Move over lawyers and philosophers — the STEM students are climbing the occupational ladder.
A recent report, based on census and National Science Foundation data analyzed by Georgetown University, shows that professions in the STEM field — science, technology, engineering and math — are the second-fastest growing occupational group in the U.S.
According to the study, STEM majors are currently in high demand, and the value of a science degree has shot through the roof.
“There’s been an increase in degrees that give students training that makes them immediately employable,” said Thomas Scanlan, associate dean for students, instruction and curriculum for OU’s College of Arts and Sciences. “After four years, they’ll be able to walk out the door and be employable. More than anything, that is what is creating the trend, having the desire to have a degree that is marketable immediately.”
Students with STEM degrees can pursue careers in a wide range of fields beyond the laboratory, such as in manufacturing or sales and management. The 2011 National Association of Colleges and Employers report projects 739 hires in the engineering services field, up from 375 in 2010, and a 63 percent hiring expectation for that major nationwide — higher than any other field.
“If a student has the kind of aptitude required, it’s a really great degree,” said Robbyn Turner, coordinator for career programs for the Russ College of Engineering and Technology. “It just provides them with so many opportunities.”
Increased recruiting efforts have resulted in higher undergraduate enrollment to the Russ College in the past few years, said Ken Sampson, Russ College associate dean for academics.
Numbers across the board have steadily increased in recent years. At OU, the number of students enrolled as engineering majors has increased from 1,583 in 2009 to 1,637 in 2010. There have also been slight increases in the number of students studying biological and geological sciences, while the number of math majors has remained static.
“Students with math and science talent are steered towards these disciplines because the job opportunities are better,” Sampson said.
According to the study, students with talent in STEM studies don’t often major in those disciplines, and even if they do, many switch majors. Only 10 percent of students graduating with STEM degrees go into related fields after college.
“Nearly all of our graduates start out working in their discipline, but the reality is that many incoming students are underprepared in math and science rather than over-prepared,” Sampson said. “That is part of why the Russ College recently instated special math instruction for our students — to ensure they develop the foundational skills they need.”
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