STEM Degrees
There are hundreds of two year and four year degrees that lead to careers in science, technology, engineering, mathematics, and medicine (STEM). By comparing the different careers, you can see which field might be right for you and then start working toward your career goal. Learn about the work done in each field, what education is required, what a field's employment and salary trends are. The career you select may reflect your interests, talents, and other factors such as whether you like to work outside, want to travel, or are interested in a particular industry or place to live. The following are a few examples - many more can be found on the Sloan Career Cornerstone Center.
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Diagnostic Medicine
Sonography, or ultrasonography, is the use of sound waves to generate an image for the assessment and diagnosis of various medical conditions. This technology has many applications in the diagnosis and treatment of medical conditions throughout the body. Diagnostic medical sonographers use special equipment to direct nonionizing, high frequency sound waves into areas of the patient's body. Sonographers operate the equipment, which collects reflected echoes and forms an image that may be videotaped, transmitted, or photographed for interpretation and diagnosis by a physician. Diagnostic medical sonographers hold about 50,300 jobs in the United States and have a median annual salary of about $61,000. Colleges and universities offer formal training in both 2 and 4 year programs, culminating in an associate or a bachelor's degree. Two-year programs are most prevalent. Employment of diagnostic medical sonographers is expected to increase by about 18 percent from 2008 through 2018, which is faster than the average for all occupations. Learn More...
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Actuarial Science
One of the main functions of actuaries is to help businesses assess the risk of certain events occurring and to formulate policies that minimize the cost of that risk. For this reason, actuaries are essential to the insurance industry. Actuaries assemble and analyze data to estimate the probability and likely cost of the occurrence of an event such as death, sickness, injury, disability, or loss of property. Actuaries also help design insurance policies, pension plans, and other financial strategies in a manner which will help ensure that the plans are maintained on a sound financial basis. Actuaries need a strong background in mathematics. Applicants for beginning actuarial jobs usually have a bachelor's degree in mathematics, actuarial science, statistics, or a business-related discipline such as economics, finance, or accounting. Environmental engineers hold about 54,300 jobs in the United States with a median annual income of about $84,000. Annual starting salaries for graduates with a bachelor's degree in actuarial science averaged $56,320 in 2009. Learn More...
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Computer Science
The widespread and increasing use of computers and information technology has generated a need for highly trained, innovative workers with extensive theoretical expertise. These workers, called computer scientists, are the designers, creators, and inventors of new technology. By creating new technology, or finding alternative uses for existing resources, they solve complex business, scientific, and general computing problems. Some computer scientists work on multidisciplinary projects, collaborating with electrical engineers, mechanical engineers, and other specialists. Computer scientists hold 28,900 jobs in the United States and the field is expected to grow by 24 percent from 2008 to 2018. The median annual earnings of computer and information scientists is $97,970, and in 2009, computer science graduates were offered an average salary offer of $60,426. Entry level positions in the field typically require a four year bachelor's degree in computer science, information science, or computer engineering . Learn More...
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Environmental Engineering
Environmental engineers are involved in water and air pollution control, recycling, waste disposal, and public health issues. They design municipal water supply and industrial wastewater treatment systems, conduct research on the environmental impact of proposed construction projects, analyze scientific data, and perform quality-control checks. Environmental engineers are concerned with local and worldwide environmental issues. Some may study and attempt to minimize the effects of acid rain, global warming, automobile emissions, and ozone depletion. They also may be involved in the protection of wildlife. Many environmental engineers work as consultants, helping their clients to comply with regulations, prevent environmental damage, and clean up hazardous sites. Environmental engineers hold about 54,300 jobs in the United States with a median annual income of about $74,000. To enter this field, you need a bachelor's degree, and have knowledge in math and many fields of science, including physics, chemistry, hydrology, geology, and biology. Learn More...
