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In recent times, STEM degrees have grown significantly to become the most sought after courses in universities worldwide, and this is due to the lucrative careers on offer for having a STEM degree. So what then is a STEM degree? And why should you apply for a STEM course? This article will take a look at what STEM degrees and why you should apply for one today.

What is a STEM degree?

The first thing we will be doing is to tell you the meaning of STEM. STEM is an abbreviation if you have seen it around for Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics. In other words, this practice brings together, in a single methodology, knowledge, practices, and values ​​from these four areas and teaches how to apply them creatively and effectively. More precisely, this term refers to a curriculum based on the idea of ​​educating students in these four areas in an interdisciplinary and applied approach. That is, instead of teaching these four subjects separately, STEM integrates them into a cohesive learning paradigm, based on real-world applications.

So, in essence, all courses within these four disciplines are STEM degrees, and they are the in-demand degrees across various industries in the present era of the world.

Many times, STEM degrees often use a multidisciplinary method and a practical approach to prepare students for a world in need of engineers, architects, computer scientists, and other career fields emanating from the STEM degrees.

Why should I study a STEM Master’s degree?

It is quite true that some students feel that STEM degrees are not designed for them. To convince you otherwise, we have listed some benefits of studying a STEM program:

• It provides students the avenue to work with the latest technologies and design innovative solutions to real problems facing the world.
• It allows you to discover a cure for an unknown disease.
• It creates an avenue for students to interact with people who are already working in that field.
• As a result of the hands-on teaching method, students will know how to utilize their knowledge when they graduate practically.
• It helps develop communication skills, the ability to adapt to different situations and research, and proactiveness skills.
• Finally, there countless job opportunities and bigger salaries in contrast to other disciplines.

In sum, the above highlights the importance of having a STEM degree in the present job market.

How important is STEM?

The global market has a massive deficit of STEM professionals, which places careers in these fields as a priority and overvalued. To illustrate, the number of workers needed to supply companies’ demand in the United States in these areas reaches 600 thousand! In the United Kingdom, there are 100 thousand and in Germany, 210 thousand.

The largest number of STEM vacancies available worldwide is concentrated in the areas of Computing, Engineering, Physical Sciences, Life Sciences, and Mathematics.

To put the icing on the cake, not all STEM jobs require higher education and a university degree. In fact, less than half of entry-level jobs in these areas require an undergraduate or graduate degree. However, a four-year diploma is incredibly useful concerning salary, which increases considerably.

What’s the difference between STEM, STEAM, and STREAM?

The term STEM, created in 1990 to designate these four areas of knowledge differently, became popular in 2010. This methodology is considered an integrated form of learning that encourages students to think outside the box from these disciplines.

On the other hand, STEAM is nothing more than an addition of the letter “A,” which stands for Arts, to the acronym mentioned. It turns out that this area, nowadays, has gained even more recognition in academia. After all, the arts can discuss several important issues for humanity through culture and entertainment. This method creates an avenue for students to tackle the technical problems in a creative way by securing a balance between design and functionality.

The last method but not the least method we will look at is STREAM. This method goes a little beyond the STEAM and STEM methods by incorporating reading and writing. People who use this method opine that a curriculum is not complete unless it includes literacy, which they say boosts critical thinking, creativity, and how to express oneself.

Who is the ideal candidate for a STEM major?

Being a successful professional in this field requires extreme dedication and certain features as a person. Indeed, having these personality traits doesn’t mean you will be successful; however, it lessens the possibility of failing in this field.

Be inquisitive: Are you hungry for more knowledge? Individuals in this field are many times curious to understand what processes are involved in the production and design of equipment, especially when it comes to technology.

Problem-solving skills: To stand a chance of excelling in this field, you must be someone who has a passion for solving problems, without this trait, it is better to choose another discipline outside STEM field. Take, for instance; your phone starts malfunctioning; instead of taking it to the repair shop, you begin to do it yourself; that is a trait of being a problem solver, and indeed, a STEM degree is appropriate for you.

Innovation: Aside from being a problem solver, you must also be an innovator to stand a chance of excelling in this field.

How prevalent are STEM degrees, really?

Without beating around the bush, STEM degrees are now becoming the order of the day in major universities worldwide, which is due to the advancement in the technology sector that the world has witnessed. It is now being argued that employers will very soon start employing individuals who have skills that can only be acquired from a STEM degree. As a result of this factor, many countries and international organizations around the world are adding their voice to the campaign for STEM degrees in all institutions.

What are the Stem degree divisions?

As we have already mentioned, STEM stands for Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics. Now we are going to take a look at some of the major courses under each branch.

Science

This  is inarguably the most significant branch under STEM has it serve as an umbrella for disciplines such as Biology, Physics, Microbiology, Chemistry, Astronomy, Medicine, to mention just a few.

Technology

Do you have this butterfly feeling when you see a new machine be its mobile gadgets, electronics, and cars? If you do, this is the branch of STEM that offers your course.  With the way technology is evolving daily, acquiring skills in this area will undoubtedly be profitable. Examples of courses under this branch include software Development, Database Administration, Database Management, and more.

Engineering

We know you have been waiting to see the difference between Engineering and technology. It is indeed true that engineering involves technology; however, Engineering in this sense focuses on construction, design, and maintenance of large infrastructures, network systems, and more. Some of the courses under this branch include Civil Engineering, Industrial Engineering, Mechanical engineering, Aerospace engineering to mention just a few.

Mathematics

Are you good with numbers? If yes, then this is your branch of STEM. All degrees under STEM use mathematics and some of the courses under this branch include Statistics, Logistics, Logic and Computation etc.

Conclusion

From all we have discussed so far, it is evident that acquiring a STEM degree enhances and sharpens your skills, and it stands you a better chance of getting the dream job you want. With the continued search for professionals in this field, acquiring a STEM degree is a way to transform your life. So we urge you to enroll for a STEM degree if you love science and technology.