When listing STEM degrees, people gravitate toward broad subjects like physics, engineering or computer science. But science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM) degrees encompass everything from business analytics to volcanology. STEM occupations are high-earning, and there is a need for STEM talent in the U.S.
You may want to take advantage of these high incomes, but if you’re going to dedicate time, money and energy to a degree, you likely have questions: is a STEM degree worth it? How much do STEM occupations really earn? Are all STEM degrees the same?
You’ll find answers to all those questions here.
Is a STEM degree worth it?
For many people, the answer is yes. Here are just some of the benefits of a STEM career:
- Increased salary – People employed in STEM occupations earn over double the median income according to the U.S. Bureau of Labor and Statistics (BLS).
- Job security – In the U.S., jobs in science and technology are projected to grow roughly twice as fast as non-STEM jobs from 2024 to 2034, the BLS reports. This trend extends globally: 14 of the 15 fastest-growing jobs worldwide are STEM-related, according to the World Economic Forum.
- Job satisfaction – Strong pay and job stability can translate into higher job satisfaction, with STEM roles ranking among the top five happiest careers in recent studies, according to Forbes.
STEM salaries
STEM occupations earn an annual mean wage of $103,580, more than twice that of non-STEM jobs at $48,000, according to the BLS. Education can increase earning potential further, particularly in technical and analytical roles where advanced skills are rewarded.
Rankings consistently place STEM and technical degrees among those most likely to deliver long-term financial value. Forbes ranks STEM disciplines at the top for return on investment, including all five of the highest-performing popular degrees.
Is business a STEM field?
STEM skills aren’t just driving job growth. They’re reshaping business education itself. STEM-designated graduate business programs increased by 65% in just three years, according to the Graduate Management Admission Council (GMAC).
Historically, STEM-designated business programs have concentrated in quantitatively intensive fields such as finance and economics. But as business decisions increasingly depend on data and technology, the demand for leaders with STEM capabilities has expanded well beyond these traditional areas. This shift is reflected in degrees such as the master of science in applied artificial intelligence for business from the Alfred Lerner College of Business and Economics. This program integrates advanced technical tools directly into business education.
Even fields not typically associated with quantitative work now rely on analytics to guide operations and strategy. Programs such as the STEM-designated master’s in hospitality and sport business analytics reflect how STEM skills are applied across unexpected areas of business.
Is a STEM business degree worth it?
STEM business degrees combine core business education with quantitative skills, preparing graduates to operate at the intersection of technology and decision-making. For example, Lerner’s M.S. in business analytics and information management combines technical fluency and business communication in a single curriculum.
This approach aligns closely with how hiring decisions are made today. Skills such as analytical thinking, problem solving, technical proficiency and communication consistently rank among the most sought-after by employers, according to the National Association of Colleges and Employers. A STEM business degree develops both in-demand technical skills and the communication and problem-solving abilities employers still prioritize.
What is a STEM MBA?
A STEM MBA differs from a traditional MBA by embedding analytics and technology into the core business curriculum.
And unlike STEM-designated master of science business programs, which emphasize specialized technical expertise, a STEM MBA prioritizes management training. By combining technical fluency with leadership training, a STEM MBA is well suited for professionals who want to advance in data-driven organizations.
For example, Lerner’s MBA with a business analytics major builds advanced analytical and technical skills alongside leadership, finance and decision-making.
A STEM-designated MBA also supports long-term career adaptability in business. In a GMAC survey, employers hiring management graduates ranked AI knowledge, technological skills and data analysis among the top five most important future skills.
Updated February 2, 2026