What Is STEM and Why Is It Important?

You’ve likely heard the term STEM, but what does it stand for? STEM is an acronym for science, technology, engineering, and math. These four fields share an emphasis on innovation, problem-solving, and critical thinking. And together they make up a popular and fast-growing industry.

Most STEM workers use computers and other technology in their day-to-day jobs. Many also use the scientific method to test hypotheses and theories.

Read on to learn more about the different kinds of STEM topics you can study and why these fields are so important in today’s economy.

STEM comprises the following major areas of study:

Many debate whether certain fields count as STEM. Some STEM definitions include the social sciences, such as psychology, economics, and anthropology. Most sources, however, consider these separate categories.

U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement maintains a list of college STEM majors, which includes the four basic subjects above, along with architecture, psychology, digital communication, and some pharmaceutical and social sciences. Notably, fields like accounting, political science, and nursing are excluded from this list.

Architecture is a relatively new addition to STEM, only officially recognized by the U.S. government in 2019.

Many also debate whether health and medical fields like nursing and dentistry should be considered STEM. ACT Inc. includes many health and medical fields in its 2016 Condition of STEM report, giving doctors, nurses, and dentists the designation of STEM professionals.

As society innovates and technology advances, the need for professionals who understand how these technologies work and who can propose practical solutions continues to grow. The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) calls STEM careers “tomorrow’s jobs,” emphasizing the importance of these unique industries.

Today, STEM jobs are in high demand, and many are projected to stay in demand for several years. At the same time, STEM professionals are in short supply, which is why so many colleges — as well as the U.S. government — are imploring students to study STEM.

In 2019, the Trump administration invested $578 million in STEM education. More recently, President Biden’s 2022 education budget promised to prioritize STEM.

Ensuring students have access to a quality STEM education is essential for keeping the U.S. competitive in the global market. Students are actively encouraged to study STEM through statewide initiatives, many of which encourage women and people of color to enter the predominantly white, male industry.

Many schools also offer incentives to students studying STEM through scholarships and partnerships with cities and states.

STEM majors can pursue an array of paths, with many choosing to work for private businesses, nonprofits, labs, universities, and the military. Some STEM majors work their way up to management positions, while others attend graduate school to conduct research.

The BLS has identified 100 unique STEM careers, though this is not an exhaustive list. The following table presents some of the most popular STEM careers, as well as each job’s median salary and projected employment outlook.

Learn about start dates, transferring credits, availability of financial aid, and more by contacting the universities below.

Many students are unsure whether STEM is the best choice for them. Use the following statements to help you determine whether STEM could be an appropriate path.