The Metamorphosis
Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics. If you’re interested in any of the four fields or anything related to them, chances are, you’ll probably want to take up a S.T.E.M. major or end up with a S.T.E.M. degree.
Getting a S.T.E.M. degree may not be the easiest thing on earth, and maybe you even wonder if there’s such a thing as the easiest S.T.E.M. major.
Before anything else, let’s be clear on one thing. The answer to the question is not a one-size-fits-all kind of thing. The easiest major for you may not be the same for others and vice versa. It’s a reasonably subjective topic to discuss.
Table of Contents
What is a S.T.E.M. Major?
S.T.E.M. is the acronym for the hard sciences programs such as Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics. It is an interdisciplinary teaching that relates the four fields in a unified curriculum based on their practical applications.
Science in S.T.E.M.
The Science discipline in S.T.E.M. applies to two types of sciences, namely natural science and formal science. Among the focus of natural science are Chemistry, Biology, Physics, Geology. It is the branch that involves studying and working with the natural world. Logic, math, and statistics are among the formal systems that are under the branch of formal science.
Technology in S.T.E.M.
Technology is another vital area in the S.T.E.M. discipline as it involves the development of tools and mechanics and the production of goods to accomplish objectives. Technology, comprising the entire system of people and organizations, knowledge, processes, and devices, serves a purpose in other areas of S.T.E.M., which are science, engineering, and math.
Engineering in S.T.E.M.
When you think of engineering, you think of machines, roads, buildings, and other structures or infrastructures. But have you ever considered how they came to be? The field of engineering is involved in designing and constructing these structures and solving a problem with the use of scientific principles.
In engineering, you need vast knowledge and understanding of science, technology, and math to be successful.
Mathematics in S.T.E.M.
Math, in general, is a broad field with no definite description, and almost all S.T.E.M. fields involve it. Yes, don’t think that because it’s science, there’s no math. The National Research Council defines Mathematics as the study of quantities, numbers, shapes, patterns, and relationships.
The study and use of arithmetic, numbers, and their properties of operations are all part of it. In some or most parts, you will deal with statistics, geometry, and algebra. Math, in most areas of science, technology, and engineering, is the core focus.
Easiest S.T.E.M. Major
When you say “easiest,” it all depends on your individual capabilities and interests. There’s no concrete context as to what the easiest S.T.E.M. major is. If you’re good at one thing and not so much at another, there may be one field that you will find more manageable than the other.
Besides, college is not easy at all. But if you consider a few factors, getting your bachelor’s degree may just be more bearable.
Biology
Biology can be an easy major, especially if reading, understanding, and memorization is your thing. Majoring in Biology will help you develop the basics you need to pursue further studies or graduate-level work in medicine and other allied health careers.
Qualifications
The study of life, Biology involves learning the function, role, and characteristics of living organisms. Hence, if you major in Biology, you will need to take courses in biology, chemistry, calculus, physics, biochemistry, anatomy, physiology, and microbiology.
Most of these will require you to take a laboratory component or internships that will take long and tedious hours, so you get the first-hand experience. Students who major in Biology must have a grade point average of 3.23.
Licensure
Biology majors can take many different career paths, ranging from being a botanist, teacher, scientist, forest ranger, and more. However, if you plan to pursue a teaching career, you must earn a teaching certificate required by your state.
And if you plan on working for some biology-related positions like health science, genetics, and other immunology works, you might need to acquire a medical license. Most professional biology positions require at least a bachelor’s degree, and only a few and entry-level are open to those with associate degrees.
Career Opportunities
With the many areas for research and continuous practice, you can pursue many career opportunities with a Biology degree. And with the continuous scientific and medical discoveries and innovations, new trends and opportunities arise in the field.
With an associate’s degree in Biology, you can pursue academic laboratory research in zoology, pharmaceuticals, and other fields. You get the opportunity to become a laboratory technician or a health care worker as you have the fundamentals of human, animal, and plant biology, and also in ecology and organic chemistry.
Most Biology professions require a bachelor’s degree where you can access simple research on the field and learn more about it. You can also utilize your degree as a first step in education and pursue a medical career. With a bachelor’s degree in Biology, you will need a Pedagogical State Diploma to teach in the field.
If you plan to go into direct research in the field, you have to get a doctorate in Biology. Many biologists pursue a career in government agencies like the Environmental Protection Agency, N.I.H., C.D.C.P., or the Department of Agriculture. And others work in a research lab of a pharmaceutical company.
But What If Biology is Not for You?
Granted, Science may not be your strong suit, and there are other majors you can take. However, you must first identify what your inclinations and interests are. Perhaps you should ask yourself if you are more interested in learning about data and tech than about humans, or if you like following a pattern or just wander about and follow your curiosity.
Even the little details of just knowing your ideal workplace, such as seeing yourself working in a lab, with animals, or with medicine and chemicals, are essential in making your decision. With a S.T.E.M. major, you are on your first step to creating a safer and more efficient world where you can use and develop your skills to strategize and solve modern problems. But you can’t do it without knowing what it is that you exactly want.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the most popular S.T.E.M. major?
According to the 2017-2018 data on international students, the top most popular S.T.E.M. major in Engineering, and followed by Computer Science major.
What is the hardest S.T.E.M. major?
S.T.E.M. majors are more demanding than art majors when it comes to the level of demand the course requires. And in one research, Architecture, Chemical Engineering, and Chemistry are the top three most difficult majors in the United States.
What is the highest-paying job for a S.T.E.M. major?
Let’s be real. , one motivation you have is the possible salary you might have with a career in the field. As of April 2021, the most high-paid career related to the major is Radiologist, followed by Network architect and Network engineer. However, it takes more than just majoring in the field. You would have to pursue further studies to work in such a field.
Conclusion
When you choose to pursue a S.T.E.M. major, you are more likely to encounter a better job market in the country. However, the opportunities you get after getting your degree are not the basis of whether a course is easy or hard. Ultimately, I personally think there is no really easy S.T.E.M. major if the student is not interested and curious about the subject.
