Students interested in pursuing fascinating, lucrative careers in growing fields might consider the degrees from which these careers often "stem." In higher education, STEM translates to science, technology, engineering and math.
Degrees in these subject areas can lead to careers in nanotechnology, alternative energy and more. And, with online school classes and online degree programs, students can embark upon these studies with fewer scheduling constraints hindering their achievement of a science degree.
Obtaining a STEM degree doesn't necessarily mean becoming a mathematician or scientist. Graduates with STEM degrees might help create products such as iPods and computer memory sticks. They might engineer solar and wind energy products or even develop or maintain NASA space technologies.
Students have a variety of online degree programs in the STEM studies from which to choose. Men and women in the engineering field alone are charged with developing products, as well as problem solutions. Their responsibilities also include testing, production and maintenance, according to the U.S. Department of Labor.
Engineers work in computers, electronics, mechanics and the environment, and online degree programs offer specialties in these areas. Online degree programs also include civil, industrial, mechanical and geological engineering. In the technology area, online schools offer degrees in everything from computers to health information and education. Online degree programs likely wouldn't be possible without the help of technology specialists who at some point studied the STEM subjects.
And the federal government has for years encouraged STEM studies participation. STEM-related careers, according to some, can help boost the economy and allow the United States to remain competitive with other countries. Women and minorities particularly have been encouraged to prepare for STEM-related careers. Online school studies in STEM subjects, accessible from anywhere a student has access to a computer, provide the flexibility that many students need to continue their education.
Calculus might not seem applicable to the "real" world when it's thought of in a classroom setting, but it's a tool that can be used in areas such as design and construction. Even some of the best known musicians and actors have reportedly majored in STEM subjects. Among them: Art Garfunkel, said to hold a bachelor of science in math and music; Donald Sutherland, who reportedly earned a bachelor of arts in engineering, and Ashton Kutcher, who's said to have majored in biochemical engineering.
STEM degrees earned from an online school might not have students walking the red carpet any time soon, but they could very well provide job security. Even in a tight job market, the demand for engineers is rising three times the rate of other professions, according to a report from the National Career Development Association. Women are especially in high demand in STEM fields, the report noted.
Some have suggested that taking STEM courses through a college online might help with everyday issues such as checkbook balancing and decision making. And, like many subjects, STEM studies conducted by those enrolled in college online might prove useful in careers outside of the traditional science, technology, engineering and math realms.
Students interested in STEM studies at the undergraduates and graduate degree levels might also find assistance with paying for online IT degree programs or classes offered by colleges online. Scholarship and fellowship opportunities are available for science degrees online through organizations such as NASA, the National Science Foundation, the National Engineering Education Association and Science, Mathematics & Research for Transformation (SMART).
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