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.
Entrepreneurship: STEM students in the US also have access to a supportive startup ecosystem, with many resources available to help them launch their own businesses or join startups.
#3 World-Class Education
STEM students in the USA have access to world-class education, thanks to the country's top-ranked universities, innovative research facilities, and industry partnerships. Here are some of the reasons why the USA is known for providing exceptional STEM education:
Top-Ranked Universities: The USA is home to some of the best universities in the world, including many that are renowned for their STEM programs. Institutions like the Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT), California Institute of Technology (Caltech), and Stanford University consistently rank among the top universities worldwide for STEM education.
Innovative Research Facilities: The USA is also home to many research facilities that provide state-of-the-art resources for STEM students. The National Institutes of Health (NIH), the National Science Foundation (NSF), and the National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA) are just a few examples of organizations that offer opportunities for STEM students to conduct cutting-edge research.
Industry Partnerships: Many universities in the USA have partnerships with industry leaders in STEM fields, providing students with access to internships, research opportunities, and job prospects after graduation. For example, Carnegie Mellon University has partnerships with companies like Google and Intel, while the Massachusetts Institute of Technology has partnerships with organizations like Boeing and General Electric.
Flexibility and Diversity: STEM education in the USA is also known for its flexibility and diversity, with a range of programs and specializations available to meet the needs of students with different interests and career goals.
#4 Silicon Valley
Silicon Valley is a region in the United States that is widely regarded as the IT hub of the world. Located in the southern San Francisco Bay Area of California, Silicon Valley is home to some of the world's largest and most innovative technology companies, including Apple, Google, Facebook, and Tesla.
Silicon Valley has a thriving startup ecosystem, with many venture capitalists, incubators, and accelerators that support the growth of new companies. The region's culture of innovation and entrepreneurship has led to the development of many groundbreaking technologies, including the personal computer, the internet, and mobile devices.
The concentration of technology companies in Silicon Valley has also led to a highly skilled workforce in the region, with many talented professionals in fields like software engineering, data analytics, and artificial intelligence.
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#5 Diversified Student Body
STEM education in the US benefits from a diverse student body that brings together students from different backgrounds, cultures, and perspectives. Here are some of the ways in which diversity is fostered in STEM education in the US:
Inclusive Admissions Policies: Many universities in the US have inclusive admissions policies that seek to attract students from diverse backgrounds. Admissions offices may consider factors beyond academic performance, such as extracurricular activities, community involvement, and personal experiences.
International Student Programs: The US is home to many international students who come to the country to pursue STEM education. Universities have established programs and resources to support the academic and social integration of international students, including English language classes, cultural events, and mentorship programs.
Scholarships and Financial Aid: The US offers a range of scholarships and financial aid options for students, including those from underrepresented communities or low-income backgrounds. This helps to make STEM education more accessible to students from diverse backgrounds.
Diversity and Inclusion Initiatives: Many universities in the US have established diversity and inclusion initiatives to support students from underrepresented communities. These initiatives may include mentorship programs, academic support services, and cultural events that help students feel included and connected to the broader campus community.
Collaborative Learning Environments: STEM education in the US often emphasizes collaborative learning environments, where students work together in teams to solve complex problems. This creates opportunities for students from diverse backgrounds to learn from each other and share their perspectives and experiences.
Now that you’ve read this post, you know exactly why the United States of America is one of the best countries to study STEM. So, what are you waiting for? Start exploring your options and take the first step towards a fulfilling career in STEM today, by talking to Edu Experts' consultant at +012 8822385 or send your enquiries HERE.