10 Exciting Majors for STEM Students to Consider Pursuing in College

It’s the question everyone dreads. “What are you going to study?” You worry you’ll change your mind; you worry you won’t pick the right choice.  

If your answer is “I don’t know, but I know I want to work in STEM,” this article will help you realize there are plenty of options for you to consider.

To help you get excited about your college studies, we’ve put together a list of 10 college majors in the STEM field. 

1. Biomedical Engineering 

As with many of the STEM majors and career paths, Biomedical Engineering is interdisciplinary in nature. Purdue School of Engineering and Technology shares, “This is not part of the traditional engineering education and requires not only an above average ability in math and science but also a willingness to embrace these other areas.” If you have strong math and science abilities and are inclined to pursue a medical field, check out biomedical engineering majors. 

2. Industrial Engineering  

In a nutshell, industrial engineers “find ways to eliminate wastefulness in production processes. They devise efficient systems that integrate workers, machines, materials, information, and energy to make a product or provide a service,” according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics. Schools like Georgia Tech include a range of concentrations within industrial engineering, from Supply Chain to Operations Research. Take a look at their website to get a sense of your study possibilities.  

3. Civil Engineering 

From roads and railroads to bridges and buildings, civil engineering “encompasses much of what defines modern civilization.” The Balance Careers lists the characteristics of a civil engineer, including being a problem solver and being a strong project manager.   

“STEM is actually a team sport," says Colin Terry, interim director for the career center and associate dean of students at Colorado School of Mines. "Students are surprised when they find out how much they'll work with students from other disciplines." - US NEWS

4. Mathematics 

Whether you want to be a professor, a consultant, or you’re not sure where your math skills will take you, studying mathematics is a great place to start. As MIT shares, “Our students go on to a wide range of activities after graduation. Some go on to graduate school in mathematics, physics, computer science, finance, or engineering. Many begin careers in investment banking, consulting, or software engineering.” 

5. Information Technology 

From database administration to cybersecurity, Information Technology majors are afforded a wide range of opportunities. Take a look at sample career paths here, including Java Developer, Project Manager, and Network Engineer. 

6.  Aerospace Engineering 

From becoming an aircraft designer to becoming a compliance officer, there are some specialized and paths in aerospace. Take a look at some of your career options at Florida Tech’s website. According to Get Educated, “Students who are proficient in math, physics, and chemistry may be perfectly suited to a degree in aerospace engineering.” 

7. Computer Engineering 

The “world as we know it” is ever-changing. Studying computer engineering allows you to combine “analytical skills, hardware expertise, and software knowledge to design the computer systems, software, networks, and operating systems” that evolve and improve the world we live in today. 

8. Actuarial Science 

There are many different directions your career path could take you. Get Educated shares that “Actuarial science majors are often employed in the insurance industry, but they are also found in scientific research and company management firms.” 

9. Chemical Engineering 

As Stanford University puts it, “chemical engineers conceive and design processes to produce, transform and transport materials — beginning with experimentation in the laboratory followed by implementation of the technology in full-scale production.” From mathematics to process design, chemical engineers must have quantitative understanding.  

10. Statistician 

Above all else, Statisticians analyze data. Studying statistics will prepare you to “apply mathematical and statistical techniques to help solve real-world problems in business, engineering, healthcare, or other fields.” (Bureau of Labor Statistics). 

Explore Before You Decide

Before you decide you are set on a major or a specific path, take a look through the different STEM programs available. As you read through course descriptions, you might find that another field rings more true to your interests. Follow that instinct and see if you can talk to professionals in the field to get their perspective.