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If you’re an Indian student considering pursuing a master’s degree in the United States, a STEM degree could be a fantastic option for you. STEM, which stands for Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics, is an interdisciplinary field that is rapidly growing in importance worldwide. Are you ready to learn about the many benefits of pursuing a STEM degree in the United States? In this blog post, we’ll be taking a deep dive into the benefits of doing a STEM degree from the United States and why it could be the perfect choice for you!

IN THIS BLOG:

  1. Advantages: STEM Courses USA
  2. Top 4 STEM Courses (USA)
  3. STEM MBA Programs

Advantages: STEM Courses USA

One of the biggest advantages of pursuing a STEM degree in the United States is the Optional Practical Training (OPT) period. OPT is a period of up to 12 months during which international students can work in the United States without requiring a work visa. And here’s the best part – this period can be extended for an additional 24 months for students who have completed a STEM degree program! 

That’s right, as a STEM graduate, you have the opportunity to work in the US for a total of 36 months post-graduation. This extended OPT period is a significant advantage for STEM graduates, as it allows them to gain valuable work experience in the United States and potentially transition to an H-1B work visa. Non-STEM graduates, on the other hand, are only eligible for the standard 12-month OPT period, which limits their work experience in the US and chances of getting an H-1B visa.

Based on a study by the National Science Foundation, international students in STEM fields make up 44% of all doctoral recipients in the United States. This highlights the popularity and importance of STEM fields in the US higher education system. The same study also found that international students who earned a STEM degree were much more likely to remain in the United States post-graduation. In fact, 70% of international students with a STEM degree remained in the US, compared to only 52% of those with a non-STEM degree.

STEM courses USA

Why might this be the case? One reason is that STEM degrees often lead to high-paying jobs with plenty of opportunities for growth and advancement. In fact, a report from Glassdoor found that eight out of the top ten highest-paying jobs in the United States are in STEM fields. This includes jobs such as Data Scientist, Software Engineer, and DevOps Engineer, which have median salaries ranging from $92,000 to $136,000 per year. Pursuing a STEM degree can give you the skills and knowledge necessary to enter these lucrative fields and succeed in the competitive job market.

But that’s not all. Pursuing a STEM degree can also offer more scholarship opportunities. Many universities in the United States offer scholarships specifically for international students pursuing STEM degrees. For example, the University of Michigan offers the International Institute Non-Resident Tuition Scholarship, which awards up to $15,000 per year to international students pursuing a STEM degree. This can significantly offset the cost of tuition and living expenses, making it easier to afford a US education.

Suggested Read: British Council scholarships for women in STEM

 

Top 4 STEM Courses (USA)

Ready to explore the top STEM courses in the US? These top STEM courses offer a range of exciting opportunities for students looking to pursue a master’s degree in the United States. With their innovative, fast-paced, and high-impact nature, these fields have the potential to lead to rewarding careers that make a difference in the world.

  1. Computer Science: Computer Science is a field that is constantly evolving, with new technologies and applications being developed every day. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, employment in computer and information technology occupations is projected to grow by 11% from 2019 to 2029, which is much faster than the average for all other occupations. This growth is driven by increasing demand for computer software and applications in various industries.
  2. Electrical Engineering: Electrical Engineering is a field that is at the forefront of innovation, with advances in areas such as renewable energy, smart grid technology, and autonomous vehicles. According to the National Science Foundation, Electrical Engineering was the second most popular field of study among international students in the US in 2019, with over 28,000 students enrolled in graduate programs. This highlights the appeal of this field for students from around the world.
  3. Biomedical Engineering: Biomedical Engineering is a field that has the potential to make a significant impact on healthcare and quality of life. According to the National Institutes of Health, the US government’s medical research agency, biomedical research is a priority area for funding, with a budget of over $42 billion in 2021. This funding supports research in areas such as medical devices, regenerative medicine, and precision medicine, all of which are relevant to Biomedical Engineering.
  4. Data Science: Data Science is another field that is in high demand, as organisations across various industries seek to harness the power of data to inform their decision-making. According to the US Bureau of Labor Statistics, employment of computer and information research scientists, which includes Data Scientists, is projected to grow 15% from 2019 to 2029, much faster than the average for all occupations. This growth is driven by the increasing amount of data being generated and the need to analyse and interpret it.

What are the STEM Programs that are right for you?

STEM MBA Programs

In recent years, management programs have been getting a STEM makeover, and it’s an exciting trend to keep an eye on! With the ever-increasing demand for professionals with both technical and management skills, the STEM designation for management programs is a step in the right direction. For instance, the MBA programs at top universities like Kellogg School of Management and the Haas School of Business are now STEM-designated, reflecting their emphasis on technology and innovation. 

The shift towards STEM-designated management programs also reflects the vital role that technology plays in today’s business world. The need for professionals who can drive innovation and manage technical teams is on the rise. According to the National Science Foundation, businesses in the United States spent a whopping $483 billion on research and development in 2018, underlining the need for management professionals with strong technical skills.

There you have it, folks – pursuing a STEM degree in the United States is a surefire way to boost your career prospects and help build a better future. Pursuing a STEM degree is an investment in yourself and your future. And with so many top-tier universities and innovative programs available in the United States, the sky’s the limit when it comes to your potential. So, go ahead – take the leap and pursue a STEM degree in the US. Who knows what amazing things you’ll accomplish along the way!

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