Which Courses are Considered STEM in US & Canada?

STEM is the acronym for Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics.

It is a term used to group the related technical disciplines that fall under science, technology, engineering and mathematics. Schools normally adopt this term in their curriculum choices or education policy. 

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The advent and adoption of technology in almost all areas of life have increased the demand for professionals in this field. Now, every aspect of life requires the inclusion of “tech” and those who cannot meet up with the current demand stand the risk of being obsolete. 

With this rise, it is natural that professionals in these fields are in high demand, which of course in return tends to positively affect their income too.

Hence, the reason why many people are diving into this space is to leverage them and maximize them.

Only those who are grounded with the necessary skills will have a high chance of being employable, to this effect, we see students wishing to further their studies abroad to enable them to gain access to the right knowledge and remain relevant. 

Why study STEM courses in the USA?

Thinking of pursuing STEM courses in the USA, these reasons will further inspire you. As discussed earlier, skills related to STEM courses are in high demand and its one of the reasons international students opt for STEM courses. 

• Top Universities: America is home to some of the best universities in the world. Many universities in America rank as part of the top 50 universities in the world according to QS university rankings. Some of these universities include Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Harvard University, Stanford University, California Institute of Technology, University of California Berkeley, and others.

• Access to Opportunities: There is a wide range of employment and research opportunities available for students after they complete their STEM courses. Additionally, some universities in America have counsellors who will help assist you to find a decent job. 
• Quality Education: Because the universities in America rank as part of the top universities in the world, it is only natural that it also offers quality education. Students who go here to study will have a high chance of being employable as the institutions are globally acquired and acknowledged. 

Choosing a Career in STEM

The total number of U.K. employees working a career in the STEM field was 2.89 million according to a 2022 report. It was projected that this figure will rise to about 3 million by 2026. According to AAAS, 2020, STEM supports 67% of jobs in the U.S. and 69% of the country’s gross domestic product (GDP). It also generates $2.3 trillion in annual federal tax revenue. 

According to a projection by the U.S. Department of Labour, the number of STEM jobs will increase by 10.8% between 2021 and 2031. This projection is twice as large as the increase in non-STEM occupations. 

Although STEM careers include jobs in industries like engineering and sciences, the current change in the world will accommodate the adoption of STEM skills in other areas too. Nearly every company that wants to thrive in the fast-changing world will have to adapt to the demands to remain relevant. Some examples of STEM occupations include: 

• Scientists
• Web and software developers
• Healthcare professionals
• Information technology specialists
• Engineers
• Actuaries
• Data scientists
• Computer network architects
• Cartographers
• Cost estimators
• Statisticians 
• Financial analysts etc
• Data Analyst
• Data Scientists
• Network Architect
• Network Engineer
• Software Engineer
• Software Developer
• Aerospace Engineer
• Biomedical Engineer
• Cyber Security Analyst
• Information Security Analyst

22 Top STEM Courses in the U.S.

In the U.S., areas in fields like engineering, mathematics, physics, chemistry, medicine and computer science are considered to the grouped under STEM courses. Some of the top STEM programmes offered in universities in the U.S. include:

1. Engineering
2. Computer Science /IT
3. Sciences
4. Mathematics and Statistics
5. Biomedical Sciences
6. Life Sciences
7. Accounting & Finance
8. Biomedical Sciences
9. Business courses (including MBA)
10. Natural sciences
11. Information Systems
12. Actuarial Science
13. Material sciences
14. Telecommunications
15. Cyber/Electronic Operations and Warfare
16. Physical Sciences
17. Nuclear physics
18. Master’s in Business Administration (MBA)
19. Pharmaceutical Sciences.
20. Aerospace Engineering
21. Environmental Sciences
22. Data Management

 22 Top STEM Courses in Canada 

1. Aerospace Engineering
2. Chemical Engineering
3. Biochemistry
4. Astronomy
5. Computer Science
6. Civil Engineering
7. Biology
8. Chemistry
9. Electrical Electronics Engineering
10. Mechanical Engineering
11. Psychology
12. Information Science
13. Physics
14. Computer Science
15. Food and Technology Processing
16. Biostatistics
17. Mathematics
18. Epidemiology
19. Data Analytics
20. Genetics Engineering
21. Computer Engineering
22. Biomedical Engineering

Other STEM Courses in Areas of Study

Aerospace Engineering STEM Courses

• B.Sc Aerospace Engineering
• B.Sc Space Engineering
• Master of Aerospace Engineering
• Master of Space Engineering

STEM Robotic Courses

• Bachelor of Robotics Engineering (Hons)
• Bachelor of Robotics and Mechatronics Engineering
• Bachelor of Automation and Robotics (Hons)
• Master of Robotics Engineering
• M.Sc Advanced Robotics

Technology Courses in STEM

• Bachelor of Computer Engineering (Hons)
• Bachelor of Engineering – Computer & Software  Systems (Hons)
• Bachelor of Engineering – Information Technology
• Bachelor of Aerospace Engineering (Hons)
• Bachelor of Software Engineering
• B.Sc Robotics Engineering
• B.Sc Environmental Engineering

STEM Courses for Commerce Students

1. Marketing
2. Economics
3. Accounting
4. Business Analytics
5. Supply Chain Management

Universities in The U.S. Offering STEM Courses

Universities in Canada Offering STEM Courses

Eligibility Criteria To Study STEM Courses Abroad

When it comes to the eligibility requirements to study STEM courses abroad, it differs as each school has its unique criteria. However, aspirants must have at least a twelfth-grade education in the science field along with passing well in some standardized exams to pursue a bachelor’s degree in the STEM field. The mandatory exams are seen below:

• IELTS- for English Proficiency
• SAT- for bachelor’s Program
• TOFEL- for English Proficiency
• GRE- for Master’s Program
• PTE- for English Proficiency
• GMAT- for Management Programs

Eligibility Criteria for a Bachelor’s Degree in STEM Abroad

For those who desire to pursue a Bachelor’s degree in STEM abroad, you must have at least a twelfth-grade education in the science field and must also pass some specific standardized exams. The exams you will take and the minimum score you have to get are dependent on the school’s criteria.

Generally, the minimum score is usually above 60%. However, it is in your best interest to get a higher score as the higher your score the better your chances. Having a high score will in turn also increase your GPA and will offer you the opportunity to apply to and get admitted into top-ranking universities.

The following are the requirements generally if you want to pursue an undergraduate course in STEM:

• Science: 10+2 in PCM or PCB (Physics, Chemistry, Mathematics/Biology)
• Technology: 10+2 in or PCM (Physics, Chemistry, Mathematics) Biology is mandatory for Biotechnology courses
• Engineering: 10+2 in PCM with (Physics, Chemistry, Mathematics)
• Mathematics: 10+2 in PCM (Physics, Chemistry, Mathematics)

Eligibility Criteria for a Master’s Degree in STEM Abroad

On the other hand, the eligibility criteria to pursue a Master’s degree in STEM is quite different from that of the undergraduate requirement. First, you need to have a bachelor’s degree in the same discipline. For instance, if you want to study Master of Information Technology, you need to have a bachelor’s degree in the same field. 

Equally, the minimum score you need to opt in for a Master’s in any STEM course is 60%. Normally, when your CGPA calculates more than 60% then it means you are eligible to pursue your Master’s degree. To get a postgraduate certificate in any STEM course, you are to meet the following subject-specific requirements:  

• Science: 10+2 with 3-year formal bachelor’s degree in Science Honours
• Technology: 10+2 with 4-year formal bachelor’s degree in any Technological or related discipline
• Engineering: 10+2 with 4-year formal bachelor’s degree in any Engineering or related discipline
• Mathematics: 10+2 with 3-year formal bachelor’s degree in Mathematics Honours.

Start your Career in STEM Today

Do you desire to start a career in STEM? The first thing is to pursue a degree in STEM. Wondering how to go about pursuing a postgraduate degree in STEM courses abroad? We can guide you through your journey and make your dreams come true. Reach out to us at EdXtra to access opportunities that will help you on your journey. 

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