COLLEGE COURSES WHICH ARE CONNECTED TO STEM

STEM is an acronym referring to degrees in fields related to science, technology, engineering, and math. It has been predicted by the U.S. Department of Labor that even though there will be an estimated 1.2 million job openings in STEM-related fields by the year 2018, there may not bee enough graduates to fill the roles.

STEM education programs and STEM degrees are a high-priority today, and are necessary if the U.S. wishes to keep its position as world leader in innovation and technology. With only 16 percent of all degrees expected to be in STEM-related fields by 2020, the U.S. needs to encourage its best and brightest talent to enter into careers related to math, science, and technology. As the next generation moves into the future, more professionals are needed to occupy these STEM-related positions.

STEM graduates work in a wide variety of fields including:

• Life Sciences
• Accounting
  
• Civil engineering
• Psychology
• Statistics
• Electrical Engineering
• Computer Programming

There are a huge range of disciplines from which to choose. We have grouped these into 8 categories below to help you find the area that suits you most. 

From this page you can explore hundreds of career possibilities, all CAO courses in the STEM disciplines, and watch videos of people involved in STEM professions.  

STEM Areas:

Chemical, Biomedical & Pharmaceutical Sciences The Work: Creating high quality drugs or chemicals, testing them to ensure they are effective and safe, and monitoring their effect on people and the environment. At College: Many of these courses provide students with a broad scientific education. Subjects studied include biological sciences, pharmaceutical sciences (creation, development and make-up of drugs and medicines) chemistry and biochemistry. You may also study subjects such as cell biology, microbiology and molecular biology. Laboratory work often forms a substantial part of these courses.  Earth Science & Environment The Work: Work with technologies that monitor and predict changes in our environment, with the development of renewable and sustainable energy sources and on the protection and conservation of natural resources. At College: Study one or more of the following sample subjects: oceanography, environmental science, marine biology, environmental management, conservation, geography, bioscience, earth science, energy engineering etc.   Electrical & Electronic Engineering The Work: Designing or manufacturing electronic or telecommunication devices, or being involved in the generation and supply of electricity.  At College: Study of electrical or electronic systems. Study subjects such as advanced computer skills in both hardware and software, automated systems, robotics, microelectronics, satellite communications, telecommunications and power energy.   . ICT The Work: Working in the manufacture, sales or support of all forms of computers and computer systems, or in the creation and development of software. At College: Courses that involve the investigation and exploration into the theory, practice and use of computers software. Study subjects such as programming, web design and development, e-commerce, information systems and networking.   MedTech The Work: Work in this area is covers the design and development of products, from contact lenses, wheelchairs, implantable devices, equipment for screening, to the most sophisticated diagnostic imaging and surgical equipment. At College: Includes subjects such as applied science techniques, laboratory techniques, pre university science and medical laboratory science.  Physical & Mathematical Sciences The Work: Researching and investigating aspects of the physical universe, or using Mathematics to solve complex issues in science or business. At College: Study one or more of the following sample subjects: physics, mathematics, statistics, computing, chemistry, experimental physics, astronomy, optics and electronics.  Space Science and Technology The Work: Exploring and developing the technology used to build satellites, space vehicles and the instruments and experiments that they carry.  At College: Study subjects such as Astronomy, Applied Maths, AstroPhysics, Climate and Earth science, and various types of engineering.   Building, Construction & Property The Work: Working in the planning, building, selling or management of construction projects (housing estates, roads, warehouses etc.). At College: Study one or more of the following sample subjects: structural engineering, land and building surveying, site management, building technology, mining engineering, roads and transport engineering, architecture.   Mechanical Engineering & Manufacturing The Work: Working in the design, use, maintenance and control of all forms of mechanical devices, e.g. in construction, manufacturing, aviation, automobiles and related areas etc. At College: Study one or more of the following sample subjects: technical drawing / computer aided design (CAD), mechanics, power systems, fluid mechanics, aerospace engineering, materials, stress analysis, thermodynamics, and computerised manufacturing systems.