Statistics indicate that jobs requiring a Master’s in STEM (science, technology, engineering, and math) subjects are growing at almost double the rate of those in other fields.
As society becomes increasingly reliant on technology, there is a growing need for STEM graduates who can work in fields such as engineering, computer science, and healthcare.
All this suggests that gaining a graduate degree in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM) is one of the best investments you can make. But with so many different STEM programs available, which is right for you?
This article explores the areas of study you could focus on with a range of STEM subjects, and the potential career paths they could facilitate.
Table of Contents
Computer Science and Engineering
Electrical and Electronics Engineering
Applied Mathematics and Statistics
Computer Science and Engineering
A postgraduate degree in Computer Science and Engineering will help you gain expertise in cutting-edge software and computer systems, unlocking a world of diverse job prospects and competitive salaries.
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Many Master's courses in Computer Science put a strong emphasis on practical training and experience. This lends to students having the opportunity to train in a wide variety of industry-desired specialisms, including Cybersecurity, Data science, Electrical Engineering, Computer Games Development, Machine learning and Business Information Systems.
Potential coursework topics:
- Algorithms
- Data structures
- Machine learning
- Artificial intelligence
- Software engineering
Career paths:
- Software engineer
- Software developer (median annual salary $127,260)
- Systems analyst
- Computer network architect
- IT consultant
- Cyber security specialist
Electrical and Electronics Engineering
Master’s degrees in Electrical and Electronics Engineering are designed to help students understand and apply the principles of electrical engineering to the next generation of technologies improving communications, power and energy systems and micro- and nano-electronics.
Potential coursework topics:
- Computer engineering
- Control, robotics and intelligent systems
- Electrophysics, image and signal processing
- Power engineering and energy
- Telecommunications and networking
Career paths:
- Electrical engineer (median annual salary $103,320)
- Energy manager
- Engineering manager
- Nuclear engineer
- Solar energy systems engineer
Mechanical Engineering
Master of Science (MS) programs in mechanical engineering are designed to equip graduate students with the theoretical and applied skills needed to tackle complex engineering problems.
The MSE in Mechanical Engineering at Johns Hopkins University, for example, offers a comprehensive and flexible program, with a focus on areas such as fluid mechanics, materials, robotics, and aerospace systems. There are several program options for graduate students to choose from; all-course, essay, or co-op essay. They have the option to concentrate their coursework in one or two fields or explore a variety of specializations.
Potential coursework topics:
- Advanced manufacturing
- Biomechanical engineering
- Computation and data enabled science
- Fluid mechanics and thermal science
- Mechanical design
- Nanoscience and technology
- Energy and sustainability
Career paths:
- Mechanical engineer (median annual salary $96,310)
- Engineering manager
- Project engineer
- Structural engineer
- Robotics engineer
Aerospace Engineering
Aerospace engineering is a fascinating and ever-evolving field, and pursuing a degree at graduate school in this subject area can be hugely beneficial for professionals looking to advance their careers.
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From designing and testing spacecraft to developing new propulsion systems, a master's degree in aerospace engineering can open up a world of possibilities.
Potential coursework topics:
- Flight dynamics
- Propulsion
- Aerodynamics
- Orbital mechanics
Career paths:
- Aerospace engineer (median annual salary $126,880)
- Senior manufacturing engineer
- Aerospace systems analyst
- Drone developer
- Spacecraft systems engineer
Environmental Engineering
Environmental energy is undoubtedly a growing domain, with many new opportunities for graduates. A report by the International Renewable Energy Agency said there is a need to increase renewables to 36 percent of the global energy mix by 2030 in order to meet the Paris Agreement target (limiting the rise in global temperatures to 2°C).
Master of Science programs in Environmental Engineering, such as that offered by Northeastern University, integrate the study of physical, chemical, and biological processes and fundamental principles for water and wastewater treatment and disposal, hazardous waste management, surface water and groundwater quality, water resources management, and air quality management.
Potential coursework topics:
- Wastewater reclamation and reuse
- Environmental hazards and risk assessment
- Water quality and treatment
- Ground water modeling and treatment
- Air quality monitoring; pollution control and modeling
- Environmental sciences; and industrial ecology
- Sustainability
Career paths:
- Environmental engineer (media annual salary $96,530)
- Toxicologist
- Environmental scientist
- Radiation safety officer
- Research scientist
Civil Engineering
Civil Engineers design, build, and maintain the foundation for our modern society—our roads and bridges, drinking water and energy systems, seaports and airports.
World population growth and increased environmental concerns have particularly spurred the need for civil, environmental and geodetic engineers, and anyone with a Master's degree in Civil Engineering therefore has great career prospects ahead.
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There are many universities in the US which offer Master’s programs in Civil Engineering, including the Ohio State University, for example. Here, the Civil Engineering Graduate Studies Program (CEGSP) offers an MS and PhD degree in Civil Engineering, with graduate tracks in:
- Construction Engineering and Management
- Environmental Engineering
- Geoinformation and Geodetic Engineering
- Structural Engineering
- Transportation Engineering
Career paths:
- Civil engineer (median annual salary $89,940)
- Structural engineer
- Transportation engineer
- Design engineer
- City engineer (employed by city governments to design projects such as roads and bridges and oversee their construction)
- Project engineer
- Traffic engineer
Manufacturing Engineering
Manufacturing engineering focuses on the research, design and development of manufacturing systems, processes, machines, tools and equipment – driving forward changes in the lives of individuals and societies, as well as national and international economies.
Graduate programs in Manufacturing Engineering are offered by a host of universities in the US, including the University of Wisconsin - Stout.
Merging theoretical insights with real-world applications, the course has a curriculum designed for industry pioneers, with core curriculum including Six Sigma Quality Improvement Methods, Planned Experimentation for Quality Improvement, Principles of Occupational Risk Control/Safety, and Organizational Research Methods Manufacturing System Design and Simulation. Selectives include:
- Financial and cost analysis
- Program management
- Human factors engineering/Ergonomics
- Sustainable engineering
- Enterprise resource planning
- Robotics design and analysis
- Product development and design
- Reliability engineering
- Polymer engineering
- Emerging manufacturing materials
Find our more about the Master's in Manufacturing at UW-Stout
Career paths:
- Manufacturing engineer (median annual salary $96,350)
- Manufacturing systems engineer
- Production manager
- Quality manager
Bioinformatics
Bioinformatics, the intersection of the biological and computational sciences, is essential to 21st-century biomedical research and fundamental to the modern-day study of biology.
Drexel University is one institute that offers a Master’s in Bioinformatics. The program provides knowledge in machine learning, data analysis, systems biology, genome information engineering, as well as gene sequencing technologies.
The Master’s program aims to train professional graduates for bioinformatics specialist roles in healthcare, biomedical research, pharmaceutical and biotechnology industries and provides them with interdisciplinary knowledge and experience to develop and apply sophisticated computational methods for the analysis of biomedical data.
Potential coursework topics:
- Biostatistics
- Machine learning for bioinformatics
- Translational bioinformatics
- Bioinformatics algorithms
Career paths:
- Bioengineer (median annual salary $99,550 annually)
- Bioinformatics technician
- Bioinformatics analyst
- Bioinformatics scientist
Applied Mathematics and Statistics
Mathematics graduates are highly valued in a number of industries, and a particularly popular Masters program in this field is in Applied Mathematics and Statistics. The goal of this program is to prepare individuals for professional careers in areas that make use of mathematical and statistical techniques.
The Department of Applied Mathematics and Statistics at Sony Brook University, for example, has a large, diverse program of graduate studies leading to the M.S. and Ph.D. degrees. Students have five different tracks to choose from.
- Computational Applied Mathematics
- Computational Biology
- Operations Research
- Quantitative Finance
- Statistics
Stony Brook, like many other US universities, also offers a Graduate Program in Data Science. It is jointly offered by the Department of Applied Mathematics and Statistics, and the Department of Computer Science, and gives students vigorous training in Data Science encompassing topics such as statistical analysis, big data analysis/management and fundamentals of computing. Data science and data analytics is one of the fastest growing and most in-demand specialisms in today’s world. The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics is projecting a growth rate of nearly 28% in the number of jobs requiring data science skills by 2026.
Career paths:
- Actuary (median annual salary $113,990)
- Mathematician
- Statistician
- Quantitative analyst
- Data scientist (median annual salary $103,500)
Chemical Engineering
A chemical engineering Master’s degree prepares professionals to take on the advanced needs and requirements of industry that address many of the world's biggest challenges.
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Chemical engineers study the application of chemical principles to industrial processes and are responsible for at least one aspect of almost every engineered design, process, and product.
There are two main types of chemical engineering Master’s programs: application and research. STEM students who complete a research track typically earn a doctoral degree afterward, leading to careers in the research lab, classroom, or both. Those who decide to complete a data science track usually become chemical engineers.
Potential coursework topics:
- Climate solutions
- Electrochemical energy
- Biotechnology and biopharmaceuticals
- Thermodynamics
- Hydrogen and fuel cell technology
Career paths:
- Chemical engineer
- Biomedical engineer
- Chemist
- Product development engineer
- Process engineer
- Nuclear engineer
Food Science and Technology
The career opportunities for those with a Master’s in Food Science are vast and varied. From research and development to quality assurance, food scientists have a wide range of job prospects in the food industry. According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), food scientists have an excellent job outlook with employment in this sector projected to grow 5% from 2019 to 2029.
UW-Stout’s Master of Science in Food Science and Technology program is for students interested in food safety, food product development, sensory analysis, processing technology and quality assurance. It prepares students for technical/leadership positions in the food industry, academia and government.
Students can choose between the non-thesis option and thesis option, and core components include Flavor Chemistry, Food Preservation and Safety Engineering, Advanced Sensory Evaluation, Food Innovations and Plant Management, Technology of Dairy Products, Food Plant Design and Sanitation, Food Packaging and Nutraceuticals/Functional Foods.
Elective courses include:
- Unit Operations in Food Processing
- Food Quality
- Food Microbiology
- Food & Nutrition Policy Regulation & Law
- Food Chemistry
- Food Analysis
- Basic Sensory Analysis
- Food Engineering
- Food Product Development
- Research Critiques in Food Microbiology
View information on UW-Stout website
Career paths:
- Food scientist/technologist (median annual salary $79,860)
- Health and safety inspector
- Nutritional therapist
- Product/process development scientist.
- Production manager
- Quality manager
Biomedical Engineering
A Master's in Biomedical Engineering is an excellent choice for individuals who wish to apply their technical skills to improve healthcare and contribute to the field of medicine. It is a rapidly growing field that combines biology, medicine, and engineering.
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Biomedical engineers work to develop and design medical devices such as prosthetic limbs, artificial organs, and imaging systems, among other applications. In addition, they are also involved in creating healthcare systems, conducting research, and developing health delivery programs.
Potential coursework topics:
- Neuroengineering
- Computational medicine
- Biomedical data science
- Immunoengineering
- Biomaterials and regenerative engineering
Career paths
- Biomedical engineer/bioengineer (median annual salary $99,550)
- Biomedical researcher
- Biomedical scientist
- Prosthetist/orthotist
Neuroscience
A Master's program in Neuroscience not only offers an opportunity to gain in-depth knowledge about the brain and nervous system but also provides a platform to contribute to the ever-growing body of research.
The potential coursework topics available in this program are diverse, ranging from cognitive neuroscience to molecular and cellular neuroscience. Students can explore topics such as:
- Human behavior
- The brain's structure and function
- Effects of various neural disorders on the human body
Career paths:
- Neuroscientist
- Neurobiologist
- Neurochemist
- Neuropharmacologist
- Neuropsychologist
- Neuroradiologist
- Physiological psychologist
- Psychobiologist
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Below we address there of the most frequently asked questions about STEM Master's programs.
Q1. Is a Master’s degree worth it in STEM?
There’s no doubt that postgraduate STEM degree is a major investment in terms of both time and money, but the benefits make it very worthwhile.
According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, the number of jobs in STEM fields is projected to grow by nearly 10% between 2019 and 2029 (BLS. 2021).
STEM careers are more lucrative too: STEM professionals earn a median annual wage of nearly $100,000, compared to just over $40,000 for non-STEM professionals.(Bureau of Labor Statistics).
Q2. How long does it take to complete a STEM Master's degree program?
Depending on the subject, a Master's degree might take two to three years of coursework, and some programs include additional field experience/internships.
Typically, a non-thesis Master’s degree can be completed in three semesters and a thesis degree program can be completed in two years.
Q3. What are the admission requirements for a STEM Master's degree program?
While specific requirements may vary depending on the program and institution, most STEM Master's degree programs require that applicants hold a Bachelor's degree in a relevant field of study. Additionally, prospective students typically need to demonstrate a strong academic record and have a competitive GPA, with some (especially those with top rankings for the subject area) setting a minimum GPA requirement. Other admission requirements may include standardized test scores, such as the GRE or GMAT, and letters of recommendation.
Learn More About Applying for a STEM Master’s Program
Hopefully this article has helped you understand more about some of the STEM Master’s that it’s worth pursuing in the USA.
The field continues to be one of the most exciting and relevant in the education arena today, and post graduation gives those with a robust STEM education access to a host of opportunities throughout diverse sectors. Career-wise, it also continues to be one of the most lucrative areas in which to be employed.
Applying for STEM Master’s with Kings
Kings provides international students with a range of exciting US graduate pathways to get a Master's degree.
We offer a range of innovative, industry-focused STEM programs at the University of Wisconsin-Stout. Known as “Wisconsin’s Polytechnic University”, there is a strong emphasis on applied learning, innovation, and professional success.
The University has a long-standing tradition of industry partnerships, connecting students with leading employers in various STEM fields for internships and job placements. The vibrant campus is situated in the downtown area with beautiful views of lake Menomonie, and there is variety of on campus accommodation and catering.
The University offers international students an exceptional US campus experience, plenty of support, and exceptional learning outcomes.
Optional Practical Training (OPT)
UW-Stout supports OPT, allowing international students to work in the US for up to 3 years post-graduation, depending on the STEM major.
Additionally, close industry collaborations provide numerous internship and co-operative opportunities for students during their higher education.
If you would like to receive more detailed information about Kings and our university pathway programs, please get in touch with us at us.admissions@kingseducation.com.
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