The acronym STEM stands for Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics—four key disciplines that help us achieve innovation and deeper insights into the world around us. STEM is critical for many reasons, including problem-solving and critical thinking, innovation, career opportunities, and equality and diversity.
In education, the development of STEM programs has become more important than ever, with the National Science Foundation emphasizing the need for students to immerse in these areas at a young age, setting them up for success in STEM-related careers. The federal government further emphasizes the importance of STEM education in grades K-12, investing $3.9 billion annually to improve these programs and prepare students for critical field careers.
What is STEM?
On the surface, STEM stands for Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics, but as an educational program, its importance is much more than just fostering an appreciation and understanding of these areas. STEM is a driving force behind innovation and economic growth. Using STEM is critical to the advancement of the technologies that result in the development of new industries, new products, and new kinds of jobs.
STEM is about getting students to think differently and solve problems. STEM students learn how to tackle challenges and think critically by linking different subjects together. They learn how to gather and analyze information carefully yet curiously, leading to big discoveries in tech, medicine, data, robotics, and beyond. Developing cutting-edge technologies depends on a workforce with STEM skills.
What are STEM Fields?
Four major disciplines—science, technology, engineering, and mathematics —fall under the umbrella of STEM. Let’s dive a bit deeper into each.
Science
Various sciences fall under this wing of STEM, including biology, medicine, physics, chemistry, earth science, and more. Science helps us better understand the world around us. Although there are a variety of sciences to explore, all require the development of research skills and a way carry out research to measure and to record findings.
Technology
Technology is often the result of scientific discoveries put into practice, further complemented by engineering. Technology can involve working to develop new objects and infrastructures that make everyday living easier and better—such as more efficient and capable smartphones, computing systems, and communications networks. Technology also encompasses learning about these networks and their software, including how they transmit data, and how to implement cybersecurity measures to protect these networks and the data being transmitted over them.
Engineering
Engineering serves as the link between science and technology, transforming theoretical knowledge into practical applications. It is the process through which technological concepts are realized and refined. Engineering encompasses various fields, from computer engineering to automotive design, and focuses on designing, constructing, and enhancing systems. Beyond fostering methodical creativity, engineering also promotes proactive problem-solving and anticipating future challenges to mitigate them.
Mathematics
In STEM, math is key. Mathematics is a basic tool for research and development that leads to advancements and improvements in the human condition. It provides a precise way to understand the laws of nature, build models of complex natural phenomena, and solve practical problems in engineering, physics, architecture, computer science, health, social science, and much more. It makes things like computer projects, medical studies, engineering tasks, and detailed planning easier to handle and understand. With areas like algebra, geometry, and trigonometry, math helps us solve problems and think clearly, connecting different STEM fields together.
Why is STEM Education Important?
STEM education isn’t just about setting students up for a hot job market. It’s about teaching them how to approach issues systematically, analyze data, and develop creative solutions, which are valuable skills in any field. With these skills, they can tackle problems and think deeply, pushing them to discover new scientific principles that enable new, cutting-edge technologies and new ways of doing things.
Additionally, it fuels creativity, prompting students to develop new solutions and ideas, collaborate with peers to discover effective strategies, and share knowledge.
In-Demand STEM Careers
There is a bright future ahead for those pursuing a career in STEM fields. Here are just a few in-demand STEM careers to consider, based on your own personal interests.
Why Major in a STEM Field?
Majoring in a STEM field can be highly rewarding if you’re deeply interested in math, science, and computers. It offers the chance to understand how various systems and the world operate and also allows you to actively contribute to the development of new technologies or the enhancement of existing ones.
Majoring in a STEM field sets you up for a career in a growing field that may lead to more job opportunities and stability. According to the BLS, it’s estimated that STEM occupations will see a 10.8% increase in demand compared to a 2.3% increase across non-STEM jobs. As of 2019, the National Science Board noted that professionals in the STEM field had higher median earnings than those in non-STEM fields. That figure will only stand to grow, aligned with higher demand and inflation.
STEM vs. STEAM
STEM hones in on Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics, putting a spotlight on the technical and analytical skills needed to innovate and solve problems in our tech-driven world. On the other hand, STEAM takes STEM a step further by weaving in the Arts, highlighting how mixing technical know-how with creativity leads to better innovation. This blend promotes a well-rounded education, combining the thoroughness of science with the inventiveness of the arts to more effectively address complex issues and encourage flexible thinking. While STEM is all about nailing down the technical details, STEAM aims for a well-rounded view, gearing up students for a variety of evolving career paths.
STEM Education
A STEM education can put you on a path to a rewarding career in the fields of science, technology, engineering, or mathematics. These areas of study are intertwined with one another and provide key building blocks to developing an in-demand skill set in areas projected to see strong job growth.
Jumpstart a career in STEM with a degree from National University. Explore Science and Math degrees, including a Bachelor of Science in Biology or Clinical Laboratory Science. If computers are more appealing to you, we offer a Bachelor of Science in Computer Science and a Bachelor of Science in Cybersecurity, as well as a Master of Science in Computer Science and a Master of Science in Cybersecurity degree. Open the door to a meaningful career that puts you at the forefront of discovery with National University.