with the average annual salary for a STEM career at $101,650, more than double the $48,060 average for all occupations.

Are you getting curious about pursuing a STEM degree but don't know where to start? Here's what you need to know about STEM, including degree options and career paths that may fit your skills and interests.

Defining STEM

In post-secondary education, a STEM degree is considered an undergraduate or graduate degree focusing on any training and learning in one of these four areas. STEM degrees help develop students' critical thinking, analytical, and problem-solving skills by combining theoretical knowledge with practical application.

Let's break it down a little further:

Science Degrees

Science is about exploring how the physical and natural world work by observing, experimenting, and testing ideas to see if they hold up against the evidence. Degrees that fall under the science category include: biology, chemistry, biotechnology, and physics.

Technology Degrees

Technology uses science to solve practical, real-world problems, make life easier, and even shape the world around us. Popular technology degrees include computer science and information technology.

Engineering Degrees

Engineering uses science, math, technology, and the engineering design process—a series of steps engineers follow to creatively problem-solve—to tackle technical challenges, boost efficiency, and improve systems. The most common engineering degrees include: mechanical engineering, electrical engineering, civil engineering, chemical engineering, and computer engineering.

Mathematics Degrees

Mathematics explores numbers, patterns, and shapes using counting, measuring, and problem-solving. It helps us make sense of the world through logic and calculations that evolve into more abstract ideas and complex reasoning. Some common mathematics degrees include: applied mathematics and economics.

While the usual suspects of STEM degrees include chemistry, engineering, and physics, there are a multitude of other exciting options available from molecular biology and biotechnology to pharmacology, and life sciences.

STEM Career Paths

With so many options, deciding which STEM degree is right for you may seem difficult.

Understanding which careers you can access after earning a STEM degree can help you find the right fit. Hold on tight, STEM careers are exploding—which means finding a job shouldn't be hard. There are a lot of career paths to uncover depending on what area of STEM you're most interested in, including:

Science

Landing a job in the field of science may be challenging unless you have a relevant bachelor's degree. But with a BS under your belt, you can begin looking for the perfect position in areas like biotechnology, environmental science, medical research, or pharmaceuticals.

Here are some high-paying careers—along with the average annual income according to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS)—a degree in science can lead to:

Biochemist/biophysicist, $107,460.
Epidemiologists, $81,390.
Medical research scientist, $100,890.
Microbiologists, $85,470.
Pharmacologist, $100,890.

Technology

While not every tech position requires a bachelor's degree, having a solid college credential may be key to landing a job. A greater post-pandemic focus on quality per hire by tech companies means your degree will do wonders in helping you launch your career in cybersecurity, data analysis, software development, or AI research.

Some tech job titles you can vie for—including average annual salaries as reported by the BLS—with your bachelor's include:

Computer and information systems manager, $169,510.
Computer network architects, $129,840.
Data scientist, $108,020.
Information security analyst, $120,360.
Software developer, quality assurance analysts and testers, $130,160.

Engineering

An engineering degree opens the door to numerous career opportunities, and with forecasted growth of about 195,000 job openings each year through 2033, it also offers strong job security.

Careers that fall under the engineering category you may consider—and their average annual earnings according to the BLS—include:

Aerospace engineer, $130,720.
Chemical engineers, $112,100.
Civil engineer, $95,890.
Electrical engineer, $109,010.
Environmental engineer, $100,090.
Mechanical engineers, $99,510.

Mathematics

Discovering jobs that fit your perfect W = F.d (work formula) in the field of mathematics should be no problem considering about 37,100 jobs are forecast to open each year through 2033.

Figure out which of these job titles your bachelor's degree best equates to—and the income you can expect according to the BLS:

Actuary, $120,000.
Data scientist, $108,020.
Economist, $115,730.
Mathematician or statistician, $104,860.

Let's look at the requirements you need to kick-start your journey into a STEM education.

Undergraduate Requirements

High School Prerequisites

Take rigorous high school courses and engage in extracurricular activities related to STEM—consider science fairs, math competitions, joining a STEM club, or tutoring. Specific areas to focus on include:

Mathematics: A strong performance in algebra, geometry, trigonometry, and calculus is often required.
Science: Courses like biology, chemistry, physics, advanced math, and AP computer science—if you're interested in computer technologies—are essential.
Standardized tests: Competitive scores in the math and science sections of exams—the SAT or ACT—can increase your chance of admission.

Admission Requirements

Even if you have all of the right courses and extracurriculars, you may still have to compete for your seat in a STEM program and prove why you deserve it with:

A solid GPA: A good academic record, particularly in STEM courses, is crucial.
Essays or personal statements: These should be authentic and highlight your passion for STEM, problem-solving skills, and career aspirations.
Letters of recommendation: Any of your past or current teachers in math or science can compose letters on your behalf that highlight your strengths in the field of study.

Core Undergraduate Coursework

There are certain areas you should shine in to be considered for a STEM degree including:

General education: Ensure your foundational English, communications, and social sciences courses reflect high grades.
STEM core classes: Enroll in introductory and advanced courses in mathematics, natural sciences, and computer programming.
Lab work: Ensure you select labs to demonstrate your hands-on learning in laboratory settings and that you can practically apply concepts.

Once you've registered for a STEM program, received admission, and perhaps worked through required courses, labs, and practicums, you may wonder, "What's next?"

With an undergraduate STEM degree, you can apply for a STEM graduate program that hones in on your area of interest or expertise.

STEM Graduate Degree Options at MCPHS

The Massachusetts College of Pharmacy and Health Sciences (MCPHS) offers many STEM graduate degrees including:

If you're ready to become a STEM student and open the doors of possibility to a wide range of well-paying and rewarding jobs, then MCPHS can help.

We provide a range of undergraduate and graduate STEM degrees for students interested in science and medical careers that will allow them to make a difference. A STEM degree from MCPHS can set you up for a future of innovation, discovery, and career success. Our programs are designed to bridge the gap between science and real-world application, ensuring you will be competitive in the STEM job market. Apply to MCPHS today to begin your STEM adventure.