career countdown: the 5 best STEM degrees to pursue today.
Good news for you lucky left-brainers out there: A recent Bankrate analysis of the best college majors to pursue across all fields of study returned a top five list populated exclusively by STEM majors.
If you’re a soon-to-be college freshman or an established professional looking for a mid-career shift, a STEM degree can provide a lot of bang for your buck, provided it matches your interests. STEM graduates enjoy higher median wages than workers in other fields ($77,400 compared to $46,900). Plus, with STEM occupations on track to grow over two times faster than all other occupations by decade’s end, they’ll have no shortage of opportunities, to boot.
So which five majors were found to be most lucrative? We’ll count them down here and dive into each one to help you determine if a career in STEM is right for you.
5. transportation sciences and technologies
Remember travelling? As the pandemic-plagued world gradually emerges from hibernation, two years worth of pent-up wanderlust is starting to be unleashed. Against that backdrop, there’s never been a better time to pursue studies in transportation sciences and technologies.
With a median annual income of $86,000 and an unemployment rate of 1.8 percent, a degree in transportation sciences and technologies can lead to a variety of lucrative careers. Whether you enjoy the under-the-hood nitty gritty of aircraft maintenance and repair or want to flex your operational acumen in a transportation setting, this field of study has something for everyone. It should come as no surprise, then, that some of the most popular careers within this major are aircraft mechanics and service technicians followed by general and operations managers. But this degree path can also lead to opportunities in aerospace engineering or a career as a ship and boat captain or operator.
Aircraft mechanics and service technicians must secure a certificate from the Federal Aviation Administration, while those pursuing an operational track can get by with just a bachelor’s degree. It’s a three-part test, consisting of a written examination along with oral and practical evaluations within a 24-month timeframe. Once completed, aircraft mechanics must demonstrate ongoing practice and actively participate in aircraft inspection and repair every 90 days in order to maintain their certification.
4. aerospace engineering
The only field of study that can’t be brushed away with a pithy “It’s not rocket science” remark, aerospace engineering is one of today’s most valuable college degrees. Responsible for the design of aircrafts, spacecrafts, satellites and missiles, aerospace engineers work primarily in manufacturing and government settings.
It’s a rigorous field of study featuring highly technical work, but degreed aerospace engineers are well rewarded: The median annual income is an even $100,000 and the unemployment rate is impressively low, clocking in at just 1.9 percent. In fact, the quality of this degree is reflected in the surprisingly low bar for required certifications. Contrary to other engineering occupations, additional certifications for aerospace engineering aren’t as common, and rarely required at the entry level. That means you can hit the ground running as soon as you’ve got that shiny new diploma in hand.
3. computer engineering
Computer science and electrical engineering converge in the exciting world of computer engineering. Computer engineers are instrumental in both hardware and software development, and are involved in many aspects of computing ranging from microprocessor design to supercomputer development and circuitry. For those interested in working on the dominant technologies of tomorrow, like AI or its subset, machine learning — this is the degree to get. Annual growth rate for these technologies is projected to increase 33.2 percent by 2027, making it exciting work in an area that will only see need increase.
Given the many areas of specialization that fall within their purview, computer engineering degree programs often require students to select an area of focus after first undergoing training in engineering basics. This flexibility in studies is a major selling point, but the potential job prospects upon graduation are really what shoot computer engineering toward the top of the list: Median annual income for occupation in this field is: $101,000, with an additional low unemployment rate of 2.3 percent.
While additional certifications aren’t required, computer engineers looking to hone their skills in a specific field can pursue additional learning opportunities. Certifications to consider include:
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Down the road, a Professional Engineer (PE) license is also an option. Generally though, this licensure is most valuable to engineers looking to start their own firms or work independently as a consultant.
2. construction services
Looking to play a part in the literal post-pandemic rebuild? After a rough 2020, the construction industry is well situated for a rebound, with some analysts predicting 15 percent growth once the 2021 numbers are tallied and analyzed. If you're a builder by nature, and don't mind getting your hands a little dirty, then a degree in construction services could be for you.
With a median annual income of $80,000 and an almost non-existent unemployment rate of 1 percent, your services will be well in-demand — and properly compensated. A construction services degree can open all kinds of doors, from construction management to cost estimation and civil engineering.
Given the many career tracks that fall within this umbrella, additional certifications can be helpful in giving candidates an edge when it comes to finding employment. While you won’t need one to get your start in the industry, depending on which path you end up choosing, you may want to look into certifications like:
CCM (Certified Construction Manager) from the Construction Management Association of America
1. architectural engineering
Highly specialized civil engineers, architectural engineers focus exclusively on the technical aspects of building construction and design. It’s a niche degree in an area of need, making it the most valuable college degree to pursue today. So valuable, in fact, that it’s not uncommon for students to land jobs before they even graduate. Needless to say, with demand like that, additional professional certifications aren’t required to start working in the field. However, down the road, architectural engineers with at least four years of professional experience are eligible to receive their Professional Engineer (PE) license from the National Council of Examiners for Engineering and Surveying (NCEES). However this highly-coveted professional license is regulated on the state level, so it’s important for prospective applicants to check with their local regulations regarding the more specific requirements.
On the whole, architectural engineers enjoy a median salary of $90,000 and a low unemployment rate of 1.3 percent. Their work lies at the intersection of technology and sustainability, putting graduates at the center of two great societal needs. Reimagining where and how we live and work for the future is a lofty goal, but if you’re up to the challenge, obtaining a degree in architectural engineering is just about as close as you can get to guaranteed employment.
key takeaways
From robots to roads to work that’s literally out of this world, a STEM degree can provide a gateway to exciting opportunities in cutting-edge, future-proof fields. From a practical standpoint, pursuing one of these five degrees is a no-brainer — however it takes more than just a cool analysis of job prospects and potential earnings to settle on a rewarding career. It’s an important part of the equation, for sure, but shouldn’t be the sole focus behind your decision. That said, if any of these degrees strike the right balance between pay and passion for you, you’ll be on the right track for a rewarding and profitable career.