STEM: Degrees, Fields, and Accreditation

STEM subjects include science, technology, engineering, and mathematics. Academic programs in these fields lead to what are commonly called STEM degrees. STEM programs are noted for developing valuable technical, analytical, and research skills.

Explore each of these four fields in greater detail as you consider your schooling options:

The “science” element of the STEM equation primarily includes the life sciences and physical sciences. Life sciences study living organisms, while the physical sciences focus on inanimate systems and objects.

Major life sciences include:

Primary branches of the physical sciences include:

Some classifications also recognize geosciences or earth sciences, such as geology and meteorology, as a third distinct branch of science.

As a STEM field, technology applies the physical and/or life sciences to build systems and products that solve problems.

In the 21st century, computer science has become a dominant technology field. However, this domain also includes robotics and telecommunications, as well as specialized, industry-focused subfields like aviation technology and power mechanics.

Engineering uses both mathematics and the physical sciences, closely overlapping with technology in its problem-solving focus. However, engineering more strongly emphasizes design and applied principles of the development process. In contrast, technology focuses more on how engineered systems function in practical contexts.

Major branches of engineering include:

Of the four traditional STEM fields, mathematics is the most abstract. It studies the principles of quantities, shapes, spaces, and values, applying structured logic and systematic operations to solve conceptual problems.

In the context of STEM education, mathematics also includes:

Notably, some classifications place data science within the purview of science or technology rather than mathematics.

Broader, more inclusive definitions sometimes include additional subject areas not normally considered part of any distinct STEM field. Some agencies and schools may classify these subjects as STEM fields, depending on factors like program intent and curriculum. Examples of these fields are discussed below.

Accounting and finance both involve applied mathematics, mathematical modeling, data analysis, and problem solving. For this reason, educational institutions sometimes classify them as STEM programs.

STEM-designated accounting and finance programs are generally more common at the graduate level. However, some undergraduate accounting and finance programs also have this designation, especially if they have a dual focus that includes STEM subjects such as data science or data analytics.

Some schools and government agencies consider fields like medicine and the health sciences to be STEM fields, while others do not.

On one hand, these fields draw directly on the life sciences while also engaging elements of technology and engineering. These elements support a STEM classification.

However, organizations like the National Science Foundation specifically exclude medicine and the health sciences from their list of eligible STEM disciplines. This is due to their clinical focus on patient services rather than STEM fundamentals.

The STEM status of a health sciences or medicine program often depends on the host institution’s perspective.

Library and information science (LIS) programs sometimes hold STEM designations, owing to their prevalent uses of data and technical analytics. However, LIS also involves interdisciplinary elements from the humanities and social sciences, leading to its more usual classification as a non-STEM field.

The social and behavioral sciences include fields like economics, political science, and psychology. These disciplines frequently involve statistical analysis and scientific research, leading to their occasional inclusion in STEM.

However, these subjects are also grounded in the humanities and are heavily influenced by the human element. Therefore, they are not traditionally considered part of the STEM purview.

Many STEM programs receive specialized programmatic accreditation in addition to institutional accreditation.

Here are some programmatic STEM accreditors to look for: