Best STEM Degrees and Careers: High-Demand Paths for the Future

STEM careers continue to grow across industries, from engineering and technology to health and environmental systems. This guide highlights strong STEM degree paths and the careers they support, with practical examples to help narrow your options.

Some people have always been curious about how things work. That curiosity might start with building models, noticing patterns, or asking why certain outcomes happen. For some, it is about technology and design. For others, it is about biology, health, or understanding how the environment responds to change. Over time, that curiosity can become a real skill set: learning how to test ideas, analyze data, and solve problems in ways that have a measurable impact.

That is where STEM comes in. STEM is a broad category that includes science, technology, engineering, and mathematics. These fields power everything from infrastructure and healthcare systems to cybersecurity and data-driven decision-making.

They also tend to offer strong long-term earning potential. Research by the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) shows that median annual earnings for prime-age workers in STEM fields reach $103,580, compared with $48,000 for non-STEM occupations. ¹ If your goal is career stability, long-term growth, or work that stays relevant as industries evolve, a STEM degree can be one of the strongest paths to consider.

Explore 90+ Online Programs, including STEM Degrees at NMSU Global Campus.

Understand What Makes a STEM Degree a Strong Choice

STEM degrees are often described as “future-proof,” but the real reason they hold value is simpler: the work behind STEM is expanding. Nearly every industry is becoming more technical, more data-driven, and more dependent on people who can solve problems using evidence and structured reasoning.

The workforce shift is not just anecdotal. The National Math and Science Initiative reports that STEM occupations are growing 3.5 times faster than non-STEM roles, and the U.S. could face a 1.4 million worker gap by 2030. The same projection suggests that STEM skills will be required in roughly 80% of jobs over the next decade, even in roles that are not traditionally considered technical. ²

STEM also covers a broad range of career paths. Science includes fields tied to health, biology, and environmental systems. Technology and engineering support everything from automation to infrastructure. Mathematics powers analytics, modeling, and forecasting. That range is part of why STEM degrees continue to grow in popularity: they build skills that apply across industries and remain valuable as roles evolve.

A strong STEM degree typically offers:

• Transferable analytical skills: STEM programs build the ability to interpret information, evaluate outcomes, and solve problems using evidence and structured reasoning.
• Career versatility: Many STEM disciplines apply across multiple industries, which can support long-term flexibility even as workforce needs shift.
• In-demand technical training: STEM roles support essential systems such as infrastructure, technology, health, energy, cybersecurity, and environmental management.
• Clear pathways for growth: STEM careers often allow professionals to build specialized expertise through experience, certifications, graduate study, and leadership opportunities.

Explore the Best STEM Degrees for High-Demand Careers

Choosing a STEM degree is often less about picking the “most impressive” major and more about choosing the kind of work you want to grow into. Some learners want to build systems and solve technical problems. Others want to work with data, improve processes, or support health and human outcomes through science. The best STEM degree is usually the one that matches both your interests and the type of work you can see yourself doing day to day.

The degrees listed here are consistently connected to high-demand careers, strong job outlooks, and skills that transfer across industries. Each option includes examples of career pathways, the type of work the degree supports, and why the field continues to grow.

Whether you are choosing a major for the first time or considering a shift into a more future-facing career, this list is designed to help narrow your options to STEM paths with real staying power.

Engineering Degrees

Engineering remains one of the strongest STEM degree categories because it leads to work that is both practical and widely needed.

Engineering careers support systems people rely on every day, including safe roads and bridges, clean water infrastructure, efficient manufacturing, reliable energy delivery, and the technology that powers modern life.

Many engineering roles also appeal to people who like solving problems that have clear outcomes, whether that means improving a process, designing a system, or reducing risk through better performance.

Engineering degrees also tend to offer strong early-career earning potential. Engineering majors earn the highest average starting salaries among bachelor’s degree graduates, with NACE projecting an average projected starting salary of $81,198 for the Class of 2026 (PDF, page 4). ³ Over time, these roles continue to hold value in the labor market. Across architecture and engineering occupations, the median annual wage is $97,310, reflecting the long-term value employers place on technical expertise in these fields. ⁴

Common engineering career pathways include:

• Industrial engineering roles that focus on process improvement and operations performance.
• Civil engineering roles that support infrastructure planning, design, and development environments.
• Chemical engineering roles that support manufacturing systems, materials, and production process work.
• Electrical engineering roles that support automation, power systems, controls, and advanced design pathways.
• Systems engineering roles that support technical integration and cross-functional problem-solving.

Engineering stays in demand because organizations consistently need professionals who can improve safety, efficiency, and performance while meeting real constraints such as cost, regulations, sustainability goals and changing technology. As systems become more complex, employers continue to rely on engineers to solve problems that affect both daily operations and long-term resilience. Read a STEM Student Success Story from Jessica, Class of 2024. ⁵

Compare online engineering degree programs at NMSU Global Campus.

Master’s Degree in Data Analytics

Data analytics degrees support careers built around interpreting information and helping organizations make better decisions.

For professionals who like working with patterns, evidence, and measurable outcomes, data analytics provides a way to turn raw information into insights that guide strategy, operations and performance improvement. This work shows up in nearly every sector because most organizations rely on data to understand customers, manage resources, reduce risk and improve results.

Data analytics also connects to strong earning potential in the workforce. Data scientist roles report a median annual wage of $112,590, reflecting the value organizations place on professionals who can manage and interpret complex datasets. ⁶

Common data analytics career pathways include:

• Data analyst roles focused on interpreting trends and supporting operational decisions.
• Business intelligence roles that support reporting and performance measurement across teams.
• Operations analyst roles focused on identifying efficiency opportunities and process improvements.
• Analytics consultant roles that support business strategy and technical recommendations.
• Data-focused roles in healthcare, finance, manufacturing, and government settings.

Data analytics remains in demand because organizations increasingly rely on evidence-based decisions, especially as industries become more automated and more data-driven. Skills in analytics also transfer across fields, which can make this degree path especially valuable for long-term flexibility and career growth. Read an MDA Student Success Story from Miles, Class of 2025. ⁷

Explore the Online Master of Data Analytics at NMSU Global Campus.

Information Technology and ICT Degrees

Information technology and ICT degrees support careers that keep systems running, secure, and efficient.

These roles appeal to learners who want to solve practical problems, support critical operations, and work with the tools and systems organizations depend on daily. IT and ICT careers show up in nearly every sector because technology infrastructure supports communication, productivity, security and service delivery across modern workplaces.

IT careers also offer strong earning potential as professionals gain experience and take on higher levels of responsibility. Computer and information systems managers report a median annual wage of $171,200, reflecting the long-term value of technical leadership and systems expertise. ⁸

Common information technology career pathways include:

• Systems administrator roles that support networks, infrastructure and business operations.
• IT analyst roles focused on technology performance and organizational needs.
• Technology supports leadership roles that guide systems planning and service delivery.
• Network-focused roles that support performance, reliability, and access across organizations.
• Technical roles that work alongside cybersecurity teams and compliance functions.

IT and ICT remain valuable because every industry relies on technology systems that must function reliably and stay secure. As organizations continue expanding cloud infrastructure, digital services and security requirements, demand remains strong for professionals who can manage and support those systems. Read an IT Student Success Story from Daniel, Class of 2024. ⁹

Find IT online degrees designed for working professionals at NMSU Global Campus.

Graduate Certificate in Digital Signal Processing

Digital signal processing supports technical work in communications, audio systems, imaging and sensor-based technology.

This credential is often a strong fit for professionals interested in how information moves through systems, whether those systems involve sound, imaging, wireless communication, or embedded technology. Digital signal processing skills are used in high-impact fields where accuracy, reliability, and performance matter, including automation, defense, health technology and telecommunications.

Common digital signal processing career pathways include:

• Signal processing roles supporting communication and digital systems work.
• Engineering analyst roles involving audio, sensor, imaging, or data-signal applications.
• Technical roles in telecommunications and applied technology settings.
• Support roles in research and development environments that use signal-based tools.
• Systems-focused roles that combine analysis with real-world technical constraints.

Digital signal processing remains valuable because modern technology systems depend on signals, data transfer, and precise system behavior. Professionals with signal processing expertise are often involved in improving performance, reducing interference, and supporting reliability in environments where technical precision directly affects outcomes.

Explore a Graduate Certificate in Digital Signal Processing from NMSU Global Campus.

Bachelor’s Degree in Geomatics

A geomatics degree supports careers involving geospatial data, mapping, surveying, and spatial information systems.

These roles appeal to learners who want work that blends science, technology, and real-world environments. Geomatics professionals often help organizations understand location-based information, support infrastructure planning and manage systems that rely on accurate spatial data. Explore different types of careers with a bachelor’s degree in geomatics in the NMSU Global Campus Blog. ¹⁰

Common geomatics career pathways include:

• GIS specialist roles focused on mapping and spatial data interpretation.
• Geospatial analyst roles supporting infrastructure planning and environmental systems.
• Survey-related roles that support measurement and site-based data work (requirements vary by employer and state).
• Spatial data roles in land management, transportation, and utilities.
• Support roles across engineering and environmental projects where mapping is essential.

Geomatics remains in demand because spatial data plays a growing role in infrastructure development, environmental monitoring, land management and emergency response. As industries rely more on mapping technology, satellite imagery, and location-based data tools, this field continues to expand across both public and private sectors.

Explore the Bachelor of Science in Geomatics at NMSU Global Campus.

Bachelor’s Degree in Communication Disorders

Communication disorders degrees support foundational preparation for careers connected to speech, language and hearing sciences.

This pathway is often chosen by students who are drawn to health and human-centered science, especially work that supports communication, development and quality of life. Many learners use this degree as preparation for graduate study, while others pursue related roles in health and education settings, depending on employer expectations and scope of practice.

Common communication disorders career pathways include:

• Graduate study preparation for speech-language pathology or audiology pathways.
• Support roles in clinical or educational settings where communication needs are part of broader service delivery (requirements vary).
• Health communication roles involving program support and community-facing work.
• Support roles for  Roles that support individuals with communication needs in non-clinical settings are aligned with degree scope.
• Administrative or support roles in therapy-focused organizations.

Related Blog: What can you do with a degree in communication disorders? ¹¹

Communication-related pathways remain relevant as demand grows for support services across healthcare, education, and community programs. This degree also supports long-term specialization for learners who plan to continue into graduate-level training and licensure-focused career paths.

Explore the Bachelor of Science in Communication Disorders at NMSU Global Campus.

Bachelor’s Degree in Kinesiology

Kinesiology degrees support careers centered on human movement, performance and health science. This field is often a strong fit for learners who want to understand how the body works and how movement supports long-term health. Kinesiology knowledge applies in wellness, performance, prevention and rehabilitation-adjacent settings, and many students also use the degree as preparation for graduate programs in health-focused disciplines. Discover top careers with a degree in kinesiology you may not have considered in the NMSU Global Campus Blog. ¹²

Common kinesology career pathways include:

• Wellness coordinator roles supporting health programs in community or workplace settings.
• Exercise science roles focused on performance support and physical conditioning.
• Fitness and training roles in health and athletics environments.
• Graduate study preparation for fields such as physical therapy, occupational therapy, or advanced health programs.
• Support roles in health-focused organizations where movement science applies.

Kinesiology remains valuable because health and wellness fields continue to expand, especially roles tied to prevention, performance, and long-term wellbeing. As organizations invest more in wellness support, injury prevention, and physical performance systems, kinesiology provides a strong foundation for both direct career pathways and continued study.

Explore a Bachelor’s degree in Kinesiology 100% online at NMSU Global Campus.

Match STEM Degrees to the Type of Work You Want to Do

STEM degrees can lead to very different day-to-day work. Some paths are design-focused. Others center on data, systems, or health outcomes. Thinking in terms of work style often makes it easier to narrow options before focusing on job titles.

Choose Degrees That Focus on Designing and Improving Systems

Engineering, geomatics, and signal processing pathways often fit learners who want to build, improve, or optimize real-world systems, including infrastructure, technology tools, or high-performance environments.

Choose Degrees That Focus on Data and Decision Support

Data analytics, IT, ICT, and many engineering pathways align well with careers that involve interpreting information, improving performance, and supporting decisions through evidence, modeling, and technical analysis.

Choose Degrees That Focus on Health and Human Performance

Kinesiology and communication disorders pathways often support learners who want careers connected to people, wellbeing, and quality of life, with options for specialization through graduate study or applied support roles.

Compare Career Requirements Across STEM Fields

STEM careers do not all require the same level of education. Some pathways lead directly into entry-level roles with a bachelor’s degree, while others are more likely to require graduate training, licensure, or specialized credentials over time. Understanding these differences can help you choose a degree path that matches both your goals and your timeline:

• Bachelor’s degrees often support entry-level roles and build the foundation for long-term growth in many STEM fields.
• Master’s degrees are commonly used for specialization, advanced analysis, research, or higher-responsibility technical work.
• Graduate certificates can add focused expertise in a shorter format and support role expansion or skill development.
• Licensure and certification requirements vary by discipline, employer, and state, especially in engineering and health-related fields.

Explore STEM Programs at NMSU Global Campus

Many STEM careers require more than curiosity. They require consistent skill-building, strong technical training, and a credential that supports long-term growth. For working adults and career changers, online education can make that path more realistic by allowing learning to happen alongside real-world responsibilities.

NMSU Global Campus offers 90+ online programs, including degree and certificate pathways that align with STEM-focused career goals in engineering, data analytics, information technology, health science, and applied systems.

These programs are designed to support students who want rigorous coursework in fields where technical decision-making and real-world application matter. Coursework is typically structured, instructor-led, and built around applied learning that helps students develop skills employers recognize, including problem-solving, analysis, and systems-level thinking.

STEM career paths also tend to reward professionals who keep learning. Whether the goal is to specialize, move into higher-responsibility roles, or build a more flexible foundation for long-term opportunity, online STEM programs can support that growth without requiring relocation or a full break from work.

Explore STEM-aligned programs from New Mexico State University Global Campus:

• Explore engineering programs at NMSU Global Campus.
• Explore the online Master of Data Analytics at NMSU Global Campus.

Explore STEM degrees in technology, health science, and applied systems through NMSU Global Campus.

FAQ: Best STEM Degrees and Careers

What Are the Best STEM Degrees for Job Growth?

Engineering, data analytics, information technology, and geospatial programs are often linked to strong job outlooks because they support essential systems and technical decision-making across industries.

What STEM Degrees Lead to High-Paying Careers?

Many engineering and technology-related degrees are associated with strong earning potential, especially when paired with experience and specialized skills.

What Are the Most In-Demand STEM Careers Right Now?

Common high-demand STEM careers include roles in engineering, data analytics, cybersecurity, information technology, and technical systems support.

Which STEM Degrees Work Well for Working Adults?

Degrees in technology, engineering, analytics, and health-related STEM fields often offer flexible pathways that can align well with part-time enrollment and career continuity.

Do STEM Careers Require a Master’s Degree?

Not always. Many STEM careers begin with a bachelor’s degree, but graduate education can support specialization, advancement, and access to advanced technical roles.

Can You Earn a STEM Degree Online?

Yes. Many STEM degrees and graduate credentials are available online, especially in disciplines that rely on applied projects, modeling tools, and structured analysis.

References

1. “Employment Projections: Employment in STEM occupations.” U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, 28 August 2025.

2. “Workforce Readiness Requires Stronger STEM Education.” National Math and Science Initiative, 31 July 2025. 

3.  “Winter 2026 Salary Survey: Class of 2026 Starting Salaries.” National Association of Colleges and Employers (NACE), 2026.

4. “Occupational Outlook Handbook: Architecture and Engineering Occupations.” U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, 28 August 2025. 

5. “Jessica Boosted Her STEM Career With an Affordable Online Engineering Degree.” 16 July 2024.

6. “Occupational Outlook Handbook: Data Scientists.” U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, 28 August 2025.

7. “How Miles Launched His Data-Driven Career with an Online Master’s.” 20 November 2025.

8. “Occupational Outlook Handbook: Computer and Information Systems Managers.” U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, 28 August 2025.

9. “After 27 Years in Tech, Daniel Returned to Earn His Bachelor’s and Master’s with a 4.0 GPA.” 19 March 2025.

10. “Geomatics Careers: A Fast-Growing Path in Geospatial Tech.” 19 September 2025.

11. “Careers and Opportunities for a Degree in Communication Disorders.” 5 March 2024.

12. “Top Careers with a Bachelor’s in Kinesiology You May Not Have Considered.” 8 September 2025.