STEM Education
What you'll do in college
STEM Education majors blend rigorous coursework in their chosen scientific, technological, engineering, or mathematical discipline with intensive pedagogical training. While you will tackle core subjects relevant to your track—such as calculus, organic chemistry, classical mechanics, or computer programming—you will also take education classes focused on instructional methods, STEM curriculum design, cognitive development, and classroom management. Instead of just proving theorems or running lab experiments in isolation, you will learn how to make complex, abstract concepts accessible, safe, and engaging to diverse learners. Programs heavily feature hands-on field experiences, culminating in a semester or more of full-time student teaching in a real classroom or laboratory setting.
What you'll do after college
The most direct and common path is becoming a middle or high school teacher in a specific STEM discipline (such as biology, chemistry, physics, computer science, or mathematics)—roles with persistent, critical shortages and excellent job security nationwide. However, your career isn't limited to the traditional classroom. Graduates also step into roles in STEM curriculum development, educational technology (EdTech), science museum or nature center education, instructional coaching, and specialized tutoring. Many educators later pursue graduate degrees in educational leadership to become school administrators, or transition into STEM education policy.
Famous graduates
- Jaime Escalante — Legendary high school calculus teacher whose students' remarkable success inspired the movie 'Stand and Deliver'; B.S. in Mathematics from California State University, Los Angeles
- Eddie Woo — Renowned mathematics teacher and creator of the widely popular 'Wootube' channel used by students globally; Bachelor of Education (Secondary) in Mathematics from the University of Sydney
- Danica McKellar — Actress and prominent STEM education advocate who has authored multiple bestselling math books aimed at middle schoolers; B.S. in Mathematics from UCLA
- Sal Khan — Educator and founder of Khan Academy, a massive platform for free online STEM education; B.S. in Mathematics, Electrical Engineering, and Computer Science from MIT
- Steve Spangler — Science teacher, author, and creator of the viral Diet Coke and Mentos experiment, highly regarded for his work in elementary science education; B.A. in Chemistry and Humanities from the University of Colorado
Selectivity vs. earnings
By acceptance rate
By SAT median
Earnings vs. selectivity rank
Majors in this category
| Major | Colleges | Degrees ▼ | Male/Female | Intl | Earnings | Employment |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| STEM Education | 340 | 1,672 | 35% / 65% | 1% | $53,208 | 96% |
| Mathematics Education | 112 | 434 | 35% / 65% | 1% | $51,584 | 95% |
| Mathematics Teacher Education | 151 | 389 | 35% / 65% | 1% | $52,064 | 96% |
| Science Education | 55 | 153 | 29% / 71% | 0% | $49,274 | 95% |
| Biology Teacher Education | 87 | 113 | 28% / 72% | 1% | $53,635 | 96% |
| Computer Teacher Education | 2 | 99 | 5% / 95% | 0% | $53,196 | 96% |
| Biology Education | 45 | 94 | 35% / 65% | 1% | $52,712 | 94% |
| Science Teacher Education/General Science Teacher Education | 18 | 83 | 35% / 65% | 0% | $51,846 | 96% |
| Agriscience Education | 1 | 48 | 96% / 4% | 0% | $87,612 | 95% |
| Technology Teacher Education | 12 | 28 | 71% / 29% | 0% | $50,073 | 95% |
| Chemistry Education | 18 | 26 | 23% / 77% | 4% | $52,615 | 93% |
| Earth Science Education | 8 | 24 | 38% / 62% | 0% | $57,080 | 96% |
| Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics (STEM) Educational Methods | 2 | 24 | 33% / 67% | 0% | $52,700 | 91% |
| Earth Science Teacher Education | 9 | 20 | 40% / 60% | 0% | $56,781 | 97% |
| Chemistry Teacher Education | 43 | 19 | 16% / 84% | 0% | $54,143 | 94% |
| Physics Teacher Education | 23 | 16 | 81% / 19% | 0% | $57,602 | 95% |
| Adolescence Education Mathematics | 1 | 15 | 33% / 67% | 0% | $61,172 | 100% |
| Science Teacher Education | 31 | 14 | 57% / 43% | 0% | $51,049 | 97% |
| Physics Education | 10 | 14 | 79% / 21% | 14% | $52,619 | 92% |
| Integrated Mathematics Education (Grades 7-12) | 1 | 13 | 31% / 69% | 15% | $47,090 | 96% |
| STEM Education | 3 | 12 | 50% / 50% | 0% | $49,523 | 97% |
| Mathematics - Secondary Education | 1 | 7 | 43% / 57% | 0% | $71,984 | |
| Integrated Science Education | 1 | 6 | 83% / 17% | 0% | $46,247 | 99% |
| Teacher Education: Science Education | 1 | 6 | 17% / 83% | 0% | $53,836 | 91% |
| Adolescence Education Biology | 1 | 4 | 25% / 75% | 0% | $61,172 | 100% |
| Integrated Science Education (Grades 7-12) | 1 | 3 | 0% / 100% | 0% | $47,090 | 96% |
| Teacher Education: Mathematics Education | 1 | 3 | 33% / 67% | 0% | $53,836 | 91% |
| Adolescence Education Earth Science | 1 | 2 | 0% / 100% | 0% | $61,172 | 100% |
| Adolescence Education Physics | 1 | 1 | 0% / 100% | 0% | $61,172 | 100% |
| Computer Education | 1 | 1 | 100% / 0% | 0% | $44,636 | 98% |
| Math Teaching | 1 | 1 | 0% / 100% | 0% | $48,305 |