STEM Courses: Education System, Course Types and Curriculum

STEM Courses are a study of Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics. As its name suggests, STEM education offers a wide range of subjects and specialisations to choose from, at both the bachelor's and master's levels. Check out everything related to STEM courses abroad.

Gaining popularity in the present times, those pursuing STEM education-related courses have a great opportunity to get a well-rounded, enhanced education encompassing all the above-mentioned subjects. The curriculum is designed so that students can use their knowledge to solve real-world issues. Also, those holding a STEM course degree frequently obtain higher salaries than those with an MBA or any other sought-after degree.

STEM courses have gained popularity over the years because of its variety, technicality and high paying jobs later on. The demand for STEM graduates abroad has increased by 20% in the last 15 years. This demand is set to grow more in the upcoming years as well. So those who want to take up STEM courses can plan their applications based on popular universities that offer these courses. Also, shortlist those universities which offer internships or full time jobs after graduating with STEM courses. There is a world of opportunities, you can check out STEM courses and their details here.

How to Identify STEM Courses?

To be able to understand if a course is STEM or not you have to keep these points in mind:

• The most direct way to identify a STEM course is by its core subjects.
  • Science involves the study of the natural world, living beings and physical laws.
  • Technology focuses on digital systems, automation, software and data applications.
  • Engineering applies scientific and mathematical principles to design and build machines, systems and infrastructure.
  • Mathematics is pure logic, problem solving, data interpretation, and quantitative analysis.
• STEM courses are practical, mix theory with practical application, research, and problem solving to address real challenges.
• These programs develop analytical thinking, research methodologies, data interpretation and critical thinking.
• Most STEM programs require a strong academic foundation in science and/or mathematics subjects at the high school level.

And of course, if you are unsure, you can always check the university for details. They will definitely mention if it's a STEM course or not on their website.

Top Countries for STEM Courses Abroad

To take up STEM courses abroad, you can consider the top study destinations for study. Here is a comparison of top destinations offering different STEM courses:

What Courses are Part of the STEM Education System?

Every country follows different guidelines on what constitutes a STEM field. Hence, STEM courses cannot be defined as a subset that falls under STEM education. However, the U.S. Department of Homeland Security (DHS) provides a comprehensive list (called the DHS STEM Designated Degree Program List) of programs considered part of STEM courses. The programs are provided below:

• Agroecology and Sustainable Agriculture.
• Animal Sciences, General.
• Agricultural Animal Breeding.
• Animal Health.
• Animal Nutrition.
• Dairy Science.
• Livestock Management.
• Poultry Science.
• Animal Sciences, Other.
• Food Science.
• Food Technology and Processing.
• Plant Sciences, General.
• Agronomy and Crop Science.
• Horticultural Science.
• Agricultural and Horticultural Plant Breeding.
• Plant Protection and Integrated Pest Management.
• Range Science and Management.
• Plant Sciences, Other.
• Soil Science and Agronomy, General.
• Soil Chemistry and Physics.
• Soil Microbiology.
• Soil Sciences, Other.
• Veterinary Anatomy.
• Veterinary Infectious Diseases.
• Veterinary Microbiology and Immunobiology.
• Veterinary Pathology and Pathobiology.
• Veterinary Physiology.
• Veterinary Preventive Medicine, Epidemiology, and Public Health.
• Veterinary Toxicology and Pharmacology.
• Natural Resources/Conservation, General.
• Environmental Studies.
• Environmental Science.
• Natural Resources Conservation and Research, Other.
• Water, Wetlands, and Marine Resources Management.
• Forestry, General.
• Forest Sciences and Biology.
• Urban Forestry.
• Wood Science and Wood Products/Pulp and Paper Technology/Technician.
• Forest Resources Production and Management.
• Wildlife, Fish and Wildlands Science and Management.
• Architectural and Building Sciences/Technology.
• Digital Communication and Media/Multimedia.
• Animation, Interactive Technology, Video Graphics, and Special Effects.
• Computer and Information Sciences, General.
• Artificial Intelligence.
• Information Technology.
• Human-Centered Technology Design.
• Computer and Information Sciences, Other.
• Computer Programming/Programmer, General.
• Computer Programming, Specific Applications.
• Computer Programming, Vendor/Product Certification.
• Computer Programming, Other.
• Data Processing and Data Processing Technology/ Technician.
• Information Science/Studies.
• Computer Systems Analysis/Analyst.
• Computer Science.
• Web Page, Digital/Multimedia, and Information Resources Design.
• Data Modeling/Warehousing and Database Administration.
• Computer Graphics.
• Modeling, Virtual Environments, and Simulation.
• Computer Software and Media Applications, Other.
• Computer Systems Networking and Telecommunications.
• Cloud Computing.
• Network and System Administration/Administrator.
• System, Networking, and LAN/WAN Management/Manager.
• Computer and Information Systems Security/Auditing/Information Assurance.
• Web/Multimedia Management and Webmaster.
• Information Technology Project Management.
• Computer Support Specialist.
• Computer/Information Technology Services Administration and Management, Other.
• Educational/Instructional Technology.
• Educational Evaluation and Research.
• Educational Statistics and Research Methods.
• Engineering, General.
• Pre-Engineering.
• Applied Engineering.
• Aerospace, Aeronautical, and Astronautical/Space Engineering, General.
• Astronautical Engineering.
• Aerospace, Aeronautical, and Astronautical/Space Engineering, Other.
• Agricultural Engineering.
• Architectural Engineering.
• Biomedical/Medical Engineering.
• Bioengineering and Biomedical Engineering.
• Ceramic Sciences and Engineering.
• Chemical Engineering.
• Chemical and Biomolecular Engineering.
• Chemical Engineering, Other.
• Civil Engineering.
• Civil Engineering, General.
• Geotechnical and Geoenvironmental Engineering.
• Structural Engineering.
• Transportation and Highway Engineering.
• Water Resources Engineering.
• Civil Engineering, Other.
• Computer Engineering.
• Computer Engineering, General.
• Computer Hardware Engineering.
• Computer Software Engineering.
• Computer Engineering, Other.
• Electrical, Electronics, and Communications Engineering.
• Electrical and Electronics Engineering.
• Laser and Optical Engineering.
• Telecommunications Engineering.
• Electrical, Electronics, and Communications Engineering, Other.
• Engineering Mechanics.
• Engineering Physics.
• Engineering Physics/Applied Physics.
• Engineering Science.
• Environmental/Environmental Health Engineering.
• Materials Engineering.
• Mechanical Engineering.
• Metallurgical Engineering.
• Mining and Mineral Engineering.
• Naval Architecture and Marine Engineering.
• Nuclear Engineering.
• Ocean Engineering.
• Petroleum Engineering.
• Systems Engineering.
• Textile Sciences and Engineering.
• Polymer/Plastics Engineering.
• Construction Engineering.
• Forest Engineering.
• Industrial Engineering.
• Manufacturing Engineering.
• Operations Research.
• Surveying Engineering.
• Geological/Geophysical Engineering.
• Paper Science and Engineering.
• Electromechanical Engineering.
• Mechatronics, Robotics, and Automation Engineering.
• Biochemical Engineering.
• Engineering Chemistry.
• Biological/Biosystems Engineering.
• Electrical and Computer Engineering.
• Energy Systems Engineering.
• Energy Systems Engineering, General.
• Power Plant Engineering.
• Engineering, Other.
• Engineering Technologies/Technicians, General.
• Architectural Engineering Technologies/Technicians.
• Civil Engineering Technologies/Technicians.
• Electrical, Electronic, and Communications Engineering Technology/Technician.
• Laser and Optical Technology/Technician.
• Telecommunications Technology/Technician.
• Integrated Circuit Design Technology/Technician.
• Electrical/Electronic Engineering Technologies/Technicians, Other.
• Biomedical Technology/Technician.
• Electromechanical/Electromechanical Engineering Technology/Technician.
• Instrumentation Technology/Technician.
• Robotics Technology/Technician.
• Automation Engineer Technology/Technician.
• Electromechanical Technologies/Technicians, Other.
• Heating, Ventilation, Air Conditioning and Refrigeration Engineering Technology/Technician.
• Water Quality and Wastewater Treatment Management and Recycling Technology/Technician.
• Environmental/Environmental Engineering Technology/Technician.
• Hazardous Materials Management and Waste Technology/Technician.
• Environmental Control Technologies/Technicians, Other.
• Plastics and Polymer Engineering Technology/Technician.
• Metallurgical Technology/Technician.
• Industrial Technology/Technician.
• Manufacturing Engineering Technology/Technician.
• Welding Engineering Technology/Technician.
• Chemical Engineering Technology/Technician.
• Semiconductor Manufacturing Technology/Technician.
• Industrial Production Technologies/Technicians, Other.
• Occupational Safety and Health Technology/Technician.
• Quality Control Technology/Technician.
• Industrial Safety Technology/Technician.
• Hazardous Materials Information Systems Technology/Technician.
• Quality Control and Safety Technologies/Technicians, Other.
• Aeronautical/Aerospace Engineering Technology/Technician.
• Automotive Engineering Technology/Technician.
• Mechanical/Mechanical Engineering Technology/Technician.
• Mechanical Engineering Related Technologies/Technicians, Other.
• Mining Technology/Technician.
• Petroleum Technology/Technician.
• Mining and Petroleum Technologies/Technicians, Other.
• Construction Engineering Technology/Technician.
• Surveying Technology/Surveying.
• Hydraulics and Fluid Power Technology/Technician.
• Engineering-Related Technologies/Technicians, Other.
• Computer Engineering Technology/Technician.
• Computer/Computer Systems Technology/Technician.
• Computer Hardware Technology/Technician.
• Computer Software Technology/Technician.
• Computer Engineering Technologies/Technicians, Other.
• Drafting and Design Technology/Technician, General.
• CAD/CADD Drafting and/or Design Technology/Technician.
• Architectural Drafting and Architectural CAD/CADD.
• Civil Drafting and Civil Engineering CAD/CADD.
• Electrical/Electronics Drafting and Electrical/Electronics CAD/CADD.
• Mechanical Drafting and Mechanical Drafting CAD/CADD.
• Drafting/Design Engineering Technologies/Technicians, Other.
• Nuclear Engineering Technology/Technician.
• Engineering/Industrial Management.
• Engineering Design.
• Packaging Science.
• Engineering-Related Fields, Other.
• Energy Systems Technology/Technician.
• Solar Energy Technology/Technician.
• Engineering/Engineering-Related Technologies/Technicians, Other.
• Biology, General.
• Biology/Biological Sciences, General.
• Biomedical Sciences, General.
• Biochemistry, Biophysics and Molecular Biology.
• Molecular Biology.
• Molecular Biochemistry.
• Molecular Biophysics.
• Structural Biology.
• Radiation Biology/Radiobiology.
• Biochemistry and Molecular Biology.
• Biochemistry, Biophysics & Molecular Biology, Other.
• Botany/Plant Biology.
• Plant Pathology/Phytopathology.
• Plant Physiology.
• Plant Molecular Biology.
• Botany/Plant Biology, Other.
• Cell/Cellular Biology and Anatomical Sciences.
• Cell/Cellular Biology and Histology.
• Developmental Biology and Embryology.
• Cell/Cellular and Molecular Biology.
• Cell Biology and Anatomy.
• Cell/Cellular Biology and Anatomical Sciences, Other.
• Microbiological Sciences and Immunology.
• Microbiology, General.
• Medical Microbiology and Bacteriology.
• Microbiology and Immunology.
• Infectious Disease and Global Health.
• Microbiological Sciences and Immunology, Other.
• Zoology/Animal Biology.
• Zoology/Animal Biology.
• Animal Physiology.
• Animal Behavior and Ethology.
• Wildlife Biology.
• Zoology/Animal Biology, Other.
• Genetics, General.
• Molecular Genetics.
• Microbial and Eukaryotic Genetics.
• Animal Genetics.
• Plant Genetics.
• Human/Medical Genetics.
• Genome Sciences/Genomics.
• Genetics, Other.
• Physiology, Pathology and Related Sciences.
• Physiology, General.
• Molecular Physiology.
• Cell Physiology.
• Reproductive Biology.
• Cardiovascular Science.
• Exercise Physiology and Kinesiology.
• Vision Science/Physiological Optics.
• Pathology/Experimental Pathology.
• Oncology and Cancer Biology.
• Aerospace Physiology and Medicine.
• Physiology, Pathology, and Related Sciences, Other.
• Pharmacology and Toxicology.
• Molecular Pharmacology.
• Molecular Toxicology.
• Environmental Toxicology.
• Pharmacology and Toxicology.
• Pharmacology and Toxicology, Other.
• Biomathematics, Bioinformatics, and Computational Biology.
• Biometry/Biometrics.
• Computational Biology.
• Biomathematics, Bioinformatics, and Computational Biology, Other.
• Ecology, Evolution, Systematics, and Population Biology.
• Marine Biology and Biological Oceanography.
• Evolutionary Biology.
• Aquatic Biology/Limnology.
• Environmental Biology.
• Population Biology.
• Conservation Biology.
• Systematic Biology/Biological Systematics.
• Ecology and Evolutionary Biology.
• Epidemiology and Biostatistics.
• Ecology, Evolution, Systematics and Population Biology, Other.
• Molecular Medicine.
• Neurobiology and Neurosciences.
• Neurobiology and Anatomy.
• Neurobiology and Neurosciences, Other.
• Biological and Biomedical Sciences, Other.
• Mathematics, General.
• Algebra and Number Theory.
• Analysis and Functional Analysis.
• Geometry/Geometric Analysis.
• Topology and Foundations.
• Mathematics, Other.
• Applied Mathematics.
• Applied Mathematics, General.
• Computational Mathematics.
• Computational and Applied Mathematics.
• Financial Mathematics.
• Mathematical Biology.
• Applied Mathematics, Other.
• Statistics, General.
• Mathematical Statistics and Probability.
• Mathematics and Statistics.
• Statistics, Other.
• Applied Statistics.
• Applied Statistics, General.
• Mathematics and Statistics, Other.
• Air Science/Airpower Studies.
• Air and Space Operational Art and Science.
• Naval Science and Operational Studies.
• Intelligence, General.
• Strategic Intelligence.
• Signal/Geospatial Intelligence.
• Command &Control (C3, C4I) Systems and Operations.
• Information Operations/Joint Information Operations.
• Information/Psychological Warfare and Military Media Relations.
• Cyber/Electronic Operations and Warfare.
• Intelligence, Command Control and Information Operations, Other.
• Combat Systems Engineering.
• Directed Energy Systems.
• Engineering Acoustics.
• Low-Observables and Stealth Technology.
• Space Systems Operations.
• Operational Oceanography.
• Undersea Warfare.
• Military Applied Sciences, Other.
• Aerospace Ground Equipment Technology.
• Air and Space Operations Technology.
• Aircraft Armament Systems Technology.
• Explosive Ordinance/Bomb Disposal.
• Joint Command/Task Force (C3, C4I) Systems.
• Military Information Systems Technology.
• Missile and Space Systems Technology.
• Munitions Systems/Ordinance Technology.
• Radar Communications and Systems Technology.
• Military Systems and Maintenance Technology, Other.
• Military Technologies and Applied Sciences, Other.
• Biological and Physical Sciences.
• Systems Science and Theory.
• Mathematics and Computer Science.
• Behavioral Sciences.
• Natural Sciences.
• Nutrition Sciences.
• Cognitive Science, General.
• Human Biology.
• Computational Science.
• Human Computer Interaction.
• Marine Sciences.
• Sustainability Studies.
• Climate Science.
• Earth Systems Science.
• Economics and Computer Science.
• Environmental Geosciences.
• Geography and Environmental Studies.
• Mathematical Economics.
• Mathematics and Atmospheric/Oceanic Science.
• Data Science, General.
• Data Analytics, General.
• Business Analytics.
• Data Visualization.
• Financial Analytics.
• Data Analytics, Other.
• Physical Sciences, General.
• Astronomy and Astrophysics.
• Planetary Astronomy and Science.
• Astronomy and Astrophysics, Other.
• Atmospheric Sciences and Meteorology.
• Atmospheric Sciences and Meteorology, General.
• Atmospheric Chemistry and Climatology.
• Atmospheric Physics and Dynamics.
• Atmospheric Sciences and Meteorology, Other.
• Chemistry, General.
• Analytical Chemistry.
• Inorganic Chemistry.
• Organic Chemistry.
• Physical Chemistry.
• Polymer Chemistry.
• Chemical Physics.
• Environmental Chemistry.
• Forensic Chemistry.
• Theoretical Chemistry.
• Cheminformatics/Chemistry Informatics.
• Chemistry, Other.
• Geological and Earth Sciences/Geosciences.
• Geology/Earth Science, General.
• Geophysics and Seismology.
• Hydrology and Water Resources Science.
• Geochemistry and Petrology.
• Oceanography, Chemical and Physical.
• Geological and Earth Sciences/Geosciences, Other.
• Physics, General.
• Atomic/Molecular Physics.
• Elementary Particle Physics.
• Plasma and High-Temperature Physics.
• Nuclear Physics.
• Optics/Optical Sciences.
• Condensed Matter and Materials Physics.
• Theoretical and Mathematical Physics.
• Physics, Other.
• Materials Sciences.
• Materials Chemistry.
• Materials Sciences, Other.
• Physics and Astronomy.
• Physical Sciences, Other.
• Science Technologies/Technicians, General.
• Biology/Biotechnology Technology/Technician.
• Industrial Radiologic Technology/Technician.
• Nuclear/Nuclear Power Technology/Technician.
• Nuclear and Industrial Radiologic Technologies/Technicians, Other.
• Chemical Technology/Technician.
• Chemical Process Technology.
• Physical Science Technologies/Technicians, Other.
• Science Technologies/Technicians, Other.
• Cognitive Psychology and Psycholinguistics.
• Comparative Psychology.
• Developmental and Child Psychology.
• Experimental Psychology.
• Personality Psychology.
• Behavioral Neuroscience.
• Social Psychology.
• Psychometrics and Quantitative Psychology.
• Research and Experimental Psychology, Other.
• Industrial and Organizational Psychology.
• Cyber/Computer Forensics and Counterterrorism.
• Forensic Science and Technology.
• Social Sciences, Research Methodology and Quantitative Methods.
• Econometrics and Quantitative Economics.
• Geographic Information Science and Cartography.
• Aeronautics/Aviation/Aerospace Science and Technology, General.
• Cytotechnology/Cytotechnologist.
• Clinical Laboratory Science/Medical Technology/Technologist.
• Medical Science/Scientist.
• Pharmaceutics and Drug Design.
• Medicinal and Pharmaceutical Chemistry.
• Natural Products Chemistry and Pharmacognosy.
• Clinical and Industrial Drug Development.
• Pharmacoeconomics/Pharmaceutical Economics.
• Industrial and Physical Pharmacy and Cosmetic Sciences.
• Pharmaceutical Sciences.
• Environmental Health.
• Health/Medical Physics.
• Medical Informatics.
• Management Science.
• Business Statistics.
• Actuarial Science.
• Management Sciences and Quantitative Methods, Other.

Fetching the exact names of degree programs offered in any of these disciplines is impossible because every country and college has a unique name for these subjects. Students may, however, check every university's curriculum and department details before finalizing a course.

Also check out: STEM MBA in USA Without GMAT

Popular STEM Courses: Jobs and Salaries

Some of the popular STEM courses have been enlisted below along with their median salaries for international students' reference:

Source: research.com

STEM courses are very rewarding in terms of jobs, lucrative salaries, salary growth year over year, research, and other aspects. Students who decide to take STEM courses can also excel in research and opt for doctoral programs.

STEM Curriculum

The curriculum of STEM courses requires its students to go through the following steps:

Early Years of STEM Courses

The early years of any STEM course revolve around providing students with more typical and compulsory core modules. As they progress through the years, students are likely to choose from an array of specializations. These are further assessed via dissertations and coursework instead of timed examinations.

Studying Abroad for a STEM Course

STEM course students benefit from studying and interning abroad at an international university. They experience huge benefits from global teaching expertise and resources. These opportunities are specifically available during summer breaks.

Research Projects after STEM Courses

Students must work on in-depth research projects depending on their course requirements. Some courses may require their students to work on multiple theses and extended publications on recognized platforms. This work is common in courses that last for four years.

Such projects allow scholars to produce their research while working alongside other veteran researchers at the institutions. As a result, students may land exciting careers and further study opportunities.

Assessments for STEM Courses

Written examinations and dissertations primarily assess degrees. The exams are generally divided into two parts:

1. ‘Prelims’ or ‘Mods’ exams
2. Final university exams

Some colleges may also set specific examinations at the beginning of the term, which may be called ‘collections’. These are designed to assess the students’ satisfactory progress through the course. These are not counted or included in the final degree.

Please note that this approach is mostly followed by the topmost universities abroad. These patterns may vary substantially with different universities. Many universities may have more or less to their curriculum. These were the generic curriculum followed by STEM courses, which may have specific global variations and domains.

Excited to commence your journey in STEM courses studying abroad? Wondering if you are eligible to pursue STEM education abroad? Or maybe thinking, ‘What after STEM?’ Refer to:

• STEM Eligibility
• Global Prospects after STEM

Types of STEAM Education

There are five types of STEAM education and they are as follows:

• Science
• Technology
• Engineering
• Arts
• Management

Interested in studying STEM subjects abroad? Sign up for free Shiksha Abroad Counselling.