10 In-Demand STEM Degrees You Can Pursue in The US

The United States is a global hub for STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics) education, offering unparalleled opportunities for international students. STEM degrees not only provide specialized knowledge but also open doors to lucrative careers in diverse industries. Here's a detailed look at ten in-demand STEM degrees you can pursue in the US, along with job roles, prospects, average salaries, and top companies hiring these professionals.

1. Computer Science

Career Opportunities:

• Job Roles: Software Developer, Data Scientist, Cybersecurity Analyst, AI Engineer

• Average Salary: Approx $120,000/year

• Top Companies Hiring: Google, Microsoft, Amazon, IBM

• Job Outlook: Employment of computer science and information technology occupations is projected to grow 13 percent through 2026, faster than the average for all occupations, and add about 557,100 new jobs, according to the US Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS). 

• Top Universities: University of California-Berkeley, Carnegie Mellon University, Massachusetts Institute of Technology. 

2. Data Science and Analytics

Career Opportunities:

• Job Roles: Data Analyst, Machine Learning Engineer

• Average Salary: $95,000/year

• Top Companies Hiring: Facebook, Netflix, JPMorgan Chase.

• Job Outlook:  Employment of data scientists is projected to grow 36 percent from 2023 to 2033, much faster than the average for all occupations.

• Top Universities: Carnegie Mellon University, Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Columbia University. 

  
  

3. Mechanical Engineering

Career Opportunities:

• Job Roles: Design Engineer,  Manufacturing Engineer

• Average Salary: Approximately salary ranges from  $80,000 – $120,000/year

• Top Companies Hiring: Tesla, Boeing,

• Job Outlook: Employment of mechanical engineers is projected to grow 11 percent from 2023 to 2033, much faster than the average for all occupations.

• Top Universities: Stanford University, University of California- Berkeley, Georgia Institute of Technology. 

4. Biomedical Engineering

Career Opportunities:

• Job Roles: Clinical Engineer, Biomechanics Specialist

• Average Salary: $90,000/year

• Top Companies Hiring: Johnson & Johnson

• Job Outlook: Expanding due to advancements in medical technology.

• Top Universities: John Hopkins University, Stanford University, University of Pennsylvania

5. Civil Engineering

Career Opportunities:

• Job Roles: Structural Engineer, Urban Planner, Transportation Engineer

• Average Salary: $75,000 – $110,000/year

• Top Companies Hiring: Bechtel, AECOM, HDR Inc.

• Job Outlook: Driven by infrastructure development and urbanization.

• Top Universities: Harvard University, Stanford University, University of California-Berkeley. 

6. Electrical Engineering

Career Opportunities:

• Job Roles: Power Systems Engineer, Electronics Engineer, Signal Processing Specialist

• Average Salary: $1,00,000/year

• Top Companies Hiring: Boeing, ABB, Lockheed Martin

• Top Universities: MIT, Stanford University, University of California- Berkeley. 

7. Environmental Science

Career Opportunities:

• Job Roles: Environmental Consultant, Sustainability Analyst, Climate Change Specialist

• Average Salary: $67,195/year

• Top Companies Hiring: Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), WSP Global, ERM

• Job Outlook: Growing focus on sustainability and renewable energy boosts demand.

• Top Universities: Yale University, Columbia University, University of California - Berkeley. 

8. Chemical Engineering

Career Opportunities:

• Job Roles: Process Engineer, Petrochemical Engineer, Pharmaceuticals Researcher

• Average Salary: $95,442/year

• Top Companies Hiring: ExxonMobil, Dow Chemicals, Pfizer, BASF

• Job Outlook: Diverse opportunities in energy, materials, and healthcare industries.

• Top Universities: Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT), Stanford University, University of California- Berkeley, California Institute of Technology.

  
  

9. Aerospace Engineering

Career Opportunities:

• Job Roles: Aircraft Designer, Spacecraft Engineer, Aerodynamics Specialist

• Average Salary: $91,410/year

• Top Companies Hiring: NASA, SpaceX, Boeing, Lockheed Martin

• Job Outlook: Steady growth driven by advancements in aviation and space exploration.

• Top Universities: Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT), Georgia Institute of Technology, University of Michigan.

  
  

10. Artificial Intelligence

Career Opportunities:

• Job Roles: AI Researcher, Automation Specialist

• Average Salary: $153,464/year

• Top Companies Hiring: OpenAI, Boston Dynamics, Tesla

• Job Outlook: Rapidly expanding as AI transforms industries globally.

• Top Universities: Stanford University, Carnegie Mellon University, University of California- Berkeley, Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT)

  
  

Pursuing a STEM degree in the U.S. opens doors to cutting-edge research, high-paying careers, and opportunities in some of the world's most innovative industries. With strong job demand in fields like artificial intelligence, cybersecurity, biotechnology, and data science, a STEM education can provide long-term career stability and growth. However, selecting the right program and navigating the application process can be overwhelming.

At TFM Overseas Education Consultants, we provide expert guidance to help you choose the best STEM degree, streamline your application, and secure scholarships. Book a free session today.

Frequently Asked Questions(FAQs):

Q1. How much is the average tuition fee for STEM degrees in the USA?

Ans. The average tuition fee for STEM degrees in the USA is between USD $30,000 - USD $55,000 per year.

Q2. What are the top STEM-accredited universities in the USA?

Ans. Among the top universities providing STEM courses in the USA list are the Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Harvard University, Stanford University, California Institute of Technology, and the University of California-Berkeley.

Q3. Can commerce students pursue STEM degrees in the USA?

Ans. Yes, commerce students can definitely pursue STEM degrees in the USA and are in fact quite popular among international students. Some of the most popular STEM programs in the USA for commerce students include MS in Management, MS in Finance, MS in Business Analytics, MS in Marketing, MS in Economics, etc.