Most international students struggle to decide which course program to enroll in while studying in the United States. The main cause of this confusion is that students don't want to pass up any of the academic opportunities that the USA has to offer. Everyone knows that graduating from a reputable program can lead to a wide range of advantageous employment options. As a result, most students are perplexed about whether to enroll in STEM classes or non-STEM courses while determining which course package is best for them.

These two classes are highly valuable academically. But when it comes to finding employment in the United States, would it be better to pursue chances in stem courses or non-stem courses? Confusion can be avoided by knowing who can provide superior career perks. We have therefore included a thorough review of the expected employment alternatives following graduation from stem or non-stem majors to help you acquire a better understanding of the same.

An Overview of STEM and Non-STEM Study Programs

STEM refers to science, technology, engineering, and mathematics. All four of these disciplines will be covered for international students who choose to major in stem subjects in order to succeed in domains that support the expansion of the US economy. This covers a wide range of fields, such as data science, computer engineering, healthcare, and engineering.

Numerous prestigious US universities, like Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Princeton University, California Institute of Technology, and many more, provide STEM courses. Courses in computer science, biochemistry, chemical engineering, and many more subjects are available to students.

Investing in a STEM program has the following advantages:

• You will gain analytic and technical skills.
• In the USA, there is a greater demand for STEM graduates.
• Graduates in STEM fields make more money than graduates in other fields.
• With your STEM degree, you will be recognized globally and able to work for leading brands everywhere.
• The focus of STEM courses is technology, which is the wave of the future. This implies that there will be a constant need for IT specialists both now and in the future.

Any study program that isn't restricted to the four main subjects covered in STEM courses is referred to as non-STEM. Many foreign students all across the world have made this academic pursuit a common and popular choice. Students can study Humanities, Business, Education, Social Work, and other subjects under Non-STEM. In actuality, a variety of non-STEM courses are available for students to select from at all prestigious US universities. Stanford, Harvard, and other universities are included in this.

The following are the benefits of funding a non-STEM study program:

• You'll acquire the expertise and abilities required to succeed in your chosen fields of work. For example, you will be prepared to perform the functions necessary in the marketing profession, such interacting with customers and closing deals, if you pursue a degree in marketing. Graduates in fields other than STEM will possess all the general abilities needed to excel in their positions. The emphasis on skills will be broad, unlike in STEM courses.
• Any academic interest can benefit from this study program, including those who are artistic or creative thinkers.
• Students will have a selection of job roles to select from. Based on their gained knowledge and skills, students can investigate other careers within their chosen professions.

Analysis of STEM and Non-STEM Job Markets

STEM Job Market

The job prospects for STEM graduates in the USA are still unprecedented. STEM jobs are expected to rise by about 11% by 2031, according to data released by the Bureau of Labor Statistics.

The increasing demand for STEM employment and the potential for high incomes are major reasons why the majority of overseas students choose STEM studies. Here's a summary:

Non-STEM Job Market

International students as well as other students can apply for jobs in non-STEM fields. Your compensation will change based on your experience, education, and employment role. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, the US economy added more than 1.67 million jobs in June 2023.

The competition for non-STEM positions is growing as hiring managers look for applicants who meet certain requirements. Thus, the following summarizes what to anticipate from employment options in non-STEM fields:

STEM vs. Non-STEM: Who Has a Better Career Outlook?

When it comes to the study interests of overseas students worldwide, STEM has always had the upper hand. Since STEM graduates are more in demand in the USA, students with a STEM degree can obtain a solid employment considerably sooner. The main justification is that these graduates will strengthen the US economy. Actually, according to current news, the USA has started extending student eligibility for OPT pre-completion by 24 months, following a 12-month extension (prior to graduation). This implies that foreign students will have the chance to work in a STEM field for three years.

Depending on their academic interests, students decide which courses to take—stem or non-stem. Having gained a thorough understanding of the prospective professional paths for each, you will find it simpler to choose your academic path.

Ready to take the next step?

As you navigate through your opportunities, let bluehawks be your guiding light, leading you toward your aspirations. Schedule a complimentary counseling session with a bluehawks study abroad consultant and receive your personalized road-map to pursuing your dreams.