STEM Fields

Extracted Attributes

• Policy Scope

  Workforce development, educational curricula, national security, immigration policy

• Acronym Meaning

  Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics

• Key Competencies

  Critical thinking, problem-solving, analytical skills, empirical research

• Previous Acronym

  SMET (Science, Mathematics, Engineering, and Technology)

• US Employment Share (2015)

  6.1% of American employment (approx. 9.0 million jobs)

• Related Counterpart Concepts

  HASS, SHAPE, HEAL, STEAM

Timeline

• Around 9.0 million STEM jobs represent 6.1% of total employment in the United States, growing at approximately 9% per year. (Source: Science, technology, engineering, and mathematics - Wikipedia)

  2015-01-01

• Architecture is officially recognized as a STEM field by the United States government. (Source: What Is STEM and Why Is It Important? | BestColleges)

  2019-01-01

• The United Kingdom rebrands the humanities, arts, and social sciences counterpart to STEM from HASS to SHAPE. (Source: Science, technology, engineering, and mathematics - Wikipedia)

  2020-01-01

Science, technology, engineering, and mathematics

Science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM) is an umbrella term used to group together the related technical disciplines of science, technology, engineering, and mathematics. It represents a broad and interconnected set of fields that are crucial for innovation and technological advancement. These disciplines are often grouped together because they share a common emphasis on critical thinking, problem-solving, and analytical skills. The term is typically used in the context of education policy or curriculum choices in schools. It has implications for workforce development, national security concerns (as a shortage of STEM-educated citizens can reduce effectiveness in this area), and immigration policy, with regard to admitting foreign students and tech workers. There is no universal agreement on which disciplines are included in STEM; in particular, whether or not the science in STEM includes social sciences, such as psychology, sociology, economics, and political science. In the United States, these are typically included by the National Science Foundation (NSF), the Department of Labor's O*Net online database for job seekers, and the Department of Homeland Security. In the United Kingdom, the social sciences are categorized separately and are instead grouped with humanities and arts to form another counterpart acronym HASS (humanities, arts, and social sciences), rebranded in 2020 as SHAPE (social sciences, humanities and the arts for people and the economy). Some sources also use HEAL (health, education, administration, and literacy) as a counterpart to STEM.

Web Search Results

• Science, technology, engineering, and mathematics - Wikipedia

  Science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM) is an umbrella term used to group together the related technical disciplines of science, technology, engineering, and mathematics. It represents a broad and interconnected set of fields that are crucial for innovation and technological advancement. These disciplines are often grouped together because they share a common emphasis on critical thinking, problem-solving, and analytical skills. The term is typically used in the context of education policy or curriculum choices in schools. It has implications for workforce development, national security concerns (as a shortage of STEM-educated citizens can reduce effectiveness in this area), and immigration policy, with regard to admitting foreign students and tech workers. [...] The Department of Commerce notes STEM fields careers are some of the best-paying and have the greatest potential for job growth in the early 21st century. The report also notes that STEM workers play a key role in the sustained growth and stability of the U.S. economy, and training in STEM fields generally results in higher wages, whether or not they work in a STEM field. In 2015, there were around 9.0 million STEM jobs in the United States, representing 6.1% of American employment. STEM jobs were increasing by around 9% percent per year. Brookings Institution found that the demand for competent technology graduates will surpass the number of capable applicants by at least one million individuals. [...] eSTEM (environmental STEM) GEMS (girls in engineering, math, and science); used for programs to encourage women to enter these fields. MINT (mathematics, informatics, natural sciences, and technology) SHTEAM (science, humanities, technology, engineering, arts, and mathematics) SMET (science, mathematics, engineering, and technology); previous name STEAM (science, technology, engineering, arts, and mathematics) + STEAM (science, technology, engineering, agriculture, and mathematics); add agriculture + STEAM (science, technology, engineering, and applied mathematics); has more focus on applied mathematics STEEM (science, technology, engineering, economics, and mathematics); adds economics as a field

• What Is STEM and Why Is It Important? | BestColleges

  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. ## What Are STEM Fields? STEM comprises the following major areas of study: [...] STEM comprises the following major areas of study: beakerNatural, physical, and life sciences (sometimes including medicine) beakerComputer, electronics, and other technology-related disciplines beakerAll types of engineering beakerMathematics, or any field involving a heavy application of mathematical principles 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. ## Why Is STEM Important?

• Why STEM Matters – STEM Starts

  Skip to main navigation Skip to content # Why STEM? Science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM) play an ever-increasing role in today’s complex world, driving innovation, job opportunities and solutions to important challenges. Occupations in STEM fields are projected to grow over two times faster than the total for all occupations by 2029. Preparing today’s youth to meet workforce demand and to become the problem solvers of tomorrow begins with easy and equitable access to STEM education. A widely available variety of educational programs and experiences help students of all ages increase their understanding of the world around them, build critical thinking, develop key job skills and respond to real-world issues. Check out Our STEM Program Impact and Reach [...] Check out Our STEM Program Impact and Reach ## STEM Facts Wages in STEM jobs are 71% higher than the national average. The US demand for engineers and scientists is expected to increase 4x the rate of other occupations over the next decade. Growth in STEM careers continues to be greater than in other fields. Technology professionals will experience the highest growth in job numbers between now and 2030. STEM occupations are growing at 24%, while other occupations are growing at 4%. ## STEM at The University of Texas at Austin

• A Guide to STEM Majors

  STEM Majors List · Astronomy · Biology · Chemistry · Computer science · Engineering · Earth sciences · Health sciences · Information technology

• Types of STEM Degrees and Majors to Consider

  If you're majoring in a STEM field, that means your degree program falls under the umbrella of science, technology, engineering or mathematics. While you can’t major in STEM itself, programs in this category include ones that emphasize research, innovation or the development of new technologies. ## What is Considered a STEM Major? You might be surprised to learn what bachelor’s degree programs fall within STEM. Listed below are undergraduate degree programs and related careers that you might not have considered: ### Computer Science So much of life today is conducted through technology, and a lot of programming, networks and algorithms are at play to make that possible. [...] He noted that a master's degree in your desired field can help you bridge the gap between your previous experiences and future goals — including leadership. As part of a master's in cybersecurity program, for example, you can learn how to develop enterprise-level security strategies on behalf of your organization. You can also build strong ethical strategies and standards that could directly contribute to an organization's goals. A master’s degree in a STEM field can also provide new insights into programs, research techniques and analyses that can help you create efficiencies and add business value to your current job. Regardless of your ultimate career goals, a graduate degree in a STEM field can help set you apart from the competition. ### 5Experiential Learning in STEM 5 [...] This can help expedite the time it takes to earn both degrees — and save you money at the same time. Read more: What is an Accelerated Master's Program? ### 4Specialize With an Advanced Degree 4 Dennis Backherms, associate dean of SNHU's online cybersecurity programs. If you already hold a bachelor’s degree in a non-STEM field, you may wish to earn a master’s degree to improve your job prospects. "A master's degree in a STEM field can really (help) open doors, whether you're switching careers or looking to level up where you already are," said Dr. Dennis Backherms, an associate dean at SNHU with more than two decades of cybersecurity experience. "It gives you a solid foundation of technical knowledge, but more importantly, it signals to employers that you're serious and capable."