5 Amazing Reasons Why You Should Study STEM in the USA
Updated: Mar 14
As the world progresses and technology developments occur on a daily basis, the demand for highly skilled personnel with solid subject-matter expertise and technological ability is increasing in all businesses experiencing rapid growth. As a result, STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering & Mathematics) courses are becoming increasingly important for students all around the world.
This makes it certain that choosing a career in a field that falls under the umbrella of STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Math) is the ideal career choice, but the question of where to study STEM is always a dilemma. With all the attention that comes with being a STEM hub, the USA has shown to be a wise choice.
Reasons to Study STEM in the USA
Why the USA in this instance? The solution to this query is available in this article.
The USA offers its students the best education available anywhere in the globe. The US is home to some of the best academic institutions, the majority of which routinely place high in global university rankings. More than 25 of the top 100 universities in the world, according to the QS World University Rankings 2023, are American universities, including Yale University, Columbia University, Cornell University, Dartmouth College, Harvard University, and the University of Pennsylvania, all of which are renowned for their STEM programmes.
Yet in addition to the colleges, there are other advantages to obtaining STEM degrees in the USA. Here are a few of the reasons
#1 Visa Extension in the USA for STEM Graduates
STEM graduates who wish to continue working in the United States can extend their visa through several programs:
Optional Practical Training (OPT) program: allows international students with an F-1 visa to work in the US for up to 12 months after graduation. STEM graduates may be eligible for a 24-month extension of their OPT period, for a total of 36 months of work authorization.
H-1B visa: is a non-immigrant visa that allows US employers to hire foreign workers in specialty occupations. This visa is often used by STEM graduates who wish to work in the US for a longer period. However, obtaining an H-1B visa can be competitive, and the number of visas available each year is limited.
O-1 visa: for individuals with extraordinary ability or achievement in their field
EB-2 visa: for professionals with advanced degrees or exceptional ability in the arts, sciences, or business.
#2 Great Career Prospects
STEM students in the United States have excellent career prospects, with a wide range of opportunities in various fields. Here are some of the reasons why:
High Demand: There is a high demand for STEM professionals in the US job market. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, STEM occupations are projected to grow by 8.8% from 2018 to 2028, which is faster than the average for all occupations.
Competitive Salaries: STEM jobs typically offer high salaries, even at entry-level positions. For example, according to Glassdoor, the average salary for a software engineer in the US is around $100,000 per year.
Diverse Job Opportunities: STEM students have a wide range of job opportunities in various fields, including engineering, healthcare, computer science, and data analysis, among others.
Innovation and Advancement: STEM fields are constantly evolving and advancing, providing exciting opportunities for students to contribute to groundbreaking research and innovations.