STEM Courses in USA for International Students

Are you looking to pursue STEM courses in USA? STEM courses in the United States are highly coveted by international students from all over the world. It costs approximately 65,000 to 80,000 USD to pursue STEM programs in the USA. This cost ranges between 48-60 lakh INR for an Indian student.

According to the Programme for International Student Assessment, the USA ranks 30th among 64 countries in Mathematics and 11th in Science. There is a wide scope of pursuing STEM courses in USA. It is estimated that STEM jobs will increase by 8.8% between 2017 and 2029.

Top STEM Courses in USA

Over 300 types of STEM programs are available to both domestic and international students in the United States. The table given below shows the most popular STEM courses in USA:

STEM Courses	Top University	Average Tuition Fees (in USD)
Aerospace Engineering or Aeronautical Engineering	California Institute of Technology	58,364
Agricultural Engineering	Purdue University	29,132
Biochemistry	University of California, Berkeley	38,946
Biology	Harvard University	51,925
Chemical Engineering	Massachusetts Institute of Technology	55,878
Computer and Information Science	Carnegie Mellon University	58,924
Genetics	Harvard University	51,925
Geology	Pennsylvania State University	35,514
Mechanical Engineering	Massachusetts Institute of Technology	55,878
Mathematics	Princeton University	52,800
Pharmacy	University of North Carolina	36,159
Physics	Massachusetts Institute of Technology	55,878
Veterinary Medicine and Public Health	University of California, Berkeley	44,007
Statistics	Stanford University	53,529
Zoology	University of California, Berkeley	44,007

What is STEM?

A STEM degree is one that falls under the categories of Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics. In recent years, more and more universities around the world have added STEM courses to their curriculum in order to attract international students. The objective of these courses is to nurture young minds and to increase the number of females pursuing tech-oriented courses by offering a platform for them to explore their potential in the area of science.

Why Pursue STEM Courses in USA?

Following are some reasons to study STEM programs in the United States:

• STEM subjects have become part of the curriculum at college campuses around the world, expanding the areas of study and boosting career opportunities. In the USA, students from all around the globe can study a wide range of STEM-based subjects. 
• The USA is recognized as the world's center of academic excellence, thanks to its outstanding research outputs and success rates. Several well-known personalities who excelled at US universities have notable accomplishments to their names.
• STEM courses in the USA provide the basis for scientific and technological innovations that can lead to improved quality of life
• International workers make up more than 17% of all STEM-related workers in the US. Graduates of STEM courses in the United States have a lot of opportunities after graduation.
• STEM-related jobs have increased by 79% since 1990. In the United States, the median salary for people in the STEM workforce is 89,780 USD.

Best STEM Courses for International Students in the USA

Every year, thousands of international students study STEM subjects in the United States in order to advance their careers, As per official academic statistics for the year 2021, most international students study engineering at US colleges and universities. Due to the growth of the IT industry, Computer Engineering has become one of the most sought after programs. Here are some of the popular STEM courses in USA for international students: 

STEM Courses	Top University	Admission Deadlines
Computer Science	Carnegie Mellon University	January 1
Mathematics and Statistics	Princeton University	January 1
Chemical Engineering	Massachusetts Institute of Technology	January 6
Civil Engineering	University of California Berkeley	November 30
Biomedical Sciences	Johns Hopkins University	January 2
Chemistry	California Institute of Technology	December 1
Physical Science	University of California Berkeley	November 30

Top Universities for STEM Courses in USA

There are many US universities that attract international students every year due to their brand name and academic excellence. Below are the most popular universities that offer STEM education in the US, along with their top courses and admission requirements:

Name of the University	Top Courses offered by the University	Admission Requirements
Harvard University	Biology, Computer Engineering, Biomedical Engineering	An unweighted GPA of 4.0, SAT: 1580, ACT: 35
Stanford University	Chemical Engineering, Aerospace Engineering, Biomedical Engineering	GPA: 3.96 or higher, SAT: 1550, ACT: 35
California Institute of Technology	Civil Engineering, Biomedical Engineering, Chemical Engineering	GPA: 4 or higher, SAT: 1545, ACT: 36
Massachusetts Institute of Technology	Physics, Mechanical Engineering, Electrical Engineering, Chemical Engineering	GPA: 4.17 or higher, SAT: 1570 or higher
University of California, Berkeley	Clinical Psychology, Biochemistry, Earth Sciences, Chemistry	GPA: 4.27 or higher, SAT: 1330-1530, ACT: 29-35
Arizona State University	Computer Science, Chemical Engineering, Chemistry, Nursing	GPA: 3.0 or higher on a 4.0 scale, SAT: 1180, ACT: 24
Columbia University	Neuroscience, Biology, Mathematics, Biotechnology	GPA: 4.12 or higher, SAT: 1560, ACT: 35
New York University	Nursing, Cybersecurity, Computer Science, Data Analytics	GPA: 3.7 or higher, SAT: 1350-1530, ACT: 30-34
University of Dayton	Computer Science, Information Systems	GPA: 3.8 or higher, SAT: 1120-1320, ACT: 23-29
University of South Florida	Computer Science, Nursing	GPA: 3.8 or higher, SAT: 1300, ACT: 29

Eligibility Criteria

Depending on the course and university, the eligibility criteria may differ. Listed below is the eligibility criteria for STEM courses in the United States:

• The applicant must hold a 3-4 year bachelor's degree in a STEM field
• The applicant must possess an F-1 student visa 
• The applicant must submit all the required documents
• An applicant should check their eligibility for STEM OPT beforehand
• English proficiency tests are required, such as IELTS, TOFEL, and PTE, along with GMAT/GRE scores

STEM OPT USA

The STEM OPT allows international students with a STEM degree to extend their stay in the U.S. for up to 24 months after the student's initial post-degree-completion OPT, which is for 12 months.

STEM OPT is granted by the DHS authority. It is not possible for applicants to extend their OPT more than twice. Another essential requirement is that the degree must be approved by SEVP-certified schools. Additionally, you must have an employer experience of 20 hours per week.

Documents Required

Given below is the list of important documents required for applying to STEM courses in USA:

• Official academic transcripts
• Scanned copy of passport
• CV/ Resume
• Letter of Recommendation
• English language proficiency test scores
• Statement of Purpose
• Two Reference Letters
• Postgraduate applicants need to provide a translation of their degree certificate in English, if the original certificate is in some other language.  

Benefits of Pursuing STEM Courses in USA

There are many reasons why students from abroad choose to study STEM courses in the United States. Listed below are some of the advantages of pursuing STEM courses in USA:  

• High-Quality Education
• Access to Silicon Valley
• A Wide Range of Extracurricular Activities
• Cultural Diversity
• Building a Startup

High-Quality Education

The quality of teaching provided by the US education system is noteworthy. There are six US universities ranked among the best universities in the world for Computer Science. US universities boast world-class facilities, exceptional laboratories, and a number of academically diverse campuses that ensure the best education.

Access to Silicon Valley

Indian students are attracted to STEM courses in the United States for many reasons, including Silicon Valley - the tech hub of the country. There is no doubt that Silicon Valley is a place that is welcoming to tech enthusiasts and is home to many businesses that offer employment opportunities in abundance. STEM degrees provide students with the opportunity to learn a variety of skills that will prove useful to them in the future.

A Wide Range of Extracurricular Activities

Many extracurricular activities are available to students pursuing STEM courses at American universities or institutions, so they never feel bored or monotonous. Students can continue their higher education while participating in sports, attending meetings and lectures, attending concerts, volunteering, and many other activities.

Cultural Diversity

There has been peaceful coexistence among many cultures in the U.S. for decades. As a result of a large number of Indians working or studying in the United States, Indian students never really feel as if they are thousands of miles away. It is possible to find almost anything an Indian wants in the United States, including Indian food.

Building a Startup

Building a business from scratch requires implementing business strategies and developing skills. STEM education in the United States provides students with the technical training necessary to run a business that is essentially tech-based. They are trained to formulate and carry out quick and smart solutions, which is helpful for starting up a business.

Notable Women in STEM

In the past, women have been observed to show less interest in courses that are technologically oriented. As part of the STEM initiative, women are also provided with a platform to explore their interests in the sciences. It also recognizes women who have achieved notable achievements in the past. Following are some of the influential women in STEM:

• Marie Curie
• Lisa Meitner
• Rosalind Franklin
• Barbara Askins
• Carolyn R. Bertozzi
• Uma Chowdhary
• Katherine Freese

One year STEM Courses in USA

The USA has the best universities for international students interested in pursuing STEM programs. Stanford, Harvard, Caltech, MIT, and Columbia University are some of the most popular STEM universities for their one-year STEM courses. Listed below are some of the major subject areas in which international students can pursue one year STEM courses in the USA:

• Architectural Engineering
• Astronomy
• Behavioral Sciences
• Biochemistry
• Biomedical Technology,
• Botany, Computer Science
• Chemical Engineering
• Chemistry
• Civil Engineering

STEM Courses in the USA without GRE

Students planning to study in the United States are required to take the GRE. However, there are some of the top US universities that accept students without GRE requirement. Students need to meet alternative requirements of the universities in such cases. Below are a few popular universities that offer STEM courses in the USA without GRE:

• California State University Sacramento 
• Massachusetts Institute of Technology
• University of Dayton
• Stevens Institute of Technology
• New Mexico State University
• University of Pittsburg
• University of Northern Virginia

STEM Programs in USA for Commerce Students

The USA is one of the top nations for commerce students when it comes to STEM courses. These programs are an excellent way to enhance career opportunities and increase employability in the United States and other nations with leading economies. Listed below are some of the popular STEM courses in USA for commerce students:

• MBA in Business Analytics
• MS in Marketing
• MS in Global Supply Chain Management
• MS in Economics
• MBA in Operations and Technology Management

Scope of STEM courses in the USA

For international students, USA offers a variety of post-study options in the STEM field. Following a STEM course, you may be eligible for job opportunities and internships. International students pursuing STEM studies in the USA earn an average salary of 127,000 USD per year after graduation. Following table shows some of the top job profiles and salaries in the STEM field in the USA:

Profession	Growth Rate in 10 Years	Average Salary (USD)
Biochemist	4.9%	189,000
Computer Scientist	10.8%	157,000
Mathematician	5.60%	152,000
Zoologist	2.30%	67,760
Physics	9%	204,000
Nutritional Scientist	11%	61,270
Mechanical Engineer	1.30%	93,540
Geologist	6%	174,000
Chemical Engineer	2.90%	98,700
Astronomer	11.4%	219,000
Civil Engineer	6%	87,060
Statistician	22.50%	134,000