STEM Courses in USA 2024: Top Colleges, Eligibility & More

If you're present here, that means you're curious to know about the phrase STEM is a tree branch or if it states something else. So, is this what bothers you? Then, you should note this blog is all about STEM courses in the USA! So yes, the term is actually a branch of 4 different subjects. These are Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics.
Meanwhile, there are several specialities in these four general subject areas to choose from according to students' preferences. Studying STEM programs in the States is the most desired effort among international aspirants for many causes. However, it might become complex in terms of getting admission into top institutions. And that's where the role of overseas education consultants hit in the picture! Hence, we've prepared this blog to illuminate scholars like you regarding STEM courses in USA with their benefits.

What are STEM Courses in the USA?

STEM encompasses Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics. 

• Firstly, 'S' or Science comprehends subjects like Biology, Chemistry, Physics, Environmental Science, and more.
• Next, the term 'T' or Technology covers subject areas, including CS, Cybersecurity, IT, Software Development, etc.
• Thirdly, 'E' refers to Engineering, which comprises developing, designing, and assembling structures and devices for future use. Moreover, it offers specialization in fields like Civil, Electrical, Mechanical, and Aerospace Engineering.
• Lastly, the 'M' or Mathematics provides courses for understanding complex statistical or other problems.

Let's understand more about STEM courses via the table below!

FIELD	MAJOR STEM COURSES
SCIENCE	Nursing Biology Kinesiology and Exercise Science Chemistry Physics Health Sciences
TECHNOLOGY	Computer Science Information Technology Information Science Computer and Information Systems Security Web Development Data Science
ENGINEERING	Mechanical Engineering Electrical and Electronics Engineering Civil Engineering Chemical Engineering Computer Engineering Aerospace Engineering
MATHEMATICS	Mathematics Econometrics and Quantitative Economics Statistics and Probability Applied Mathematics

Apart from these courses, there are more programs offered by top American universities such as MIT, Columbia, Stanford, and Harvard University. Moreover, there are several 1 year STEM courses in USA with different specializations. Some include Chemical Engineering, Architectural Engineering, Computer Science, and more. Before delving into these STEM programs, let's begin with the scope of studying such courses in the USA.

Advantages: STEM Courses USA

With this, you must have understood what is STEM program in USA, right? As we know, there are a range of courses under STEM to study in the USA. But are you aware of the benefits you can get after graduating from these American universities? Why are they always in demand? So, we've mentioned various reasons for Indian students to opt for these STEM programs in the US.

• Silicon Valley
• Enthusiastic Student Life
• High-ranked Universities
• Mixed Cultures and Ethnicities
• Global Recognition

Talking about Silicon Valley, lies in San Francisco Bay and is home to some of the biggest tech companies worldwide. People often recall it as 'Startup Heaven' because of its large-scale infrastructure, cutting-edge resources, and ever-growing workforce. Thus, it is one of the crucial reasons why Indian students should opt for STEM programs in USA since it will help them find a decent job in future.

So, this is not the end of what STEM courses are and their future scope in the USA for Indian students. We will discuss various courses offered by US-based universities under STEM in the following section. 

Top STEM Programs and Universities in the USA

Since STEM courses are highly demanding in the States, institutions in the USA encourage more international students to enrol for these programs related to core domains of Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics. Several universities offer tons of courses for aspirants worldwide. Thus, you can make your selection from them!Here’s a list of the top 5 STEM-accredited universities in the USA:

1. Harvard University
2. Stanford University
3. Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT)
4. California Institute of Technology
5. University of California Berkeley

Meanwhile, we've categorized different study programs with the particular institute offering them. Scroll down and read the table below!

STEM MBA Courses in USA

The table includes the top STEM management programs to study from renowned American universities, including their annual tuition fee. 

AMERICAN COLLEGES	STEM MBA PROGRAMS AND TUITION FEE
Harvard Business School	Management Science Track in Full-Time MBA
Stanford Graduate School of Business	Stanford Full-time MBA Program and Stanford MSx Programs
University of Pennsylvania (Wharton)	Majors in STEM-Certified Full-Time MBA:  Business Analytics,  Business Economics and Public Policy Business, Energy, Environment and Sustainability  Environmental, Social and Governance Factors for Business Finance Operations, Information and Decisions Quantitative Finance Statistics Social and Governance Factors for Business
The University of Chicago Booth School of Business	Entire Full-Time MBA
Sloan School of Management (Massachusetts Institute of Technology)	Full-Time MBA Program Sloan Fellows MBA Sloan Executive MBA
Kellogg School of Management at Northwestern University	Full-Time MBA in Management Science Major
Columbia Business School	Full-Time MBA Executive MBA
Haas School of Business (University of California, Berkeley)	Full-Time MBA Evening & Weekend MBA Executive MBA
Tuck School of Business At DARTMOUTH	Management Science & Quantitative Analysis Track in Full-Time MBA
Yale School of Management	Master’s Degree in Global Business and Society Master of Advanced Management Master’s Degree in Asset Management Program

Also Read: An Ultimate Guide on MBA in USA for International Student

STEM Architecture Courses in USA

From top to budget universities, we’ve mentioned various STEM-based architecture courses to study in the USA. 

STEM DESIGNATED ARCHITECTURE COURSES IN USA	STEM-BASED UNIVERSITIES
B.Sc. Architectural Engineering	Illinois Institute of Technology  Located At: Chicago, USA
B.Arch. in Architecture	Illinois Institute of Technology  Located At: Chicago, USA
B.Sc Construction Management	Kennesaw State University Located At: Kennesaw, Georgia
B.Sc Interior Design	University of Texas - Arlington Located At: Austin, Texas
B.Sc Environmental Studies and Planning	Sonoma State University Located At: Sonoma, California
B.Sc Landscape Architecture	University of Idaho Located At: Moscow, Idaho
B.Sc Interior Design	Missouri State University Located At: Springfield, Missouri
B.Sc Construction Management	Missouri State University Located At: Springfield, Missouri
B.Sc Architecture	University of Idaho Located At: Moscow, Idaho

1-Year STEM Courses in USA

As we know, STEM abbreviated as Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics. Usually, the duration of these courses ranges from 1 to 4 years, but there are several 1 year STEM courses in USA to choose from. The most picked-up programs by international scholars are Mechanical Engineering, Biology, Geology, Food Science, etc.

Hence, we've curated a list of top universities offering 1-year STEM courses in the States. Here you go!

UNIVERSITY NAME	POPULAR COURSES & TUITION FEE
Stanford University #3	Statistics Tuition Fee: $56,487
Harvard University #5	Biology, Genetics Tuition Fee: $52,456
California Institute of Technology #6	Aerospace or Aeronautical Engineering, Chemistry Tuition Fee: $58,467
Princeton University #16	Mathematics and Statistics Tuition Fee: $57,410
University of California, Berkeley #27	Civil Engineering, Physical Science, Zoology, Biochemistry Tuition Fee: $35,000 - $50,000
University of Texas at Austin #72	Civil Engineering Tuition Fee: $38,000
Pennsylvania State University #93	Geology Tuition Fee: 35,500
Purdue University #129	Agriculture Engineering, Engineering Management Tuition Fee: $29,000 - $42,000

STEM Courses in USA for Masters

The table shows 1-2 year STEM courses in USA for masters for Indian students at US colleges.

UNIVERSITY NAME	POPULAR COURSES & TUITION FEE
Kennesaw State University	Secondary Mathematics or Science (1-Year) Tuition Fee: $25,573
Michigan State University	M.Sc in Mathematics Education (1-Year) Tuition Fee: $52,770
California State University San Bernardino	M.A. in STEM Education (2-Years) Tuition Fee: $21,522/Year
Hawai’i Pacific University	M.Ed. in Secondary Education - Science (1-Year) Tuition Fee: $17,002
Rutgers University	M.Ed. in Mathematics Education (2-Years) Tuition Fee: $31,786/Year
University of South Florida	M.Sc. in Secondary STEM Education (1-Year) Tuition Fee: $23,150
University of Washington	M.Ed. in Mathematics and Science Education (2-Years) Tuition Fee: $23,558/Year

With a STEM degree in USA, you can get numerous work prospects in the future. Thus, a happy and wealthy life in the States. Next, let's proceed towards the admission and eligibility criteria to get a successful enrollment in your dream American institute.

Also Read: MS in USA: Best Guide for Colleges, Courses & Exams

Criteria for STEM Courses in the USA: Admission, Eligibility

Getting admission to a US university is not really easy. Several requirements have to be met prior to filling out the institute application form. Thus, to clear your doubts, we've prepared different sub-sections elaborating on the same. Check them out!

Eligibility Criteria for STEM Courses in USA

To be eligible for the States STEM courses, you must fulfil conditions such as GPA, English language test scores, or another entrance test. Hence, here's what the general eligibility criteria seem like:

1. Academic Qualifications: To pursue STEM courses in the US, you should have a high school completion certificate in Physics, Chemistry, Biology, and Mathematics. The minimum requirement to get admitted to STEM-recognized colleges in the US is a GPA of 3.0 on 2.0 or 90% as per the Indian grading system.
2. Standardized Tests: To study a Bachelor's STEM-based course, US colleges don't ask for SAT and ACT scores anymore. But in the case of any master's program, you will have to submit GMAT or GRE mark sheets.
3. English Language Proficiency: Other than the entrance test, STEM courses in USA for international students require scores on English skills tests. For instance, a min. 6.0 bands in IELTS, while 90 on TOEFL is recommended.
4. Work Experience: It's not mandatory to hold prior job experience since not every university asks for it. But for several master's STEM courses, you must have at least 3 years of work experience.
5. Student Visa: Lastly, the most crucial step after arranging all the papers is to apply for a US study visa. For STEM courses you would need an F-1 visa to begin your course in the States.

These are the primary conditions you must fulfil before enrolling for a STEM course in the USA. Meanwhile, let's move on to the specific admission requirements set by the US immigration for foreign students. 

Also Read: Know About the Intakes in USA: Types and Guide

Document Required for STEM Admission in USA

• Students must have these documents to apply for a STEM degree in USA:
• Updated Passport Scanned Copy
• Statement of Purpose (SOP)
• Official Academic Mark Sheets of School or College
• 2 LORs (Letter of Recommendation)
• Updated Resume or CV
• Translation of Mark Sheets or Degrees (If Not in English)

Let's proceed with the admission process and begin studying STEM courses in the USA!

Also Read: A Complete Guide on Student Visa for the USA and Criteria

Admission Process for STEM Courses in USA

Here's a step-by-step guide on how you can apply for admission to study STEM programs in the States:

STEP-1: Shortlist the universities you want to enrol in and check their eligibility criteria, admission requirements, intakes, fees, etc.

STEP-2: Complete the online application form on the university's official website and submit the required application charges before the deadline.

STEP-3: With this, arrange all the documents and submit them in support of your application.

STEP-4: After submitting it, you will receive a confirmation mail with a link to track the status of your application.

STEP-5: If your application is accepted, you will get an official correspondence from the college along with your offer letter. Make sure to go through the link attached to your mail to confirm your acceptance. Then, complete the enrollment process on time to secure your place.

STEP-6: Finally, you can apply for an F-1 visa to begin your STEM course at your dream university in the USA.

Also Read: All You Need to Know About The MBA Scholarship in USA

Next, we will learn the placements you can get after completing a STEM degree in a US college.

Career Prospects After Studying STEM Courses in USA

A STEM degree in hand can lead to numerous work opportunities for Indian students in the States. They can expect good salary packages of around USD 125,000 - USD 140,000 in various sectors, especially after completing a PG course.

Let us take you through the highest-paying jobs after earning a STEM degree in USA in 2024:

JOB PROSPECTS	AVERAGE ANNUAL SALARY
Civil Engineer	$89,940
Mechanical Engineer	$92,550
Chemical Engineer	$96,009
Aeronautical Engineer	$101,576
Computer Scientist	$110,422
Physicist	$179,545
Chemist	$192,000
Architect	$139,990
Product Manager	$125,823
Financial Analyst	$85,375
Marketing Manager	$118,867
Data Analyst	$84,223

To sum up, completing STEM courses in USA can open world-class opportunities for you not only in the States, but anywhere in the world. Since science-related courses are booming in the US, so there is always a chance to get a job from the vast options of careers. Meanwhile, you can easily plan your journey from India to Silicon Valley with Gradding.com.