Students need a strong science, mathematics, and technology background for STEM courses in USA. Learn about the top courses, eligibility, job options, etc.
Are you looking to pursue STEM courses in USA? STEM courses in the United States are highly coveted by international students from all over the world. It costs approximately 65,000 to 80,000 USD to pursue STEM programs in the USA. This cost ranges between 48-60 lakh INR for an Indian student.
According to the Programme for International Student Assessment, the USA ranks 30th among 64 countries in Mathematics and 11th in Science. There is a wide scope of pursuing STEM courses in USA. It is estimated that STEM jobs will increase by 8.8% between 2017 and 2029.
Top STEM Courses in USA
Over 300 types of STEM programs are available to both domestic and international students in the United States. The table given below shows the most popular STEM courses in USA:
|
STEM Courses |
Top University |
Average Tuition Fees (in USD) |
|
Aerospace Engineering or Aeronautical Engineering |
California Institute of Technology |
58,364 |
|
Agricultural Engineering |
29,132 |
|
|
Biochemistry |
38,946 |
|
|
Biology |
51,925 |
|
|
Chemical Engineering |
55,878 |
|
|
Computer and Information Science |
58,924 |
|
|
Genetics |
51,925 |
|
|
Geology |
35,514 |
|
|
Mechanical Engineering |
Massachusetts Institute of Technology |
55,878 |
|
Mathematics |
52,800 |
|
|
Pharmacy |
36,159 |
|
|
Physics |
Massachusetts Institute of Technology |
55,878 |
|
Veterinary Medicine and Public Health |
University of California, Berkeley |
44,007 |
|
Statistics |
53,529 |
|
|
Zoology |
University of California, Berkeley |
44,007 |
What is STEM?
A STEM degree is one that falls under the categories of Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics. In recent years, more and more universities around the world have added STEM courses to their curriculum in order to attract international students. The objective of these courses is to nurture young minds and to increase the number of females pursuing tech-oriented courses by offering a platform for them to explore their potential in the area of science.
Why Pursue STEM Courses in USA?
Following are some reasons to study STEM programs in the United States:
- STEM subjects have become part of the curriculum at college campuses around the world, expanding the areas of study and boosting career opportunities. In the USA, students from all around the globe can study a wide range of STEM-based subjects.
- The USA is recognized as the world's center of academic excellence, thanks to its outstanding research outputs and success rates. Several well-known personalities who excelled at US universities have notable accomplishments to their names.
- STEM courses in the USA provide the basis for scientific and technological innovations that can lead to improved quality of life
- International workers make up more than 17% of all STEM-related workers in the US. Graduates of STEM courses in the United States have a lot of opportunities after graduation.
- STEM-related jobs have increased by 79% since 1990. In the United States, the median salary for people in the STEM workforce is 89,780 USD.
Best STEM Courses for International Students in the USA
Every year, thousands of international students study STEM subjects in the United States in order to advance their careers, As per official academic statistics for the year 2021, most international students study engineering at US colleges and universities. Due to the growth of the IT industry, Computer Engineering has become one of the most sought after programs. Here are some of the popular STEM courses in USA for international students:
|
STEM Courses |
Top University |
Admission Deadlines |
|
Computer Science |
Carnegie Mellon University |
January 1 |
|
Mathematics and Statistics |
Princeton University |
January 1 |
|
Chemical Engineering |
Massachusetts Institute of Technology |
January 6 |
|
Civil Engineering |
University of California Berkeley |
November 30 |
|
Biomedical Sciences |
January 2 |
|
|
Chemistry |
California Institute of Technology |
December 1 |
|
Physical Science |
University of California Berkeley |
November 30 |
Top Universities for STEM Courses in USA
There are many US universities that attract international students every year due to their brand name and academic excellence. Below are the most popular universities that offer STEM education in the US, along with their top courses and admission requirements:
|
Name of the University |
Top Courses offered by the University |
Admission Requirements |
|
Harvard University |
Biology, Computer Engineering, Biomedical Engineering |
An unweighted GPA of 4.0, SAT: 1580, ACT: 35 |
|
Stanford University |
Chemical Engineering, Aerospace Engineering, Biomedical Engineering |
GPA: 3.96 or higher, SAT: 1550, ACT: 35 |
|
California Institute of Technology |
Civil Engineering, Biomedical Engineering, Chemical Engineering |
GPA: 4 or higher, SAT: 1545, ACT: 36 |
|
Massachusetts Institute of Technology |
Physics, Mechanical Engineering, Electrical Engineering, Chemical Engineering |
GPA: 4.17 or higher, SAT: 1570 or higher |
|
University of California, Berkeley |
Clinical Psychology, Biochemistry, Earth Sciences, Chemistry |
GPA: 4.27 or higher, SAT: 1330-1530, ACT: 29-35 |
|
Computer Science, Chemical Engineering, Chemistry, Nursing |
GPA: 3.0 or higher on a 4.0 scale, SAT: 1180, ACT: 24 |
|
|
Columbia University |
Neuroscience, Biology, Mathematics, Biotechnology |
GPA: 4.12 or higher, SAT: 1560, ACT: 35 |
|
Nursing, Cybersecurity, Computer Science, Data Analytics |
GPA: 3.7 or higher, SAT: 1350-1530, ACT: 30-34 |
|
|
Computer Science, Information Systems |
GPA: 3.8 or higher, SAT: 1120-1320, ACT: 23-29 |
|
|
Computer Science, Nursing |
GPA: 3.8 or higher, SAT: 1300, ACT: 29 |
Eligibility Criteria
Depending on the course and university, the eligibility criteria may differ. Listed below is the eligibility criteria for STEM courses in the United States:
- The applicant must hold a 3-4 year bachelor's degree in a STEM field
- The applicant must possess an F-1 student visa
- The applicant must submit all the required documents
- An applicant should check their eligibility for STEM OPT beforehand
- English proficiency tests are required, such as IELTS, TOFEL, and PTE, along with GMAT/GRE scores
STEM OPT USA
The STEM OPT allows international students with a STEM degree to extend their stay in the U.S. for up to 24 months after the student's initial post-degree-completion OPT, which is for 12 months.
STEM OPT is granted by the DHS authority. It is not possible for applicants to extend their OPT more than twice. Another essential requirement is that the degree must be approved by SEVP-certified schools. Additionally, you must have an employer experience of 20 hours per week.
Documents Required
Given below is the list of important documents required for applying to STEM courses in USA:
- Official academic transcripts
- Scanned copy of passport
- CV/ Resume
- Letter of Recommendation
- English language proficiency test scores
- Statement of Purpose
- Two Reference Letters
- Postgraduate applicants need to provide a translation of their degree certificate in English, if the original certificate is in some other language.
Benefits of Pursuing STEM Courses in USA
There are many reasons why students from abroad choose to study STEM courses in the United States. Listed below are some of the advantages of pursuing STEM courses in USA:
- High-Quality Education
- Access to Silicon Valley
- A Wide Range of Extracurricular Activities
- Cultural Diversity
- Building a Startup
High-Quality Education
The quality of teaching provided by the US education system is noteworthy. There are six US universities ranked among the best universities in the world for Computer Science. US universities boast world-class facilities, exceptional laboratories, and a number of academically diverse campuses that ensure the best education.
Access to Silicon Valley
Indian students are attracted to STEM courses in the United States for many reasons, including Silicon Valley - the tech hub of the country. There is no doubt that Silicon Valley is a place that is welcoming to tech enthusiasts and is home to many businesses that offer employment opportunities in abundance. STEM degrees provide students with the opportunity to learn a variety of skills that will prove useful to them in the future.
A Wide Range of Extracurricular Activities
Many extracurricular activities are available to students pursuing STEM courses at American universities or institutions, so they never feel bored or monotonous. Students can continue their higher education while participating in sports, attending meetings and lectures, attending concerts, volunteering, and many other activities.
Cultural Diversity
There has been peaceful coexistence among many cultures in the U.S. for decades. As a result of a large number of Indians working or studying in the United States, Indian students never really feel as if they are thousands of miles away. It is possible to find almost anything an Indian wants in the United States, including Indian food.
Building a Startup
Building a business from scratch requires implementing business strategies and developing skills. STEM education in the United States provides students with the technical training necessary to run a business that is essentially tech-based. They are trained to formulate and carry out quick and smart solutions, which is helpful for starting up a business.
Notable Women in STEM
In the past, women have been observed to show less interest in courses that are technologically oriented. As part of the STEM initiative, women are also provided with a platform to explore their interests in the sciences. It also recognizes women who have achieved notable achievements in the past. Following are some of the influential women in STEM:
- Marie Curie
- Lisa Meitner
- Rosalind Franklin
- Barbara Askins
- Carolyn R. Bertozzi
- Uma Chowdhary
- Katherine Freese
One year STEM Courses in USA
The USA has the best universities for international students interested in pursuing STEM programs. Stanford, Harvard, Caltech, MIT, and Columbia University are some of the most popular STEM universities for their one-year STEM courses. Listed below are some of the major subject areas in which international students can pursue one year STEM courses in the USA:
- Architectural Engineering
- Astronomy
- Behavioral Sciences
- Biochemistry
- Biomedical Technology,
- Botany, Computer Science
- Chemical Engineering
- Chemistry
- Civil Engineering
STEM Courses in the USA without GRE
Students planning to study in the United States are required to take the GRE. However, there are some of the top US universities that accept students without GRE requirement. Students need to meet alternative requirements of the universities in such cases. Below are a few popular universities that offer STEM courses in the USA without GRE:
- California State University Sacramento
- Massachusetts Institute of Technology
- University of Dayton
- Stevens Institute of Technology
- New Mexico State University
- University of Pittsburg
- University of Northern Virginia
STEM Programs in USA for Commerce Students
The USA is one of the top nations for commerce students when it comes to STEM courses. These programs are an excellent way to enhance career opportunities and increase employability in the United States and other nations with leading economies. Listed below are some of the popular STEM courses in USA for commerce students:
- MBA in Business Analytics
- MS in Marketing
- MS in Global Supply Chain Management
- MS in Economics
- MBA in Operations and Technology Management
Scope of STEM courses in the USA
For international students, USA offers a variety of post-study options in the STEM field. Following a STEM course, you may be eligible for job opportunities and internships. International students pursuing STEM studies in the USA earn an average salary of 127,000 USD per year after graduation. Following table shows some of the top job profiles and salaries in the STEM field in the USA:
|
Profession |
Growth Rate in 10 Years |
Average Salary (USD) |
|
Biochemist |
4.9% |
189,000 |
|
Computer Scientist |
10.8% |
157,000 |
|
Mathematician |
5.60% |
152,000 |
|
Zoologist |
2.30% |
67,760 |
|
Physics |
9% |
204,000 |
|
Nutritional Scientist |
11% |
61,270 |
|
Mechanical Engineer |
1.30% |
93,540 |
|
Geologist |
6% |
174,000 |
|
Chemical Engineer |
2.90% |
98,700 |
|
Astronomer |
11.4% |
219,000 |
|
Civil Engineer |
6% |
87,060 |
|
Statistician |
22.50% |
134,000 |
