If you’re trying to figure out whether a subject qualifies as STEM, you’re not alone.
As an academic advisor working with students choosing university majors and career paths, one of the most common questions I hear is:
“Is this course really considered STEM?”
The confusion happens because STEM is both a broad educational concept and, in some countries, a formal classification system used for scholarships, immigration, and funding.
This guide explains:
- What STEM officially means
- Which subjects clearly qualify
- Which subjects sometimes qualify (depending on country or curriculum)
- How governments and universities classify STEM
- How to determine whether a specific program is STEM
What Does STEM Officially Mean?
STEM stands for:
- Science
- Technology
- Engineering
- Mathematics
According to the National Science Foundation (NSF), STEM fields include disciplines that rely heavily on scientific knowledge, quantitative reasoning, computational skills, and engineering design.
In the United States, formal STEM designation for visa and policy purposes is based on the DHS STEM Designated Degree Program List, maintained by the U.S. Department of Homeland Security. This list uses CIP (Classification of Instructional Programs) codes to determine eligibility.
Important: STEM classification can vary by country and institution. A subject may be STEM in one system and not in another.
Science Subjects That Clearly Fall Under STEM
Science disciplines are the foundation of STEM because they rely on experimentation, empirical evidence, and quantitative analysis.
Core Science Fields
- Biology
- Chemistry
- Physics
- Earth Science
- Environmental Science
Specialized Scientific Fields
- Microbiology
- Genetics
- Biochemistry
- Marine Biology
- Geology
- Astronomy
These fields involve structured experimentation, statistical analysis, and scientific methodology.
For example, biochemistry combines molecular biology and chemical principles to understand living systems — a clearly STEM-based discipline under most international classification systems.
Technology Fields in STEM
Technology refers to applying scientific knowledge to build digital and computational systems.
Core Technology Disciplines
- Computer Science
- Information Technology
- Software Engineering
- Data Science
- Cybersecurity
- Artificial Intelligence
- Information Systems
These subjects involve programming, algorithms, systems architecture, and data modeling.
According to labor market analyses from the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, many computing-related occupations show faster-than-average projected growth compared to the overall labor market.
However, job outcomes vary by specialization, experience, and region.
Engineering Subjects in STEM
Engineering applies mathematics and scientific principles to solve real-world problems.
Major Engineering Disciplines
- Civil Engineering
- Mechanical Engineering
- Electrical Engineering
- Chemical Engineering
- Aerospace Engineering
- Biomedical Engineering
- Industrial Engineering
- Computer Engineering
Engineering programs are universally classified as STEM because they rely on advanced mathematics, physics, systems modeling, and technical design.
In advising students, I often explain that if a subject requires calculus, physics, and structured design methodology, it almost certainly qualifies as STEM.
Mathematics: The Backbone of STEM
Mathematics supports every STEM discipline.
Core Mathematics Areas
- Algebra
- Geometry
- Calculus
- Statistics
- Probability
- Linear Algebra
Advanced fields include:
- Differential Equations
- Mathematical Modeling
- Applied Mathematics
- Pure Mathematics
Mathematics degrees are consistently included in official STEM designation systems worldwide.
Interdisciplinary STEM Fields
Modern challenges often require multiple STEM areas working together.
Examples include:
- Robotics (engineering + computing)
- Bioinformatics (biology + computer science)
- Mechatronics (mechanical + electrical engineering)
- Environmental Engineering
- Nanotechnology
These programs are almost always classified as STEM due to their technical and quantitative foundation.
Are Health and Medical Degrees Considered STEM?
This is one of the most misunderstood areas.
Many health-related degrees qualify as STEM because they rely heavily on biological sciences and quantitative methods.
Examples often classified as STEM:
- Medicine
- Pharmacy
- Biotechnology
- Medical Laboratory Science
- Public Health (quantitative tracks)
However, classification may depend on curriculum emphasis.
For example:
- A nursing program with a strong scientific and clinical science foundation may qualify.
- A healthcare administration program focused on management may not.
Always check your institution’s official STEM designation list.
Are Social Sciences Part of STEM?
This depends on methodology.
Traditional humanities subjects such as history or literature are not STEM.
However, some social sciences may qualify when they rely heavily on quantitative modeling.
Examples sometimes included in STEM systems:
- Econometrics
- Quantitative Economics
- Actuarial Science
- Computational Psychology
- Data-driven Sociology
For example, economics programs that emphasize mathematical modeling and statistics are often included in official STEM designation lists.
Programs focused primarily on qualitative theory may not be.
Why STEM Classification Matters
STEM designation can affect:
- Scholarship eligibility
- Research funding
- Immigration benefits (in some countries)
- Employment opportunities
For example, in the United States, STEM designation affects Optional Practical Training (OPT) extensions for international students under DHS policy.
That’s why checking official classification—not assumptions—is critical.
How to Determine if a Subject Is STEM
When advising students, I recommend using this checklist:
1. Does the program rely heavily on mathematics?
If calculus, statistics, or modeling are core components, it likely qualifies.
2. Does it involve experimentation or technical system design?
Programs involving labs, engineering design, or computational systems are usually STEM.
3. Does the government or university officially list it as STEM?
Check official designation lists rather than relying on informal definitions.
4. Is the methodology quantitative and analytical?
If the program emphasizes measurable data and structured problem-solving, it may qualify.
Career Demand and STEM Fields
STEM occupations frequently show strong labor market demand.
According to data from the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, STEM occupations as a group tend to have higher median wages compared to the national average.
However:
- Not all STEM degrees guarantee high salaries.
- Outcomes depend on specialization, industry demand, and geographic region.
- Advanced education and practical experience often influence earning potential.
Responsible academic planning requires looking at specific job data—not just broad STEM trends.
Practical Advice for Choosing a STEM Subject
If you’re considering a STEM path:
- Assess your interest in problem-solving and structured thinking.
- Be prepared for quantitative coursework.
- Research career outcomes using official labor statistics.
- Speak with faculty, advisors, or professionals in the field.
- Review the official STEM classification list for your country or institution.
STEM fields can be demanding, but they reward persistence, curiosity, and analytical thinking.
Conclusion: What Truly Falls Under STEM?
Subjects that clearly fall under STEM:
- Natural sciences
- Engineering disciplines
- Mathematics
- Computer and data sciences
Subjects that sometimes qualify:
- Certain health sciences
- Quantitative social sciences
- Interdisciplinary technical programs
Because official definitions vary by country and purpose, always consult your institution’s published designation list.
Understanding STEM classification isn’t just about labels — it’s about making informed academic and career decisions grounded in reliable information.
When in doubt, verify through official sources rather than assumptions.
