Benefits of Pursuing Higher Education in the USA in STEM Specialties

Education in the USA

In recent years, I have noticed that students who plan to enter and study at universities in the United States of America, in most cases, choose majors related to the study of business, finance, economics, or more humanitarian areas. Only in the last year has there been interest in specialties at American universities that are related to the study of such subjects as: mathematics, science, technology and engineering. In US universities, these subjects are usually called in one word – STEM, and this term is increasingly beginning to appear on Ukrainian sites that write about education in the United States of America.

In this article, I want to consider in detail the specialties of STEM, namely how they arose and what benefits Ukrainian students who study these disciplines at American universities receive.

STEM is an abbreviation of the terms Science (science), Technology (technology), Engineering (engineering), Mathematics (Mathematics). This term is very often used by American universities and, accordingly, students to refer to disciplines related to the study of science, engineering, mathematics and technology. The disciplines are interconnected, for example, the study of mathematics helps in the development of engineering specialties, including scientific ones, mathematics lays the foundation for the further study of physics, and physics, in turn, is necessary for engineers.

At the end of the last century, this term became quite popular thanks to the American government, which conducted research and found out what kind of specialists were lacking in the American labor market. Just like at the end of the last century, the United States of America still lacks specialists who worked in high-tech jobs related to research, development of technology, engineering, etc. The American government has determined that the shortage of specialists will only grow. It was determined that in the period from 2012 to 2020, about 9 million specialists in the STEM field will be needed. Since Americans cannot fill the jobs that have arisen, the US government has launched a program to attract foreign specialists, through education and with the further possibility of getting a good job.

What are the benefits for students from Ukraine who study STEM subjects at US universities?
First of all, students who study STEM majors can work up to 20 hours while studying at a US university, and up to 40 hours during the summer holidays. But students of other specialties also get this opportunity.

But recently, The US Department of Homeland Security Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE), made a statement that they are expanding the list of specialties, which are included in the concept of STEM, in addition, students who have successfully completed their studies and received a diploma, may stay to work in the United States for up to 29 months on programsfor graduates of American universities – Optional Practical Training – OPT STEM. I remind you that students of other majors are only allowed to stay up to 17 months.

In my opinion, the biggest advantage of these majors is still employment. It is important for students and parents whether a university graduate will find a job after graduation, and this is the question that all students ask me without exception. In the case of STEM specialties, I can say with confidence – Yes. Moreover, work in these specialties is one of the highest paid in the United States.

Which are the best US EduSteps partner universities to teach STEM majors?

We offer a large selection of institutions throughout the United States, but among those that offer majors STEM, especially I want to highlight:

Auburn University, AL
Florida International University, FL
University of Central Florida, FL
Louisiana State University, LA
University of Kansas, KS
University of South Carolina, SC

We remind you that admission to American universities with EDUSTEPS is free. We will be happy to advise you and select the educational institution that meets not only your requirements, but also the high level of teaching.