STEM Courses in USA: Complete Guide for International Students

STEM courses refer to educational programs and courses that focus on Science, Mathematics, Technology, and Engineering. These courses aim to give students a strong foundation in these fields, fostering critical thinking, creativity, and analytical skills. All four disciplines of STEM courses are considered vital for technological advancement, innovation, and problem-solving in various industries.

While pursuing STEM courses, students often incorporate hands-on experiments, projects, and practical applications to enhance understanding and encourage innovation. STEM education in the USA plays a crucial role in preparing students for careers in scientific research, engineering, technology development, and related industries.

When it comes to studying STEM courses abroad, the first country that comes to mind is the USA. The country is highly renowned for its superior quality education, especially STEM courses. So, let's know why the USA is an amazing option for Indian students to study STEM courses. 

• Top-notch universities: The USA is home to esteemed colleges and establishments renowned for their competence in STEM education, offering world-class faculty, cutting-edge research facilities, and a comprehensive curriculum.

• Research Opportunities: The USA is a hub for scientific research and technological advancements, providing unparalleled chances to work with famous researchers on innovative research initiatives researchers. Universities believe in offering practical-based knowledge and theory to their students. 

• Post-Study Work Permit: The USA Student Visa allows three years of post-study work permits for Indian students pursuing STEM courses in USA. It is a great opportunity to gain work experience in top-notch companies worldwide. It also makes your CV look appealing and enhances your future prospects. 

• Internship and Co-op Programs: Many STEM courses provide chances for co-ops and internships in the United States programs, enabling students to gain hands-on experience, build networks, and apply their knowledge in real-world settings. 

• Industry Connections: Proximity to major tech hubs like Silicon Valley exposes students to industry leaders, startups, and entrepreneurial ecosystems, enhancing career prospects and job opportunities.

• Scholarships and Funding Options: There are various government- and university-based scholarships, grants, and assistantship programs available for Indian students pursuing STEM courses, which help alleviate the financial burden of education.

• Skill Development: STEM education in the USA emphasises a multidisciplinary approach, encouraging students to explore diverse areas within the field and develop a broad range of skills and knowledge. The universities equip students with skills and make them industry-ready before they complete the course. 

Also, Read: STEM Courses in Australia

More than 300 STEM courses are offered in the USA for Indian students. Let's check some of the best STEM courses in the USA below.

• Aeronautical or Aerospace

• Actuarial Science

• Agricultural Engineering

• Animal Science

• Architectural Engineering

• Astronomy

• Behavioral Sciences

• Biochemistry 

• Botany 

• Biology

• Biomedical Technology

• Chemistry 

• Chemical Engineering

• Civil Engineering

• Computer Programming 

• Computer and Information Science

• Data Management

• Environmental Studies

• Food Science 

• Forensic Chemistry 

• Forensic Science and Technology

• Geology 

• Genetics 

• Horticulture Science

• Human Biology 

• Mathematics 

• Mechanical Engineering 

• Meteorology 

• Mining Technology

• Molecular Biology 

• Military Applied Science 

• Nutritional Science

• Nuclear Physics

• Petroleum Technology

• Pharmaceutical Science

• Physics 

• Plant Science

• Statistics 

• Telecommunication

• Zoology

US universities like Harvard University, MIT, Stanford University, Columbia University, and Caltech offer one-year STEM courses for Indian students. You can easily find various specialisations in one-year STEM courses, such as Behavioral Sciences, Astronomy, Architectural Engineering, Botany, Chemical Engineering, Computer Science, etc. A 1-year STEM course in USA is a great option for Indian students aspiring to study in USA and gain high-quality skills on an affordable budget.

The USA is a hub for various top-notch institutions offering STEM courses. Some of the best universities to study STEM courses in USA and the respective fees for these courses are:

Let’s discuss some of these universities in detail.

Massachusetts Institute of Technology is ranked  #1 across the globe. The university is best known for its programs in chemical engineering, physics,  electrical engineering, mechanical engineering, and other fields. It is home to notable figures like Buzz Aldrin and Richard Feynman.

Harvard University, undoubtedly the most popular university in the United States, is among the leaders in STEM disciplines in computer science, biology, chemistry, physics, and mathematics.

Stanford University is undoubtedly the next most well-known university in the United States, just after Harvard. The university enjoys high enrollment for its Chemical Engineering, Civil Engineering, Chemistry, Physics, Mathematics, and Biological Sciences courses.

The University of California at Berkeley is a public institution that provides challenging mathematics, physics, computer science, biological sciences, chemical engineering, and civil engineering courses. In every category, the university is ranked in the top 10. It has a comparatively higher acceptance rate than other colleges on this list.

One of the most renowned universities in the STEM field is the California Institute of Technology, located in Pasadena. The university's faculty and graduates have won 46 Nobel Prizes, totalling 47 Nobel prizes won by the school.

Want to learn which universities are the best fit for a particular course you want to take? You can consider the below-given universities for your preferred course:

The eligibility criteria to enrol for  STEM courses in USA varies according to the university and program you choose to pursue. How the basic eligibility criteria to enrol for STEM courses in the USA are mentioned below:

• At least four years of bachelor's degree in the relevant field

• Minimum 65% overall marks in bachelor's degree

• Few top-notch universities may require a GRE score of 550.

• Some universities also require field-relevant work experience of 2-3 years.

• English proficiency test scores with a minimum overall IELTS band score of 6.5 (or equivalent score in any other proficiency test that your preferred university accepts.

• Statement of Purpose

• Letter of Recommendation

• Valid Passport

For students who are familiar with the standard procedure for applying to universities abroad, applying to one of the STEM courses on the USA list is similar to applying to any other course. The following is how to apply to STEM programs in the USA:

• Make a list of the universities you would like to apply to, then research their admission prerequisites, including deadlines and eligibility.

• Complete the online application for overseas students on the university website within the deadlines and send in the required application fee.

• Collect and send in the necessary supporting documentation for your application.

• Once your application has been confirmed, you can use the university website to monitor its progress.

• If you are approved, the institution will send you an official letter along with your acceptance letter. Ensure you reply to confirm your acceptance and complete the enrollment process on time.

• After receiving your letter of acceptance, you can apply for an F-1 Student visa to study at STEM-accredited universities in USA.

Many Indian students have a myth that US universities do not accept applications for STEM courses without the GRE. However, there are various universities which accept Indian students, such as:

• Concordia University, Chicago

• Dayton University, Ohio

• University of Utah

• James Madison University

• Pittsburg State University

• Sacred Heart University

• New Mexico State University

• Pittsburg State University

Pursuing a STEM course in the USA offers numerous exciting job opportunities for graduates. With a strong emphasis on scientific research, technological advancements, and innovation, the USA boasts a thriving job market in STEM fields. Check job options and their average salary after pursuing STEM courses in the USA.

To conclude, The USA is renowned for its top-notch educational system, excellent infrastructure, and educational and research opportunities available in Silicon Valley. Obtaining a degree in a STEM discipline can lead to several domestic and international opportunities. The need for STEM workers is expected to rise in the near future due to the booming science and technology sector and the abundance of possibilities in the STEM field.

If you are looking for more details or want to study in USA, we encourage you to speak with our team of expert counsellors at Meridean Overseas Education Consultants (MOEC). If you are unable to travel to our offices, we offer online counselling services via our website. Our dedicated counsellors will provide you with the best guidance regarding your application to study in the USA. Don't hesitate to contact us at application02@meridean.org or call us at 1800-1230-00011.

Question: What are the top STEM programs to pursue in the USA?

Answer: The US offers many top-tier STEM programs that provide exceptional educational opportunities for aspiring professionals. Some top STEM programs to study in USA include Engineering, Biomedical Science, Computer Science, Statistics, and Life Science.

Question: What is the cost of studying STEM programs in USA for Indian students? 

Answer: The cost of studying a STEM program in the USA for Indian students depends on the institution and program you choose to pursue. Generally, tuition fees for STEM programs in the USA are higher than other fields of study. On average, in students can expect to pay between 65,000 USD to 80,000 USD per year.

Question: Is studying STEM courses in USA a good decision for Indian students?

Answer: Studying STEM courses in the USA is undoubtedly a highly favourable decision for Indian students. The USA is well known for having top-notch educational institutions., cutting-edge research facilities, and a thriving scientific community. Pursuing STEM education in the USA equips Indian students with a comprehensive skill set, critical thinking abilities, and hands-on experience in their chosen field. Moreover, the USA offers many opportunities for internships, research collaborations, and industry connections, which greatly enhance career prospects.

Question: Can a commerce student apply for STEM Courses in USA?

Answer: Yes, commerce students can pursue STEM degrees in the USA. While STEM degrees are traditionally associated with science, technology, engineering, and mathematics, many universities in the USA offer programs that allow students from diverse academic backgrounds, including commerce, to pursue STEM degrees. These programs often provide foundational courses to bridge the knowledge gap and enable commerce students to develop the necessary skills and understanding of STEM subjects.

Question: What are the top STEM universities in the USA?

Answer: According to the QS world ranking, the top STEM universities are Massachusetts Institute of Technology, which is ranked #1; Harvard University, which is ranked #4; Standford University, which is ranked #5; the University of California, Berkeley, which is ranked #10, and the California Institute of Technology, which is ranked #15.

Question: Who is eligible for STEM courses in the USA?

Answer: In the United States, a bachelor's degree in one of the STEM fields, completed within the last three to four years, is the minimum requirement for enrollment in STEM courses. In order to be admitted, you must score at least the minimum on exams like the GMAT, GRE, TOEFL, and IELTS. As soon as the university sends you an acceptance letter, you should apply for an F1 visa to study in the United States.

Question: What benefits does an Indian student get while pursuing a STEM degree in the USA?

Answer: For Indian students, attending a STEM university in the USA offers several advantages, including: 

• Access to top-notch universities with cutting-edge infrastructure and highly qualified faculty.

• Exposure to a range of cultures and viewpoints can extend students' perspectives and foster the growth of a global worldview.

• Expand job opportunities and employability internationally.

• Possibilities to take part in innovative research initiatives and obtain practical work experience.

Question: Which visa should I apply for to pursue a STEM course in the USA?

Answer: After receiving the university's acceptance letter, you should apply for an F1 visa in order to study STEM in the United States. You have the option to extend your work authorisation for an extra 24 months after completing your degree, following the first 12 months of optional practical training (OPT).

Question: Which are the most popular job fields in the STEM field?

Answer: The following jobs are most popular and pay well in the STEM field:

• Physicist

• Aeronautical Engineer

• Mechanical Engineer

• Civil Engineer

• Chemical Engineer

Question: Which universities offer STEM Courses in USA Without a GRE?

Answer: A common misconception among Indian students is that GRE scores are required for admission to STEM programs at USA colleges. However, several universities welcome students from India. 

• Concordia University, Chicago

• Dayton University, Ohio

• University of Utah

• James Madison University