by Michael Feder
Just look
- The National Science Foundation introduced the term STEM in 2001, which stands for "Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics".
- MINT degree programs vary depending on the discipline and can accompany you on different career paths.
- The arts and humanities play an important role in the STEM career and thus the term "STEAM" was born adding the arts to the disciplines.
- University of Phoenix(UOPX) offers degrees in STEM and STEAM.
What is STEM?
If you've been researching possible degrees or careers, chances are you've come across "STEM". This acronym covers a wide range of disciplines and curricula, particularly science and mathematics.
If you're wondering, "What does STEM mean?" or "What does MINT mean for me and my education?" then you have landed on the right article.
This is what we will cover:
- Meaning of STEM and STEAM
- The most important STEM subjects
- Gemeinsame MINT-Majors
- STEM and STEM education and careers
What does STEM mean?
MINT was introduced as a term by the in 2001National Science Foundationand has since become popular. STEM stands for Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics. While each of these educational disciplines can be broken down into more specific areas and curricula, they share many similarities.
For example, all four disciplines focus on analytical approaches to objectively solving real-world problems. STEM education does not focus on poetry or the unanswered dilemmas of philosophy, but on concrete questions with right and wrong answers.
This does not mean that each of these disciplines follows the same path. A math curriculum might approach a specific problem through the lens of equations, while engineering uses a hands-on experiment to arrive at the same conclusion. Understanding which approach appeals to you the most can be an important part of choosing your path in STEM.
What are STEM fields?
We'll break down the details of each STEM field below, which should help answer the question, "What does STEM mean?"
Science
In the MINT context, science refers to the disciplines that describe natural phenomena, also called natural sciences. These include subjects such as chemistry, biology,environmental sciencesand physics Social sciences such as psychology or economics do not fall under the STEM meaning of science.
Technology
You are probably reading this blog on a computer, tablet or phone. This would not be possible without engineering students expanding what is possible through innovation.
In STEM, technology includes disciplines such ascomputer science, web development, medical technology and much more. The technology also has a number of security issues, which is why students are looking for oneBachelor in Cybersecurityto deal with potential threats.
mechanical engineering
Engineering is the experimental work that helps make technology possible. What does that mean exactly? For example, a mechanical engineer probably designed the machines in the car you drove to work. Engineers are responsible for testing, analyzing, and improving the designs of the technologies we use every day.
mathematics
Mathematics forms the basis for scientific, technical and engineering work. It can be divided into "pure mathematics" and "applied mathematics". Pure mathematics focuses on the development of new mathematical concepts at the level of numbers and equations. These include disciplines such as algebra, analysis and geometry.
Applied mathematics, on the other hand, refers to mathematics developed for practical applications. Statistics,data scienceand theoretical physics, for example, are mathematical fields that largely attempt to solve specific real-world problems.
It's important to remember that there is a lot of overlap between STEM subjects in any discipline. Many curricula borrow more or less aspects of each discipline. However, together they make up the meaning of STEM!
What are STEM jobs?
While you have a general interest in STEM subjects, your choice of major will likely emphasize one STEM discipline or another. hunt aMasters in CybersecurityÖMasters in Business Informatics, for example, will probably introduce you more to technology and engineering than to math or science.
Here are some common specialties, broken down by discipline:
Science
- materials science
- Biology
- Chemie
- physics
Technology
- software development
- database management
- computer programming
mechanical engineering
- information technology
- Space technology
- petroleum engineering
- nuclear science
mathematics
- The statistics
- actuarial science
- General Mathematics
This list does not claim to be complete, but gives a good overview of educational paths in the STEM field.
Why is STEM important?
We will answer this question in two parts. First, let's talk about what STEM means to the world at large.
Innovations in STEM subjects have defined almost every aspect of modern life, from the cars you see on the streets to the medical technology that saves lives every day. All of this would not be possible without the dedicated study and efforts of people in the STEM subjects.
Each innovation builds on a previous one. While it can be difficult to see what a new discovery entails broadly, it leads to, and may even enable, another discovery that will completely change the way our world works. It took engineers like Thomas Edison several centuries of scientific study and experimentation to enlighten the world.
This speaks to how STEM disciplines influence and affect each other. It can take years of math or science to create a solid foundation for a technological application. Understanding what STEM means helps us appreciate the intellectual determination that makes modern life possible.
Second, and perhaps more importantly for you, let's talk about why STEM is important in education.
STEM degrees can prepare you for a variety of jobs in the technology field. miracles for exampleWhat you can do with a computer science degree? Job options range from data analyst to software developer. Most business owners know that cutting edge IT skills can lead to competitive advantage. Such skills can mean the difference between a new product that outperforms the competition and losing customers to another company's superior offering.
However, creating new products is not half of everything when it comes to the usefulness of STEM in business. Just looking after a data center that is suitable for day-to-day business requires a lot of experience. (And that's just the beginning ofwhat you can do with a computer science degree!)
Popular STEM Careers
Wondering how else this STEM degree can be used? Check out these popular STEM careers as reported by the US Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS).
| Worked | National median salary range | educational requirements | Employment 2020 |
|---|---|---|---|
| energy engineer energy engineer | energy engineer 103.380 $ | energy engineer diploma | energy engineer 167.100 |
| biological scientist biological scientist | biological scientist 85.290 $ | biological scientist diploma | biological scientist 46.200 |
| civil engineer civil engineer | civil engineer 88.570 $ | civil engineer diploma | civil engineer 309.800 |
| computer programs computer programs | computer programs $89.190 | computer programs diploma | computer programs 185.700 |
| physicist physicist | physicist 129.850 $ | physicist PhD, Post-Doc | physicist 17.400 |
| data scientist data scientist | data scientist 98.230 $ | data scientist diploma | data scientist 63.200 |
| Statistical Statistical | Statistical 92.270 $ | Statistical Master-Studium | Statistical 42.000 |
| fuel cell engineer fuel cell engineer | fuel cell engineer 90.160 $ | fuel cell engineer Bachelor/Master | fuel cell engineer 299.200 |
Salary ranges are not specific to University of Phoenix undergraduate or graduate students. Actual results will vary based on several factors, including prior work experience, geographic location, and other factors specific to the individual. The University of Phoenix does not guarantee employment, salary level, or advancement. BLS data is geographically based. Information for a specific state/city can be found on the BLS website.
How can I start my STEM career?
If all this sounds exciting to you and you feel ready to start your STEM career, then you should ideally do a STEM apprenticeship. Degree programs show potential employers that you have the essential STEM knowledge that is required in STEM-related areas.
Which certificate or course you choose depends on your interests and skills. ABachelor of Science in Cybersicherheit, for example, is perfect for anyone looking for an exciting career where they can learn how to protect data from cyber threats. Would you like to learn how to save the planet and reverse ecological damage? then oneProgram in Environmental Sciencesmay be more your speed.
People expect different things from their education, which is why many schools offer certificate programs in addition to traditional degrees. These programs tend to be shorter and focused on a specific interest, but may cost less tuition and take less time to complete.
deserves hisCloud Computing Certificateis, for example, a great addition to the training you have already achieved. These programs demonstrate your knowledge of specific skills. Just the right thing to stand out from the rest!
If you are interested in a STEM career, UOPX offers associate, bachelor's, and certificate degrees in a variety of technology areas, as well as programs that incorporate STEM into their curriculum. Visitphoenix.eduLearn more!
What about the humanities?
Just because you're interested in STEM (we're assuming by the time you've gotten this far in the article) does that mean you have to give up other pursuits? The humanities, which include everything from philosophy to anthropology to literature, can also be an important part of who you are as a person.
For this reason, many educators have advocated the inclusion of the arts in STEM education. And so the acronym STEAM was born!
The humanities and humanities play an important role in many STEM careers. For example, it's one thing to design a phone that's more functional than the rest. However, without an attractive design to resonate with potential customers, this phone might not sell as well.
STEM subjects help us to find concrete answers to difficult questions; However, for many problems there are no clear solutions. For example, engineers working on self-driving cars face difficult philosophical decisions when designing those vehicles. If an autonomous car is about to run over a pedestrian, should it veer off the road and injure the driver, but spare the pedestrian? It's not a question that can be answered by mathematical equations or clever engineering.
To address issues like these, the humanities have been integrated into STEM education. The arts help STEM staff to solve problems of subjectivity when objectivity is not enough.
Understanding what STEM means and how to incorporate it into your education can help you discover the educational path that's right for you. Do you enjoy using computers to solve everyday business problems? then oneOnline-IT-Studiumcould be a good choice. Perhaps you prefer solving complex theoretical equations and discovering the mysteries of the universe. start with aIntroductory course in mathematics.
Wherever you are in your educational journey and whatever your interests lie, there is a STEM path for you!
Women have their own version of STEM. look howWomen who work in technologyOvercome challenges to be successful.
Start your STEM journey with atechnology degreefrom the University of Phoenix!