Business is one of the most in-demand choices in higher education. Apart from seeking high respect and earning potential, a major in business has remained a safe option for aspiring students. However, is business a STEM major or a Humanities major?
The answer is quite critical. First, STEM refers to specialisations in Science, Technology, Engineering, and mathematics. A student pursuing a business major merely requires advanced skills demanded in STEM majors.
On a contrary note, a few business majors require STEM-based skills. For example, IT business and business analytics positions need STEM-inspired skills and knowledge. Not to mention, STEM occupations can also earn you the high income you ever dreamt of.
This doesn’t mean that business is a weak major. In this guide, let’s look at business, STEM majors, and what a career in both business and STEM looks like.
What Do You Mean by a Business Major?
If you are interested in how a business operates along with finance, management, etc., then a business degree is the right choice for your undergraduate and post-graduate academics. Is Business a STEM major?
In most cases, business degrees don’t require STEM courses. Generally, a major in business teaches students theories of the following aspects of a business.
- Administration
- Accounting
- Marketing
- Finance
- Management and so on
Thus, a business student can apply those theories and build a professional and promising career in the business and finance industries. Graduating students with business as a major can get established in multiple fields, such as:
- Banking sectors
- Financial organisations
- Technology
- Healthcare sectors and more
Since career scopes are wide in different sectors, undergraduate students are leaning toward business majors. However, a few specialised majors in business need STEM disciplines. Many universities and schools in the U.S. offer STEM business majors for a broad range of career scopes.
For instance, the following courses under business majors require STEM-based skills.
- Business Data Analytics
- Accountancy and Data Analytics
- Financial Analytics
- Statistics
- Information Systems Management
- Business Administration
- Global Logistics
These courses also pave a broad opportunity for students to make a career in business and make the corresponding company successful. After all, a business requires a statistician, financial analyst, business analyst, data analyst, data scientist., and more professionals.
Common Business Degrees to Pursue
Whether a business degree or a STEM-rooted one, the business has much to offer regarding coursework versatility and specialisation. Is finance a good degree for an undergraduate? Otherwise, you might be considering some other business-specialised major to pursue.
For your convenience, we have mentioned the most common business majors that you find useful according to your career and preference perspectives. Here are some common business majors.
- Accounting
- Advertising
- Finance
- Entrepreneurship
- Economics
- Actuarial Science
- Healthcare Management
- Marketing
- Global Business
- General Business
- Hospitality Management
- International Business
- Human Resources
- Management
- Operations Management
- Public Relations
- Social Media
- Real Estate
- Project Management
- Nonprofit Management
- Taxation
- Supply Chain Management
How Much Do Careers in Business Pay Off?
No matter how profoundly you pursue business degrees, you might dream of a career that pays you quite well. So, is Business a good major to ensure a promising income?
Yes, it is. To clarify, we have included different majors’ outlook on business carers. Now, here you will see what an average professional with a specific business degree can earn annually.
- Accounting – $70,750
- Finance – $71,790
- Marketing – $62,380
- Entrepreneurship – $60,740
- Supply Chain and Logistics – $63,380
- Healthcare Administration – $60,160
- Human Resources – $61,180
- Hospitality Management – $55,610
- International Business – $67,920
What Do You Mean by a STEM Major?
As you already know, STEM is an abbreviation for Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics. So, what is a STEM major? A STEM major is any subject associated with Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics.
No doubt, STEM majors cover a wide range of higher academics. On the other hand, students graduating with STEM majors can grab lucrative careers and packages. That’s why STEM majors are at the peak of demand among students. How does a STEM degree stand out from other competitive degrees, by the way? Here’s what we found out.
- According to the U.S. Bureau of Labour and Statistics, STEM-based professionals can earn twice the median.
- In addition, STEM-specialised skills are dynamic. So, professionals can always keep learning something new and cutting-edge in the industry.
- Moreover, the industries revolving around science and technology have experienced growth of up to 79% in the last few decades. If you keep learning, you can ensure your job security in STEM occupations.
- Nowadays, international students in the United States can take advantage of OPT or Occupational Practical Training extension for an extended 24 months after completing graduation. Hence, international students can extend their US stay for up to 3 years with a STEM degree.
What are Some Common STEM Majors?
Since STEM resonates with Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics, it’s better to check them individually. Now, let’s start with a few popular majors in science.
- Animal Sciences
- Chemistry
- Forestry
- Genetics
- Astronomy
- Geological & Earth Sciences
- Environmental Sciences
- Physics
- Marine Biology
- Microbiology and Immunology
- Zoology
- Natural Resources Management
However, what about some technology and engineering majors? Followings are the most popular choices to build a lucrative career out of them.
- Aerospace or Aeronautical Engineering
- Biomedical Engineering
- Architectural Engineering Technology
- Civil Engineering
- Computer Engineering
- CAD Technology
- Mechanical Drafting Technology
- Mechanical Engineering
- Surveying Technology
- Nuclear Engineering
- Industrial Engineering
- Construction Technology
STEM disciplines encompass medical and health fields. Are you interested in medical and health majors? Here are multiple options you can choose from:
- Food & Nutrition
- Chiropractic
- Medical Radiologic Technology
- Optometry
- Medical Laboratory Technology
- Nursing (Registered)
- Surgical Technology
- Pharmacy
- Veterinarian Medicine
- Physical Therapy
- Nuclear Medicine Technology
On a related note, consider the following majors if you like Mathematics and Computer Science. A few in the following list are also a part of business majors.
- Actuarial Science
- Computer & Information Sciences (General)
- Business Quantitative Methods (General)
- Management Quantitative Methods
- Applied Mathematics
- Statistics
- Information Technology
- Data Management Technology
- Computer Science
- Telecommunications or Computer Networks
- Mathematics Education
- Webpage Design
- Computer System Administration
- Computer Software & Media Application
What are Some Best STEM Majors in terms of Remuneration?
STEM disciplines can earn you a high salary, indeed. What kind of jobs can you get with an engineering technology degree? You can be a computer engineer, mechanical engineer, industrial, manufacturing, and more specialised professional with a STEM degree.
Additionally, these positions pay off a profitable amount of money. For example, the following professionals earn the respective amount of money, on average, annually.
- Computer Engineer – $111,730
- Nuclear Science & Engineering – $102,950
- Software Development – $100,690
- Mathematician – $111,110
- Chemical Engineering – $97,360
- Marine Engineering – $93,110
- Environmental Engineering – $84,560
- Mechanical Engineering – $83,590
- Statistician – $81,110
- Architecture – $76,100
- Database Administration – $81,170
Business or STEM – Which Major Should You Choose?
Usually, business majors require a base on accounting, business law and management, marketing, Economics, and other related subjects. STEM disciplines need a strong base over Physics, Mathematics, Chemistry, Biology, and other derived core subjects.
So, whether you prefer a business or STEM major is completely upon you. Additionally, your academics must be good in the respective subject. Otherwise, both majors offer brilliant careers in growing industries. Check out university STEM and business major requirements before applying for them.
