Learn STEM with online courses and programs

The science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM) fields are driving engines of innovation and invention. Expand your STEM knowledge with online courses delivered through edX.

What is STEM?

STEM refers to the disciplines of science, technology, engineering, and mathematics. As the pace of technology accelerates, the public and private sectors look to the STEM workforce to build innovations that will power society now and into the future.^{Footnote 1}

Covering a broad range of disciplines, topics in STEM vary significantly. STEM encompasses everything from biological and physical sciences to computer programming and mechanical engineering. These disciplines may require more vigorous coursework than other educational paths. But pursuing education in STEM subjects can position learners to compete for the jobs of tomorrow and learn valuable, transferable skills, such as critical thinking, creativity, and teamwork. STEM programs can offer an interdisciplinary, hands-on approach to solving problems, making for an immersive and engaging learning experience.

Learn about many different STEM topics, with edX’s catalog of STEM programs, trainings, and courses open to learners of all levels.

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STEM course curriculum

Many educational institutions emphasize the interdisciplinary nature of STEM topics and their real-world applications. Instead of teaching an individual discipline like chemistry or computer science in a vacuum, course instructors may now focus on providing a comprehensive foundation of STEM knowledge and integrating that knowledge with relevant technology. This helps to effectively breaking down the barriers that once existed between certain scientific or mathematical disciplines.^{Footnote 2}

Because STEM covers a variety of subjects, many learners still choose to specialize in a particular area. For instance, pursuing a degree in engineering can prepare learners with advanced STEM skills that they could then apply to a related subdiscipline, such as aeronautics or electronics.

There’s a great deal of crossover between individual courses, too. Foundational mathematics courses, for example, may dive into the problem-solving skills that serve as the basis for further scientific inquiry in many other STEM fields, while technology courses may include lessons in computer engineering. edX offers a variety of STEM courses and learning options created for learners of diverse backgrounds, abilities, and career paths.

If you’re planning to teach STEM subjects and want to further your skills as a STEM teacher, you may find it helpful to take a course designed to introduce fundamental STEM principles into K-12 and post-secondary education curricula and classrooms.

Jobs in STEM fields

Today’s STEM learners will be responsible for tomorrow’s scientific breakthroughs. By pursuing educational coursework in any of these exciting fields, you could be on your way to building life-changing solutions to some of the world’s most pressing problems.

If you are interested in science and math, want a rewarding and purpose-driven career, and don’t shy away from challenging tasks and concepts, then one of the following jobs in STEM could be the right fit for you.

This list is just a sample of the many STEM jobs that exist in today’s fast-paced, technology-driven world. Moreover, the jobs listed in each field are often interdisciplinary; a statistician, for example, must use a combination of mathematical, scientific, and technological skills to be successful.

Computing

Computer programmer
Computer scientist
Database administrator
Software developer

Mathematics

Actuary
Mathematician
Operations research analyst
Statistician

Engineering and architecture

Aerospace engineer
Architect
Architectural manager
Civil engineer
Environmental engineer
Surveyor

Life sciences

Agricultural technician
Biological technician
Food scientist
Forester
Medical scientist

Physical sciences

Astronomer
Chemist
Environmental scientist
Geological technician
Nuclear technician
Physicist

Healthcare

Dentist
Licensed practical nurse
Pharmacist
Physician
Speech language pathologist
Therapist
Veterinarian

Many careers within these fields require a bachelor’s degree and potentially a master’s degree. If you have skills in certain disciplines but need to advance your knowledge in a specific field, other educational opportunities like a boot camp may make more sense for your learning journey.

How to build STEM skills

STEM training is core to today’s learning, and there’s a STEM class for every age group. Teaching STEM as early as preschool equips kids with the skills and perspective necessary to pursue a rewarding career path. This is especially important for opening the doors to STEM careers for learners from historically underrepresented groups, many of whom have not been encouraged from a young age to undertake STEM-based learning.^{Footnote 3}

STEM isn’t a single subject, but rather a way of applying critical and creative thinking skills to interrelated scientific and mathematical disciplines. Because of that, STEM teachers should know how to help learners apply STEM skills to real-life situations. Courses designed to help instructors facilitate inclusive, STEM-based learning environments can be great supplements to advanced degrees in STEM fields, such as engineering.

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Frequently asked questions

Why is STEM important in education?

In addition to the technical skills taught through STEM coursework, studying these disciplines can help learners practice problem-solving, critical thinking, communication, adaptability, creativity, collaboration, and organization. STEM jobs are critical as society becomes more dependent on technological advances.

What do you teach in STEM class?

While the four main STEM subjects of science, technology, engineering, and mathematics are essential topics in every STEM class, it’s just as important to teach process-based learning skills and methods like the engineering design process, which introduces learners to a systematic method of solving problems and learning from failure. Learners leave STEM programs with the foundational skills necessary to apply their knowledge to economic, environmental, and other global problems.

Why teach STEM-based activities?

Not only do STEM-based activities help learners build critical knowledge and skills to enable them to lead successful careers, but these activities also teach ways of thinking that encourage open-mindedness, problem solving, creativity, and stewardship of our planet and its resources.

Are STEM teachers in demand?

The specific demand for STEM teachers will fluctuate. However, the reliance on STEM disciplines to function in almost every aspect of daily life will require a workforce with strong understanding of these disciplines.

What skills and resources do you need to succeed in STEM programs?

Beyond an interest in STEM subjects, learners need critical thinking and creative problem solving skills. STEM learners must know how to think outside the box and remain flexible when working toward solutions. Learners must also have the ability to reflect honestly on both successes and failures, and grow from their mistakes.

What are STEM careers that rely less heavily on math?

Most STEM careers rely on a strong math foundation, but certain jobs in healthcare or life sciences require less advanced mathematical knowledge than those in computing or engineering. Still, to succeed in any STEM field, it’s important to have solid mathematical skills and know how to apply them to real-world situations.