When considering potential college majors, students face the decision between pursuing STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics) or non-STEM disciplines. Each path comes with distinct academic demands and career prospects to weigh.
STEM majors emphasize quantitative reasoning, analytical skills, and solving complex, real-world problems. Fields like biology, chemistry, physics, computer science, and engineering fall under the STEM umbrella. Students take on rigorous course loads packed with math and science classes, demanding labs, data modeling projects, and more. Given the knowledge-building nature of these programs, struggling with foundational concepts can stunt progress down the line.
At WritersABC, we provide expert writing support, tutoring, and coaching to help STEM students communicate complex ideas with clarity. Our services improve overall academic writing abilities, reading comprehension, and study habits. This allows STEM students to better convey their scientific thinking and technical knowledge through writing.
Non-STEM majors provide a broad exploration of critical thinking, communication, creativity, and culture across diverse disciplines in the humanities and social sciences. Here you’ll analyze literature, history, philosophy, art and more while honing writing abilities rather than equations. With flexible requirements, non-STEM programs offer ample chances to sample various subjects, though fewer courses actively applying learned skills to tangible problems.
In today’s job market, STEM paths tend to funnel graduates toward specific jobs like engineering, healthcare, and research—fields needing complex quantitative skills. Non-STEM majors support roles in law, business, public service and more, but may require supplemental credentials. Strong writing and critical thinking transcend both degree categories.
We will always have STEM with us. Some things will drop out of the public eye and will go away, but there will always be science, engineering, and technology. And there will always, always be mathematics.
Katherine Johnson
There are merits to either academic direction depending on one’s interests and professional aims. Succeeding in STEM requires meeting intense analytic demands, while non-STEM offers intellectual breadth at the possible cost of direct applicability. Students should weigh goals and strengths accordingly when charting their course. With tutoring support from WritersABC, those pursuing STEM can gain the mastery of foundational concepts needed to excel.
Stem majors: Y’all don’t have it as hard as us.
Non-stem majors: yAlL donT hAvE iT aS hArD aS uS pic.twitter.com/8EVsu2YVhA
— hermona. (@THEROYALKOURT) May 9, 2017
Benefits of a STEM Major
Selecting the optimal college major is an impactful decision for students mapping out their career trajectories. While many disciplines provide valuable skills, STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics) programs in particular equip graduates with versatile assets for thriving in diverse industries. There are compelling reasons a STEM major merits strong consideration.
Lucrative career opportunities
Pursuing a STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, Mathematics) major unlocks lucrative possibilities across virtually every dynamic industry. With cutting-edge technical abilities cultivated through rigorous curriculums, graduates offer precisely the specialized talents companies seek to drive innovation and gain competitive advantages. The result? STEM professionals enjoy exploding demand, above-average compensation and excellent job security.
Whether you aspire to revolutionize renewable energy infrastructures, develop software to empower businesses, uncover healthcare breakthroughs or construct smarter cities, a STEM degree equips you with a powerful, highly coveted toolkit. Employment projections predict over 8 million STEM jobs opening within the next decade alone needing bright, skilled minds to fill roles.
So for those undaunted by the intensive number crunching, data analysis and complex problem dissection inherent to STEM training, rewards await. Both income potential and job stability eclipse many less technical disciplines. The STEM field continues expanding exponentially each year, fused with opportunities to secure your professional future while pushing boundaries. There has never been a better time to pursue this vibrant pathway brimming with possibility.
High Salaries
Pursuing a STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, Mathematics) degree delivers an exceptionally bankable set of specialized abilities tailor-made for the highest paying, fastest growing industries. Given the technical expertise and complex problem-solving skills cultivated through rigorous curriculums, STEM graduates frequently slide into well-compensated roles.
In fact, beyond medicine and law, STEM disciplines churn out some of the overall top-earning majors. The average starting salaries for fields like engineering and computer science consistently outpace most humanities and arts on yearly rankings. Strong mathematical prowess carries tangible financial value.
Leading technology giants, engineering firms, healthcare networks, and research institutions all rely on STEM competencies and compensate handsomely for such talents. With starting offers north of $60k a year at many top companies, STEM degree holders forego prolonged financial struggles plaguing some peers navigating alternate career pathways.
Strong Job Market and Security
For students eyeing majors with supreme stability and strength within the job market, STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, Mathematics) disciplines check every box. Driven by explosive demand spanning virtually every industry, STEM degree holders face almost guaranteed employment prospects upon graduation.
While economic downturns can paralyze opportunities in many fields, STEM roles remain steadily resilient given the problem-solving aptitudes cultivated through such programs. Core STEM competencies will only grow more essential as technologies transform.
Whether you aspire to develop software, conduct healthcare research, design sustainable infrastructure or manufacture innovating products, abundant openings await across every sector. Employment projections predict over 8 million new STEM jobs materializing within the next decade alone requiring bright talent.
So rather than navigating anxieties plaguing many humanities graduates, those willing to tackle rigorous STEM curriculums can bank on high probabilities of securing full-time employment promptly. Companies urgently require these specialized capabilities and reward individuals mastering such intensely bankable skill sets. STEM majors translate directly into career longevity and prosperity.
Intellectual Rewards
Beyond booming career prospects, STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, Mathematics) majors unlock immense intellectual rewards for those curious to uncover mysteries of the natural world and blaze new frontiers fueled by ingenuity. More than a pathway to prosperity, STEM disciplines represent a toolkit to channel innovation while actualizing passions.
Through rigorous explorations of theoretical concepts paired with hands-on experimentation, STEM curriculums nurture the inventive spark within students. Tackling open-ended projects allows for unprecedented discovery while sharpening critical thinking abilities and quantitative talents alike.
Whether you dream of demystifying black holes or designing autonomous transportation networks or pioneering biomedical revelations, STEM training paves the way for breakthroughs. For intellectually driven students, idle minds are not an option. Field-advancing innovations await those daring enough to try.
Of course, with daring exploration comes inevitable failures and roadblocks. Yet channeling scientific thinking allows students to learn from missteps, iteratively enhance ideas, and ultimately prepare concepts primed to reshape realities. The passionate pursuit of discovery is a journey without destination, only progress. For pioneering trailblazers rather than path followers, STEM majors set no limits on conceiving tomorrow’s world-changing innovations today.
Engaging Subject Matter
Beyond the concrete benefits of stability and salary, STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, Mathematics) disciplines entice trailblazers by unlocking exploration of captivating subject matter with real-world applicability. For inquisitive students innately fascinated by topics many consider intimidating, STEM curriculums provide fertile soil for personal growth.
Within biology, gaze through microscopes to unravel complex cellular machinery. Apply chemical principles to synthesize novel compounds. Dig into quantum mysteries underlying all existence. The quests for discovery never cease regardless of specialization.
Through computer sciences, craft algorithms and artificial intelligence to mirror human cognition. Develop apps to make processes more intuitive. Design systems forming the infrastructure of modern technology. Opportunities to innovate abound.
Across engineering, tackle renewable energy dilemmas. Construct smarter cities. Revolutionize transportation through electric vehicles and autonomous networks. Or reinvent healthcare technologies. Virtually every infrastructure in modern life can be optimized.
At its core, STEM fuels big picture thinkers aspiring to improve lives at scale through expertise leveraging math and science. For the intellectually curious, spelling out the merits is almost superfluous. Passion speaks for itself. And STEM overflows with fascinating frontiers awaiting exploration.
Develop Analytical and Critical Thinking Abilities
One of the cornerstones of a Science, Technology, Engineering or Mathematics education is the unparalleled development of analytical and critical thinking abilities. By confronting open-ended problems and partaking in hands-on discovery through lab experimentation, data analysis projects, and more, students comprehensively upgrade their mental toolkits.
STEM curriculums strengthen abilities to logically parse multifaceted questions, strategically break down core components, brainstorm viable solutions backed by quantitative evidence, and overcome obstacles through creative ingenuity. Graduates excel at reflecting critically on designs to uncover flaws while integrating diverse insights from cross-functional teams.
These versatile cognitive capacities – so foundational to STEM training yet rare without it – enable assessing and optimizing intricate systems. Such analytical firepower, once honed, drives innovation across every industry prizing complex problem-solving. A STEM education not only imparts technical knowledge but forges the intellectually disciplined thought leaders of tomorrow. Students gain a distinguished edge in an increasingly competitive economy that runs on intelligence.
Technical Skills
Exploring STEM majors not only hones technical prowess but also cultivates essential skills vital in today’s tech-driven landscape. From mastering coding languages to navigating intricate data analysis, STEM education equips students with the technical acumen needed to thrive in a rapidly evolving world of innovation and technology.
Learn Cutting-Edge Developments in Science and Technology
STEM majors provide students with access to the latest advancements in science and technology. Whether it’s exploring breakthroughs in artificial intelligence, genetic engineering, or renewable energy, STEM coursework exposes students to cutting-edge developments that shape the future of innovation.
Remain Relevant in an Increasingly Tech-Driven World
In today’s digital age, technology plays a pivotal role in every aspect of society. By pursuing a STEM major, students acquire essential technical skills and knowledge that are in high demand across diverse industries. From programming and data analysis to robotics and cybersecurity, STEM expertise ensures that graduates remain competitive and adaptable in an ever-evolving job market.
Drawbacks of a STEM Major
Pursuing a science, technology, engineering, or mathematics (STEM) major in college can pave the way for rewarding careers, but this path also comes with significant academic demands and limited flexibility. STEM majors take on challenging course loads filled with complex subjects, competitive program admission, and rigid grading curves, which can weed out less-prepared students and may constrain broader educational interests
Academic Rigors
If you’re considering majoring in a Science, Technology, Engineering or Mathematics (STEM) field in college, it’s important to understand the intense academic demands these programs entail before jumping in. STEM majors are rewarding but come with a reputation for being challenging – and for good reason. Here’s what you can expect from the academic rigors of a STEM degree.
STEM programs load up students with a packed curriculum full of complex math and science courses that dig deeper than most high school classes. Forget easing into college – from day one you’ll dive right into the deep end with calculus, physics, chemistry and beyond. And you can expect to have multiple classes like these each semester, requiring some serious study hours to stay on top of things. Analytical thinking and problem solving becomes part of your daily life.
Gaining admission into competitive STEM colleges and programs is no cake walk either. You’ll need excellent grades and to have excelled in STEM courses in high school to even get your foot in the door at elite universities. And the professors don’t cut you much slack once you’re there – rigorous grading curves often lead to a percentage of students getting weeded out of these majors.
The fast paced curriculum also means you need to keep up with prerequisites and master foundational knowledge from previous classes to succeed moving forward. Struggling with key concepts early in sophomore year could stunt you later on. And good luck trying to explore interests outside STEM – between all the required courses, you’ll have limited flexibility to take other electives.
Limited flexibility
If you’re planning to commit to a Science, Technology, Engineering or Mathematics (STEM) major, one drawback to note is the constrained flexibility you’ll face in customizing your academic path compared to less technical programs. STEM curriculums entail tightly packaged schedules and skillsets tailored to particular jobs.
For one, with countless complex math and lab science prerequisites packing each semester, you’ll find limited wiggle room to explore electives unrelated to your major. Say goodbye to freely dabbling in psychology, political science, art history or other tangential interests without overloading your schedule. Non-STEM friends will get to diversify their studies.
This hyper focus also funnels graduates toward specific STEM career trajectories rather than broadly preparing you for diverse jobs. A computer science grad faces a tougher challenge pivoting into finance, for example, without returning for extra business school credentials than say an economics major. STEM concentrations yield specialized abilities, but flexibility suffers.
Changing majors mid-college poses another burden for STEM students. Fall even slightly behind on required sequences filled with classes building on one another, and you’ll likely need another year or more to graduate should you switch programs.
In many ways, pursuing a STEM degree handcuffs you to accumulated prerequisites. So while you’ll cultivate in-demand technical abilities, don’t expect wiggle room to stray off-script from a tightly packaged curriculum. If exploring broadly gives you joy, a STEM major may frustrate. The skills garnered make up for the academic tunnel vision though!
Advantages of a Non-STEM Major
Pursuing a college major outside of the science, technology, engineering, and math (STEM) fields can provide unique benefits for students looking to gain a well-rounded education. While STEM degrees equip students with technical abilities for specialized careers, non-STEM majors offer the chance to cultivate versatile skills applicable across diverse professional domains.
From strengthening communication abilities to providing interdisciplinary knowledge, majoring in the humanities, social sciences, and arts can prepare students for flexible career paths and lifelong learning. With their emphasis on critical analysis, problem-solving, creativity, and relationship-building, non-STEM majors develop transferable competencies valuable for in-demand jobs of the future. Students who want to keep their options open while building a solid educational foundation can find non-STEM majors a compelling choice.
Wider range of career options
Not into STEM? Check out this list: The Highest Paid Non-STEM Majors https://t.co/psqQ0DDZaX #career #college pic.twitter.com/mZopTAl2uy
— College Factual (@CollegeFactual) January 2, 2018
One major advantage of a non-STEM degree is that it opens up a wider range of possible career options after graduation. Unlike more specialized STEM majors that channel students into particular professional fields, non-STEM majors provide skills and knowledge applicable across diverse industries.
For example, an English or psychology major gains communication, research, and analysis skills valuable in everything from business to social work to law. A history major develops critical thinking and writing abilities prized in areas like journalism, education, government, and consulting.
Non-STEM majors aren’t locked into narrow career paths but possess transferable abilities to succeed in many types of roles. This versatility and flexibility is a key benefit, especially for students who want to keep their options open. With thoughtful planning and integration of work experience, non-STEM graduates can craft customized career paths aligned to their interests across private, public, and nonprofit sectors. The possibilities are wide-ranging.
Opportunity to explore interests
Pursuing a non-STEM major gives students the opportunity to explore diverse interests through the variety of majors available as well as electives and distribution requirements. There is a huge selection of non-STEM majors that allow focused study in subjects like English, psychology, political science, economics, art history, and more. Students can align their major closely with their academic passions.
There is also flexibility to take elective courses across disciplines, gaining exposure to topics outside their major. Distribution requirements also ensure students graduate with multidisciplinary breadth, taking courses in areas like social sciences, humanities, and arts. This provides well-rounded knowledge and the chance to discover new interests. The curriculum flexibility of non-STEM programs enables students to follow their intellectual curiosity, make connections across subjects, and find the academic focus most meaningful to them.
Development of soft skills
In addition to versatile hard skills, non-STEM majors provide an opportunity to cultivate crucial “soft skills” that are sought after by employers. For example, majors in fields like English, sociology, and linguistics emphasize building communications abilities through writing, speaking, and research projects.
Studying philosophy and religious studies sharpens skills in creative thinking, logic, and analysis. Leadership, collaboration, and problem solving skills are honed through group projects, seminar-style learning, and open-ended assignments common in non-STEM curriculums. Classes provide both theory and practical application for developing these interpersonal, social, and emotional intelligence competencies.
Being able to articulate ideas, work in teams, take initiative, and think innovatively sets non-STEM graduates apart when competing for jobs. Refining these soft skills also facilitates ongoing career development and progression to leadership roles. Students who leverage the soft skill advantages of non-STEM programs will be well equipped for the collaborative, multifaceted work environments of today.
Disadvantages of Non-STEM Majors
While non-STEM (science, technology, engineering, math) majors offer diverse benefits, students should also carefully consider potential drawbacks when deciding on a field of study. Choosing a non-technical major can present certain challenges related to career prospects, salary potential, and academic experience.
Some disadvantanges include fewer obvious career pathways post-graduation, lower average starting salaries compared to STEM grads, and potentially less rigorous quantitative coursework.
However, non-STEM majors provide transferable skills applicable to many professions. With strategic planning and supplementary courses, motivated students can overcome these challenges. But weighing pros and cons is important when determining if a non-STEM major aligns with your academic interests and professional aspirations.
Lower starting salaries
One potential disadvantage of a non-STEM degree is that average starting salaries tend to be lower than salaries for STEM graduates. According to surveys, STEM majors such as engineering and computer science typically command the highest entry-level pay across fields.
The technical skills developed in those programs are in very high demand, particularly in lucrative technology sector jobs. However, non-technical majors like humanities and social sciences lead to more diverse career options, some of which correspond to lower pay scales. For example, jobs in social work, counseling, the arts, and non-profit sectors often pay less than technology or engineering roles.
Overall, non-STEM graduates make an average of $5,000 to $10,000 less in initial positions out of college compared to their STEM counterparts. Of course, there are exceptions like business and finance majors which also lead to relatively high starting compensation despite being non-STEM. With proper financial planning, many non-STEM career paths can still be quite viable and lead to promising long-term earnings potential. But students should be aware that average starting pay lags behind STEM.
Standing out can be difficult
Another potential drawback of a non-STEM degree is that it can be challenging to stand out when seeking jobs after graduation. Because non-STEM majors are more broad and flexible, there tends to be more competition for related entry-level positions.
For example, English and history grads may compete for jobs in education, journalism, public relations, government, and business that draw from a general base of liberal arts skills. In contrast, more technical STEM graduates have abilities tailored to meet specific workforce needs. Recruiters sifting through liberal arts resumes may have difficulty differentiating candidates.
To stand out, non-STEM majors must proactively articulate transferable skills, provide work samples, highlight related internships, and network extensively. Developing a personal brand and niche is crucial when job seeking in a crowded field. It takes diligence for generalist non-STEM majors to make their talents known and get that initial post-college job break in a competitive landscape. But those willing to put in the effort can still excel.
Job market unpredictability
When choosing a non-STEM major, it’s important to consider that job market conditions can be more unpredictable for some fields compared to in-demand STEM areas. Although the versatility of a non-STEM degree provides flexibility, employment prospects in narrower specialties depend on external factors.
For example, job growth in fields like journalism, anthropology, and performing arts fluctuates with technological and cultural trends. Government budget changes can affect education and social service jobs. Recessions impact discretionary sectors like the arts and hospitality. While smart students can adapt, some non-STEM majors experience more volatility.
It’s wise to research employment projections and diversify your skill set if pursuing a less stable field. With foresight, proactive networking, and willingness to pivot, unpredictable job markets are navigable. But students should go in eyes open to the realities some non-STEM majors face in connecting degree to career. A bit more career uncertainty is a trade-off for following an academic passion.
Solution for STEM and non-STEM Majors
Deciding between a STEM or non-STEM major involves weighing pros and cons. Non-technical degrees provide more flexibility to explore interests and develop versatile skills during college, including communication abilities, critical thinking, and interpersonal competencies valued across industries. However, non-STEM graduates often face more competitive job markets, lower starting salaries, and unpredictability in certain fields.
For students pursuing STEM paths, mastery of calculus is essential to unlocking future opportunities in science, engineering, economics, and more. Struggling with calculus can derail STEM ambitions. At WritersABC, we offer custom calculus assignments help tailored to each student’s unique learning needs. Our personalized support helps develop the mathematical foundation and intuitive grasp of calculus needed to excel in advanced STEM courses and careers.
Ultimately, there is rarely one singularly “right” path. The key is choosing a major that aligns with innate strengths and passions. With proper planning, both STEM and non-STEM majors can craft fulfilling careers in diverse professions. It’s about matching one’s character and goals to make the most of the chosen educational path. For STEM students, calculus mastery is vital to paving a successful path forward. Contact us today and get the personalized tutoring needed to ensure calculus does not stand in the way of your STEM dreams.