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The four disciplines encompassing STEM—science, technology, engineering, and mathematics—contain a wide range of professions and open the doors to many opportunities for innovation, research, and development. Earning a STEM-designated degree, such as ÂÌñÉç’s Bachelor of Science in Game Production Management, exposes you to a field of study that concentrates on one or more of those disciplines.   

The from the United States Department of Homeland Security contains more than 500 degree programs established as STEM-designated as of July 22, 2024. These programs include everything from the traditional bench sciences (think biology and chemistry) and a range of engineering and computing disciplines, to programs that may surprise you—including many business degree programs.

While the emphasis on STEM education is not an entirely new concept, the implementation of STEM-designated degree programs in higher education has become a fairly recent phenomenon. As a result of the rapid growth in STEM careers, the demand for STEM graduates is on the rise. 

With the growing abundance of STEM-designated programs in universities and colleges across the U.S., what are the benefits of a STEM-designated degree?

Expanding and Thriving Career Fields

According to the , STEM jobs are expected to increase by 10.4 percent between 2023–2033 compared to non-STEM occupations, which will only increase by 3.6 percent. This data highlights that if you graduate with a degree in a STEM-related major, you can expect job availability and longevity when entering STEM-oriented positions.   

The Department of Labor also of individual STEM occupations from 2023–2033, including:

• : 36 percent
• : 33 percent
• Computer and Information Research Scientists: 26 percent
• Operations Research Analysts: 23 percent
• Financial Examiners: 21 precent 

High Return on Investment

Georgetown University’s Center on Education and the Workforce in 2022 that determined a list of 34 degrees with the highest return on investment (ROI). Four categories were used to determine this: median monthly earnings net of debt, median monthly debt payments, median annualized earnings net of debt, and median debt. 

Out of the top 10 degree fields, more than half are STEM-related fields, with engineering at #1. Other STEM-related fields with the most profitability over time on the list included engineering technologies/technicians, science technologies/technicians, mathematics and statistics, computer and information sciences and support services, physical sciences, and more. 

Professions with High Pay Scales

When you graduate with a STEM-designated degree, you can typically count on earning more than graduates with a non-STEM degree. According to the , workers in fields related to earned a median annual wage of $97,310, and workers in fields related to business and finance earned a median annual wage of $80,920 in May 2024 compared to the median annual wage of $49,500 across all occupations. Even better, the in 2024 was $103,580. While not every job and student might reach such salaries, these are averages and medians that provide a fair representation of what you can expect in our current job market.  

Additionally, the an American Community Survey conducted by the U.S. Census Bureau from 2019 that of STEM and non-STEM workers and found that STEM workers have higher median salaries regardless of their education level. More specifically, the NSF determined that STEM workers with a bachelor’s degree or higher earn a median salary that is 47 percent greater than that of non-STEM workers with a bachelor’s degree or higher. 

Valuable Hands-On Experiences

When studying and conducting research within a STEM-designated degree program, you are able to experience hands-on learning opportunities that will prepare you for real-world application. Working in labs, collaborating on projects, and conducting research are just some of the opportunities that you get to experience when completing a STEM degree.

ÂÌñÉç's one-of-a-kind Elevate program guarantees access to hands-on, real-world learning experiences, giving you the opportunity to participate in research, internships, competitions, study away, and other experiences that will help you be career-ready upon graduation.

Other ÂÌñÉç learning initiatives such as the Interprofessional Projects (IPRO) Program brings students of various majors together to collaborate on research projects that are centered around real-world problems. By taking part in IPRO, you are able to learn valuable skills in leadership, creativity, project management, and teamwork that are necessary in today’s workforce. You also have access to experiential learning spaces with state-of-the-art technology and cutting-edge tools, such as the Idea Shop or the Grainger Maker Space, which can help you put your ideas into action.  

STEM and Optional Practical Training 

What’s particularly unique about STEM degrees is that they are a gateway to gaining real-world experiences through the Optional Practical Training (OPT) program. 

In 2012 the U.S. Department of Homeland Security expanded its list of STEM-designated degree programs and connected it to the OPT program, allowing international students on F1 student visas the opportunity to apply for OPT employment authorization in their respective fields for up to 12 months—or up to 36 months for STEM majors—in the U.S. following graduation. This means that if you are an international student who wants to pursue a STEM degree, you can apply to gain up to 24 months of an extended student visa added to the 12 months you get through OPT. 

According to the National Association of Colleges and Employers, 91 percent of employers prefer previous work experience when hiring employees. By taking part in OPT employment authorization, you can gain enriching work experience in the U.S. that will set you up for future success in your respective field. 

ÂÌñÉç currently offers 306 STEM-designated degree programs available for students who are looking to pursue a bachelor’s, master’s, or doctoral degree.