Sociology - 1037 Words

SOC 101 WRITTEN ASSIGNMENT 1 People are complex. Our various characteristics, including but not limited to, behaviors, ideals, perspectives, attitudes, and physical attributes make us who we are as individuals and society as a whole. The macrocosm of society, by default of the people within it, is supremely complex. As we would expect, society is evolutionary and as such, there are numerous theoretical approaches to its study. The three major theoretical approaches are examined here. The functionalist approach, in its simplest form, is analogous to a puzzle or a car. In the puzzle, each piece fits into another creating the picture. In a car, each part has a function. The engine makes the car run, the steering wheel enables†¦show more content†¦Hydraulic fracturing, commonly referred to as fracking, is a process used to extract natural gas or oil, in which fractures in rocks below the earths surface are opened and widened by injecting chemicals and liquids at high pressure. Fracking is a heavily discussed topic in print media. Communities across America and the globe are affected by this industrial process. Media articles describe the benefits to some, such as lower home fuel costs, and the detriment to others such as declining home values. Due to the effects of fracking such as health risks, noise pollution, and residential neighborhoods now overlooking industrial parks, families that moved to communities prior to fracking for the benefits of the location such as a superior school system, proximity to jobs and services, and the like, are now selling their homes and moving to other communities. Homeowners who sold their mineral rights for royalties could very well find themselves living in a very different community. What was once a middle- or upper-middle-class community could eventually evolve into a lower income community due to lower property values. Businesses can be affected by a smaller consumer base or a consumer base with less disposable income. Property taxes decline based on lower home values. This affects salaries of public servants such as police and fire fighters. Basically, it’s a trickledown effect. From an environmentalShow MoreRelatedSocial, Sociology, And Sociology857 Words   |  4 Pa gesindividuals who need that extra support. Social work as a subject area includes elements of psychology, law and sociology. Social policy is the study of various areas of policy, within political or governmental setting, and is concerned with everything from the welfare state, to social services. Social policy is an academic study of theory, rather than current policies and draws from psychology, sociology, philosophy, and economics. What A Levels do I need? Each university will ask for varying grades and tariffRead MoreSociology : The Function Of Sociology951 Words   |  4 PagesSociology Observation Essay Sociology is the study of development and functioning of humans in society, in other words how a person reacts in a certain situation. Although hard to understand, sociology has many important points that add into the development of someones personality, values, religion, education, etc. As Pierre Bourdieu once said â€Å"The function of sociology, as of every science, is to reveal that which is hidden.† In this case, the social group that I had studied for 24 hours had manyRead MoreThe Basic Tools Of Sociology And Sociology1034 Words   |  5 PagesArgument: In this piece, Weber outlines the basic tools of sociology and distinguishes sociology as a social science. Weber’s main message in this piece is that that social sciences should be equivalent to natural sciences, and in order to do so, laws should be made within the field. Secondly, he wanted to bring history and sociology together with causal relationships, in doing so he would also analyze the individual’s social action. He mentions that action is only social when it is oriented to theRead MoreSociology1259 Words   |  6 PagesThe concept of sociology had been recognized by independent philosophers since the dawn of organized civilization. Philosophers such as Confucius and Xenophanes in their works had hinted at the clash of cultures and social hierarchy. Later, in the 14th century, Arab scholars such as Al Jahiz and Ibn Khalduns compliled books on the history of society itself. These works are known to be forerunners of sociology. In fact, books written by Ibn K haldun on social cohesion and conflict were translatedRead MoreSociology1447 Words   |  6 Pagescome to be called the labour process approach. †¢ Context for Braverman: ⠝‘ Braverman associated with Monthly Review journal – founded in 1949 by Paul Sweezy and Leo Huberman. An influential journal but little impact on American sociology. Best known product of this school is Baran and Sweezy’s Monopoly Capital (1966). Indeed, Braverman’s analysis of work is predicated theoretically upon Baran and Sweezy’s analysis of ‘Monopoly Capital’ [ie oligopolistic, ‘organized’ capitalism. Read MoreSociology1681 Words   |  7 Pagesfunctionalism) of social class .Following this, it will look at the changes of social class. Finally, it will discuss weather the class of Britain will be dead. Theories of social class There are three basic theories which can explain social class in the sociology history. Marxism was established by Karl Marx(1813-1883).Marx explained that a social class is a group of people who have common relationship to the means of production. For Marx (2008:26), society was characterizes by two social groups: bourgeoisieRead MoreSociology1711 Words   |  7 Pagestake away from this is that you don’t shape reality, culture shapes you and how you view reality. For people who don’t know what sociology is or had no idea what it was before entering the class as I did myself, it can be simply described as a study of social life, social change, and the social causes and consequences of human behavior. A way of understanding sociology can be done through your own sociological imagination. It would be a tool that provides many important perspectives on the worldRead MoreSociology : Sociology And Sociological Thinking978 Words   |  4 PagesSociology and sociological thinking are a vital part of society, and through examining both society and individuals, sociology is able to make changes to areas such as policies, and attitudes that may have usually negatively affected them, and instead gained a positive result through the careful research, and applied knowledge. Sociology is the study of groups and individuals and the cause and effects of each, to each other, and overall society. ‘Sociology is a technical and difficult subject andRead MoreSociology And The Theoretical Perspectives Of Sociology1710 Words   |  7 PagesSociology is seen every day in our lives as humans, it is the scientific study of human behavior and society. The idea of sociology has not been around forever. The term sociology comes from a man named Auguste Comte who takes credit for this study. Not only did Comte come up with this idea but there were several things that influenced the study of Sociology and how we view it today. These influences are called the origins of sociology and they include; new idea or discipline, Industrial RevolutionRead MoreSociology : Social Science And Sociology1386 Words   |  6 Pagesto the history of sociology, it was the nineteenth century that sociology emerged, with the word ‘ sociology ’ appeared in the Cours de ph ilosophie Positive Book 4[ Auguste Comte,1838 Cours de philosophie Positive] by Comte in 1838. The social forces, however, were complicated actually, which included both social, economical, cultural and even a little bit of political or religious elements. This essay explains these factors in the following part. 2.1 Social Science and Sociology The philosophes

Should Technology Be Taught 21st Century - 1568 Words

When it comes to the topic of allowing technology in the child care classrooms, most of us will willingly agree that digital technologies provide one more outlet for young children to demonstrate their creativity and learning. Where this agreement usually ends, however, is on the question of including iPads into the curriculum in a preschool classroom. While some are convinced that introducing iPads into the curriculum means children will stop playing, pretending, and learning to socialize, others believe that children today are digital natives and therefore should be taught 21st Century Skills that will prepare them to be successful in the digital revolution, not the industrial revolution. The rationale for technology usage ranges from engaging children and allowing a flexible use according to the children’s interests, to the teacher using it to strengthen their repertoire of music and books. Others believe that the cost is not worth the specialized usage and that teachers may or may not be capable of using the technology of an iPad. Now in the 21st century, we have so many advances in technology and interactive media which are transforming how we communicate and use information in our homes and schools. The effectiveness of technology depends on them being used in the right ways, under the right circumstances, and instructed by someone that is confident with the tools. Within the framework of developmentally appropriate practice, this means recognizing children as uniqueShow MoreRelatedTechnology And The 21st Century1204 Words   |  5 PagesTeaching by television was long ago considered to be the next technological buzz sweeping the nation prior to the 21st century. As a result of the television, technology that was used at home slowly begin to be adapted for educational purposes and applied to educational settings. Learners like their Saturday morning cartoons, so why not create educational shows similar to that media that captures a learners attention for hours a day. Sounds great, however when creating educational curriculum manyRead MoreCurrent Force That Impact Curriculum Design And Program1207 Words   |  5 Pagesimpact curriculum design and program in the 21st century education, and developing an internationally-minded learner in a globalized era. Technology is manoeuvred into our everyday life, and it is evolving rapidly which urge educators to redefine the students’ potentials, and learning to know will never be the same. Technology calls for a change in learning and teaching for the 21st century education. The vast change and innovation of new technologies offer change in people’s understandingRead MoreTeaching Stem : 21st Century Skills1744 Words   |  7 Pagesentitled, â€Å"Teaching STEM: 21st Century Skills†, written by Virginia Jones. This article spends a lot of time talking about how 21st Century Skills can make schooling better for our children. This is done by going through and presenting each aspect of these skills with a brief explanation of what implementing them would do to positively influence the education of our students. It talks about how this change must begin in elementary school and challenges facing teachers that should start integrating theseRead MoreLessons Of Typi ng Instruction Reinforcement During Students Writing951 Words   |  4 Pagesâ€Å"keyboard instruction is the technology teachers responsibility and she don t have the time.† This reply has become increasingly common among educators, however, classroom teachers need to know that all educators must contribute to the collective goals towards the achievement of students developing technology competencies in typing in complying with The Common Core State Standards W.CCR.6 technology competencies, which states that students must acquire â€Å"use technology, including the internet, toRead MoreEducational Technology in the 21st Century842 Words   |  4 PagesEducational Technology in the 21st Century The 21st century has developed into a time where technology is everywhere. Technological advances are being developed daily and are incorporated in people’s everyday lives whether it is during work, school or leisure activities. This is the reason why technology should be used to support student learning and achievement. According to Intel Corporation (2009), being proficient in technology and the network is an essential part of life in the 21st century. IRead MoreComputer Science : The Most Important Skill Of The 21st Century1462 Words   |  6 Pagesstolen. Computer science in nowadays is the most important skill of the 21st century. Nevertheless, it is not widely taught. Many students do not know about computer science. In high school â€Å"too many of them are learning English, art history, or ethnic or gender studies, and not enough in technology† (Schulzke). With such a high job growing market and being one of the most important skill in the 21st century, comp uter science should be mandatory in high school. Most of students who enter high schoolRead MoreThe Internet : The World Wide Web873 Words   |  4 Pagesradios, and our typewriters, revolutionizing the technology world. Nowadays, people can go onto their personal computers and find anything and everything they were looking for simply at a click of a button. Although some critique the internet for making our population dumb, the internet is full of available and efficient resources, if given the patience. Students growing up in the 21st century know the evergoing and rapid changes of today’s technology, but one way to be engrossed in writing and readingRead MoreTechnology Is A Tool For Aid For Learning And Education1726 Words   |  7 Pagesthat is; technology is a tool to aid in learning and education. There is a realization that the current educational system is falling behind in the modern world. With today’s technology-driven and interconnected world, a learning environment can be online, remote, virtual; in ot her words, it doesn’t really have to be a place at all. Maybe a better way of thinking is that, a 21st century learning environment is a support system in which humans learn best. Since we can’t predict how technologies and educationRead MoreStop Stealing Dreams : Seth Godin At Tedxyouth @ Bfs927 Words   |  4 Pagessuggested that school totally destroys creativity and student’s behavior. Sir Ken felt the 21st century deprived students from being creative (TED 2006). Creativity was at the bottom of students list Sir Ken suggested. Sir Ken suggests that school was supporting the core subjects and did not feel creativity was important to student’s daily lives (TED 2006). Math, English, science and history are four cores taught in public school which only produced memorized facts (TED 2006). Schools are not concernRead MoreInstruction On The Context Of Curriculum1544 Words   |  7 Pagesstudents have grown up with technology. In response, technology i ntegration into classrooms is becoming more prevalent. This integration is having an effect on curriculum, students, and teachers. 3 In the United States, the federal government has dictated that students become literate in technology by 8th grade. Legislation in No Child Left Behind states in Part D, Enhancing Education Through Technology (sections 2401-2404) that schools should â€Å"assist every student in crossing

Problem Set 1 Free Essays

YOUR NAME:_______________________________ YOUR TAs NAME:___________________________ YOUR DISCUSSION #_____________ THE GEORGE WASHINGTON UNIVERSITY Department of Economics Economics 011 Section 14 Prof. Steve Suranovic Fall 2012 Problem Set #2 – Answers Answer all of the following questions from the book and those below. HW #2 is due in class on Wednesday Feb 22nd . We will write a custom essay sample on Problem Set 1 or any similar topic only for you Order Now A. Questions from Text and Readings RT Chapter 2-5 (online), Chapter 2. 4 Review and Practice (in printed textbook); Concept Problems 2, 3; (for Extra Practice complete Numerical Problems 1 – 5 (not required for HW1)) CP2. Why does the downward-sloping production possibilities curve imply that factors of production are scarce? CP2. A downward-sloping production possibilities curve shows that in order to obtain more of one good (or service), another must be forgone. That is the meaning of scarcity—the situation where we are forced to choose among alternatives. CP3 In what ways are the bowed-out shape of the production possibilities curve and the law of increasing opportunity cost related? Answers to Extra Practice Numerical Problems Numerical Problems 1. a. The production possibilities curve is a straight line from a point at twenty trees per day on the vertical axis to four lawns per day on the horizontal axis. b. Nathan must forgo 1/5 of a lawn mowed for each tree he plants. c. Mowing a lawn requires that Nathan give up planting 5 trees. Trees planted per day Figure 2-1a 20 4 Lawns mowed per day 2. a. The production possibilities curve is a straight line drawn from four trees planted per day on the vertical axis to four lawns mowed per day on the horizontal axis. b. The opportunity cost of planting a tree is mowing one lawn per day. . The opportunity cost of mowing one lawn is planting one tree. Trees planted per day Figure 2-2a 4 4 Lawns mowed per day 3. Nathan’s opportunity cost of planting one tree per day is 1/5 of a lawn mowed, while David’s cost per tree planted per day is one lawn mowed per day. Nathan has the comparative advantage in planting trees. David’s opportunity cost for mowing one lawn is planting one tree; Nathan’s opportunity cost for mowing one lawn is planting five trees. David has the comparative advantage for mowing lawns. 4. a. The slope of Germany’s production possibilities curve is ! 1/3). b. The slope of Turkey’s production possibilities curve is ! 2. c. The opportunity cost of a T-shirt in Germany is 1/3 of an optical instrument. d. The opportunity cost of a T-shirt in Turkey is 2 optical instruments. e. The opportunity cost of producing an optical instrument in Germany is three T-shirts per year. f. The opportunity cost of producing an optical instrument in Turkey is 1/2 a T-shirt per year. g. Germany has a comparative advantage in the production of T-shirts. h. Turkey has a comparative advantage in the production of optical instruments. . a. b. To produce one additional bowling ball per month requires reducing production of bicycles by 1/4 of a bicycle per month so the opportunity cost of an additional bowling ball is 1/4 of a bicycle. c. d. The opportunity cost of producing one more bowling ball per month in Eastern Leisureland is the production of 4 bicycles per month. e. Western Leisureland has a comparative advantage in bowling ball production because it costs less to produce them there. Eastern Leisureland has a comparative advantage in producing bicycles. f. g. 00 bowling balls per month can be produced. h. Bowling balls will be produced in Western Leisureland, and bicycles will be produced in Eastern Leisureland. E xtra Chapter B Reading (PDF file in BB Lecture Notes Folder): All problems at end of Chapter 1. Suppose Reggie has the following unit-labor requirements producing corn and wheat: aLC = 200 hrs per ton, aLW = 100 hours per ton. Nigel has the following unit-labor requirements: aLC = 300 hrs per ton, aLW = 120 hours per ton. !† #$! %'()*++’*,(-. /012%’3’%4’56$*! %-. /012%’/57852910*15’%(â€Å" ‘† :. /0#$*! %;#; How to cite Problem Set 1, Essay examples

Poverty vs education free essay sample

In today’s society it’s hard to get by. Many people and families don’t know how they’re going to make it through the month, some don’t know how they’ll make it through the week; others don’t know how they’ll make it to the next day. The point is that many of the people in our society are struggling day by day just to make a living. What good is it that our educators and society continue to instill in our brains that we need to get an education in order to be able to make a decent living and when we take that advice that we are given we still find ourselves with an education and still struggling. Things are constantly changing in today’s society, but the one thing that seems to maintain its negative status is the poverty level we face. However since there is a correlation between the two, people can’t expect to see much change in poverty since our education system is so corrupt. Our teachers like many other employed people who have paid for an education, now find themselves in situations they hoped to prevent. Our nation has been in debt for many years and each time our government seems to have a solution nothing changes at all. Our education system is corrupt. Each state has its own laws on how it chooses to run its education system. Teachers teach their students things that parents cannot because they have others obligations such as work that make them unavailable. They learn the basics that will help them gain the ability to start understanding basic subjects that they will need in their future. Some students learn better than others, grasp information faster than others, and work at faster paces. This is due to the fact that not all of our schools are funded properly to where we can give our students a strong learning foundation where they will be able to take the information we give them and put it into use in today’s society. There are too many schools these days that do not provide the basic structures needed for kids to be in a stable and steady learning environment. The students that come out of the schools that have more funding compared to the students that come out of the schools with smaller funding show a big difference in their lifelong paths. The students in schools with more funding go on to a higher level of education and continue to pursue their dreams no matter the circumstances, whereas the students with lower funding tend to not continue their education at higher level. Higher funded schools are able to provide their students with small student to teacher rations which allow the student more one on one time with the teacher. The students are allowed more time to ask questions and grow together as a whole class where as in other small funded schools you have to be able to go with the teachers pace and if you do not, you’re pretty much on your own. High funded schools offer more clubs and organizations for their students as well as more opportunities which allow their students to be able to explore many different things that they might be interested in and give them the opportunity to find some interest in things that might have never know of before. This opens a door and gives the students an opportunity to be able to explore what can be a possible career choice for them. When the student is given this opportunity they go into a higher level of education knowing what they want to study and not wasting time on pointless classes trying to figure out what path they want to take. They go in with motivation because they know what they want to do and what it takes to get there. This is not the case for the schools that come from a poverty level. Other students from poorly funded schools don’t have that same experience. The poorly funded schools aren’t offered all of the organizations that could help them explore career paths and aren’t offered classes that would prepare them for a higher education. These are the students that go to college and lose motivation and hope because they can’t move at a college pace and are not able to grasp information and eventually end up with failure. These students weren’t offered a solid learning environment all because of low funding. The schools that these students attended had high student to teacher ratios, they had limited clubs, organizations, and college readiness classes offered. These schools did not supply students with efficient classroom equipment to be able to succeed in all courses to their full extent. Funding has a lot to do with the way our education system works, and the way our education system works has everything to do with the way our society runs. If we cannot prepare the next generation properly the way they should be prepared in order to keep our society running the way it should and always growing instead of falling apart, we will fall as a nation. Our education dropout rate is increasing each year. Our tuition rate for school seems to be going up and not enough people can afford it so instead of trying to figure out other arrangements for going to school they decide to take the easy way out and just not attend in total. When people decide to take that easy way out they eliminate themselves for survival in our society. You cannot find a steady job these days without having an education. People who do not have a steady job struggle for their selves. It’s hard for them to live on their own and be able to support themselves with necessities that they need to live. By the time the end of the month comes they might have barely enough money to save up for an emergency or some kind of want that they have. This is not a happy life, and is not a life that anyone would want for himself or herself. Our society is told to further their education in order to prepare for a better life, but it seems that even when our people do this it is not bettering their future. Students who attended universities still find that they do not have the life they were once told they could have. With that thought in our society’s minds’ people will begin to lose hope and motivation in furthering their education. That ultimately results in more people out of jobs and careers. Which leads to more families and children with little to no money to be able to have the necessities that they need. This only will result in the increase in our poverty rates. The correlation between education and poverty is one that cannot go unnoticed. Poverty is one of the biggest issues we face and is something that needs to change. There have been many studies and findings that show how education is connected to poverty and vice versa. These two variables have such a tremendous impact on each other that as a society we cannot afford for either one of them to be unbalanced. Without stable currency income, our education system will rocket downward ultimately affected jobs, careers, and the lives of the people in our nation. The same concept works the other way around as well. Without stable and effective education system there will be less people getting careers and jobs that will ultimately lead in the loss of production and income concluding with a major hurt to our economy. Some people do not see this as a big issue but it is something that the majority of people need to have brought to their attention. Our society will fall faster than a plane falling from thin air if our nation cannot get its issues under control. The middle class will eventually have a percentage of their people ending up in the lower class due to the lack of support and stability between the two factors. Some people may argue that poverty and education have no correlation but with proven research you can definitely see the connection. You are given the opportunity to be able to see how unfortunate each generation is becoming as this problem seems to worsen every year. It is an argument that a person wouldn’t lose when saying that drastic changes need to take place when dealing with poverty and education.

100+ Exciting STEM Careers (and the Highest-Paying Science Jobs)

100+ Exciting STEM Careers (and the Highest-Paying Science Jobs) SAT / ACT Prep Online Guides and Tips Can’t get enough of physics, calculus, or computer science? Then a career in STEM sounds like it'd be the perfect fit for you. In this comprehensive guide, we go over the top 10 STEM careers and give you an even more extensive STEM careers list of more than 100 jobs. We'll then wrap up with a step-by-step guide to getting a STEM career. But first, what exactly is STEM? And what is a STEM career? What Is STEM? Overview STEM is a group of four academic and professional disciplines that stands for Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics. But STEM is more than just four separate, albeit somewhat related, scientific disciplines. As an educational approach, STEM centers around the idea of teaching students in an applied and interdisciplinary manner. What this means is that most college students who study a STEM major will take an array of classes that encompass all or almost all of these four fields. So, for example, if you’re majoring in a natural science subject like biology, you'll likely have to take classes in math and computers or technology (to conduct research or analyze experiments) so you can fully understand the different facets that go into studying biology and using it in your career. Here are some examples of popular STEM fields/majors: Astronomy Biology Chemistry Computer programming Computer science Earth sciences Engineering (all types) Geology Information technology Marine science Mathematics Physics Note that there's no hard-and-fast definition for what counts as a STEM field. Very generally speaking, any major that earns you a BS (Bachelor of Science), BAS (Bachelor of Applied Science), or BE (Bachelor of Engineering) can be said to be a STEM major. Below are examples of majors that sound like STEM fields but that we are not counting as STEM based on the fact they are generally associated with other types of majors and departments (such as business, humanities, social sciences, arts, and so on): Accounting Anthropology Architecture Economics Finance Medicine Political science Psychology It’s not innately wrong to consider some or all of the above majors STEM, but just know that not everyone will agree with you if you think your BA in Psychology is STEM. If you’re curious, you can look at this list of majors, which details how the US government defines STEM (for the record, they don’t consider most of the ones listed directly above STEM!). Sorry, guys, but we're not counting medicine as a STEM field. What Is a STEM Career? Now that we’ve gone over what STEM is and what counts as a STEM field and major, let’s answer another question: what is a STEM career exactly? The simple definition is that STEM jobs are any positions in the fields of science, technology, engineering, and math. More specifically, though, STEM careers are jobs that focus almost entirely on utilizing the skills you’ve gained in your particular field, either through your education or your previous work experience (or both). STEM jobs can be found across an array of sectors, from private businesses, to big corporations, to nonprofits, to government jobs. They can also encompass a wide range of duties, such as the design of computer applications, scientific research, equipment design and testing, etc. Requirements for STEM jobs can vary dramatically, but the truth is that many STEM careers do not even require a bachelor’s degree as long as you have the skills and experience necessary to do the tasks required of you. That said, and as we’ll see in the next sections, a bachelor’s or graduate degree can drastically raise your earning potential. So what’s the point of STEM careers? And why are so many people talking about the importance of STEM jobs these days? For one, STEM careers are booming, with high employment growth rates projected through 2020 and sustained above-average growth, as reported by the US Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS). This, combined with the fact that our society is becoming more and more reliant on technology, is why the US government is making such a candid effort to incentivize students to pursue STEM careers. In addition, STEM jobs are some of the most lucrative jobs available. According to the BLS, the median annual salary in 2018 for people with STEM jobs was $84,880, while the median salary for non-STEM jobs was $37,020. This indicates that people with STEM careers typically make more than twice what those with non-STEM jobs make! Top 10 Highest-Paying Science Jobs and STEM Careers We know that there are tons of great STEM jobs out there, but which ones will earn you the most money? We've looked at several best STEM careers lists from websites such as US News and Forbes, as well as the BLS, to find the top 10 STEM careers, which we introduce to you below in order of highest median salary to lowest. Note that the current average employment growth rate is 7%, so STEM jobs with rates higher than this are growing at a faster-than-average pace. #1: Computer and Information Systems Managers Median Salary (2018): $142,530 Employment Outlook (2016-2026): 12% Minimum Degree Required: Bachelor’s degree Computer and information systems managers coordinate an array of computer-related activities and implement computer systems for a business or organization. They also determine personnel needs, direct and supervise the work of other IT professionals, learn about new technologies and think of ways to apply them, and look for potential upgrades to existing technology. There are several types of computer and information systems managers you can be: Chief information officer Chief technology officer IT director IT security manager This job, which is also called a technology manager or IT manager, is usually reserved for those with at least five years of relevant work experience. In other words, this STEM position is not typically open to entry-level workers, and you’ll have to instead build your way up to this position by first taking on other roles related to computers and information systems. Most computer and information systems manager jobs require applicants to have at least a bachelor’s degree, preferably in a related field, such as information systems, information technology, or computer science. A master’s degree or higher in a relevant field could increase your earning potential and make you stand out from other applicants. Computer and information systems managers are great with computers ... and not knocking over soda, apparently. #2: Petroleum Engineers Median Salary (2018): $137,170 Employment Outlook (2016-2026): 15% Minimum Degree Required: Bachelor’s degree Petroleum engineers work with specialists to create, design, and develop ways to extract oil and gas from deposits in the ground, both on land and at sea. They can work in offices and at drilling sites; travel is typically a big part of the job since petroleum engineers will often need to meet with clients and other engineers. Petroleum engineers also find cost-saving methods for drilling oil and gas reservoirs, and review the geological formation of a site to determine the best ways to approach it. There are various job titles for petroleum engineers: Completions engineer Drilling engineer Production engineer Reservoir engineer You’ll normally need to have a bachelor’s degree in petroleum engineering, though a major in another engineering field, such as civil, chemical, or mechanical, could be sufficient for a particular job. Some petroleum engineering jobs will prefer candidates with a graduate degree in (petroleum) engineering. #3: Physicists and Astronomers Median Salary (2018): $9,580 Employment Outlook (2016-2026): 14% Minimum Degree Required: Doctoral or professional degree Physicists and astronomers study the ways different forms of energy and matter interact with one another and might also research the origins of the universe or the function of time in an effort to develop and build upon scientific theories. These types of scientists often conduct experiments using innovative technologies, from lasers to particle accelerators; they also sometimes teach physics or astronomy at the postsecondary level. Physicists work in offices, observatories, and laboratories. Popular employers include universities and the federal US government. Here are some of the most common types of physicists and astronomers: Astrophysicists Condensed matter and materials physicists Medical physicists Particle and nuclear physicists Cosmologists Optical and radio astronomers In order to become a physicist or astronomer, you’ll need to earn a doctorate, usually a PhD in Astronomy or a PhD in Physics. Unfortunately, the bulk of astronomers' jobs these days entails reminding certain folks that the Earth is, in fact, round. #4: Computer and Information Research Scientists Median Salary (2018): $8,370 Employment Outlook (2016-2026): 19% Minimum Degree Required: Master’s degree Computer and information research scientists come up with new approaches to and new uses for computers and information technology. They solve different computing issues for businesses and organizations, and also invent computer languages, software, hardware, and other tools. The primary goal of these types of scientists is to improve computing efficiency for people and businesses. Several specializations are available: Data science Robotics Programming To become a computer and information research scientist, you must typically have a master’s degree in computer science, computer engineering, or a related field. #5: Aerospace Engineers Median Salary (2018): $5,220 Employment Outlook (2016-2026): 6% Minimum Degree Required: Bachelor’s degree As an aerospace engineer, you’ll design airplanes and other aircraft, spacecraft, satellites, missiles, and so on. You’ll also work on developing new aerospace technology and test prototypes of these products to ensure they function correctly. Aerospace engineers work in industries such as national defense, research and development, manufacturing, and design. There are two main types of aerospace engineers: Aeronautical engineers (people who work with aircraft) Astronautical engineers (people who work with spacecraft) The vast majority of aerospace engineers have a bachelor’s degree in aerospace engineering or a related field. Some engineers might also need to getspecial security clearance if working for the US government on national defense systems. #6: Computer Hardware Engineers Median Salary (2018): $4,600 Employment Outlook (2016-2026): 5% Minimum Degree Required: Bachelor’s degree Being a computer hardware engineer involves researching, developing, and testing computers and related equipment for the military, commercial businesses, organizations, and scientific research. These engineers often install computers and supervise product installation. Computer hardware engineers differ from software developers in that they work with the external components of computers rather than the internal workings. California has one of the highest employment levels of computer hardware engineers and also offers the highest wages. To become a computer hardware engineer, you’ll need a bachelor’s degree in computer engineering, computer science, or electrical engineering. Computer hardware engineers deal with these thingies (is it that obvious I wasn't a STEM major?). #7: Computer Network Architects Median Salary (2018): $109,020 Employment Outlook (2016-2026): 6% Minimum Degree Required: Bachelor’s degree The primary duty of computer network architects is to develop and design data communication networks- such as intranets, wide area networks, and local area networks- in order to meet the needs of clients and businesses. Network architects can work with small networks (e.g., connections between two offices) or much larger networks and capabilities (e.g., cloud infrastructures). They also often work in tandem with other specialists, such as computer system administrators and information systems managers, to ensure they are satisfying the needs of their clients and maintaining efficiency. Most computer network architects hold a bachelor’s degree in a computer-related field, such as computer science or computer engineering. #8: Nuclear Engineers Median Salary (2018): $107,600 Employment Outlook (2016-2026): 4% Minimum Degree Required: Bachelor’s degree Nuclear engineers design and research tools, processes, and systems that make use of radiation and nuclear energy, usually for medical instruments and treatments or to develop nuclear power sources for spacecraft and ships. In addition, these engineers write instructional manuals, gather data, and test the efficacy of new methods for utilizing nuclear energy and material. In order to work full-time as a nuclear engineer, you’ll typically need to have a bachelor’s degree in nuclear engineering or another engineering field. Be aware that some entry-level jobs in the field might require a master’s degree or higher. Lots of people likely imagine this when they hear the word "nuclear." But, in reality, nuclear engineers do a lot of amazing things for people struggling with certain diseases. #9: Software Developers Median Salary (2018): $105,590 Employment Outlook (2016-2026): 24% Minimum Degree Required: Bachelor’s degree Software developers design, develop, and test different computer applications and programs for use on computers, phones, tablets, etc. This job is especially ideal for creative, tech-savvy people, as it provides you with complete control of the entire creative process when it comes to making new software that people will actually use. In addition, it’s currently one of the most popular STEM careers. Software developers are in charge of making improvements to existing software, responding to clients’ needs, and creating upgrades and bug fixes. Developers may or may not write the codes themselves for the software they create (if not, they’ll usually have programmers do it). There are two main types of software developers: Applications software developers (those who design computer applications) Systems software developers (those who design entire operating systems) Most software developer positions require candidates to have a bachelor’s degree in computer science or a related field. #10: Chemical Engineers Median Salary (2018): $104,910 Employment Outlook (2016-2026): 8% Minimum Degree Required: Bachelor’s degree Chemical engineers use math, chemistry, physics, and biology to solve problems that involve the application and production of chemicals. Specific duties include testing production methods, designing equipment and manufacturing processes, and directing facility operations. The majority of chemical engineers work in laboratories and offices; they also visit refineries and industrial plants, among other places, to address issues and manage operations. Other duties include coming up with safety procedures, conducting research, and troubleshooting problems. Chemical engineers have the option to specialize in specific processes or fields. To be a chemical engineer, you’ll need to have at least a bachelor’s degree in chemical engineering or another type of engineering. Get ready for our huge STEM careers list! Complete STEM Careers List: 100+ Job Options Below, we give you an extensive STEM careers list with more than 100 STEM jobs to choose from. Feel free to browse this list to get a feel for what kind of career you might want to have or would like to learn more about. All jobs are listed in alphabetical order. Note that educational requirements for the following STEM careers can vary widely, from a high school diploma, to a bachelor’s degree in a related field, to a doctorate. You can learn more about the prerequisites for STEM jobs you’re curious about by referring to the BLS Occupational Outlook Handbook. Aerospace engineer Agricultural engineer Aircraft mechanic Animal breeder Animal scientist Architectural and engineering manager Astronomer Atmospheric and space scientist Automotive engineer Avionics technician Bioacoustic researcher Biochemical engineer Biochemist Biofuels processing technician Biofuels production manager Bioinformatics scientist Biological technician Biologist Biomedical engineer Biophysicist Biostatistician Cartographer/photogrammetrist Chemical engineer Chemical plant and system operator Chemical technician Chemist Civil engineer Climate change analyst Clinical data manager Computational research scientist Computer and information research scientist Computer and information systems manager Computer hardware engineer Computer network architect Computer programmer Computer systems analyst Computer user support specialist Conservation scientist Cost estimator Crystallographer Cybersecurity analyst Database administrator Electrical engineer Electromechanical engineering technician Electronics engineer Entomologist Environmental engineering technician Environmental (restoration) planner Environmental scientist Fiber optic technician Food scientist Forensic biochemist Geneticist Geologist Geoscientist Health and safety engineer Herpetologist Hydrologist Industrial engineer Industrial engineering technician Information security analyst Information technology specialist Manufacturing engineer Marine engineer/naval architect Marine geophysicist Market research analyst Materials engineer Materials scientist Mathematical technician Mathematician Mechanical engineer Mechatronics engineer Medical scientist Meteorologist Microbiologist Microsystems engineer Mining and geological engineer Molecular and cellular biologist Nanosystems engineer Natural sciences manager Nuclear engineer Nuclear equipment operation technician Nuclear monitoring technician Operations research analyst Park naturalist Petroleum engineer Photonics engineer Physicist Postsecondary teacher/professor Power plant operator Precision agriculture technician Product safety engineer Quality control analyst Quantitative analyst Remote sensing scientist and technologist Remote sensing technician Robotics engineer Robotics technician Security management specialist Seismologist Software developer Soil and plant scientist Soil and water conservationist Solar energy systems engineer Statistician Submarine sonar technician Survey researcher Telecommunications engineering specialist Toxicologist Transportation engineer Transportation planner Validation engineer Water resource specialist Water treatment plant operator Water/wastewater engineer Wildlife conservationist Wind turbine service technician Zoologist This little guy can tell you how to get a job in STEM- as long as you charge his battery first. How to Get a STEM Career: 8 Essential Steps If you’ve decided you want a STEM career, great! But how can you prepare yourself for one? What classes do you need to take, and what colleges should you apply to? Lastly, how can you look for STEM jobs in your field? Here, we've created a step-by-step guide- starting with high school and going all the way through college- to help you ultimately secure a career in STEM. In High School This might come as a surprise, but STEM careers for people often begin as far back as high schoolwhen you can first explore the various STEM topics and start thinking about what fields you’re most interested in pursuing long-term. Step 1: Take Lots of STEM Classes and Do Well in Them High school STEM classes can feel a bit limited compared with those offered by colleges, but your school will likely still have a decent array of options. Besides the science and math classes all students must take (usually this will be biology, chemistry, physics, algebra, geometry, pre-calculus, and calculus), you should make an effort tofit in at least two to three STEM electives, particularly in topics you're passionate about or really interested in. Here areexamples of possible STEM classes you could take in high school, depending on what your school offers: Agriculture App development Astronomy Botany Computer math Computer programming Computer repair Earth science Environmental science Geology Marine biology Oceanography Statistics Web design Web programming Zoology If you’re particularly strong in a certain STEM topic, such as physics or calculus, you should also consider taking the AP or honors level of that class (and then taking the AP test for it, too!). Here are all AP classes and exams that focus on STEM topics: AP Biology AP Chemistry AP Environmental Science AP Physics 1: Algebra-Based AP Physics 2: Algebra-Based AP Physics C: Electricity and Magnetism AP Physics C: Mechanics AP Calculus AB AP Calculus BC AP Computer Science A AP Computer Science Principles AP Statistics Remember that it’s not just about exposing yourself to new STEM topics or taking as many STEM classes as possible- you should also work hard to earn good grades in your STEM classes (in all your classes, really) so you can ultimately get into a great college. Don't skip chemistry class in high school if you want to get into STEM! Step 2: Start Thinking About Your Interests As you take STEM classes throughout high school, spend some time thinking hard about which topics you like more than others and what you could see yourself studying in college (and using in a future career). For example, maybe you find calculus a bit boring but get excited about developing new apps and computer programs. In this case, you’ll want to try to steer your focus more toward classes in app development, computer science, and related topics than those with a heavier math emphasis. If you’re still unsure what type of STEM field you want to focus on but know that you enjoy STEM as a whole, that’s perfectly fine- just continue taking a range of STEM classes so you can start to work out what appeals to you the most. Step 3: Ace the SAT/ACT Math and Science Sections Getting into a top college isn’t just about having a good GPA and taking lots of difficult classes but also getting an impressive SAT/ACT score. If you’re hoping to enter STEM, you’ll want to get an especially high score on the SAT Math section or the ACT Math and Science sections (the SAT does not have a Science section as the ACT does). Earning top scores on these sections- regardless of which test you decide to take- will prove to colleges that you’re ready for the challenges of a STEM major and a STEM career. While the Math and Science sections should be most important to you, don’t neglect to study for the other sections on the test (i.e., Reading and Writing on the SAT, and Reading and English on the ACT). Check out our ultimate SAT/ACT study guides for more tips on how you can get a great SAT/ACT score. Step 4: Apply to Colleges With a Program for Your STEM Field By the beginning of your senior year of high school, you should start to have a pretty clear idea of what STEM field you like most and would like to study further. As you begin applying to colleges, make sure to look for schools that specifically offer (or, even better, specialize in) the STEM topic you want to major in or are thinking of majoring in. For instance, it might not actually be the best choice to apply to your local university if it doesn’t offer the STEM major or classes you want. If you’re still unsure what you want to major in or are interested in many STEM topics, it’s best to apply to colleges that offer a big array of STEM majors and classes. These schools will usually be STEM-oriented colleges and engineering schools, such as MIT, Caltech, and Georgia Tech. Refer to US News for a list of the best undergraduate engineering programs to get a feel for what schools are known for what types of engineering/STEM topics. Forbes also offers a detailed list of the 25 best STEM colleges. The universal facial expression of college students majoring in STEM. In College You’ve now completed high school and are moving on to college. Congratulations! In this section, we'll go over the four steps you should take as an undergraduate to ensure you’re on track to getting the STEM career you want. Step 5: Consider What Kind of STEM Career You Want College offers lots of freedom in terms of the classes you can choose, so use this time to really think more about what kinds of STEM jobs you might be interested in. For example, maybe you enjoyed math in high school but weren't sure if math as a whole was the field you wanted to get into. In college, your class options will be a lot more plentiful: you will likely be able to take courses in math topics that weren’t available to you in high school, such as abstract algebra, discrete mathematics, or differential equations. Taking these classes in college can help you determine whether math is truly the right STEM field for you. In short, the more STEM classes you take (and enjoy taking!), the more clearly you’ll be able to begin visualizing the kind of STEM career you want to have. Step 6: Declare a Major If you haven’t done so already, start thinking about what your STEM major will be and make an official declaration when you’re sure it’s what you want to study and what you want to have a career in. If you’re still undecided after a year or two of college, consider making an appointment with your academic advisor or college career center to help you figure out what majors and STEM careers might be a good fit for you based on the classes you’ve taken and liked. Don't forget that you can always change your major if you end up deciding that the one you initially chose is not actually the best fit for you and your career goals (though this might mean you’ll be in college longer than four years). Alternatively, you can double major if there's more than one (STEM) topic that interests you and if you want to give yourself even more potential career paths. Don't worry if you're not sure what to major in- you can always double major in two STEM fields, or one STEM field and one non-STEM field! Step 7: Accumulate Professional Experience Try to take advantage of your summers off by doing a STEM-oriented internship, working a part-time STEM job, or conducting research. Although work experience isn’t an absolute necessity for getting a great STEM job after graduation, it can certainly help in terms of raising your salary potential and making you stand apart from other applicants. Internships and jobs can also help you figure out what STEM topic to major in if you have yet to declare one (see Step 6). Remember that working STEM jobs, even if they only last one summer, can lead to some amazing opportunities for networking, which you can take advantage of later on when applying for jobs. Step 8: Look for STEM Jobs As you enter your final year of college, it’s time to start actively applying to STEM jobs (or STEM grad programs, depending on whether you need an advanced degree for your field). There are many resources you can use to look for STEM jobs: Current or previous employer(s): If you have completed or are presently in a STEM-related internship or job, you can use this professional connection to see whether there are any full-time jobs available there or at a similar company. STEM professors, peers, and alumni: People in your own circles can be great resources for landing STEM jobs. Ask professors and classmates whether they have any job leads. You can also meet with alumni to see what kinds of career paths they ended up having after college. College career center: Don’t pass up this resource! Your school’s career center can give you tons of advice for making your resume stand out and finding STEM jobs that fit your goals. LinkedIn: If you haven’t already, create a LinkedIn account. This website is excellent for searching for STEM jobs, connecting with people in your field and at your college, and just generally making yourself known. Hacker News: This website is geared toward computer science and entrepreneurship and offers an updated job board for those looking specifically for STEM careers. MAA Classifieds: Established by the Mathematical Association of America, this job-search website allows you to search for an array of math and STEM jobs by title or location. Science Careers: This careers board for those looking to get jobs in the fields of science and technology is a joint effort of the journal Science and the American Association for the Advancement of Science. AWIS Career Center: This job-search site geared toward women in STEM and made by the Association for Women in Science lets you search for STEM careers by keyword, location, or industry. The trick to getting a STEM job is to apply to as many as possible and be prepared for some setbacks- indeed, it's not at all rare to have to send out dozens of applications before you even land an interview, so don’t feel discouraged! The biggest piece of advice I can give recent college graduates and those about to graduate is to just keep moving forward- you'll get a job offer eventually! Recap: What Is a STEM Career and How Can You Get One? STEM is an acronym for the academic disciplines of science, technology, engineering, and mathematics; thus, STEM careers are any jobs that are based in one or more of these four fields. At present, STEM jobs are experiencing a large boom, with high employment growth projected for the next decade and loads of high-paying jobs. Based on our analysis of many STEM jobs lists and BLS data, we’ve determined that the 10 highest-paying science jobs and STEM careers are currently as follows (in order of highest median salary to lowest): Computer and information systems managers Petroleum engineers Physicists and astronomers Computer and information research scientists Aerospace engineers Computer hardware engineers Computer network architects Nuclear engineers Software developers Chemical engineers There are many more STEM jobs available than just these 10. Above, we’ve given you an extensive STEM careers list containing 100+ jobs for you to consider. There are many steps involved when it comes to getting a STEM career. To review, these steps are as follows: In High School Step 1: Take lots of STEM classes and do well in them Step 2: Start thinking about your interests Step 3: Ace the SAT/ACT Math and Science sections Step 4: Apply to colleges that teach your STEM topic In College Step 5: Consider what kind of STEM career you want Step 6: Declare a major Step 7: Accumulate professional experience Step 8: Look for STEM jobs Now that you've learned all there is to know about establishing a STEM career, get out there and start making your dreams a reality! What’s Next? What is a STEM degree and how can you know if it's the right major for you? Our guide offers expert tips for helping you decide whether STEM is the best choice for your studies. To get into a great college as a STEM major, you need to have amazing SAT/ACT scores in the Math and Science sections.Our in-depth guides to getting a perfect score in SAT Math, ACT Math, and ACT Science will teach you our very best secrets for acing these tricky sections. Have friends who also need help with test prep? Share this article! Tweet Hannah Muniz About the Author Hannah received her MA in Japanese Studies from the University of Michigan and holds a bachelor's degree from the University of Southern California. From 2013 to 2015, she taught English in Japan via the JET Program. She is passionate about education, writing, and travel. Get Free Guides to Boost Your SAT/ACT Get FREE EXCLUSIVE insider tips on how to ACE THE SAT/ACT. 100% Privacy. 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100+ Exciting STEM Careers (and the Highest-Paying Science Jobs)

100+ Exciting STEM Careers (and the Highest-Paying Science Jobs) SAT / ACT Prep Online Guides and Tips Can’t get enough of physics, calculus, or computer science? Then a career in STEM sounds like it'd be the perfect fit for you. In this comprehensive guide, we go over the top 10 STEM careers and give you an even more extensive STEM careers list of more than 100 jobs. We'll then wrap up with a step-by-step guide to getting a STEM career. But first, what exactly is STEM? And what is a STEM career? What Is STEM? Overview STEM is a group of four academic and professional disciplines that stands for Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics. But STEM is more than just four separate, albeit somewhat related, scientific disciplines. As an educational approach, STEM centers around the idea of teaching students in an applied and interdisciplinary manner. What this means is that most college students who study a STEM major will take an array of classes that encompass all or almost all of these four fields. So, for example, if you’re majoring in a natural science subject like biology, you'll likely have to take classes in math and computers or technology (to conduct research or analyze experiments) so you can fully understand the different facets that go into studying biology and using it in your career. Here are some examples of popular STEM fields/majors: Astronomy Biology Chemistry Computer programming Computer science Earth sciences Engineering (all types) Geology Information technology Marine science Mathematics Physics Note that there's no hard-and-fast definition for what counts as a STEM field. Very generally speaking, any major that earns you a BS (Bachelor of Science), BAS (Bachelor of Applied Science), or BE (Bachelor of Engineering) can be said to be a STEM major. Below are examples of majors that sound like STEM fields but that we are not counting as STEM based on the fact they are generally associated with other types of majors and departments (such as business, humanities, social sciences, arts, and so on): Accounting Anthropology Architecture Economics Finance Medicine Political science Psychology It’s not innately wrong to consider some or all of the above majors STEM, but just know that not everyone will agree with you if you think your BA in Psychology is STEM. If you’re curious, you can look at this list of majors, which details how the US government defines STEM (for the record, they don’t consider most of the ones listed directly above STEM!). Sorry, guys, but we're not counting medicine as a STEM field. What Is a STEM Career? Now that we’ve gone over what STEM is and what counts as a STEM field and major, let’s answer another question: what is a STEM career exactly? The simple definition is that STEM jobs are any positions in the fields of science, technology, engineering, and math. More specifically, though, STEM careers are jobs that focus almost entirely on utilizing the skills you’ve gained in your particular field, either through your education or your previous work experience (or both). STEM jobs can be found across an array of sectors, from private businesses, to big corporations, to nonprofits, to government jobs. They can also encompass a wide range of duties, such as the design of computer applications, scientific research, equipment design and testing, etc. Requirements for STEM jobs can vary dramatically, but the truth is that many STEM careers do not even require a bachelor’s degree as long as you have the skills and experience necessary to do the tasks required of you. That said, and as we’ll see in the next sections, a bachelor’s or graduate degree can drastically raise your earning potential. So what’s the point of STEM careers? And why are so many people talking about the importance of STEM jobs these days? For one, STEM careers are booming, with high employment growth rates projected through 2020 and sustained above-average growth, as reported by the US Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS). This, combined with the fact that our society is becoming more and more reliant on technology, is why the US government is making such a candid effort to incentivize students to pursue STEM careers. In addition, STEM jobs are some of the most lucrative jobs available. According to the BLS, the median annual salary in 2018 for people with STEM jobs was $84,880, while the median salary for non-STEM jobs was $37,020. This indicates that people with STEM careers typically make more than twice what those with non-STEM jobs make! Top 10 Highest-Paying Science Jobs and STEM Careers We know that there are tons of great STEM jobs out there, but which ones will earn you the most money? We've looked at several best STEM careers lists from websites such as US News and Forbes, as well as the BLS, to find the top 10 STEM careers, which we introduce to you below in order of highest median salary to lowest. Note that the current average employment growth rate is 7%, so STEM jobs with rates higher than this are growing at a faster-than-average pace. #1: Computer and Information Systems Managers Median Salary (2018): $142,530 Employment Outlook (2016-2026): 12% Minimum Degree Required: Bachelor’s degree Computer and information systems managers coordinate an array of computer-related activities and implement computer systems for a business or organization. They also determine personnel needs, direct and supervise the work of other IT professionals, learn about new technologies and think of ways to apply them, and look for potential upgrades to existing technology. There are several types of computer and information systems managers you can be: Chief information officer Chief technology officer IT director IT security manager This job, which is also called a technology manager or IT manager, is usually reserved for those with at least five years of relevant work experience. In other words, this STEM position is not typically open to entry-level workers, and you’ll have to instead build your way up to this position by first taking on other roles related to computers and information systems. Most computer and information systems manager jobs require applicants to have at least a bachelor’s degree, preferably in a related field, such as information systems, information technology, or computer science. A master’s degree or higher in a relevant field could increase your earning potential and make you stand out from other applicants. Computer and information systems managers are great with computers ... and not knocking over soda, apparently. #2: Petroleum Engineers Median Salary (2018): $137,170 Employment Outlook (2016-2026): 15% Minimum Degree Required: Bachelor’s degree Petroleum engineers work with specialists to create, design, and develop ways to extract oil and gas from deposits in the ground, both on land and at sea. They can work in offices and at drilling sites; travel is typically a big part of the job since petroleum engineers will often need to meet with clients and other engineers. Petroleum engineers also find cost-saving methods for drilling oil and gas reservoirs, and review the geological formation of a site to determine the best ways to approach it. There are various job titles for petroleum engineers: Completions engineer Drilling engineer Production engineer Reservoir engineer You’ll normally need to have a bachelor’s degree in petroleum engineering, though a major in another engineering field, such as civil, chemical, or mechanical, could be sufficient for a particular job. Some petroleum engineering jobs will prefer candidates with a graduate degree in (petroleum) engineering. #3: Physicists and Astronomers Median Salary (2018): $9,580 Employment Outlook (2016-2026): 14% Minimum Degree Required: Doctoral or professional degree Physicists and astronomers study the ways different forms of energy and matter interact with one another and might also research the origins of the universe or the function of time in an effort to develop and build upon scientific theories. These types of scientists often conduct experiments using innovative technologies, from lasers to particle accelerators; they also sometimes teach physics or astronomy at the postsecondary level. Physicists work in offices, observatories, and laboratories. Popular employers include universities and the federal US government. Here are some of the most common types of physicists and astronomers: Astrophysicists Condensed matter and materials physicists Medical physicists Particle and nuclear physicists Cosmologists Optical and radio astronomers In order to become a physicist or astronomer, you’ll need to earn a doctorate, usually a PhD in Astronomy or a PhD in Physics. Unfortunately, the bulk of astronomers' jobs these days entails reminding certain folks that the Earth is, in fact, round. #4: Computer and Information Research Scientists Median Salary (2018): $8,370 Employment Outlook (2016-2026): 19% Minimum Degree Required: Master’s degree Computer and information research scientists come up with new approaches to and new uses for computers and information technology. They solve different computing issues for businesses and organizations, and also invent computer languages, software, hardware, and other tools. The primary goal of these types of scientists is to improve computing efficiency for people and businesses. Several specializations are available: Data science Robotics Programming To become a computer and information research scientist, you must typically have a master’s degree in computer science, computer engineering, or a related field. #5: Aerospace Engineers Median Salary (2018): $5,220 Employment Outlook (2016-2026): 6% Minimum Degree Required: Bachelor’s degree As an aerospace engineer, you’ll design airplanes and other aircraft, spacecraft, satellites, missiles, and so on. You’ll also work on developing new aerospace technology and test prototypes of these products to ensure they function correctly. Aerospace engineers work in industries such as national defense, research and development, manufacturing, and design. There are two main types of aerospace engineers: Aeronautical engineers (people who work with aircraft) Astronautical engineers (people who work with spacecraft) The vast majority of aerospace engineers have a bachelor’s degree in aerospace engineering or a related field. Some engineers might also need to getspecial security clearance if working for the US government on national defense systems. #6: Computer Hardware Engineers Median Salary (2018): $4,600 Employment Outlook (2016-2026): 5% Minimum Degree Required: Bachelor’s degree Being a computer hardware engineer involves researching, developing, and testing computers and related equipment for the military, commercial businesses, organizations, and scientific research. These engineers often install computers and supervise product installation. Computer hardware engineers differ from software developers in that they work with the external components of computers rather than the internal workings. California has one of the highest employment levels of computer hardware engineers and also offers the highest wages. To become a computer hardware engineer, you’ll need a bachelor’s degree in computer engineering, computer science, or electrical engineering. Computer hardware engineers deal with these thingies (is it that obvious I wasn't a STEM major?). #7: Computer Network Architects Median Salary (2018): $109,020 Employment Outlook (2016-2026): 6% Minimum Degree Required: Bachelor’s degree The primary duty of computer network architects is to develop and design data communication networks- such as intranets, wide area networks, and local area networks- in order to meet the needs of clients and businesses. Network architects can work with small networks (e.g., connections between two offices) or much larger networks and capabilities (e.g., cloud infrastructures). They also often work in tandem with other specialists, such as computer system administrators and information systems managers, to ensure they are satisfying the needs of their clients and maintaining efficiency. Most computer network architects hold a bachelor’s degree in a computer-related field, such as computer science or computer engineering. #8: Nuclear Engineers Median Salary (2018): $107,600 Employment Outlook (2016-2026): 4% Minimum Degree Required: Bachelor’s degree Nuclear engineers design and research tools, processes, and systems that make use of radiation and nuclear energy, usually for medical instruments and treatments or to develop nuclear power sources for spacecraft and ships. In addition, these engineers write instructional manuals, gather data, and test the efficacy of new methods for utilizing nuclear energy and material. In order to work full-time as a nuclear engineer, you’ll typically need to have a bachelor’s degree in nuclear engineering or another engineering field. Be aware that some entry-level jobs in the field might require a master’s degree or higher. Lots of people likely imagine this when they hear the word "nuclear." But, in reality, nuclear engineers do a lot of amazing things for people struggling with certain diseases. #9: Software Developers Median Salary (2018): $105,590 Employment Outlook (2016-2026): 24% Minimum Degree Required: Bachelor’s degree Software developers design, develop, and test different computer applications and programs for use on computers, phones, tablets, etc. This job is especially ideal for creative, tech-savvy people, as it provides you with complete control of the entire creative process when it comes to making new software that people will actually use. In addition, it’s currently one of the most popular STEM careers. Software developers are in charge of making improvements to existing software, responding to clients’ needs, and creating upgrades and bug fixes. Developers may or may not write the codes themselves for the software they create (if not, they’ll usually have programmers do it). There are two main types of software developers: Applications software developers (those who design computer applications) Systems software developers (those who design entire operating systems) Most software developer positions require candidates to have a bachelor’s degree in computer science or a related field. #10: Chemical Engineers Median Salary (2018): $104,910 Employment Outlook (2016-2026): 8% Minimum Degree Required: Bachelor’s degree Chemical engineers use math, chemistry, physics, and biology to solve problems that involve the application and production of chemicals. Specific duties include testing production methods, designing equipment and manufacturing processes, and directing facility operations. The majority of chemical engineers work in laboratories and offices; they also visit refineries and industrial plants, among other places, to address issues and manage operations. Other duties include coming up with safety procedures, conducting research, and troubleshooting problems. Chemical engineers have the option to specialize in specific processes or fields. To be a chemical engineer, you’ll need to have at least a bachelor’s degree in chemical engineering or another type of engineering. Get ready for our huge STEM careers list! Complete STEM Careers List: 100+ Job Options Below, we give you an extensive STEM careers list with more than 100 STEM jobs to choose from. Feel free to browse this list to get a feel for what kind of career you might want to have or would like to learn more about. All jobs are listed in alphabetical order. Note that educational requirements for the following STEM careers can vary widely, from a high school diploma, to a bachelor’s degree in a related field, to a doctorate. You can learn more about the prerequisites for STEM jobs you’re curious about by referring to the BLS Occupational Outlook Handbook. Aerospace engineer Agricultural engineer Aircraft mechanic Animal breeder Animal scientist Architectural and engineering manager Astronomer Atmospheric and space scientist Automotive engineer Avionics technician Bioacoustic researcher Biochemical engineer Biochemist Biofuels processing technician Biofuels production manager Bioinformatics scientist Biological technician Biologist Biomedical engineer Biophysicist Biostatistician Cartographer/photogrammetrist Chemical engineer Chemical plant and system operator Chemical technician Chemist Civil engineer Climate change analyst Clinical data manager Computational research scientist Computer and information research scientist Computer and information systems manager Computer hardware engineer Computer network architect Computer programmer Computer systems analyst Computer user support specialist Conservation scientist Cost estimator Crystallographer Cybersecurity analyst Database administrator Electrical engineer Electromechanical engineering technician Electronics engineer Entomologist Environmental engineering technician Environmental (restoration) planner Environmental scientist Fiber optic technician Food scientist Forensic biochemist Geneticist Geologist Geoscientist Health and safety engineer Herpetologist Hydrologist Industrial engineer Industrial engineering technician Information security analyst Information technology specialist Manufacturing engineer Marine engineer/naval architect Marine geophysicist Market research analyst Materials engineer Materials scientist Mathematical technician Mathematician Mechanical engineer Mechatronics engineer Medical scientist Meteorologist Microbiologist Microsystems engineer Mining and geological engineer Molecular and cellular biologist Nanosystems engineer Natural sciences manager Nuclear engineer Nuclear equipment operation technician Nuclear monitoring technician Operations research analyst Park naturalist Petroleum engineer Photonics engineer Physicist Postsecondary teacher/professor Power plant operator Precision agriculture technician Product safety engineer Quality control analyst Quantitative analyst Remote sensing scientist and technologist Remote sensing technician Robotics engineer Robotics technician Security management specialist Seismologist Software developer Soil and plant scientist Soil and water conservationist Solar energy systems engineer Statistician Submarine sonar technician Survey researcher Telecommunications engineering specialist Toxicologist Transportation engineer Transportation planner Validation engineer Water resource specialist Water treatment plant operator Water/wastewater engineer Wildlife conservationist Wind turbine service technician Zoologist This little guy can tell you how to get a job in STEM- as long as you charge his battery first. How to Get a STEM Career: 8 Essential Steps If you’ve decided you want a STEM career, great! But how can you prepare yourself for one? What classes do you need to take, and what colleges should you apply to? Lastly, how can you look for STEM jobs in your field? Here, we've created a step-by-step guide- starting with high school and going all the way through college- to help you ultimately secure a career in STEM. In High School This might come as a surprise, but STEM careers for people often begin as far back as high schoolwhen you can first explore the various STEM topics and start thinking about what fields you’re most interested in pursuing long-term. Step 1: Take Lots of STEM Classes and Do Well in Them High school STEM classes can feel a bit limited compared with those offered by colleges, but your school will likely still have a decent array of options. Besides the science and math classes all students must take (usually this will be biology, chemistry, physics, algebra, geometry, pre-calculus, and calculus), you should make an effort tofit in at least two to three STEM electives, particularly in topics you're passionate about or really interested in. Here areexamples of possible STEM classes you could take in high school, depending on what your school offers: Agriculture App development Astronomy Botany Computer math Computer programming Computer repair Earth science Environmental science Geology Marine biology Oceanography Statistics Web design Web programming Zoology If you’re particularly strong in a certain STEM topic, such as physics or calculus, you should also consider taking the AP or honors level of that class (and then taking the AP test for it, too!). Here are all AP classes and exams that focus on STEM topics: AP Biology AP Chemistry AP Environmental Science AP Physics 1: Algebra-Based AP Physics 2: Algebra-Based AP Physics C: Electricity and Magnetism AP Physics C: Mechanics AP Calculus AB AP Calculus BC AP Computer Science A AP Computer Science Principles AP Statistics Remember that it’s not just about exposing yourself to new STEM topics or taking as many STEM classes as possible- you should also work hard to earn good grades in your STEM classes (in all your classes, really) so you can ultimately get into a great college. Don't skip chemistry class in high school if you want to get into STEM! Step 2: Start Thinking About Your Interests As you take STEM classes throughout high school, spend some time thinking hard about which topics you like more than others and what you could see yourself studying in college (and using in a future career). For example, maybe you find calculus a bit boring but get excited about developing new apps and computer programs. In this case, you’ll want to try to steer your focus more toward classes in app development, computer science, and related topics than those with a heavier math emphasis. If you’re still unsure what type of STEM field you want to focus on but know that you enjoy STEM as a whole, that’s perfectly fine- just continue taking a range of STEM classes so you can start to work out what appeals to you the most. Step 3: Ace the SAT/ACT Math and Science Sections Getting into a top college isn’t just about having a good GPA and taking lots of difficult classes but also getting an impressive SAT/ACT score. If you’re hoping to enter STEM, you’ll want to get an especially high score on the SAT Math section or the ACT Math and Science sections (the SAT does not have a Science section as the ACT does). Earning top scores on these sections- regardless of which test you decide to take- will prove to colleges that you’re ready for the challenges of a STEM major and a STEM career. While the Math and Science sections should be most important to you, don’t neglect to study for the other sections on the test (i.e., Reading and Writing on the SAT, and Reading and English on the ACT). Check out our ultimate SAT/ACT study guides for more tips on how you can get a great SAT/ACT score. Step 4: Apply to Colleges With a Program for Your STEM Field By the beginning of your senior year of high school, you should start to have a pretty clear idea of what STEM field you like most and would like to study further. As you begin applying to colleges, make sure to look for schools that specifically offer (or, even better, specialize in) the STEM topic you want to major in or are thinking of majoring in. For instance, it might not actually be the best choice to apply to your local university if it doesn’t offer the STEM major or classes you want. If you’re still unsure what you want to major in or are interested in many STEM topics, it’s best to apply to colleges that offer a big array of STEM majors and classes. These schools will usually be STEM-oriented colleges and engineering schools, such as MIT, Caltech, and Georgia Tech. Refer to US News for a list of the best undergraduate engineering programs to get a feel for what schools are known for what types of engineering/STEM topics. Forbes also offers a detailed list of the 25 best STEM colleges. The universal facial expression of college students majoring in STEM. In College You’ve now completed high school and are moving on to college. Congratulations! In this section, we'll go over the four steps you should take as an undergraduate to ensure you’re on track to getting the STEM career you want. Step 5: Consider What Kind of STEM Career You Want College offers lots of freedom in terms of the classes you can choose, so use this time to really think more about what kinds of STEM jobs you might be interested in. For example, maybe you enjoyed math in high school but weren't sure if math as a whole was the field you wanted to get into. In college, your class options will be a lot more plentiful: you will likely be able to take courses in math topics that weren’t available to you in high school, such as abstract algebra, discrete mathematics, or differential equations. Taking these classes in college can help you determine whether math is truly the right STEM field for you. In short, the more STEM classes you take (and enjoy taking!), the more clearly you’ll be able to begin visualizing the kind of STEM career you want to have. Step 6: Declare a Major If you haven’t done so already, start thinking about what your STEM major will be and make an official declaration when you’re sure it’s what you want to study and what you want to have a career in. If you’re still undecided after a year or two of college, consider making an appointment with your academic advisor or college career center to help you figure out what majors and STEM careers might be a good fit for you based on the classes you’ve taken and liked. Don't forget that you can always change your major if you end up deciding that the one you initially chose is not actually the best fit for you and your career goals (though this might mean you’ll be in college longer than four years). Alternatively, you can double major if there's more than one (STEM) topic that interests you and if you want to give yourself even more potential career paths. Don't worry if you're not sure what to major in- you can always double major in two STEM fields, or one STEM field and one non-STEM field! Step 7: Accumulate Professional Experience Try to take advantage of your summers off by doing a STEM-oriented internship, working a part-time STEM job, or conducting research. Although work experience isn’t an absolute necessity for getting a great STEM job after graduation, it can certainly help in terms of raising your salary potential and making you stand apart from other applicants. Internships and jobs can also help you figure out what STEM topic to major in if you have yet to declare one (see Step 6). Remember that working STEM jobs, even if they only last one summer, can lead to some amazing opportunities for networking, which you can take advantage of later on when applying for jobs. Step 8: Look for STEM Jobs As you enter your final year of college, it’s time to start actively applying to STEM jobs (or STEM grad programs, depending on whether you need an advanced degree for your field). There are many resources you can use to look for STEM jobs: Current or previous employer(s): If you have completed or are presently in a STEM-related internship or job, you can use this professional connection to see whether there are any full-time jobs available there or at a similar company. STEM professors, peers, and alumni: People in your own circles can be great resources for landing STEM jobs. Ask professors and classmates whether they have any job leads. You can also meet with alumni to see what kinds of career paths they ended up having after college. College career center: Don’t pass up this resource! Your school’s career center can give you tons of advice for making your resume stand out and finding STEM jobs that fit your goals. LinkedIn: If you haven’t already, create a LinkedIn account. This website is excellent for searching for STEM jobs, connecting with people in your field and at your college, and just generally making yourself known. Hacker News: This website is geared toward computer science and entrepreneurship and offers an updated job board for those looking specifically for STEM careers. MAA Classifieds: Established by the Mathematical Association of America, this job-search website allows you to search for an array of math and STEM jobs by title or location. Science Careers: This careers board for those looking to get jobs in the fields of science and technology is a joint effort of the journal Science and the American Association for the Advancement of Science. AWIS Career Center: This job-search site geared toward women in STEM and made by the Association for Women in Science lets you search for STEM careers by keyword, location, or industry. The trick to getting a STEM job is to apply to as many as possible and be prepared for some setbacks- indeed, it's not at all rare to have to send out dozens of applications before you even land an interview, so don’t feel discouraged! The biggest piece of advice I can give recent college graduates and those about to graduate is to just keep moving forward- you'll get a job offer eventually! Recap: What Is a STEM Career and How Can You Get One? STEM is an acronym for the academic disciplines of science, technology, engineering, and mathematics; thus, STEM careers are any jobs that are based in one or more of these four fields. At present, STEM jobs are experiencing a large boom, with high employment growth projected for the next decade and loads of high-paying jobs. Based on our analysis of many STEM jobs lists and BLS data, we’ve determined that the 10 highest-paying science jobs and STEM careers are currently as follows (in order of highest median salary to lowest): Computer and information systems managers Petroleum engineers Physicists and astronomers Computer and information research scientists Aerospace engineers Computer hardware engineers Computer network architects Nuclear engineers Software developers Chemical engineers There are many more STEM jobs available than just these 10. Above, we’ve given you an extensive STEM careers list containing 100+ jobs for you to consider. There are many steps involved when it comes to getting a STEM career. To review, these steps are as follows: In High School Step 1: Take lots of STEM classes and do well in them Step 2: Start thinking about your interests Step 3: Ace the SAT/ACT Math and Science sections Step 4: Apply to colleges that teach your STEM topic In College Step 5: Consider what kind of STEM career you want Step 6: Declare a major Step 7: Accumulate professional experience Step 8: Look for STEM jobs Now that you've learned all there is to know about establishing a STEM career, get out there and start making your dreams a reality! What’s Next? What is a STEM degree and how can you know if it's the right major for you? Our guide offers expert tips for helping you decide whether STEM is the best choice for your studies. To get into a great college as a STEM major, you need to have amazing SAT/ACT scores in the Math and Science sections.Our in-depth guides to getting a perfect score in SAT Math, ACT Math, and ACT Science will teach you our very best secrets for acing these tricky sections. Have friends who also need help with test prep? Share this article! Tweet Hannah Muniz About the Author Hannah received her MA in Japanese Studies from the University of Michigan and holds a bachelor's degree from the University of Southern California. From 2013 to 2015, she taught English in Japan via the JET Program. She is passionate about education, writing, and travel. Get Free Guides to Boost Your SAT/ACT Get FREE EXCLUSIVE insider tips on how to ACE THE SAT/ACT. 100% Privacy. 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