If you are a prospective college student looking to get the biggest return on the money invested earning your degree, then you should seriously consider majoring in a STEM (science, technology, education, and mathematics) field. STEM degree holders tend to earn an average income of $90,000 a year and have a low unemployment rate of just around one percent, according to Bankrate. Therefore, if you have a knack for math, science, and technology, you could possibly make a good living from any one of the STEM career fields.
Here are the five highest-paying STEM degrees that usually have the lowest unemployment rate.
1. Aerospace Engineering
Aerospace engineering is a branch of engineering and science that deals with the design, manufacturing and operation of aircraft, spacecraft, rockets, and missiles. These engineers are involved in all phases of design and development. This includes concept formulation, system analysis or evaluation, synthesis or formulation of designs but also in the integration of different systems.
Aerospace engineers can find jobs in the public sector with opportunities to work in defense, aerospace, and the space program. They can also find employment in private industries, specifically aviation and aircraft companies. These companies often have a need for aerospace engineers to design new products or update and maintain existing ones.
The median annual income of aerospace engineers is $118,000, with an unemployment rate of less than two percent, according to Pew Research.
With the anticipated growth in commercial space travel, you could be in for a really exciting and lucrative career.
Aerospace Engineering Degree Coursework
Coursework in aerospace engineering is a specialized and demanding degree. Aerospace engineers may find that they need to spend more time studying than their counterparts in other degrees. Students in an aerospace engineering degree program will study topics such as fluid dynamics, mechanics, thermodynamics and engineering materials. You’ll also study the foundational courses such as mathematics, physics, chemistry, and mechanical engineering. Some of the other coursework in this STEM degree program may include any of the following:
- Aircraft design
- Aerodynamics
- Spacecraft dynamics
- System dynamics and vibration
- Deformable bodies
- Jet and rocket propulsion
- Rotocraft design
Schools Offering Aerospace Engineering Degrees
- Embry-Riddle University – Aerospace Engineering
- Georgia Tech – Aerospace Engineering
- SNHU – Aeronautical Engineering
2. Architectural Engineering
Architectural engineering is a branch of engineering that deals with the design of buildings and their physical layout. Their work involves handling the technological aspects of the planning, design, and construction of buildings. Architectural Engineers work with all types of building materials such as steel, concrete, wood and brick. This profession requires knowledge of physics, geometry, structural analysis and aesthetics.
The word “architect” comes from the Latin word “arquitectus” which means “master builder.” The profession is not limited to building large structures like bridges and skyscrapers. It also includes designing new systems for transportation and water supply.
Architectural engineering has always been a profession in demand, with the need for new buildings and infrastructure rising in places like China and India. But it also requires years of training and several years of experience before engineers can start work.
Some architectural engineers work with contractors to create and design plans for buildings that others will build, while others work with government entities to ensure that professional standards are met when building new schools, office complexes or hospitals. It’s not uncommon for architectural engineers to find themselves working on site during the construction phase, ensuring that all specifications are met and all safety measures are in place.
According to the BLS, architectural engineers earn an average income of $82,000 a year with an unemployment rate hovering around one percent.
If you really enjoy sketching and designing things, you might find this field to be an especially enjoyable career.
Architectural Engineering Degree Coursework
The architectural engineering degree is designed for students interested in architecture, engineering, and construction. Students will learn about the principles of engineering design that are applicable to all types of buildings, how to prepare construction drawings and specifications, and how buildings respond to forces such as wind, earthquakes or hurricanes.
The coursework in this STEM degree program will include a strong emphasis on the design process from an aesthetic perspective. Students will learn about the following:
- building materials and methods
- sustainable design strategies
- cost considerations for building owners
- sustainability in urban environments
- preservation of historic structures
- planning for water management issues in urban settings
You can expect to take some of the following courses during your college program:
- Thermodynamics
- Mechanics of Materials
- Building Technology
- Electricity and Magnetism
- Structural Analysis
- Power Systems Engineering
- Mechanics of Lighting
Schools Offering Architectural Engineering Degrees
- Penn State – Architectural Engineering
- University of Arizona – Architectural Engineering
- University of Colorado – Architectural Engineering
3. Computer Engineering
Computer engineering comprises of several computer science and electronic engineering fields that are needed to develop computer hardware and software systems. More specifically, it’s an engineering discipline that deals with the design of computers, computer peripherals, computer hardware, and computer networks.
Computer engineers need to know how to build software, hardware systems and networks. They also need to know how these systems interact with each other. Computer engineers work in research and development with other engineers or conduct research on their own.
A wide range of industries need computer engineers, and it’s no surprise. Knowing this, computer engineers should consider what they want to do before majoring in a specific field. Some industries, such as IT and hardware development, have a high demand for computer engineers. In general, some careers might be easier to get into than others. This will depend on the industry as well as the specialization.
Computer Engineers may focus their work on computer device design, software design, robot design, internet of things (IOT), big data analysis and artificial intelligence. They may also work in different fields like medical devices, automotive engineering, aerospace engineering and many more.
According to the BLS Computer Engineers earn an average annual income of $119,000, and their unemployment rate is near two percent.
If you have a passion for technology, computer engineering can be an exciting profession.
Computer Engineering Degree Coursework
A computer engineering degree is a STEM degree that focuses on the design and use of computers. This degree is generally more technical than a typical computer science degree. Computer engineers need to know how to program, but they also need to know how to design circuits, maintain networks, and deal with hardware.
Computer engineering programs range in length from four to five years long. Some universities may offer both bachelor-level and master-level degrees in computer engineering, while others might just offer one or the other. Some of the coursework might include any of the following:
- Analog Circuits
- Math for Engineers
- Data Structures
- Computer Systems Design
- Electrical Devices and Circuits
- Digital Circuit Design
- Engineering Economics
Schools Offering Computer Engineering Degrees
- Embry-Riddle University – Computer Engineering
- University of Delaware – Computer Engineering
- Old Dominion University – Computer Engineering
4. Construction Management
Construction management is the process of managing construction projects and ensuring that they are completed on time and within budget, while making sure that they meet all safety standards and regulations.
Unlike architectural engineering, which deals with the actual designing and planning of buildings, construction management deals with all aspects of the construction process, including design, project management, scheduling, cost control and quality assurance.
Construction managers are responsible for all the operations that take place during the construction process, as well as the day-to-day tasks. The person in this position oversees all tasks involved in a construction project including the design work to material purchasing to the construction itself. They have to keep track of all the information related to construction sites, materials, design, budgeting, estimating and scheduling. They’re also responsible for hiring managerial staff and overseeing the workers on site. It’s crucial for a construction manager to have good decision-making skills, strong leadership qualities and an ability to think on their feet.
Construction managers typically have a degree in construction management from an accredited college or trade school. A master’s degree in construction management may be desirable for certain positions with more responsibility.
Construction managers earn an average of $97,000 a year, and have a rock-bottom unemployment rate of just one percent, according to analysis by Pew Research.
Construction Management Degree Coursework
Courses in construction management are often offered by universities or trade schools that offer degrees in construction engineering or civil engineering. These STEM degree programs teach students the skills they need to plan, manage, and execute various aspects of a construction project. Students will learn how to estimate costs for labor and materials, schedule work, and manage workers as part of this degree program. These courses will not only provide you with the knowledge of the trade, but they will also help you develop skills that are essential for success in this field. The following courses will likely to part of your degree program if you choose to major in construction management:
- Construction Planning
- Mechanical Systems
- Construction Materials
- Construction Safety
- Project Management for Construction Projects
- Electrical Engineering
- Building Codes and Inspection Procedures
Schools Offering Construction Management Degrees
- Rowan University – Construction Management
- Everglades University – Construction Management
- National American University – Construction Management
5. Transportation Management
Transportation and logistics is such a broad area that’s concerned with everything from the design and production of cargo containers for shipping various types of goods to what happens when they’re finally delivered to customers. Transportation is an important part of the logistics industry because it’s the process of transferring goods, materials, and people from one location to another. There are many different modes of transportation depending on what you are transporting and where you are going with your cargo. The three most common types are air freight, sea transport, and truck transport.
In recent years the volume of goods transported around the world has increased significantly. In order to make sure that all of these goods get from point A to point B in a timely manner with minimal damage or loss of contents, you need professionals in place to oversee this process. This is where transportation managers come into play. Their work deals with many aspects of transportation, logistics, and supply-chain management.
Transportation managers are responsible for the management of transportation resources. They are also responsible for the planning, scheduling, and control of these resources. A transportation manager’s most common responsibilities include:
- Planning for new equipment needs
- Working with suppliers to maintain appropriate inventories
- Coordinating with third-party service providers to meet service demands
- Reviewing operational statistics to optimize performance
- Developing strategies that will promote safe, reliable service
According to the BLS, transportation management degree holders earn a median annual income of $86,000 with an unemployment rate of less than two percent. Oftentimes, transportation management degree holders work for trucking companies, distribution centers, and ports. Military contractors also employ transportation managers as well.
Transportation Management Degree Coursework
The transportation industry is always evolving and it’s important for professionals to stay up to date on the latest developments in the field. Colleges and universities offering transportation management degrees offer courses on topics like highway design and traffic engineering so that students can stay current with these changes.
Core courses in this degree program cover subjects such as planning and design of transportation facilities, local and regional public transit systems, long-range planning issues related to the development of urban regions while others cover traditional topics such as traffic engineering and highway safety engineering.
Schools Offering Transportation Management Degrees
- Bellevue University – Transportation Management
- Southern New Hampshire University – Logistics and Transportation
- University of Washington – Transportation and Logistics
Conclusion
In short, Pew Research found that over the past decade, the number of college graduates earning one of these STEM degrees increased by more than 60 percent. Engineering fields have especially become lucrative in recent years. Degree holders can earn competitive salaries – often six figures – and face less competition for jobs. Another good aspect of a STEM career is that these jobs aren’t likely to be replaced by automation like so many other industries. Therefore, you tend to have more employment growth and security in the future.
