22 Majors in STEM – And The Career Paths That Follow

High school graduates have a difficult decision to make when choosing their college major. With jobs in science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM) growing 79 percent since 1990, and STEM occupations averaging a salary of $100,900, majoring in a STEM field may be of interest to many future college students. Here are the different majors and corresponding occupations that students can pursue careers in.

Science

Astronomy/Astrophysics

Astronomy and Astrophysics majors study the creation of the universe and everything, including black holes, planets, suns and galaxies, within it. The coursework for this major typically includes classes in data modeling, physics and mathematics.

Common jobs for Astronomy/Astrophysics majors, include:

• Research Scientist
• Physicist
• Data Analyst
• Data Scientist
• Research Associate

Agronomy/Crop Science

Agronomy majors study plants and soils, how they are produced and their interaction with the environment. Curriculum for Agronomy/Crop Science degrees can include the application of biological, chemical and physical science principles to the cultivation of plants. 

Common jobs for Agronomy/Crop Science majors include:

• Crop Scientist
• Agronomist
• Agribusiness Consultant
• Research Technician
• Ecologist
• Laboratory Technician
• Field Researcher

Biology

A Biology major can open the door to a variety of career possibilities. While some may study biology in a pre-medicine capacity hoping to later pursue career in the medical field, others may have an interest in a life science career.

Common jobs for Biology majors include:

• Biological Technician
• Research Scientist
• Environmental Biologist
• Ecologist
• Conservation Biologist
• Clinical Laboratory Technician
• Science Writer

Biochemistry

Biochemistry is the study of chemical reactions and interactions with living organisms. This practice is important for the development of vaccines and medications. The curriculum for Biochemistry is a mix between both biology and chemistry-focused courses. This major can be combined with other educational degrees to help you specialize in various areas of interest.

Common jobs for Biochemistry majors include:

• Biochemist
• Chemical Engineer
• Laboratory Technician
• Food Researcher
• Pharmacologist
• Pharmaceutical Researcher

Chemistry

Explore the complex ways that elements combine together and how matter undergoes change with a degree in Chemistry. Coursework in this field can include concepts related to chemical equilibrium, thermodynamics and periodic concepts. Studying this field can lead to careers in many different industries, including: specialty chemicals, medicine and research.

Common jobs for Chemistry majors include:

• Chemist
• Research & Development Associate
• Quality Control
• Pharmacy Technician
• Chemical Engineer
• Epidemiologist

Environmental Science

Environmental Science majors study Earth’s natural environment and the impact humans have on it. Courses for this major can include chemistry, biology and geology. Often times, the curriculum will include laboratory classes and field experiences.

Common jobs for Environmental Science majors include:

• Agricultural Scientist
• EHS Manager
• Environmental Consultant
• Zoologist
• Environmental Engineer
• Civil Engineer
• Environmental Scientist

Food Science & Technology

Students who pursue a major in Food Science & Technology will learn about using science to safely create, manufacture, package and preserve food products. They will have coursework in areas such as chemistry, microbiology and food safety.

Common jobs for Food Science & Technology majors include:

• Food Scientist
• Quality Assurance Manager
• Microbiologist
• Chemist
• Health & Safety Manager
• Process Development Scientist

Microbiology

When you study Microbiology, you will learn about the way that microscopic organisms evolve, function and cause disease. This scientific major includes coursework in chemistry, biology, biological chemistry, physics and other topics. A degree in Microbiology can open the door to a number of different scientific careers.

Common jobs for Microbiology majors include:

• Microbiologist
• Research Associate
• Biotechnologist
• Clinical Research Associate
• Food Technologist
• Ecologist
• Forensic Scientist

Physics

A Physics major studies the relationship between energy and matter. Students who pursue this degree will get exposure to scientific methods and concepts that can be useful in a number of career paths.

Common jobs for Physics majors include:

• Physicist
• Nuclear Engineer
• Systems Engineer
• Data Analyst
• Aerospace Engineer
• Technical Writer

Technology

Computer Science

Explore computer systems and the way humans interact with them with a Computer Science major. The curriculum for this major includes the programming and design of software as well as theory and problem-solving methods. Coursework may also include calculus, statistics, data visualization, among other subjects.

Common jobs for Computer Science majors include:

• Software Developer
• Web Developer
• IT Project Manager
• Mobile App Developer
• Information Security Analyst
• Systems Architect
• Machine Learning Engineer
• Database Administrator

Cybersecurity

Cybersecurity is a growing field with ample career opportunities. A major in Cybersecurity can open up doors to the various areas of information technology space. Students in Cybersecurity will likely study information systems, computer science, cyber defense, mathematics and other related courses.

Common jobs for Cybersecurity majors include:

• Information Security Analyst
• Security Systems Engineer
• IT Auditor
• Penetration Tester
• Security Engineer
• Vulnerability Assessor

Data Analytics/Data Science

Data Analytics/Data Science majors collect, manage and analyze large, multifaceted data sets to make informed business decisions. Often, students studying this discipline will complete coursework in computer science, statistics and mathematics.

Common jobs for Data Analytics/Data Science majors:

• Business Intelligence Analyst
• Logistics Analyst
• Data Scientist
• Data Analyst
• IT Systems Analyst
• Machine Learning Engineer

Computer Engineering

Students interested in using creative problem-solving methods to work with computer software and hardware should consider a major in Computer Engineering. Within this major, student can specialize in various areas such as robotics, artificial intelligence or cybersecurity. Coursework in this major can include foundational mathematics, calculus, data structures or computer architecture.

Common jobs for Computer Engineering majors include:

• Software Engineer
• Software Developer
• Information Systems Analyst
• Computer Hardware Engineer
• Database Administrator
• Network Architect
• Artificial Intelligence Designer

Engineering

Aerospace Engineering

Those majoring in Aerospace Engineering will take courses in physics and mathematics as well as engineering lectures and labs. This curriculum prepares students in the design, propulsion and systems for both aircrafts and spacecrafts.

Common jobs for Aerospace Engineers include:

• Aerospace Engineer
• Mechanical Engineer
• Aircraft/Spacecraft Designer
• Drafter
• Aerospace Technician
• Systems Engineer
• Propulsion Engineer

Biomedical Engineering

Biomedical Engineering combines both engineering and scientific techniques to find innovative solutions to issues in the medical field. Students majoring in Biomedical Engineering will likely take courses in chemistry, physics, bioelectricity, biomechanics and other related courses.

Common jobs for Biomedical Engineering majors include:

• Biomedical Engineer
• Biomaterials Developer
• Manufacturing Engineer
• Biomedical Researcher
• Process Engineer
• Research Assistant

Civil Engineering

Civil Engineering majors will study the planning, design, development and evaluation of structures and systems, such as buildings, tunnels, airports, drainage systems, railways and bridges. This major open the door to a range of different specialties within the Civil Engineering field.  

Common jobs for Civil Engineering majors include:

• Civil Engineer
• Surveyor
• CAD Technician
• Urban Planner
• Construction Manager
• Environmental Engineer
• Design Engineer
• Engineering Technician

Industrial & Systems Engineering

Industrial & Systems Engineering (ISE) majors utilize scientific and mathematical principles to design, implement, evaluate and improve systems of people, information and materials. Students who study ISE will learn about creating efficiencies and eliminating labor or material waste in various business or manufacturing processes.

Common jobs for Industrial & Systems Engineering majors include:

• Industrial Engineer
• Process Engineer
• Supply Chain Analyst
• Logistics Coordinator
• Project Engineer
• Systems Engineer
• Quality Assurance Engineer

Materials Science & Engineering

Explore the structure, processing, properties and performance of materials used in engineering systems with a degree in Materials Science & Engineering. Coursework for this field includes foundational engineering courses and typically students have the ability to specialize in various areas of Materials Science & Engineering, including biomaterials, electronic materials, metallurgy and polymers.

Common jobs for Materials Science & Engineering majors include:

• Materials Scientist
• Materials Engineer
• Metallurgist
• Design Engineer
• Research & Development Engineer
• Process Engineer
• Manufacturing Engineer

Mechanical Engineering

Mechanical Engineering majors study a diverse curriculum. This involves creative design, manufacturing engineering, machine elements design, measurements, fluid mechanics, thermodynamics, among other topics.

Common jobs for Mechanical Engineering majors include:

• Mechanical Engineer
• Automotive Engineer
• Aerospace Engineer
• Process Engineer
• Product Designer
• Project Manager
• Thermal Engineer

Mathematics

Actuarial Science

The study of financial implications of uncertain future events and quantifying and managing risk is known as Actuarial Science. Students with this major will learn modern business practices, have an understanding of finance principles and develop quantitative reasoning skills.

Common jobs for Actuarial Science majors include:

• Actuarial Assistant
• Business Analyst
• Insurance Actuarial Analyst
• Risk Analyst
• Underwriter
• Investment Analyst

Applied/Pure Mathematics

Applied Mathematics focuses on applying analytical and computation math techniques and principles to solve real-world problems in various industries. While Applied Mathematics is the practical use of mathematical practices, Pure Mathematics is the theoretical study of boarder mathematical concepts, such as proofs, theorems and abstract concepts.

Both of these majors can lead to a number of mathematical career paths within different fields of study.

Common jobs for Applied Mathematics majors include:

• Financial Analyst
• Statistical Analyst
• Actuary
• Mathematician
• Economist
• Operations Research Analyst
• Data Analyst

Statistics

Statistics majors study the collection, interpretation and analyzation of data. These students will take a number of courses in mathematics, including calculus and linear algebra. They may also complete coursework in programming languages and data modeling.

Common jobs for Statistics majors include:

• Statistician
• Market Researcher
• Financial Analyst
• Data Scientist
• Business Analyst
• Actuary
• Software Engineer