STEM graduates are in high demand across many industries. STEM degrees are highly regarded by employers but they are difficult to pursue. In this article, we will discuss whether STEM degrees are worth it or not.
Is a STEM Degree Worth It?
A STEM degree is certainly worth it. Although pursuing a STEM degree is challenging you will get awesome benefits by doing so. A STEM degree will improve your chances of being employable, increase your earning potential, and teach you valuable skills that are useful in many different fields.
It is impossible to deny that STEM majors have a tough time at college. You will have to drastically improve your math and science abilities. Moreover, you will have to work on your critical thinking and problem-solving skills. There is a massive jump in the difficulty between your high school classes and STEM courses at college.
STEM courses have a notorious reputation for being difficult and abstract. They are not easy to understand. You must spend countless hours before you can somewhat master the underlying principles of the classes you take.
However, you will be handsomely rewarded for all the difficulties you face at the STEM program in your college. STEM majors have nearly unrivalled salaries after graduating. This is because the work engineers and scientists partake in is stressful and complicated.
As a STEM graduate, you can expect employers will do anything to convince you to work in their companies. This is because there is a dearth of STEM workers.
As a result, employers will lure you with attractive benefits such as flexible hours, gym memberships, more vacation time, tuition assistance, student load assistance, free snacks and coffee, pension plans, health and dental insurance, and an option to buy stocks.
The cost of a STEM degree is another point to consider while deciding whether a STEM degree is worth it. STEM degrees are on average are more expensive than their non-STEM counterparts. The cost of studying Medicine or engineering is much higher than say accounting.
STEM degrees cost more because you have additional classes, more lab sessions, specialized professors, and more expensive equipment.
For some subjects such as Medicine, you may have to give additional standardized exams such as the MCAT. Many students hire private tutors and buy expensive guidebooks to help them with these exams.
Are STEM Degrees Better?
STEM degrees are slightly better than other degrees. Although STEM degrees lead to higher-paying jobs and greater benefits they are difficult and challenging to pursue. Non-STEM degrees might not be as lucrative but they are less stressful and easier to study for.
STEM degrees are better because they are more in demand than their counterparts. STEM degrees will lead to greater job opportunities and a chance to make a meaningful impact in the lives of people.
Overall a STEM major will open many doors for you. Getting a STEM degree is the biggest challenge. If you want to pursue a STEM major be prepared for huge workloads, difficult courses, perplexing concepts, and lots of stress.
Are STEM Degrees Harder?
STEM degrees are much more difficult than their non-STEM counterparts. STEM degrees are harder because they are more detailed, competitive, and challenging. STEM degrees have more demanding workloads, less grade inflation, and harsher grading.
STEM courses have a notorious reputation for being difficult and abstract. They are not easy to understand in the slightest. You will probably spend countless hours before you can somewhat grasp the underlying principles of the classes you take.
Fulfilling the requirements of a STEM major is an uphill task. You will have to take multiple math and science courses before you can proceed with the more technical classes specific to your major.
Calculus II, Differential Equations, Physics, and Chemistry are known to be “weed out” classes. Many students drop out of a STEM program thanks to these very courses. These classes have perplexing concepts and challenging subject matter.
Once you have completed the core courses you will progress to the more in-depth technical classes that will prepare you for your career. The technical courses are just as difficult as the core ones if not harder.
Are STEM Majors Smarter?
STEM majors are usually smarter individuals than those who study for other degrees. STEM majors are smarter because a STEM degree is harder and a lot more stressful to pursue. STEM majors have to be smart otherwise they would not be able to cope with the challenges of a STEM degree.
You can expect STEM majors to have above-average IQs, technical mindsets, strong analytical skills, and great problem-solving abilities. More often than not STEM majors have a strong academic history.
However, not all STEM majors are highly intelligent individuals. Some STEM majors manage to get a degree by managing their time well and working extremely hard.
Subjects like engineering, IT, science, and math attract the most talented individuals due to the advantages they hold over non-STEM majors. This further increases the competitiveness of a STEM program.
Many high achieving students take up STEM subjects. However, universities cannot give everyone the top grade. As a result, university professors make their exams difficult and curb grade inflation. This leads to many bright students getting lower grades than what they would have got in other non-STEM subjects.
Conclusion
Although a STEM degree is a lucrative venture it is not only sunshine and rainbows. You can expect a high salary, awesome benefits, and loads of job opportunities. At the same time, you should be prepared for big loans, many challenges, and a stressful college experience.
No college degree will guarantee a well-paying job. Individual potential plays a big role in determining how successful you become.
If you are passionate about the STEM field and willing to work very hard despite all odds then you should certainly go for it.
It is up to you to weigh the positives and drawbacks and decide whether a STEM degree will be worth it or not. Selecting your college major is one of the most important decisions in your life, so choose wisely and carefully.
