Best Online Bachelor's Degree Programs in STEM

In addition to STEM, the terms STEAM and STREAM are used to identify specific educational fields or methods. The 'A' in STEAM stands for the arts while the 'R' in STREAM stands for reading and writing. The integration of STEAM and STREAM into STEM programs is used to encourage the development of soft skills; things like social, people, leadership and communication skills. These are the skills that help people develop personalities, empathize with others, and create success in the workplace.

STEAM and STREAM aren't as widely recognized at the college level as STEM is; for example, a school may have a designated list of the STEM degrees they offer (maybe even a whole STEM department), but they won't typically have the same for STEAM and STREAM in most cases. However, STEAM and STREAM degrees are very common. They include degrees such as visual arts, design, and humanities. Many subjects that are considered STEAM and STREAM are required for general education, even among STEM majors.

STEM Degree Options

There are various options for bachelor's degrees in STEM fields. Each letter in STEM has several subjects or topics that bachelor's degrees can fall under. For science, it includes natural sciences, physical sciences, social sciences, agricultural sciences, and medicine. So, degrees in biology, physics, psychology, marine biology, astronomy, and nursing or health sciences would count.

For technology, it includes degrees such as data analysis, information technology, cybersecurity, and software engineering.

For engineering, it can include degrees such as engineering technology and mechanical, chemical, electrical, and biomedical engineering.

The mathematics field has significantly fewer degree options; mostly just mathematics or applied mathematics, and statistics. STEM degrees are typically Bachelor of Science degrees.

STEAM Degree Options

STEAM education is designed to encourage soft skills such as critical thinking, collaboration, communication, and empathy, among others. The encouragement of these skills is intended to prepare students for workplace situations as well as everyday life, where getting along with others is vital to success. The 'A' stands for arts, but it's not just about visual arts; humanities, liberal arts, and fine arts are included as well. Common degree programs that are part of STEAM include music, theater, dance, history, visual arts, design or graphic design, pre-law, political science, English, philosophy, and religious studies. STEAM is often used in education pre-college and teaches young learners problem-solving skills with an interdisciplinary approach to each subject. This allows students to experience a holistic education and use both sides of the brain for classwork. An example of this at the college level would be integrating liberal arts courses into the general education curriculum for all students. STEAM degrees are typically Bachelor of Arts.

STREAM Degree Options

STREAM education adds reading and writing to the mix. STREAM is very similar to STEAM in that it's more common among elementary and secondary education, and encourages learning soft skills like problem-solving, communication, and critical thinking. Also like STEAM, the purpose of STREAM education is to give students the ability to think of the human aspects of the technologies they create. For example, STREAM education would teach students how to think about how technology such as windmills or medical research could benefit society, instead of only thinking about how to develop those things. STREAM degrees would fall under much of the same categories as STEAM, such as humanities, liberal arts, and fine arts.

Bachelor's degrees typically take four years to complete when entering as a freshman student and studying full-time. Online degrees offer a bit more flexibility, so the time to completion can be significantly shorter depending on a number of factors, the first being the structure of the curriculum. Many online degrees offer classes that can be taken one at a time, lasting one month at a time, rather than a traditional semester-long format. Additionally, without the restraints of a physical classroom, a class can be held and work can be done at almost any time. Lastly, online programs typically have generous transfer credit policies for students who have some college credits or who have a transferrable degree. The more credits you earn previously, the more likely it is that you'll have fewer credits to earn for a bachelor's degree. This differs with each school and program, however. Bachelor's degrees typically require around 120 credits for graduation.

STEM degrees can be academically rigorous and challenging. It can be beneficial to start preparing for one as early as possible, if a STEM career is something you're interested in. Each degree program will have its varying admissions requirements, but there are a few options for general preparation. First, look at any required or recommended courses for STEM degrees that you may be pursuing. Can you take any of these courses or similar ones right now? General chemistry and introductory biology courses, for example, are usually a part of STEM curriculum. Taking these courses in high school or early in college could give you the foundational knowledge and skills needed.

Some community colleges have STEM preparatory programs, where students take general STEM courses to earn an associate degree that can then be transferred to a STEM bachelor's degree of their choosing. Additionally, an admissions or academic counselor from a school or program can help you with any questions you have about prerequisites, enrolling in classes, and more. It may help to get involved in STEM outside of the classroom, too. Try finding activities to do in the community to build your skills and add to your STEM program application, such as joining a math or science club, participating in a science fair, pursuing a STEM-related hobby, or tutoring younger children in STEM subjects.

Accreditation is the process of ensuring a school or program meets standards for quality education. Attending an accredited school or program is important because not only does it ensure the education you're receiving is up to standard, you must attend an accredited school in order to receive financial aid. The two main types of accreditation are institutional, when a school as a whole is accredited, and programmatic, when a program is accredited. Both types of accreditation can be granted to the same school since they are independent of each other. STEM bachelor's degrees can receive either type of accreditation depending on what the degree is.

Science, math, and technology degrees usually receive institutional accreditation, meaning the program itself is not specifically accredited, but it is part of a school that has been accredited, so the program still meets standards. Examples of institutional accreditation agencies are the New England Commission of Higher Education (NECHE), the Higher Learning Commission, and the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges (SACSCOC).

A well-known accreditation agency that grants specialized accreditation is the Accreditation Board for Engineering and Technology (ABET). ABET has four accreditation commissions, each of which is designated for accreditation of specific programs. They include:

• Applied and Natural Science Accreditation Commission
• Computing Accreditation Commission
• Engineering Accreditation Commission
• Engineering Technology Accreditation Commission

STEM is a growing field, with many options for bachelor's degrees among its four disciplines. Degrees in the life sciences, physical sciences, computer science, mathematics, statistics, and several engineering disciplines are common options. STEM degrees can be broad, such as environmental science, which can encompass many different topics, or they can be specific, such as clinical psychology, which has significantly fewer topics. A few more STEM degree options include:

• Archaeology
• Cultural Anthropology
• Probability
• Statistics
• Optical Engineering
• Electrical Engineering
• Robotics
• Mechanical Engineering
• Physics
• Physical Therapy
• Veterinary Medicine

Online Bachelor Degree Programs in Science

Online bachelor's degree programs in science can vary since there are many different types of science. A few popular science degree options include environmental science, nutrition, and psychology.

Bachelor of Science in Environmental Science degrees explore natural and physical sciences in order to understand how the earth and its ecosystems work. It can be used to address concerns such as climate change, biodiversity, and pollution. Some programs have concentration options in areas such as data analytics, conservation, environmental agriculture, and applied ecology.

Bachelor of Science in Nutrition or Nutrition Sciences degrees explores food science, dietetics, the food and health industries, and health and wellness. Graduates could become registered dieticians, health and wellness coaches, or dietetic technicians, among other careers.

While psychology is considered a social science, the National Science Foundation recognizes psychology and its various fields as a STEM discipline. Bachelor of Science or Bachelor of Arts in Psychology programs cover many different types of psychology depending on the concentration, from general psychology to clinical and business psychology. Psychology degrees, particularly Bachelor of Science, focus on research and statistical methods to figure out human behavior.

Online Technology Bachelor Degree Programs

Online bachelor's degrees in technology have to do with computers, software development, security, and information. A few technology STEM degrees include computer science, cyber security, and information technology.

Bachelor of Science in Computer Science degrees primarily explore software development. Depending on the school, concentrations such as data analysis, project management, information security, and software engineering could be pursued. Students learn about topics such as programming languages, cybersecurity, and how to work as computer science professionals for businesses.

While cybersecurity can be explored as a topic within computer science, it's also commonly available as a Bachelor of Science degree. Cybersecurity explores how to keep sensitive data safe from cyber threats as technology develops around the world. Graduates could pursue positions in business, government, or industry.

Bachelor of Science in Information Technology degrees teach students how to design and implement solutions for technical problems in almost any area of work. Students can explore topics such as database management, network administration, and cloud computing in order to help businesses and other organizations maintain their technical database systems.

Online Bachelor Degrees in Engineering

The engineering field has several disciplines, from mechanical to civil engineering, chemical, biomedical, electrical, and engineering technology.

Bachelor of Science in Civil Engineering degrees explore the types of infrastructures that are necessary to modern life, such as roads, seaports, bridges, airports, and emergency and disaster relief systems. Students learn how to design and build these systems from the ground up as part of a team.

Bachelor of Science in Biomedical Engineering degree programs combine biology, medicine, and engineering to educate students on how to research, design, develop, and manufacture medical and diagnostic devices that prevent injuries or treat diseases, among other things. Depending on the program, students may be able to solely focus on medical device development or research.

Online Mathematics Bachelor's Degrees

Most bachelor's degrees in mathematics will be just that; a Bachelor of Arts or Bachelor of Science in Mathematics or Applied Mathematics. Degrees that involve a lot of mathematics, like accounting and forensic accounting, are usually considered business degrees, even if they have math and science in some of the curriculum. There are accounting programs that are STEM-designated, but they are master's level.

Mathematics bachelor's degrees explore several different types of math, including calculus, algebra, and statistics, along with courses that help students with their problem-solving and critical thinking skills, such as formal logic, real analysis, and probability theory. Graduates could pursue careers as actuaries, statisticians, financial analysts, and teachers, among other options.

Careers for degrees in science and technology as well as engineering careers and mathematics careers are wide, varied, and growing in popularity. According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), employment in STEM careers is projected to grow by 8% from 2019-2029. For comparison, the BLS states that employment in non-STEM occupations is projected to grow by 3.4%from 2019-2029.

Because of the interdisciplinary nature of STEM education, many STEM degrees can qualify graduates for several different careers. A few of these careers can include, but aren't limited to:

• Industrial engineers
• Medical scientists
• Civil engineers
• Chemical technicians
• Biomedical engineers
• Operations research analysts
• Conservation scientists
• Actuaries
• Surveyors
• Computer and information systems managers

The salaries for STEM careers are comparatively high as well. According to the BLS, the highest-earning STEM career is computer and information systems managers, with a median annual wage of $151,150 as of 2020. Among the STEM careers that require a bachelor's degree, the one with the lowest median annual wage is soil and plant scientists, with a salary of $66,120.

How to Become a Food Scientist

A food scientist studies the basic properties of food using sciences such as biology and chemistry. Using their research, they discover new sources for food, analyze food's nutritional content, and discover ways to make processed foods more healthy and safe. Food scientists may also work as technologists and much of their work is done for product development. Using food science research, they find new or improved ways to select, preserve, process, package, and distribute food so it is safe for consumption. Nanotechnology, which is the science of manipulating atomic matter, may also be used in order to find ways to detect contaminants in food before it is distributed. Another aspect of the job is to enforce government regulations, such as inspecting food-processing areas for sanitation and proper waste management. Food scientists may lead teams of food science technicians.

The minimum educational requirement for food scientists is an accredited bachelor's degree in agricultural science, such as biology. Food scientists must take courses in food microbiology, food analysis, food chemistry, food engineering, and food-processing operations. Food scientists can become certified by the Institute of Food Technologists but it's not a requirement for the job. The BLS states that from 2019-2029, projected employment for food scientists and technicians will rise by 4%. PayScale states that the average yearly salary for food scientists is $65,650 as of 2021.

How to Become an IT Manager

An IT manager, also known as an IT director or a management information systems director, is a type of information systems manager that is in charge of an organization's information technology department. Their main job is to directly supervise other IT staff members, but they also have a say in the business requirements for their organization's IT systems. They may also implement policies that the organization's top executives have decided on. Some of their duties are administrative, such as managing the finances of the IT department and hiring new IT employees. IT managers may also coordinate IT activities in order to make sure that data and network services are available.

IT managers need a bachelor's degree in computer or information science or information technology as well as significant work experience; sometimes an MBA or other graduate degree is also required, but it depends on the employer. IT managers typically start out as lower-level employees in the same department and work their way up to mid-level positions before advancing to the top. At least 5 to 10 years of work experience in an IT-related occupation is required, but smaller companies may not have as many requirements. According to the BLS, the projected job oultook for computer and information systems managers is 10% from 2019-2029. PayScale states that IT managers have an average yearly salary of $88,921 as of 2021.

How to Become a Bioengineer

Bioengineers and biomedical engineers use engineering and medical science to research, develop, and create devices, software, equipment, and computer systems in order to improve human health. There are different types of bio and biomedical engineers and the work they do largely depends on it. Some bioengineers design computer software that runs x-ray machines while others develop new drug therapies. The type of work they do also determines what kind of science they work most with, such as biology, chemistry, or even math and statistics. Biomedical engineers focus on medicine and technology to design and develop new medical devices and equipment. This can include drug therapies, rehabilitation exercise equipment, or artificial body parts, among others.

A few examples of types of bio and biomedical engineers include biochemical, biomaterials, biomechanics, rehabilitation, and clinical engineers. Bio and biomedical engineers need a bachelor's degree in bioengineering or biomedical engineering; sometimes a traditional engineering degree, such as electrical or mechanical, can suffice as long as biological science courses are taken. The median annual wage for bio and biomedical engineers is $92,620 as of 2020, according to the BLS. The BLS also states that the job outlook for bio and biomedical engineers is 5% from 2019-2029.

How to Become a High School Math Teacher

A high school math teacher, also known as a secondary math teacher, teaches different math subjects to students in 9th to 12th grade. High school math teachers can teach several subjects related to math, including algebra, geometry, and calculus, with each subject getting its own class. It depends on the school but some math teachers may teach only one subject or they may teach several. For example, at one school a math teacher may only spend the day teaching geometry classes, but at another school, a math teacher may spend the day teaching geometry and algebra classes. Math teachers plan lessons and assignments, grade tests, quizzes, and homework, and prepare students for standardized tests. Some of their job also includes working with parents to ensure students' needs are being met or to discuss learning or behavioral problems in class.

High school math teachers must have at least a bachelor's degree in a mathematics content area as well as take teacher education courses. All states require public school teachers to be licensed or certified. This requires a bachelor's degree, completion of a teacher education program, and the passing of a general teacher knowledge test as well as a test in the content area they will teach. After passing, they must take professional development courses to keep their license/certification. It's also becoming more common for high school teachers to pursue a master's degree after getting certified. The BLS states that high school teachers have a job outlook of 4% from 2019-2029. PayScale states that the average yearly salary for high school math teachers is $45,898 as of 2021.

STEM degrees can be found at almost any degree level in some way, with many of the same subjects being offered, such as biology, engineering, computer science, statistics, and more. While bachelor's degrees usually offer many STEM options, other degree levels allow for more specialization or basic foundational knowledge in a STEM topic. A bachelor's degree in a STEM subject subject can be beneficial, but there are rewarding careers that you can get with a STEM associate's degree and there are also careers that require or can benefit from a STEM master's degree or doctoral degree. The decision of pursuing another STEM degree is ultimately up to you and your goals.

Online STEM Associate Degrees

Associate degrees in STEM can be foundational studies for further education or they can give students hands-on training in a field that will prepare them for a job upon graduation. Some of these degrees include an Associate of Science in Information Technology, an Associate of Science in Network Administration, and an Associate of Science or Associate of Applied Science in Industrial Maintenance Technology. Associate degrees typically last 2 years or less and require around 60 credits. In some programs, such as industrial maintenance technology, taking courses completely online isn't widely available due to the need for hands-on training.

Online STEM Master's Degrees

Online STEM master's degrees allow students to either enter a new field, enhance their knowledge in a particular field, or specialize their education to meet their career goals. A few examples of STEM master's degrees include a Master of Science in Biology, a Master of Science in Computer Science, and a Master of Science in Data Science. In particular, a master's degree in biology can prepare students for career advancement to research positions in industry and government. Master's degrees typically last 1-2 years and require around 32 credits.

Online STEM Doctoral Degrees

Doctoral STEM degrees allow students to prepare to become scholars in their field, pursue postsecondary teaching, or advance to top-level industry positions. A few examples of doctoral STEM degrees include a Ph.D. in Computer Science, a Ph.D. in Information Technology or a Doctor of Information Technology (DIT), and a Ph.D. in Health Science or a Doctor of Health Sciences (DHS). A Doctor of Health Science allows students to become leaders in the healthcare field through positions in education, research, administration, and more, while a Ph.D. in Health Science allows students to perform research that will advance the field. The length of doctoral programs vary due to research project and dissertation requirements, but they can take anywhere from three to eight years.

Online Certificates in STEM Fields

Online certificates in STEM fields can provide specialized knowledge in a particular area; most certificates alone are not enough to qualify for a job position and will have to be earned alongside a degree, but they can vary with each program and subject. A few online STEM certificates can include Computer-Aided-Design (CAD), cyber security, and http://bestaccreditedcolleges.org/degrees/online-medical-lab-technician-certificate-programs.html. The length of certificate programs can vary, but they usually don't last longer than a year.

Loans, grants, and scholarships can help students pay for their STEM degrees. The Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) is the most common way to obtain financial aid for college, but it's not the only way. There are plenty of scholarships students can apply to. Criteria for scholarships can vary; some are based on financial need or academic merit while others require applicants to major in a certain field or be from a specific racial or ethnic background. Scholarships can be given by schools, local organizations, companies, and national organizations to students who meet requirements.

Study.com's Women in STEM Scholarship is open to female students pursuing an associate or bachelor's degree in any of the STEM disciplines, such as computer science, engineering technology, biological science, and mathematics. Applicants must be U.S. citizens who are enrolled in or accepted into an accredited college or university and will continue the program next year. The award is for $500 and the deadline is in April.

The Generation Google Scholarship is open to students who are pursuing computer science degrees at any level. U.S. students will receive $10,000 and special consideration is given to students of diverse backgrounds. Applicants must demonstrate a commitment to diversity, inclusion, and leadership as well as strong academic performance.

The American Society of Mechanical Engineers has several scholarships through its annual scholarship program. One scholarship includes the Kenneth Andrew Roe Scholarship, which is open to students who will be a junior or senior in the next academic year. Applicants must attend an ABET-accredited mechanical engineering program and demonstrate strength of character, academic merit, and the potential to make a meaningful contribution to the mechanical engineering field. The award is for $13,000.