STEM Degrees: Complete Guide to Science & Engineering Programs, Specializations & Outcomes

At a Glance

• Highest-paying BS-only fields: Chemical, petroleum, and aerospace engineering
• Fastest-growing STEM fields: Data science, information security, renewable-energy engineering, biomedical engineering
• Chemical engineers (May 2024 BLS): $121,860 median, 3% growth
• Biomedical engineers (May 2024 BLS): $106,950 median
• Mathematicians (May 2024 BLS): $121,680 median, 8% growth
• Statisticians (May 2024 BLS): $103,300 median
• Chemists (May 2024 BLS): $84,000 median
• Accreditor: ABET for engineering, computing, and technology programs

What Counts as This Kind of Degree?

STEM degrees cover the natural sciences (physics, chemistry, biology, earth and atmospheric sciences), mathematics and statistics, engineering (civil, mechanical, electrical, chemical, aerospace, biomedical, industrial, and more), and computing (covered in depth in the separate Computers & Technology guide).

STEM is the highest-median-earnings undergraduate category in the US. It is also the most quantitatively demanding — success depends heavily on solid mathematics through at least single- and multi-variable calculus, linear algebra, and differential equations for engineering paths.

Who These Programs Suit

• Students strong in math and analytical reasoning who enjoy problem-solving
• Students interested in applied science or engineering targeting specific industries
• Future researchers and academics pursuing PhDs in science or engineering
• Career changers with quantitative backgrounds moving into engineering or applied science
• Students motivated by tangible, physical, and experimental work — labs, prototypes, field work

Degree and Credential Levels

The table below summarises the main credential levels for this field.

CredentialTypical LengthWhat You Can DoAAS / AS in Engineering Technology or Science2 yearsEngineering technician, lab tech, or transfer pathwayBachelor's in Engineering (BS, BSE)4 years (often ABET-accredited)Entry-level engineer; eligible for FE / EIT exam, path to PE licensureBachelor's in Natural Science or Mathematics4 yearsLab roles, teaching, industry analyst positions, grad school prepMaster's in Engineering (MS, MEng)1–2 yearsSpecialist engineer, project leadership, research rolesMaster's in Science / Applied Math / Statistics1–2 yearsApplied research, industry science roles, teachingPhD in STEM4–6 yearsAcademic research, national labs, R&D at industrial labs, faculty positionsProfessional Engineer (PE) Licensure4 years post-BS + FE and PE exams + supervised experienceSign-off authority for civil, structural, environmental, and other regulated engineering

Online, Hybrid, and Campus Options

Engineering bachelor's programs are primarily in-person because of lab and design-project requirements. A handful of ABET-accredited online BS engineering programs exist, typically with in-person lab weekends.

Online master's in engineering, applied math, statistics, and data science are widely available from top-tier universities and are well accepted for working professionals moving up within engineering careers.

Career Paths, Salaries, and Job Outlook

Figures below are May 2024 national median wages from the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics Occupational Outlook Handbook unless otherwise noted. Actual pay varies by state, specialty, employer, and experience.

RoleMedian Annual Wage (May 2024)Projected Growth 2024–2034Chemical Engineers$121,8603%Mathematicians$121,6808%Biomedical & Bio-Engineers$106,950Faster than averageStatisticians$103,300Faster than averageElectrical Engineers~$112,000 (approx.)SteadyMechanical Engineers~$100,000 (approx.)SteadyCivil Engineers~$96,000 (approx.)SteadyAerospace Engineers~$131,000 (approx.)Faster than averageChemists$84,000Slower than averageEnvironmental Scientists~$81,000 (approx.)Faster than averagePhysicists & AstronomersHigh six figures typical (advanced degree)Steady

Highest-paying specialisations

• Petroleum engineering — historically top BS-only median, cyclical by oil and gas markets
• Chemical engineering — durable high earnings across industries
• Aerospace and electrical engineering — strong pay, dense industry clustering
• Biomedical and bioengineering — fastest-growing engineering field; often combined with grad study
• Mathematics and statistics leading into quantitative finance, analytics, or data science
• PhD-track research physicists and chemists in industry (semiconductors, pharma, energy)

What Programs Cost

• Community college AS / AAS: $6,000–$15,000 — strong transfer pathway
• Public university BS Engineering (in-state): $40,000–$100,000
• Private university BS Engineering: $200,000–$320,000 sticker
• Online MS Engineering / Applied Math / Stats: $10,000–$50,000
• Funded STEM PhD programs: Often tuition-free plus stipend ($30,000–$45,000/year)

Funded PhD programs in most STEM fields cover tuition and provide a living stipend, especially in engineering, physics, chemistry, biology, and mathematics. Self-funding a STEM PhD is uncommon and usually a red flag.

How to Choose the Right Program

1. For engineering, prioritise ABET accreditation

ABET accreditation is near-universal for respected engineering programs and is often required to sit for the FE exam on the path to PE licensure.

2. Pick a specialisation aligned to industry demand

Within engineering, earnings and demand vary. Match your chosen specialisation to the industries and geographies you actually want to work in.

3. For graduate study, target funded programs

Most reputable STEM PhDs in the US are funded. If you are admitted to a PhD program that does not offer funding, treat that as a signal to evaluate carefully.

4. Evaluate research, co-op, and internship opportunities

Undergraduate research and engineering co-op programs are the most reliable predictors of strong first-job outcomes.

5. Plan for PE licensure early in regulated fields

Civil, structural, environmental, and some mechanical and electrical roles require PE licensure. Take the FE exam in your senior year to stay on track.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

• Choosing a non-ABET engineering program that blocks FE and PE licensure paths.
• Self-funding a STEM PhD when fully-funded admissions exist at comparable programs.
• Skipping research and co-op opportunities — they drive hiring outcomes more than GPA alone.
• Under-estimating the maths load — especially for engineering — and falling behind early.
• Ignoring PE licensure requirements in regulated engineering fields.

Key Terms Glossary

• BS / BSE — Bachelor of Science / Bachelor of Science in Engineering.
• MS / MEng — Master of Science / Master of Engineering.
• PhD — Doctor of Philosophy — research doctorate.
• ABET — Accreditation Board for Engineering and Technology.
• FE / EIT — Fundamentals of Engineering exam / Engineer-in-Training — first licensure step.
• PE — Professional Engineer — licensure allowing sign-off authority.
• REU — Research Experience for Undergraduates — funded summer research programs.
• Co-op — Cooperative education — extended paid engineering internship integrated into the degree.
• STEM — Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics.

Frequently Asked Questions

Which engineering major pays the most?

Petroleum, chemical, and aerospace engineering are historically among the top BS-only earners. Electrical, mechanical, and biomedical engineering also provide strong lifelong earnings.

Is engineering harder than other majors?

Engineering typically requires more math, more lab time, and heavier course loads. Retention rates are lower than in many majors, but graduates are in strong demand.

Do I need a master's to be an engineer?

No — a BS plus entry-level experience is sufficient in most engineering fields. Master's degrees are useful for specialised roles (structural, controls, biomedical) and leadership tracks.

How competitive are STEM PhDs?

Varies widely by field and program. Top mathematics, physics, and bioscience PhD programs are very competitive; many strong regional programs admit larger cohorts with full funding.

Is a physics or chemistry bachelor's enough for a research career?

Not usually. Research careers in the natural sciences typically require at least a master's and often a PhD. Bachelor's graduates often enter lab technician, teaching, or industry roles.

Should I get a PE license?

Yes if you work in civil, structural, environmental, or other licensure-required engineering roles. It is less central in software or aerospace where consulting sign-off authority is rarely required.

What about renewable energy as a STEM path?

Renewable energy engineering (solar, wind, grid integration) is one of the fastest-growing applied engineering areas. Most graduates enter via a traditional engineering major plus specialised coursework.

Is data science a STEM field?

Yes. It overlaps with both computing and statistics. See the Computers & Technology guide for depth on CS-adjacent pathways.

Can I study STEM online?

Undergraduate engineering is primarily in-person because of labs. Graduate MS programs in engineering, applied math, statistics, and data science are widely available online from reputable universities.

Key Takeaways

• STEM has the highest median undergraduate earnings of any degree category in the US; engineering specialisations drive most of that.
• ABET accreditation is near-universal for respected engineering programs and often required for PE licensure.
• Funded PhD programs are standard in most STEM fields — self-funding is a red flag.
• Undergraduate research and co-op experiences are the strongest predictors of first-job outcomes.
• Specialisation matters — chemical, aerospace, biomedical, and electrical engineering consistently top the earnings charts.