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With the increasing popularity of STEM majors, more and more students are choosing to pursue these fields. But have you ever thought about why you chose a STEM major and what kind of professional you aspire to be? Understanding the background of your major is fundamental to knowing why you chose it and what kind of professional you want to become. Today, let's delve into why STEM education is important and why universities are investing heavily in this area.


 

The Rising Popularity of STEM Majors

Higher Education Among STEM Professionals

Did you know that more STEM professionals hold at least a bachelor's degree compared to their non-STEM counterparts? According to the U.S. Census Bureau ACS, about 45% of STEM workers hold at least a bachelor's degree, compared to 34% of workers in non-STEM fields.


 

Looking at the graph, we can see that the majority of STEM professionals hold at least a bachelor's degree, whereas only about a quarter of all occupations require this level of education. The U.S. Department of Labor projects that by 2024, many STEM fields will require at least a bachelor's degree. In just ten years, the demand for highly skilled professionals has increased by approximately 23%.

As the demand for skilled workers in the U.S. comes primarily from STEM fields, most students entering college are likely to choose a STEM major. This trend indicates that STEM students have higher employment rates and diverse career opportunities. Consequently, universities are making significant investments in higher education for STEM fields.

 

Increasing Demand for Higher Education in STEM


 

This table shows the increasing number of fields within STEM that require at least a bachelor's degree. But why are there relatively more professionals with higher degrees in STEM fields?

1. Technological Advancement and Innovation

The most significant reason is technological advancement and innovation. STEM fields require continuous technological progress and innovation, necessitating highly educated and experienced individuals. Higher education provides essential knowledge and expertise in these areas, making those with advanced degrees stand out.

2. Balancing Supply and Demand

Another reason is the balance of supply and demand. STEM fields are in high demand in modern society, requiring technical knowledge and expertise. Therefore, higher education and specialization are needed. On the other hand, some non-STEM fields may emphasize other attributes such as communication skills or attitudes, resulting in lower demand for higher degrees.
 

3. Strengthening Educational Systems

Many countries are strengthening their educational systems to support and attract students in STEM fields. These efforts can increase the number of individuals obtaining degrees in STEM. There are other reasons, but let's focus on the enhancement of educational systems, which is likely to be of most interest to students.
 

Investment in STEM Education


 

Every year, the U.S. government invests significant amounts of money in STEM education, with the investment increasing annually. Universities are also making considerable investments in STEM majors, providing a wide range of STEM-related curricula and opportunities. These investments include research support, recruiting excellent faculty, and enhancing facilities and equipment. For students, partnerships with industries and real-world opportunities are incredibly beneficial. For instance, Northeastern University runs a cooperative program called CO-OP, offering students opportunities to work at renowned companies like Apple, Google, and Facebook. Many other universities are also heavily investing in excellent programs.