STEM courses in the USA: A detailed guide
Your presence here indicates that you are curious about the STEM term. Well, you’ve certainly landed in the right place. STEM is actually a branch of four academic subjects: science, technology, engineering, and mathematics, which happens to be one of the most sought-after programmes for international students.
The USA is a global leader in STEM education, and there are more than 415 STEM course options available in the USA alone. The demand for these courses remains at the top across various industries. That’s why STEM courses in the USA are the most popular courses among international students.
There are a lot of things to consider while aiming for STEM courses in the USA. As long as you are here, you don’t have to worry about a single thing, as we will cover every relevant point. In this blog, you will explore everything about the STEM courses in the USA in the most comprehensive manner.
So, without causing any further delay, let’s move.
What are the STEM courses in the USA?
STEM stands for science, technology, engineering, and mathematics. Some popular courses in these four sections are mentioned below:
Science
- Physics
- Environmental Science
- Biochemistry
- Biology
- Marine Biology
Technology
- Computer Science
- Information Technology
- Cybersecurity
- Artificial Intelligence
- Data Science
Engineering
- Aerospace Engineering
- Mechanical Engineering
- Electrical Engineering
- Biomedical Engineering
- Civil Engineering
Mathematics
- Calculus
- Linear Algebra
- Probability and Statistics
- Number Theory
- Topology
Why study STEM courses in the USA?
Pursuing a STEM course from the USA means that you are already some steps ahead on your career ladder. Some prime reasons why you should study a STEM course in the USA are mentioned below:
- Top Universities: The USA is home to some of the world’s top universities. Institutions like Harvard University, Stanford University, and Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT) and California Institute of Technology (Caltech) consistently rank among the top 10 in the QS rankings.
- Silicon Valley: Silicon Valley in California is a renowned global centre for high technology and innovation. It is home to many successful startups and global companies like Facebook, Apple, and Google.
- Diversity: The USA is the most diverse country in the world, as people from every corner of the world live in this country. Every student will definitely find someone of their religion and belief.
- Land of Opportunity: The USA is often referred to as the land of opportunity. This country provides ample opportunities for people to succeed in their lives.
- Industrial Connections: A broad number of US universities have partnerships with giant companies like Google, Apple, Microsoft, Pfizer, Johnson & Johnson, and more.
- Economic Impact: According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, the growth of employment in STEM occupations in the USA is projected at 10.4% by 2033.
- Research Outcomes: The USA consistently ranks among the top for their research output in the STEM fields. The universities offer advanced research facilities and enormous funds for their research.
- Patents and Innovations: The USA leads the way when it comes to patents and innovations across various STEM sectors like biotechnology, telecommunications, and computer hardware/software.
List of top STEM courses in the USA
How about a fun fact? According to PwC, AI could contribute up to $15.7 trillion to the global economy by 2030.
A list of the top STEM courses in the USA with high job prospects is given below:
- Artificial Intelligence
- Computer Science
- Biomedical Science
- Environmental Science
- Data Science
- Civil Engineering
- Chemistry
- Cybersecurity
- Aerospace Engineering
- Applied Mathematics
- Software Engineering
- Statistics
Top universities offering STEM courses in the USA
A list of some prestigious and top-tier universities that offer STEM courses in the USA is given below:
| Universities | QS World University Rankings 2025 |
|---|---|
| Massachusetts Institute of Technology | 1 |
| Harvard University | 4 |
| Stanford University | 6 |
| California Institute of Technology (Caltech) | 10 |
| University of Pennsylvania | 11 |
| University of California, Berkeley (UCB) | 12 |
| Cornell University | 16 |
| University of Chicago | 21 |
| Princeton University | 22 |
Salary after studying STEM courses in the USA
Obtaining a STEM course means that you are already in high demand in various MNC companies, and therefore, the salary range is expected to be high.
| Designation | Average annual salary in the USA |
|---|---|
| Chemical Engineer | $98,260 |
| Mechanical Engineer | $138,522 |
| Civil Engineer | $91,625 |
| Physicist | $145,048 |
| Computer Scientist | $123,072 |
| Architect | $106,765 |
| Biochemist | $133,150 |
| Statistician | $139,334 |
| Aeronautical Engineer | $198,371 |
| Geologist | $97,933 |
| Astronomer | $125,122 |
| Software Engineer | $116,741 |
| Biomedical Engineering | $99,550 |
| Mathematician | $112,110 |
Eligibility for STEM courses in the USA
Each university has its own eligibility criteria. The most common requirements that you should meet are given below.
- A high school certificate or a bachelor’s degree
- Your proficiency in the English language by IELTS, TOEFL, PTE, or any other medium
- GRE or GMAT scores
- SAT or ACT (tentative)
- Work experience (tentative)
- A valid F1 student visa
- Letter of Recommendation
- Statement of Purpose (SOP)
- Minimum 3.0 GPA
What is STEM OPT in the USA?
STEM OPT is a two-year extension of the post-completion OPT. The term OPT stands for Optional Practical Training. All eligible F-1 students can apply for Post-Completion OPT, which is a 12-month work authorisation that begins after the completion of your programme, and if you have earned a degree in the STEM field, then you may apply for a 24-month extension of your post-completion OPT.
One-year STEM courses in the USA
Several top universities in the USA, like Harvard, Stanford, MIT, and Caltech, offer a wide range of 1-year STEM courses for international students. Some of the top one-year STEM courses in the USA are mentioned below:
- Master of Science in Data Science
- Master of Science in Computer Science
- Master of Science in Environmental Science
- Master of Engineering in Electrical Engineering
- Master of Science in Information Technology
- Master of Engineering Mechanical Engineering
- Master of Engineering Chemical Engineering
Farewell note
That about sums it up. We hope that all these facts about the STEM courses in the USA were of immense help to you. One of the perks of pursuing a STEM degree in the USA is that graduates are more likely to enjoy high salaries and more opportunities than non-STEM graduates.
Well, that’s about it, and we hope that you shine like a star in your career life and achieve great things.
FAQ's
What are STEM courses in the USA?
STEM is the abbreviation for science, technology, engineering, and mathematics. Any subject that falls under these four sections is a STEM course.
What is the STEM category in the USA?
The term STEM refers to Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics. It is an academic group that indicates studies in the areas of science, technology, engineering, and mathematics.
What course is best for STEM?
The top 7 sought-after STEM degrees in the USA are mentioned below:
- Artificial Intelligence
- Computer Science
- Environmental Science
- Data Science
- Cybersecurity
- Aerospace Engineering
- Software Engineering