There are plenty of potential benefits of pursuing careers in STEM, such as the opportunity to work on innovative breakthroughs in science and technology, and the development of transferable skills.^{(See disclaimer 1)} If you’re a naturally inquisitive individual who enjoys the thought of working in fields such as engineering, healthcare or computer science, then consider earning a STEM degree in college.

A STEM career is one that involves science, technology, engineering or mathematics. STEM jobs span across a multitude of subfields and different industries.

Science alone, for example, has numerous branches including biology, medical science, chemistry, environmental science and psychology. Similarly, the engineering field encompasses mechanical engineering, electrical engineering, chemical engineering and environmental engineering, just to name a few.

STEM jobs typically require field-specific education and technical skills, such as advanced competencies in mathematics or computer science. They also require a range of soft skills, including critical thinking, problem-solving, communication, creativity and leadership.^{(See disclaimer 2)}

A career in STEM can allow you to address practical problems and contribute to innovative advancements in your field. You might be interested in a career in STEM for personal reasons, but it’s also worth considering the societal impact, particularly if you seek a career that can make a difference.

Tackling Significant Problems

STEM careers often focus on addressing everyday problems that affect people and communities. Some of the major issues that a professional with a job in STEM might work to address can include the following:

• Topsoil depletion that threatens agriculture and food security
• Lack of sufficient access to clean water
• Building design flaws that create vulnerabilities in earthquake-prone areas
• Poor urban development that leads to daily traffic jams in a metro area

Other issues that STEM careers can help solve to help make everyday life better for others include:

• Creating an app that allows family caregivers to collaborate and coordinate tasks for a loved one with cancer
• Engineering buttons and zippers that are easier for people with advanced Parkinson’s disease to handle
• Developing a GPS tracker for trail runners and hikers to facilitate search and rescue when needed

Driving Innovation

Why are STEM careers important for society? STEM professionals, such as those who work in research and development, are responsible for fueling innovation and enhancing a country’s global competitiveness. They don’t just push the boundaries of their own fields forward; they can also contribute to the economic growth of a country and, consequently, its standard of living.^{(See disclaimer 3)}

What is a benefit of choosing a STEM career for yourself? If you’re interested in a science, technology or engineering field, then you’ll have the opportunity to pursue a career that could keep you satisfied with your job.^{(See disclaimer 4)} In addition, consider the following benefits:

Strong Job Growth and Career Stability

What is a STEM career’s main benefit? One of the most compelling perks of choosing a career in a STEM field is the strong job growth rate projected for the foreseeable future. According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), the projected job growth rate for all types of STEM occupations is expected to be 8.1% from 2024 through 2034. In contrast, all types of non-STEM occupations are expected to have a job growth rate of 2.7% during that same time period.^{(See disclaimer 5)}

Competitive Salaries in STEM Fields

Salaries can vary widely depending on the specific field and role. According to the BLS, the median annual wage for all types of STEM occupations was $103,580 in 2024. In contrast, the median annual wage for all types of non-STEM occupations was $48,000 in 2024. In other words, the median annual wage for STEM occupations was more than double the wage for non-STEM jobs.^{(See disclaimer 6)}

Opportunities for Innovation and Problem-Solving

If you have an innovative, creative mindset and a knack for solving everyday problems, a career in STEM could be the right fit for you. While there is a considerably diverse range of jobs in STEM fields, many types of STEM jobs offer the opportunity to work on practical problems that affect people and society.^{(See disclaimer 2)}

Career Options Across Multiple Industries

Another appealing aspect of STEM is that it’s applicable across many different industries. A STEM professional could choose to work in manufacturing, automotive or construction, for example. Other industries that hire STEM professionals include:^{(See disclaimer 2 )}

• Healthcare
• Insurance and finance
• Engineering
• Psychology and counseling
• Information technology
• Biotechnology

STEM professionals may work in offices, labs or research facilities. They may spend time doing fieldwork or work in classrooms. They can also work across different sectors, including the public and private sectors.^{(See disclaimer 2)}

Still trying to figure out which career pathway in STEM fields could be right for you? Consider the following options:

Cybersecurity

If you love the idea of working with computers and are interested in cybersecurity in particular, there are multiple options for majors. Grand Canyon University offers the BS in Cybersecurity degree and the BS in Applied Cybersecurity Management. The former degree dives into threat assessments, cyberattack response and investigations, while the latter degree focuses on IT project management, cyber law and IT governance. 

Engineering

Engineering can be a great option for students who enjoy solving everyday problems. There are many different engineering subfields to choose from, such as the following:

• Electrical engineering
• Mechanical engineering
• Software engineering
• Biomedical engineering

Healthcare

There are so many possibilities in the healthcare field that allow you to exercise creative problem-solving while also making a difference in the lives of others. If you're interested in nutrition and its effects on human health, consider earning the BS in Nutritional Sciences. Other options in the healthcare field include the following:

• BS in Medical Laboratory Science
• BS in Nursing (Pre-Licensure)
• BS in Biology with an Emphasis in Pre-Pharmacy

Artificial Intelligence

Artificial intelligence is an emerging technology with the potential to influence many different industries. If you’re interested in taking a closer look at the inner workings of AI, consider applying to GCU’s Bachelor of Science in Artificial Intelligence degree.

GCU strives to offer an enriching experience for all of our STEM students, who are encouraged to participate in our regularly scheduled events and activities that focus on technology, engineering and other STEM fields. At GCU, you can avail yourself of distinct lab spaces that provide applied learning opportunities using advanced technologies, such as our Computer-Aided Engineering Lab, the Artificial Intelligence Lab and the Cyber Center of Excellence (CCE). GCU’s campus also boasts a Virtual Reality Lab, Intelligent Systems Lab and Robotics/Automation Lab.

At GCU, you can choose from a wide variety of career-focused STEM degrees across fields that combine didactic coursework with applied experiential learning. Some of our STEM degrees can even be earned via online classes. Explore our online STEM degrees today to find the right fit for you.

To get started with your learning journey at GCU, fill out the form on this page. You’ll be able to speak with a university counselor about the admission process and what you can expect from STEM education at GCU.