You’ve probably heard the term “STEM” going around lately in the education field; that’s because it’s one of the most in-demand fields in our day and age. The United States has long been a global leader in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM) education and innovation.

The USA offers many opportunities and top-notch institutions for international students aspiring to pursue their passion for STEM. In this article, we explore the STEM major, the best STEM courses in the USA, and its career prospects. So, why don’t you join us and keep reading?

What is STEM?

What does “STEM” stand for, exactly? Well, “STEM” refers to science, technology, engineering, and mathematics. These four disciplines are interconnected and play a vital role in our society, driving innovation and solving some of the world's most critical challenges.

Why Study STEM in the USA?

Before diving into the specifics, let's explore why the USA is an ideal destination for international students seeking STEM education. There are plenty of reasons that make the USA a great destination for studying STEM; these include:

• Unique education system.

• Top-ranked universities.

• Strong research focus.

• Variety of job opportunities and employability

• International Community.

Popular STEM Courses in the USA for International Students

Some of the most popular STEM courses for international students in the US include:

• Computer science

• Engineering

• Mathematics

• Physical sciences

• Life sciences

• Biomedical sciences

• Environmental science

• Date science

Best Universities to Study STEM Courses in the USA

Wondering what the best universities in the USA are to study STEM? Your search ends here because we’ve compiled a list of the best universities to study STEM in the USA, saving you some precious time.

These institutions offer world-class academic programs, cutting-edge research opportunities, and a strong track record of producing successful STEM graduates. Here is a list of STEM courses offered by the top universities in the US:

Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT)

MIT is very famous for its top-notch education and state-of-the-art facilities when it comes to science and technology. It offers a wide range of undergraduate and graduate degrees in STEM fields, including:

• Aerospace Engineering

• Biological Engineering

• Chemical Engineering

• Civil and Environmental Engineering

• Computer Science and Artificial Intelligence

• Applied Mathematics

• Biology

• Chemistry

• Computer Science

• Earth and Atmospherics

California Institute of Technology (CalTech)

CalTech is another world-renowned university for STEM education and research. It is known for its small-sized classes and its strong focus on undergraduate education. Caltech offers undergraduate and graduate degrees in the following STEM fields:

• Applied Physics

• Computational Mathematics

• Chemical Engineering

• Electrical Engineering

• Astronomy

• Biology

• Geological and Planetary Sciences

Harvard University

Harvard University is one of the world's most prestigious universities, and it is also a leader in STEM education and research. Harvard students have access to world-class faculty and facilities. They are also encouraged to take advantage of Harvard's many resources, including its libraries, museums, and cultural centres. Its STEM degrees include the following:

• Biomedical Engineering

• Chemical and Environmental Engineering

• Computer Science

• Biology

• Chemistry

• Statistics

• Molecular and Cellular Biology

Stanford University

Stanford University is another top-ranked university for STEM education and research. It is known for its interdisciplinary approach to STEM education and its focus on innovation. Students are encouraged to think outside the box and to pursue their passions! Some of the top STEM courses at Stanford include:

• Aeronautics and Astronautics

• Biomedical Engineering

• Environmental Engineering

• Computer Science

• Earth, Energy, and Environmental Sciences

• Product Design

The University of Michigan

UM is known for its strong engineering and computer science programs. Its students have access to state-of-the-art facilities and are encouraged to participate in research projects from an early stage. UM is also known for its strong alumni network, which includes many successful entrepreneurs and leaders in the tech industry. STEM undergraduate and graduate degrees offered at the University of Michigan include:

• Atmospheric and Oceanic Sciences

• Biomedical Engineering

• Chemical Engineering

• Computer Science

• Industrial and Operations Engineering

• Materials Science and Engineering

• Nuclear Engineering

• Applied and Computational Mathematics

• Chemistry

• Physics

The University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign

UIUC is known for its world-class engineering and computer science programmes. These include:

• Agricultural and Biological Engineering

• Chemical and Biomolecular Engineering

• Computer Science

• Industrial and Enterprise Systems Engineering

• Astronomy

• Biochemistry

• Economics

• Geography

• Physics

Georgia Institute of Technology

Last but not least is Georgia Tech. Georgia Institute of Technology is known for its strong emphasis on entrepreneurship; many alumni have founded successful tech companies. The university offers STEM undergraduate and graduate degrees that include:

• Biomedical Engineering

• Computer Science

• Industrial Engineering

• Applied Physics

• Machine Learning

• Nuclear and Radiological Engineering

• Chemistry

• Electrical Engineering

STEM Admission Requirements

While the admissions process for STEM courses in the USA can be competitive, it is eventually rewarding. If you’re daunted by this competitiveness, worry not; the following steps will increase your chances of getting accepted to a university in the USA and making your STEM dreams come true.

1. Do your fair share of research on universities and programs.

2. Gather all the required documents for your application. These typically include:

• A high school diploma or equivalent
• Transcripts of competitive grades in math and science
• Scores from standardised tests such as GRE (Graduate Record Examination)
• English proficiency test scores (IELTS or TOEFL)
• Letters of recommendation
• Statement of purpose
• Research Experience
• Financial Proof

3. Submit applications to multiple universities

4. Once admitted, apply for a student visa

Or simply contact AECC Global to help you for a simplified international university admission process and study abroad application tips!

STEM Career Prospects

So, what’s next? What do I do with a STEM degree? We’re sure you have these questions in mind when considering STEM as a potential major of study. We’re here to tell you what’s next. STEM graduates have excellent career prospects, both in the US and around the world. Some common jobs for STEM graduates include:

• Software Engineer

• Data Scientist

• Mechanical Engineer

• Electrical Engineer

• Civil Engineer

• Chemist

• Physicist

• Biologist

• Biomedical Engineer

• Environmental Scientist

• Medical Doctor

• Pharmacist

Final Tips

Here are some additional tips for international students to keep in mind while studying STEM in the USA:

• Get involved in extracurricular activities

• Take advantage of research opportunities

• Attend career fairs and workshops

• Build your professional network

• Get involved in internships

Studying STEM in the USA offers international students a world-class education and unparalleled opportunities for innovation and excellence. The USA remains a top destination for those looking to embark on a rewarding journey in science, technology, engineering, or mathematics. As you embark on this academic adventure, remember that the USA's STEM landscape is not just about education; it's about shaping the future of innovation and discovery! Good luck!