Thinking about a STEM major?

Today's blog post is offered by a student, Faith Heaphy.

Having a tough time deciding what to major in? If you’re a student who wants some sort of financial stability after graduation and a high assurance of immediate employment, consider majoring in science, math, or engineering.

According to a recent report released by Georgetown University using information provided by the Census and National Science foundation, picking a major in what is called STEM (science, technology, engineering and math) have proven long-term benefits.

Careers in STEM aren’t being taken away—in fact they are growing because employees in these field have specific capabilities that are currently in high demand. As the job market shrinks with less and less qualified candidates being able to land their dream jobs, students in the STEM field have an advantage—proven employment and less financial anxiety.

The study said that careers in STEM occupations will grow more than the economy as a whole.  In 2008, there were 6.8 million jobs in this field—by 2018 there will be 8 million. This can’t be said for other fields like English and Journalism, which have seen declines in providing job opportunities for those with bachelor degrees.

And if you’re one who’s banking on a consistent salary to pay off those student loans, you won’t have to stress as much as your Philosophy major friends if you head down the STEM path. According to the study, around 65 percent of those who had a degree in STEM ended up earning more money than even those with a master’s in other disciplines.  In addition, students with a STEM degree will make about $500,000 more in their life than non-STEM majors, said the study. Definitely some motivation to get that calculator out!

But why are there so many jobs in this field today? It’s because there simply aren’t enough STEM workers looking for employment now. In the global economy, America is at a disadvantage when it comes to qualified people in this field, something that is weakening our image as a viable technology competitor. As a result, companies will often hire employees from other countries to meet their growing need as they expand. In 2008, 44 percent of those on student visas to America came to pursue education in STEM. In 2009, 59 percent of those who received PhDs in engineering were foreign-born, said the study.

So if you’re a student with a passion for employment, consider this field. It’s proving to be an up-and-coming major that provides students with a vast amount of opportunities after graduation.  

 

Do you find these topics interesting? Have you ever thought about writing a blog? If so, join our team! Please send any interests, inquiries, or articles to Cassie Sklarz at sklarz@fordham.edu. We'd love to hear from you!