Category Archives: college majors

College degrees for music enthusiasts

 

music degrees

When it comes to a particular career path that tends to get quite a bit of media attention, it would have to be the field of music—not just when it comes to famous performing artists, but also producers, arrangers, composers and so many other professions that help to keep everything (pardon the pun) right on beat.

If you consider yourself to be a music enthusiast and you would like to know what kind of college degrees are available that specifically cater to your love for the craft, we have a list of a few for you below. Depending on the kind of music career that you desire, one of these college degrees for music enthusiasts should be able to assist you with getting closer to reaching your goal.

Bachelor of Music. A four-year degree that many people who want a music education will enroll in college to get is a Bachelor of Music. One thing that attracts individuals to this degree is that there are many majors available in this department from performance and theory to music history and technology.

Bachelor of Arts. Those who would like to have a four-year degree in liberal arts with a concentration in music, may decide to go with a Bachelor of Arts. This is one that combines a series of music classes with some liberal arts courses as well. If you choose this particular option, two popular majors that are offered are music administration and music business.

Bachelor of Fine Arts. A lot of people who perform in stage plays and even go on to win Tony Awards have this particular four-year degree. Although a Bachelor of Fine Arts is quite similar to a Bachelor of Arts, the main thing that makes it unique is that the focus tends to be on music theatre. So, if you’re interested in earning a degree in how to perform on stage strictly in a theatre environment, this would be the one for you.

Bachelor of Music Education. If a musician uses a press kit template to create their press packet and they decide to list their college education, there’s another kind of degree that you might see listed. If you are someone who has a deep interest in not just music performance but you also want to be equipped with the kind of information that you will need in order to someday teach it to elementary, high school or college students, then a Bachelor of Music Education would be an ideal fit for you. As a matter of fact, many schools who are looking for teachers will require this degree in their list of qualifications. By having one, you can perform and also have the option of teaching too.

Master of Music. After you have completed your undergraduate education, if you want to get a masters, many colleges have what is known as a master of music degree. The focus in this program is many including commercial music, composition, music education, church music, pedagogy and performance. Some even graduate from that and get their doctorate in music so that they can perform or teach music on a collegiate level.

As you can see, there are many avenues to pursue of your student is a music enthusiast. Investigate all paths and follow the one that best fits your talent and future interest.

 

 

Selecting a college degree that brings reward

 

selecting a college degreeWith a tough job market awaiting those college students that will graduate within the next few years, selecting a college degree that brings reward has become paramount to finding gainful employment. So while parents certainly want to encourage their kids to shoot for a career they’re going to love, they definitely don’t want them staring down the barrel of student loan debt with nothing to show for it but a job at Starbucks and a stack of useless resumes.

The key for most parents is helping their students to find a major that they love that leads to a growing job market. This is no easy feat, but with a few simple tips and tricks at your disposal you should be able to uncover options for any student, regardless of their strengths and preferences. Here are some suggestions to get your student on track for a college degree that will really pay off after graduation.

Do the research

The first thing to do is compile a list of industries that currently seem to be expanding, and there are a few that fit the bill. Anything having to do with the medical industry seems to be on the rise these days, thanks in part to health care reform, but also related to the fact that the baby boomer generation is entering the age of retirement just when there looks to a drought of qualified medical professionals. So the healthcare industry is a solid choice for now and perhaps the next 10-20 years, if forecasts are to be believed. Engineering of all types is also growing, but especially the field of computer engineering (no surprise there). Also taking off is green industry, due in large part to the current administration’s eco-friendly policies, although a growing consumer market for green solutions doesn’t hurt. In truth, green technology is growing by leaps and bounds, so an eco-engineering sort of degree could be extremely lucrative in the years to come. There are, of course, other fields to consider, as well. Not only are kids strong in math and science doing well right now, but those who are creative are finding jobs in the online arena thanks to the growth of blogging and internet marketing campaigns (textual, graphic, and even video).

Match your student’s interests with the career paths

Once you’ve compiled a list of job markets that are growing steadily (without suffering periodic layoffs) it’s time to sit down with your student to talk about finding interests, talents, and skills that may match up with some of the exciting career paths that appear to be taking off at the moment. This is a great way for students to think about what they like and want and how their preferences align with markets that are currently growing.

Select the right fit colleges

From there it’s just a matter of selecting schools that offer reputable and highly-regarded programs in the specific major your student has chosen, whether that means attending MIT for a computer science degree or considering University of Miami masters degrees as your student plans for their future in engineering. The right fit colleges should not only offer these preferred degree plans, but fit your student’s academic and social needs.

Once you and your student have done the research to discover which types of degrees are currently in demand, all that remains is to select a major that best suits your student’s interests and abilities and choose a school that delivers the best opportunities for job placement. College isn’t “all about the money”, but you want your student to be able to enter the job market in their chosen field after graduation.

The benefits of a liberal arts education

 

liberal artsStudents increasingly seek after liberal arts degrees, as it imparts comprehensive educational skills that they can apply to various jobs. Such students equip themselves with various skills including writing and communication. A well-written resume that conveys all one wants to impart and holds the attention of the potential employer is very important. Getting across your views and being able to do so in a precise and concise way is a valuable asset, and a student with a liberal arts major is trained to achieve superior communication and writing skills. They are able to write effective resumes and letters and market themselves effectively. It is not uncommon for them to gain higher positions with good salaries.

Communication

A majority of the workforce in many businesses needs training to improve their writing skills. Companies spend a substantial amount of money for this training. A person who is able to get across the policies, plans and decisions to employees located in different areas is a huge asset to any organization. Clear communication saves time and money. The person receiving the communication is able to get the message and is able to implement it effectively. A liberal arts graduate is able to effectively get across policies and procedures with his excellent communication skills.

When a student completes the degree plan, he gains personal qualities and skills that are sought after by employers. Teamwork skills, analytical skills, communication skills, computer skills, interpersonal skills, strong work ethics, willingness to take initiative and responsibility, flexibility, an eye for detail, and ability to think out of the box are a few qualities and skills one learns. The modules and course structures are formulated to increase problem-solving skills and enhance critical thinking. They are made aware of the various problems and ills that affect the society. The student gets insight into the culture and customs of people belonging to different communities in different parts of the country and world. He is acquainted with race, gender, education, class and other factors that affect the society and work. The student is made aware of the cultural differences and taught to see things from different perspectives and have empathy.

An Array of Knowledge and Skills

He is able to work with people with different views for the betterment of the organization for which he works. The education prepares him for a range of careers in diverse areas of work. It is unlike a professional bachelor’s degree that qualifies a student for a specific job.

This degree assists his quest for knowledge and helps him find solutions to various ills that affect the society. Such a student gains knowledge in various subjects, like media and communication, history, science and technology, literature, language, philosophy, history, mathematics, psychology, education and many more.

They get well-rounded education unlike students who enroll for other degree courses that focus only on a specific subject and equips them for specific jobs. They are able to converse on a range of topics and hold meaningful and intelligent discussions on numerous political, economic and social issues. The problem solving skills they learn help them tackle and find solutions to various issues. The liberal arts degree encourages free thinking and free expression. The decision making skills the students are trained in qualify them for higher positions in the work place.

Your options are open

If you are looking at options to pursue higher education, liberal arts degrees are still a promising choice. More and more students are opting for liberal arts instead of pursuing technical, medical vocational training or a course in business education. Some of the best educational institutions offer a Liberal arts degree plan that enables one to pursue a vocation in any field, including politics.

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Author Bio

Ryan Ayers is a writer who creates informative articles in relation to the field of education. In this article, he describes the benefits of a liberal arts degree and aims to encourage further study with an art education online degree.

The 10 Most popular college degrees

 

college degreesCollege is meant to be one of the most important stepping stones in life. The education students receive is designed to give them knowledge, experience, and a considerable leg up on the competition. Students are expected to become masters at their professional pursuits. Yet it should be noted that not all degrees are created equal. Some of the most popular degrees create well rounded individuals that are fit for many different careers within their professional aspirations. The top ten most popular college degrees are largely proponents of this sort of developmental flexibility.

1. Business Administration:
Those who are versed in business administration are often very adept at performing a number of different tasks in the workplace. You learn how to budget, plan, direct, and manage a number of different organizations.

2. Psychology:
This degree is for the people who wonder about what makes them tick. Psychology majors learn about cognition, intelligence, emotion, and disorders. They can do everything from teaching or researching any of the incredible processes made in the human mind.

3. Nursing:
Nursing may be the strictest degree on the list. After all, if you’re looking to be a nurse, you have a good general idea of what you want to do. Helping people and assisting doctors are major draws to the job. But there is still wiggle room. There are different types of nurses (pediatric, geriatric, etc) that deal with different issues and environments.

4. Biological Science:
Biology is literally the study of life. Everything from microscopic organisms to the entire ecological landscape of the planet resides in this pursuit.

5. Education:
Those who become education majors often have creativity, patience, and compassion. Their goal is to teach and inspire the next generation. There are a number of different topics to become proficient in and teach. This major gives students the tools to become inspiring educators.

6. English Language and Literature:
Many people feel that English class was the bane of their pre-college existence. Many find themselves thoroughly enjoying this major that encourages communication and literary comprehension. This major creates new generations of writers, readers, reporters, and thinkers.

7. Economics:
Economics is the study of scarcity and choice. How and why people choose to spend their money and time. The major can deal with anything as small as the individual to as large as the entire planet’s economic structure.

8. Communications:
Communications majors are well sought out in business, public relations, and government. Why? Because they know how to spin an amazing tale and keep people enthralled. Through learning and understanding the different modes of communication, these majors prepare themselves for diverse career options down the road.

9. Political Sciences:
This isn’t just the study of a political structure. This is the study of current events and how it shapes the world. Political sciences prepare people for careers in a number of places: academia, government, and even in multinational corporations.

10. Computer and Information Sciences :

This is one of the fastest growing fields in the world today. As more and more businesses become technologically advanced, the number of people who require computer sciences majors will exponentially increase. What’s amazing is that this boom is expected in nearly every field.

Each of these degrees aim to foster a roundness in graduates that will promote overall success. After all, the aim of receiving a college education isn’t solely to become adept at retaining information. Teaching relevant knowledge isn’t the only important duty a college performs. It’s also about trying to create a student that is well versed and learned across the spectrum each degree represents. Choosing the degree that works best for you is the first action you take before leaping across to this great stepping stone of life.

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Author bio: Steve manages a college paper writing service at www.solidessay.com, which helps high school and college students with their homework assignments.

Why engineering degrees are still worth the resources

engineering degrees

 

There is a great deal of cynicism about the value of a collegiate degree these days, as unemployment soars and many people, even those with higher-level education, find themselves unable to find meaningful work.  While an English or Theater degree may be less valuable than the student would have hoped for, the good news is that an engineering degree can be worth every penny put into a person’s education.  The number of engineers in today’s society are far lower than the current demand for their services, making it not only easy for job placement, but also for picking and choosing where you would like to work.

The Money Talks

The National Association of Colleges and Employers suggests that there are few degrees that are more valuable to a student than engineering itself.  Four out of the five highest paid majors go to engineers, with petroleum engineering topping the scales at an average paycheck of one hundred thousand dollars for an entry-level position!

While a degree in computer engineering does not pay six figures, it is still possible to earn over fifty thousand dollars per year upon graduation.  What’s more, this value is sure to increase over the course of an entire career.  For a person who works for forty years, an engineering degree will provide half a million dollars more in salary than a person with just a high school education.

The Reason For the Pay

Why are engineering degrees and educational paths so much more valuable than other professions?  The answer is simple; it is a case of supply and demand.  Fewer and fewer students are going into engineering in all forms, with only five percent of all graduates holding these golden degrees.

In the United States, this imbalance is especially profound.  Other industrialized nations like Germany and Japan suffer from far more competition, with as many as one third of all students graduating with engineering degrees, but in the United States this particular career path is much more rarely taken. Engineering jobs are continually becoming available worldwide, such as the number of jobs that went into engineering at the Olympics every four years.

How Much Should You Pay For a Degree?

If you go to a major, well-respected technological university, you could realistically expect to pay about two hundred thousand dollars for a five-year engineering degree.  This kind of debt can keep a person in tuition bills for much of their life, even if their highly regarded degree gives them favorable job placement for a firm.  For a state school, however, you may pay only about ten thousand dollars per year for tuition (that figure is about double for out-of-state tuition).  This figure, however, does not include books, housing, fees, or other sums like parking.

How to Pay For the Education

Student loans have now eclipsed credit card debt as the number one source of owed money in the United States.  For those who want to pursue a degree in engineering, it may be necessary to take on significant debt in order to pursue a high-profile career.  For those who want to start a career, move to a new city, or purchase a house, it may be extremely difficult if they have several figures worth of student loan debt.

It is far better to get a type of aid for your education and reduce the payments as much as you are able to over the course of your schooling.  Since nearly all engineering degrees require five years of study, the financial commitment is even greater.  The good news is that the final year is usually spent in a co-op program where the student will earn money, so that it is not always necessary to take out loans for the final year of schooling.

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Author Bio

William Stevens is a blogger who creates informative articles relating to engineering. In this article, he explains the financial situation around a degree in this field and aims to encourage continued study with a  master of engineering in civil engineering.

Great tech careers for college-bound students to consider

imagesWith the economy slow to recover from recession, many college students are understandably worried about their potential to find gainful employment after graduation. And while there are certainly students who will opt to pursue their dream majors despite the fact that there are currently no jobs available in their chosen field (no doubt hoping that the job market will improve by the time they have a diploma in hand), others are seeking degree programs that not only spark their interest, but lead to careers in related industries that are showing growth regardless of the recession. Technology is one such area of study. Whether your student is interested in computers and computer systems, the growing mobile space, changes in the automotive industry, or green technology, for example, there are many ways that they can turn their interest in the mechanics and electronics we use in our everyday lives into a promising career. So here are just a few paths in the area of tech careers that aspiring college students may want to consider.

As modern technology advances, there is no more promising field than computer science. Whether your student likes getting their hands dirty with hardware or programming is more their style, this field of technology plays a role in nearly every other type of technological advancement of late. Just look at smartphones and tablets, which are slimmer, lighter, and can now stream downloadable content in HD resolution with nary a hiccup. Or how about automotive technologies that connect wirelessly to personal electronics in order to help hands-free communication, or tracking fuel economy so that you can find ways to drive smarter. The point is that a background in computers can not only lead to high-paying jobs in fields like IT, database administration, or software, web, and mobile development, but also in almost any other industry.

Suppose, for example, that it’s your student’s dream to work at a theme park. They could be the person creating software that makes virtual reality rides feel like participants are really on a star ship zooming through space, or on a hang glider hovering over the California landscape. Knowledge of programming could also allow them to run their own business developing games and apps for the mobile space. Or they might wind up working in the film industry creating 3D graphics for movies. Of course, many jobs that require a background in computer technology will only be viable if you have some other knowledge and skills under your belt, as well.

Many engineering positions, for example, from mechanical to civil, will have an emphasis on computer technology but require that your student take a specific degree program in the field of engineering you want to enter. Luckily,engineers are in equally high demand to computer specialists these days. So if your student earns a degree in civil engineering with a minor in environmental studies, for example, they could end up planning residential or commercial buildings for a cleaner, greener tomorrow, or even entire housing developments or urban projects.

They might also go into medical technology. With many doctors and nurses nearing the age of retirement and baby boomers reaching their golden years, the next several years will see a real shortage of trained medical personnel. So this could be a great career path to pursue.

There are tons of potential technical careers just waiting for qualified individuals to fill them. Whether your student wants to become an infographic designer, an automotive computer engineer, or an alternative energy innovator, consider that any of several technology fields could hold the keys to a promising career.

Is your student artistically inclined?

Finding the perfect career path is sometimes difficult. There are varied options available for pursuing careers that encourage your student’s creativity. If your student loves to cook, can draw really well or design games, these are all wonderful careers to be pursued that might “fit” outside of the box of higher education. Traditional college is not always the best choice for this type of student. The key to finding the right educational path is a) knowing their interests and b) finding the best educational path to take for their specific area of interest.

The culinary arts have become more appealing for high school graduates. There are numerous schools that provide the technical training to pursue a career as a chef. As you would imagine, the culinary arts are not just about cooking—they encompass all forms of creativity using edible ingredients. There are multiple job opportunities for a graduate of culinary arts: restaurant chef, pastry chef, personal chef, caterer, food stylist, nutritionist, and even cooking school instructor.

Another area of artistic talent would be in the photography field. This is an excellent career choice for students who enjoy shooting photos and learning ways of editing and developing. The industry is leaning toward more creative natural photo shoots outdoors as opposed to studio sittings. This helps to capture the personality of the subject. Community colleges, universities and even technical schools can help your student learn editing techniques and lighting: two important items that need to be perfected for successful photographers.

Many students have the mental aptitude and programming skills to design video games and/or apps. Check into game design colleges and discover the many areas of career pursuits in this field. Has your student ever had an idea for a game that would make it even better than it is now? Higher education can provide the necessary tools your student needs to pursue this type of career.

If your student has artistic talent, there is a good chance they will be able to turn that into a career. Remember to “think outside the box” with these type of career goals. The traditional 4-year college route might not be necessary. There are many technical schools, online colleges, and community colleges that offer 2-year degree plans with job placement opportunities. The key is to invest that college money properly so that your student will find a job that fosters their creativity while paying the bills

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Today’s guest post was contributed by Amanda Green, a freelance writer who normally writes on the topics of education, business, and personal finance. Amanda has been writing for multiple years on the web and enjoys writing on less serious topics like pets and crafting in her spare time! You can read more writing by Amanda at paidtwice.com

Top 7 College Majors you probably never knew existed

You know the drill: your college-bound teen is trying to choose a college that best fits his/her intended career path. It’s no easy task, especially when there are so many majors out there and so many colleges to choose from. Here’s a guest post that might spark your teen’s interest in one of the “obscure” college majors. But be careful–research the earning potential of these careers before your teen commits four years of your hard-earned money!

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You’ve read through the course catalog, spoken to your academic adviser and chosen a major that just doesn’t seem to fit your life’s aspirations. Many have found success seeking a tried-and-true English, History, Communications, Criminal Justice or Elementary Education degree, but you desire to blaze a trail and seek a new and exciting career path. Luckily, many online and campus-based universities are indulging visionaries such as yourself by creating unique and, in many cases, unexpected college majors. Here’s a list of the top 7 college majors you probably never knew existed:

Green Urban Planning

As a concentration, urban planning is nothing new. However, in response to many communities’ passions to live an eco-friendly existence, a handful of universities are offering courses and a full-fledged major in Green Urban Planning. This degree focuses on many of the same concepts as traditional urban planning, but teaches students to determine the location of a town’s schools, hospitals and other structures with the environment in mind.

Turfgrass Science

Did you ever stroll through a golf course, botanical garden or even some well-kept private residences and marveled at their pristine green lawn? Believe it or not, many golf courses are hiring individuals with a Bachelor’s Degree in Turfgrass Science. During their two to four-years of study, students delve into topics ranging from pesticides and weed control to entomology and business management. Who knew it took so much erudition to keep the greens on a par 4-hole so lush?

Fire Science

In the past, the only prerequisite to break into firefighting was a strong back and willingness to risk your life. Times have definitely changed, and many are finding that in order to advance in their career, a fire science bachelor degree is a necessity. This degree program prepares students to handle the many facets of this challenging vocation, from emergency preparedness to public education.

Emergency Management

Upon completion of their fire science degree, many are continuing their education by seeking an emergency management masters degree. Basically, this highly-specialized program prepares individuals to plan for and react to a variety of emergency situations. This could mean anything from designing and implementing a fire escape plan at a nursing home to working with Homeland Security to thwart a potential terrorist attack. This degree program isn’t presently well-known, but as more industries are hiring emergency management professionals, its anonymity is sure to fade quickly.

Animal Science

As the population of the United States continues to swell, so does the need for individuals to monitor the safety of its food sources. If you’ve ever wondered where your food comes from, and how to help ensure future generations continue to consume healthy livestock and poultry, consider earning your degree in animal science. Animal science majors learn how to protect, monitor and regulate the nation’s supply of poultry, beef and any other products produced from animals.

Bakery Science

Before you assume that this major is interchangeable with any other courses found at your local culinary institute, be prepared to go deeper into food preparation and science than you ever thought possible. Aside from learning the fundamentals of the perfect chocolate chip cookie, bakery science students either concentrate on the business-side of restaurants and the food industry or cereal chemistry, which deals more with research, development and quality control. Classes in this unique major include: chemistry, physics, nutrition, bakery science, bakery design and cereal science.

Bowling Industry Management

Bowling is big business that, according to the United States Bowling Congress, is enjoyed by over 70 million participants every year. In reaction to this startling statistic, the bowling industry management major was created. Individuals with a passion for this sport are able to make a career out of bowling by taking classes on pro shop management, bowling lane care and pin-setting mechanics. Unfortunately, this major doesn’t explain why bowling shoes are so uncomfortable and how to master the perfect bowling ball curve.

Before getting your heart set on any of the aforementioned, off-the-beaten-track majors, remember that many are offered by a handful or single university, with the exception of fire science and emergency management. Online university is another option if you’re interested in a unique major, but your local campus-based college doesn’t offer the necessary coursework.

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Evelyn Green is a blogger and currently earning her Master’s in Emergency Management. She’s currently a trained EMT and firefighter. Upon completion of her degree, Evelyn hopes to use the skills learned in her program to make her focus forest fire prevention. 

Embracing Indecision

The time has come at last for your kids to fly the coop and head off to college. It’s a bittersweet time, but likely not one for which you’re unprepared. If you’re like most parents with children in their final years of high school, you’ve spent hours upon hours advising and encouraging them (to put it mildly) to make decisions about college enrollment, degree plans, class schedules, and so on. Indeed, college counselors and representatives unilaterally recommend a proactive approach to college admissions, so it’s no wonder that parents begin talking to their children about it at such an early age. If you want your child to have a successful career (and by extension a fruitful life) then you must prepare them for the challenges and huge decisions faced on a college campus.

But there’s another side to college preparation, one that receives little attention from parents and their children. Parents who constantly encourage their children to map out the general layout of their forthcoming college experience often (by accident) beget a sense of anxiety in them. College bound students too often worry over the implications of their school and class choices on future careers at the expense of their own personal college experience. In all the time spent deciding a “perfect” degree program, parents risk compromising their children’s formative years in academia. Here are some reassuring words for your stressed out college bound kids who might feel lost amidst one of the most important times of their lives.

They’re not alone

If your kid expresses exasperation at the prospect of choosing and sticking to a single major as an undergraduate, they’re not alone. In 2005 MSNBC ran a story that confirmed the frequency which with college undergraduates switched their areas of study. The story mentions a study that claims at least half of college students entering college haven’t chosen a major, and even more students change their major time and time again over the course of their undergraduate experience. The reason for the constant shifts in undergraduate majors is pretty clear: the plurality of courses offered by most colleges can intrigue any student unsure of their degree path.

Most students have few degree choices in mind when they enter college. Usually the most general majors—English, government, biology, engineering, and so on—dominate their list of potential majors. But then they enter colleges that offer completely novel classes that have the power to completely reshape the way a student shapes their undergraduate career. A biology student may become smitten by a class in modern feminist poetry, or a government major completely fascinated by the nuances of organic chemistry.

Indecision is normal

It’s critically important that students take courses outside their comfort zone. To use the above example, the biology student would never have discovered their hidden passion for poetry had they strictly stuck to courses in sciences. This person found their course by branching out from their previously assumed collegiate path. Admittedly, it’s easier said than done to encourage students to take random classes in the hopes that they happen upon an intellectually stimulating subject. Many college freshmen feel they’re in trouble if they haven’t planned their full course load in its entirety. They’re told that the road to collegiate successes is paved with decisive class choices, planning out not only the proper courses, but the right teachers and class schedules.

What students rarely hear are the success stories promulgated by indecision and a willingness to try something new. Just because a student has planned to become a chemical engineering major two years before attending college doesn’t mean that they’ll enjoy the major. So tell your kids to keep an open mind for potential degree focuses. They might come from the least expected sources.

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This is a guest post by Kimberly Wilson. Kimberly is from accredited online colleges, she writes on topics including career, education, student life, college life, home improvement, time management etc.

The STEM graduate shortage

This week the discussion in higher education has revolved around early college prep and the importance of math in early curriculum. Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics (also known as STEM) has been on the forefront for education and career fields. But America failing to produce strong numbers of STEM graduates. This infographic depicts the importance of STEM and statistics showing the STEM graduate shortage. What can we do to guide our students in that direction?

 

STEM Shortage
Created by: Online Engineering Degree