STEM Courses in USA: Complete Guide for International Students

STEM courses have witnessed exponential growth in the global education system. This upward trend resulted in immense job opportunities for STEM course students, which increased from 9.7 million in 1990 to 17.3 million today. International students must receive higher education in STEM disciplines to benefit from these colossal job openings. A significant reason behind the increasing demand for STEM courses is the United States, specifically Silicon Valley. However, choosing suitable STEM courses for international students is not an easy task. There are more than 300 STEM programs in USA itself. This guide will help you find the best STEM courses for international students in USA.

STEM simply stands for Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics. The degrees offered in STEM courses combine these four disciplines. STEM course students are not just knowledgable but also skilled in the practical application of the subject. Moreover, jobs for STEM students are abundant because of their unique skills and knowledge.

The United States is the leading nation in STEM jobs and education. In fact, the US has a legion of high-ranking Universities for STEM degrees. Resultantly, many universities are promoting STEM courses in USA for international students.

Universities like MIT (Massachusetts Institute of Technology), Stanford, UC (University of California Berkeley), and CalTech (California Institute of Technology) are global leaders in STEM courses. They offer a wide range of programs based on an interdisciplinary approach and practical application. These universities have been instrumental in the growth of STEM programs in USA.

The STEM courses in USA for international students are renowned globally because of the following reasons:

• The US is home to the best STEM courses in the world because of its top-ranking universities.

• Silicon Valley, the epicentre of cutting-edge technology, is in the States.

• As a multicultural county, the USA offers an excellent environment for international students.

• Studying STEM courses in USA comes with an opportunity to work with the industry’s best minds.

International students can apply for STEM courses in USA if they meet the minimum eligibility criteria:

• A Bachelor's degree or above in Science, Technology, Engineering or Mathematics (STEM subjects)

• GRE or GMAT qualifying score for the selected STEM course in USA

• Proven language proficiency in English with TOEFL, IELTS OR PTE score, as applicable

• Students must obtain the F1 USA Student Visa

• Other eligibility requirements as provided by the chosen STEM program

The application process for STEM courses in USA is straightforward. But International students need to keep the documents ready for a successful application. The student application for STEM courses in USA will not be successful without the following documents:

• Academic Transcripts

• Resume, Curriculum Vitae or Portfolio

• Personal Statement or Statement of Purpose

• Recommendation Letters

• Qualifying scores in English proficiency tests

• Required Entrance Exams

• Passport

• Specific documentation requirements as given by the University

There are more than 300 STEM courses offered in USA. Therefore, international students are often confused and overwhelmed by the numerous choices. The most popular STEM courses in USA can be categorised in the following categories:

• Engineering: Aeronautical/Aerospace, Agricultural, Architectural, Chemical, Civil, Mechanical and Petroleum Technology are the most opted engineering STEM courses in USA

• Computer and Information Science: Computer Programming or Computer and Information Science courses attract more than 150000 students every year

• Mathematics and Statistics: STEM courses in Mathematics and Statistics are the most popular for international students

• Biological and Medical Sciences: These courses include Biochemistry, Biology, Pharmacology, Forensic Science and Technology, and Zoology

The American Universities hold top ranks for their STEM programs. International students aspiring to study in USA aim for these leading Universities:

Harvard University

Harvard University is the first higher education institution in the new world. It has been recognised as the world’s most prestigious institution of learning since its establishment in 1636. Harvard University offers the best STEM programs in Biology, Computer Engineering and Biomedical Engineering.

Stanford University

Stanford University offers STEM courses in Chemical Engineering, Aerospace Engineering and Biomedical Engineering. Despite being a private research university established much later, Stanford is at par with Harvard in terms of academic excellence.

California Institute of Technology

CalTech is a global leader in terms of the learning experience, ranked at #9 in US News’ list of best National Universities. STEM courses such as Civil Engineering, Biomedical Engineering and Chemical Engineering offered by CalTech are in high demand globally.

Massachusetts Institute of Technology

MIT is among the most recognised names in Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics. This reputation is due to MIT’s role in developing modern technology. Numerous prestigious names in the STEM field are MIT alums, faculty members, and researchers. Pursuing MIT STEM courses like Physics, Mechanical Engineering, Electrical Engineering, and Chemical Engineering is a dream for international students.

University of California, Berkeley

University of California, Berkeley is the first campus of UoC. It is a large public grant university with #22 ranking among the top national universities by US news. Clinical Psychology, Biochemistry, Earth Sciences and Chemistry STEM courses offered by the University are considered the best in the country. It is associated with names of legends in Science like J. R. Oppenheimer and Ernest Lawrence.

The United States is home to some of the best STEM programs in the world. These courses provide international students with unequalled exposure to the world of Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics. Want to find the right STEM course in USA? Meet our counsellors today to start your journey as an international student. Contact Meridean Overseas Education Consultants at 1800-1230-00011 (toll-free number) or mail us at application02@meridean.org.