STEM is an abbreviated term for courses in Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics. These four broad subject areas contain numerous specializations that can be chosen based on your interests. STEM programmes in the United States are highly sought after by international students for a variety of reasons, making admission to top universities a difficult task.
Major STEM Courses Available in the United States in 2023
Engineering, Medicine, Computer Science, Physics, Chemistry, and Mathematics are some of the most sought-after specializations for STEM degrees in the United States. Consider the following top STEM courses in the United States:
- Chemical Engineering
- Civil Engineering
- Biomedical Sciences
- Computer Science
- Chemistry
- Physics
- Mathematics and Statistics
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Reasons for Choosing STEM Courses in the USA
There are numerous reasons to pursue STEM courses in the United States. Here are some of the reasons why international students are interested in pursuing STEM degrees in the United States:
Top universities
When it comes to top universities in the United States, institutions perform exceptionally well in both global and subject rankings. Among these, Harvard University, Stanford University, Massachusetts Institute of Technology, California Institute of Technology, University of California Berkeley, and others hold one of the top ten positions in all QS rankings categories.
STEM course scope
There is a lot of room for growth in terms of jobs and research after taking STEM courses. Universities in the United States also have a dedicated career team that can assist you in finding a good job.
World-class education
The United States delivers on its promise of providing unrivalled educational quality through cutting-edge facilities, expert faculty, and global opportunities. Education from the United States is recognized and valued by institutions and employers all over the world, which is why international students are drawn to study in the United States.
Advantage of Silicon Valley
The United States is home to the world's largest IT hub, Silicon Valley in California, which is a significant advantage for aspiring IT professionals. This is what allows the US to have access to highly developed infrastructure, resources, and skilled labour.
Diverse student body
The diversity of the student body is one of the most well-known features of US universities. The student population represents different cultures, and you will find it easy to adjust to the social environment, make new friends, and gain life-changing experiences.
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Top STEM Colleges & Universities in the USA
Here is a list of the top STEM-accredited universities in the United States:
University | QS world University rankings 2023 | Courses | Annual Tuition fee range (In dollars) |
Harvard University | 5 | Biomedical and Computer Engineering | 50K-55K |
Stanford University | 3 | Aerospace, Biomedical and Chemical Engineering | 55K-56K |
California Institute of Technology | 6 | Chemical, Biochemical and Civil Engineering | 56K-57K |
Massachusetts Institute of Technology | 1 | Mechanical and Electrical Engineering: Physics | 57K-58K |
University of California Berkeley | 32 | Biochemistry and Clinical Psychology | 35K-47K |
Arizona State University | 219 | Nursing, Chemistry and Computer Science | 27K-35K |
Columbia University | 22 | Biotechnology, Mathematics and Neuroscience | 30K-45K |
New York University | 39 | Cyber security and Data Analytics: Nursing | 55K-62K |
University of Dayton | 801-1000th | Computer Science, Information Systems | 46K-55K |
University of South Florida | 601-650 | Computer Science, Nursing | 48K-49K |
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Advantages of STEM Courses in USA
Build up your Global Readiness
The United States has a strong economy and unimaginable power in the world. You're in luck because it takes a lot for the US to maintain its dominance.To promote innovation, global readiness, and ground-breaking research, the US educational system attracts top-tier thinkers. If you keep up with US news on STEM issues, you'll notice that the government is always boosting the STEM budget in order to advance technology and draw in more STEM students.
Studying STEM in the United States will therefore expose you to the best of everything. You will have the time and resources to pique your intellectual curiosity, hone your world-class adaptability and communication skills, and build the guts to take initiative and stand out from the crowd through exposure. After that, you'll be equipped to advance your own startup or advance national interests to have an impact on the world.
Highest paying Jobs Globally
A US STEM degree is well-recognized and esteemed throughout the world. After all, the US is home to all of the best universities. The world is your buffet, and you may practically select where to work and live, if you have a US STEM degree.Additionally, you may be confident that a well-earned US STEM degree will bring in a significant salary. So, you can also expect to live comfortably.
Access to Silicon Valley & its inhabitants
The hub of technology and innovation worldwide is Silicon Valley. Access to Silicon Valley would be advantageous for anyone trying to build a successful career in innovation and technology.The Silicon Valley offers an abundance of chances for US STEM students, not just due to its proximity but also because the region is always on the lookout for STEM talent to mentor, inspire, and hire.You will have the opportunity to mingle with the bright minds of Silicon Valley as a US STEM student and witness for yourself heights of creativity you have undoubtedly never seen before.
STEM Education benefits both the US and the World
Did you know that there are specific guidelines for students taking STEM courses when applying for immigration status? It is real! The US understands the importance of STEM expertise as a superpower. In order to draw in additional STEM students, the Department of Homeland Security regularly updates the list of STEM courses that qualify for OPT.
After finishing their education, STEM students are allowed to work in their field of study for an extra 36 months in the US.Additionally, if you excel in STEM, you may be able to apply for an employment-based immigrant visa using a process known as a national interest waiver. As a result, you will be a noncitizen with a professional degree or one with remarkable talent.
STEM Employment Index
Jobs related to STEM are growing and becoming more relevant than ever. Through the 2020s, there will be over a million more STEM jobs available, according to the US Bureau of Labour Statistics. This results in 11% growth, which is 3% more than all other industries combined. According to studies from the previous decade published by the US government, the growth trend in the STEM fields was previously slow. Last but not least, it is undeniably true that STEM jobs are more resilient to economic downturns than non-STEM jobs.
STEM Careers with a Diverse workforce
STEM education can lead to countless different career titles. This is as a result of the 79% increase in STEM jobs since 1990. Particularly, positions in information and technology increased by 338%. STEM-related disciplines offer a wealth of opportunities. Factors like race, gender, physical ability, and ethnicity don't really matter because there is a great need for highly trained STEM experts.
In the US, there are 50% female STEM employees and 17% Asian STEM workers with college degrees. These figures unequivocally demonstrate that, no matter who you are, you are incredibly employable as long as you excel in a STEM course.
Eligibility Criteria for STEM courses in USA
Every university and course establishes its own eligibility criteria. Every applicant must meet requirements such as a US student visa, an English proficiency score, and academic qualifications. Here are the requirements for STEM courses in the United States:
- Educational qualifications
- Proof of English language proficiency
- Entrance tests to study STEM degrees in the USA
- Student visa to study in the USA
- Work experience
Examine the eligibility criteria for various STEM programmes in the United States:
Educational Qualifications
To be admitted to bachelor's level STEM programmes, students must have completed high school with Physics, Chemistry, Biology, and Mathematics. A standard three or four year bachelor's degree is required for admission to master's level STEM courses. A GPA of 3.0 on 4.0, or greater than 90% in Indian standards, is required for admission to STEM-approved universities in the United States.
Proof of English Language Proficiency
For international students seeking admission to US universities, English language proficiency test scores must be submitted. You can fulfil this requirement by submitting IELTS, TOEFL, or any other accepted test scores. A minimum IELTS score of 6.0 or a TOEFL score of 90 is recommended. However, requirements may vary depending on the program's competitiveness.
Entrance Tests to Study STEM Degrees in the USA
Admission tests for STEM bachelor's degrees in the United States include the SAT or ACT, which are no longer generally required by US universities. If you want to pursue a master's degree, you must submit GRE or GMAT scores.
Student Visa to Study in the USA
The most important document you must have before entering the United States is an F-1 student visa. As a result, finish your application as soon as possible to allow enough time for visa processing.
Work Experience
Although prior professional experience is not required at most universities, it is highly recommended for pursuing STEM courses in the United States and gaining an advantage over other applicants.
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Best Colleges for 1 year STEM Courses in the USA
Numerous universities provide STEM degrees, which can last one to four years. It's crucial to pick the programme and course that best match your interests and flexibility. The following are a few of the universities that are most well-known for their STEM programmes:
The USA's one-year STEM programmes are distinguished by their top-notch academics, cutting-edge infrastructure, eminent faculty, and future outlook. The average annual pay for STEM professionals in the US is approximately $100,900, making STEM graduates highly marketable worldwide.
1 Year Stem Courses in USA | STEM Universities | QS World University Rankings 2023 |
Biology Genetics |
Harvard University | #5 |
Mathematics | Princeton University | #16 |
Statistics | Stanford University | #3 |
Pharmacy | University of North Carolina | #102 |
Geology | Pennsylvania State University | #93 |
Computer & information Science | Carnegie Mellon University | #52 |
Aeronautical Engineering | California Institute of Technology | #6 |
Zoology Biochemistry |
University of California - Berkeley | #32 |
Advantages of STEM courses in USA
Listed below are some of the top advantages of studying STEM courses in USA:
Build up your Global Readiness
The United States has a strong economy and unimaginable power in the world. You're in luck because it takes a lot for the US to maintain its dominance.To promote innovation, global readiness, and ground-breaking research, the US educational system attracts top-tier thinkers. If you keep up with US news on STEM issues, you'll notice that the government is always boosting the STEM budget in order to advance technology and draw in more STEM students.
Studying STEM in the United States will therefore expose you to the best of everything. You will have the time and resources to pique your intellectual curiosity, hone your world-class adaptability and communication skills, and build the guts to take initiative and stand out from the crowd through exposure. After that, you'll be equipped to advance your own startup or advance national interests to have an impact on the world.
Highest Paying Jobs Globally
A US STEM degree is well-recognized and esteemed throughout the world. After all, the US is home to all of the best universities. The world is your buffet, and you may practically select where to work and live, if you have a US STEM degree.Additionally, you may be confident that a well-earned US STEM degree will bring in a significant salary. So, you can also expect to live comfortably.
Access to Silicon Valley & its Inhabitants
The hub of technology and innovation worldwide is Silicon Valley. Access to Silicon Valley would be advantageous for anyone trying to build a successful career in innovation and technology.The Silicon Valley offers an abundance of chances for US STEM students, not just due to its proximity but also because the region is always on the lookout for STEM talent to mentor, inspire, and hire.You will have the opportunity to mingle with the bright minds of Silicon Valley as a US STEM student and witness for yourself heights of creativity you have undoubtedly never seen before.
STEM Education benefits both the US & the world
Did you know that there are specific guidelines for students taking STEM courses when applying for immigration status? It is real! The US understands the importance of STEM expertise as a superpower. In order to draw in additional STEM students, the Department of Homeland Security regularly updates the list of STEM courses that qualify for OPT.After finishing their education, STEM students are allowed to work in their field of study for an extra 36 months in the US.
Additionally, if you excel in STEM, you may be able to apply for an employment-based immigrant visa using a process known as a national interest waiver. As a result, you will be a noncitizen with a professional degree or one with remarkable talent.
STEM Employment Index
Jobs related to STEM are growing and becoming more relevant than ever. Through the 2020s, there will be over a million more STEM jobs available, according to the US Bureau of Labour Statistics. This results in 11% growth, which is 3% more than all other industries combined. According to studies from the previous decade published by the US government, the growth trend in the STEM fields was previously slow. Last but not least, it is undeniably true that STEM jobs are more resilient to economic downturns than non-STEM jobs.
STEM Careers with a diverse workforce
STEM education can lead to countless different career titles. This is as a result of the 79% increase in STEM jobs since 1990. Particularly, positions in information and technology increased by 338%. STEM-related disciplines offer a wealth of opportunities. Factors like race, gender, physical ability, and ethnicity don't really matter because there is a great need for highly trained STEM experts. In the US, there are 50% female STEM employees and 17% Asian STEM workers with college degrees. These figures unequivocally demonstrate that, no matter who you are, you are incredibly employable as long as you excel in a STEM course.
Documents required for pursuing STEM courses in the USA
Here is a list of documents required when applying for STEM courses in the United States:
- Letter of Recommendation
- English language proficiency test scores
- Statement of Purpose
- Two Reference Letters
- Official academic transcripts
- Scanned copy of passport
- CV/ Resume
- If the degree certificate is not in English, postgraduate applicants must submit a translation.
In nutshell, it’s crystal clear from above that STEM courses in the USA have been very significant for international students due to the benefits earned after completion of these courses. Moreover, all types of courses in highly esteemed Universities with the unique academic curriculum is available in USA stem courses. However, to get admission into these courses in the USA, there is a need for good student intellect and aptitude levels along with facilitating all the credentials for pursuing higher education in the USA.
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