Explore STEM Programs and Careers

Study Aerospace Engineering

If you are fascinated by aircraft, spacecraft, and the physics of flight, a career in aerospace engineering might be perfect for you. Aerospace engineers design, develop, and test aircraft, spacecraft, satellites, and missiles. Education programs cover aerodynamics, propulsion systems, materials science, and structural analysis. Professional certification through organizations like the American Institute of Aeronautics and Astronautics (AIAA) can enhance your credentials.

Many universities offer aerospace engineering degrees at the bachelor’s, master’s, and doctoral levels. These programs combine theoretical knowledge with practical applications, preparing you for careers in aviation, defense, space exploration, and research institutions. With the growing commercial space industry, aerospace engineers are in high demand for innovative projects and technological advancement.

Earn an Associate Degree in IT

Launch your career in information technology with an associate degree that provides fundamental knowledge and practical skills. IT professionals support computer systems, networks, and users across virtually every industry. This program covers essential topics such as computer hardware, operating systems, networking fundamentals, and cybersecurity basics.

Associate degrees in IT can typically be completed in two years at community colleges or technical schools. This credential serves as an excellent entry point into the technology field or as a foundation for further education. Graduates can pursue roles such as help desk technician, IT support specialist, or network technician, with opportunities for advancement as you gain experience and additional certifications.

Get an AutoCAD Certification

Enhance your design capabilities and career prospects by obtaining an AutoCAD certification. AutoCAD is industry-standard software used by architects, engineers, and designers to create precise 2D and 3D technical drawings. Certification programs teach you the tools and techniques needed to produce professional designs for manufacturing, construction, and product development.

AutoCAD certification courses are available through Autodesk authorized training centers and can be completed in a few weeks to a few months. Becoming Autodesk certified validates your skills to employers and clients, potentially leading to opportunities in architecture, engineering, interior design, manufacturing, and construction industries. Many professionals use this certification as a stepping stone to more advanced design software training.

Study Automated Manufacturing Technology

If you’re interested in the intersection of manufacturing and technology, consider a program in automated manufacturing technology. Specialists in this field design, implement, and maintain automated systems that improve production efficiency and quality. Training covers robotics, programmable logic controllers (PLCs), computer-aided manufacturing (CAM), and industrial automation processes.

Programs in automated manufacturing technology are offered at community colleges and technical schools, typically taking one to two years to complete. With manufacturing increasingly relying on automation, graduates are well-positioned for careers as automation technicians, manufacturing engineers, or robotics specialists. This field offers the satisfaction of seeing your technical expertise translated into physical production systems.

Pursue Biomedical Engineering

If you’re passionate about combining engineering principles with medical and biological sciences, biomedical engineering offers a rewarding career path. Biomedical engineers develop innovative medical devices, equipment, and software that advance healthcare and improve patient outcomes. Education programs include biomechanics, medical imaging, biomaterials, and medical device design.

Most biomedical engineering positions require at least a bachelor’s degree, with advanced research and development roles often requiring graduate education. This interdisciplinary field offers diverse career opportunities in medical device companies, hospitals, research laboratories, and regulatory agencies. Biomedical engineers contribute to life-changing innovations such as prosthetics, artificial organs, and diagnostic technologies.

Become a Certified Ethical Hacker

If you have a knack for understanding computer systems and want to help organizations strengthen their security, becoming a Certified Ethical Hacker could be an exciting career path. Ethical hackers, also known as penetration testers, identify vulnerabilities in systems before malicious hackers can exploit them. Training covers network security, hacking techniques, security protocols, and ethical considerations.

The Certified Ethical Hacker (CEH) credential is offered by EC-Council and requires passing a comprehensive examination. Preparation courses range from a few weeks to several months. This certification is highly valued in cybersecurity, opening doors to careers in information security analysis, penetration testing, and security consulting. As cyber threats continue to evolve, ethical hackers play a crucial role in protecting sensitive data and systems.

Study Civil Engineering

If you enjoy designing and building infrastructure that serves communities, civil engineering might be the perfect field for you. Civil engineers plan, design, construct, and maintain vital structures such as buildings, bridges, highways, water systems, and airports. Education programs cover structural engineering, transportation systems, environmental considerations, and construction management.

Civil engineering degrees are available at the bachelor’s, master’s, and doctoral levels. Professional licensure as a Professional Engineer (PE) typically requires a degree from an accredited program, work experience, and passing comprehensive exams. Career opportunities exist in public agencies, construction companies, engineering consulting firms, and urban planning organizations. Civil engineers literally build the foundation of modern society.

Learn Computer Repair

If you enjoy troubleshooting and fixing technical problems, computer repair offers a hands-on career with steady demand. Computer repair technicians diagnose and resolve hardware and software issues, upgrade components, and provide technical support to users. Training programs cover computer architecture, common hardware failures, operating systems, and customer service skills.

Computer repair programs can be completed in a few months at vocational schools or community colleges. Industry certifications such as CompTIA A+ validate your skills and improve employment prospects. Technicians can work in repair shops, IT departments, retail stores, or even start their own businesses. This career offers the satisfaction of solving problems and helping people maintain their essential technology tools.

Major in Computer Science

If you’re fascinated by computation and problem-solving, a computer science degree provides a comprehensive foundation for numerous tech careers. Computer scientists study algorithms, programming languages, artificial intelligence, and the theoretical foundations of computing. Programs typically include courses in data structures, software engineering, database systems, and computational theory.

Computer science degrees are offered at all levels, from associate to doctoral degrees. This versatile education prepares you for diverse roles such as software developer, systems analyst, data scientist, or AI researcher. The analytical thinking and technical skills developed through computer science studies are highly valued across industries, making it one of the most employable and well-compensated fields.

Specialize in Computer Systems Design

If you enjoy combining hardware and software components to create efficient computing solutions, computer systems design might be your calling. Systems designers architect and integrate computer hardware, software, and networks to meet specific organizational needs. Training includes systems analysis, hardware-software integration, performance optimization, and project management.

Programs in computer systems design are often offered as specializations within computer science or engineering degrees. Professionals in this field work for technology companies, consulting firms, or in IT departments across various industries. With businesses relying increasingly on complex computing infrastructures, systems designers play a crucial role in ensuring that technology investments deliver maximum value and performance.

Become a Database Administrator

If you have a methodical mind and enjoy organizing information, database administration offers a career path with excellent stability and demand. Database administrators (DBAs) design, implement, and maintain database systems that store and organize an organization’s critical data. Training covers database management systems, SQL, data modeling, backup procedures, and security protocols.

Database administration programs are offered at community colleges and universities, often as certificates or specialized degrees. Industry certifications from vendors like Oracle, Microsoft, or IBM can significantly enhance job prospects. DBAs work in virtually every sector, from healthcare and finance to government and technology companies. As data continues to grow in volume and importance, skilled database professionals remain essential to organizational success.

Study Electrical Engineering

If you’re intrigued by electricity and electronics, electrical engineering offers diverse opportunities to design and develop systems that power our world. Electrical engineers work on everything from microscopic electronic devices to massive power generation systems. Education programs cover circuit design, digital systems, electromagnetics, power systems, and signal processing.

Electrical engineering degrees are available at the bachelor’s, master’s, and doctoral levels. Professional Engineer (PE) licensure can open doors to higher-level positions and independent consulting. Career paths include power engineering, electronics design, telecommunications, control systems, and renewable energy. Electrical engineers drive innovation in technologies that shape modern life, from smartphones to smart grids.

Become a Full Stack Developer

If you enjoy both creative and technical challenges, becoming a full stack developer allows you to build complete web applications from front to back. Full stack developers possess skills in both client-side (front-end) and server-side (back-end) development, making them versatile team members who understand the entire web development process. Training covers programming languages, databases, server configuration, and user interface design.

Full stack development programs range from bootcamps lasting a few months to degree programs in computer science with specialized courses. A strong portfolio of projects is often more important than formal credentials in this field. Opportunities exist in tech companies, digital agencies, startups, and as independent consultants. This career offers the satisfaction of bringing entire applications to life and solving diverse technical challenges.

Study Information Systems Technology

If you’re interested in how technology supports business operations, information systems technology focuses on the practical application of computing in organizational contexts. Information systems professionals bridge the gap between technical and business teams, implementing and managing technology solutions that drive efficiency and innovation. Programs cover systems analysis, database management, networking, cybersecurity, and project management.

Information systems degrees are offered at associate through graduate levels, with many professionals beginning with an undergraduate degree and adding specialized certifications. Career opportunities include systems analyst, IT project manager, business analyst, or IT director. This field combines technical knowledge with business acumen, making it ideal for those who enjoy technology but want to focus on its practical applications rather than programming or engineering.

Pursue Mechanical Engineering

If you enjoy designing and building machines and mechanical systems, mechanical engineering offers a versatile and enduring career path. Mechanical engineers create solutions for everything from small components to complex systems in manufacturing, transportation, energy, and biomedical applications. Education covers thermodynamics, fluid mechanics, materials science, control systems, and design methodologies.

Mechanical engineering degrees are available at all levels, with a bachelor’s degree being the typical entry requirement for the profession. Professional Engineer (PE) licensure can enhance career prospects, particularly for those who wish to offer services directly to the public. The broad nature of mechanical engineering allows for specialization in areas such as automotive systems, HVAC, robotics, or aerospace applications, providing diverse career opportunities.

Specialize in Network Administration

If you enjoy building and maintaining the systems that connect people and information, network administration offers a career with constant challenges and opportunities. Network administrators design, implement, and maintain the communication networks that form the backbone of modern organizations. Training includes network protocols, routing and switching, security measures, and troubleshooting methodologies.

Network administration programs are available at technical schools and colleges, typically taking one to four years depending on the credential level. Industry certifications from companies like Cisco, Microsoft, or CompTIA validate specific skills and can significantly boost employment prospects. With nearly every business relying on networks for daily operations, skilled network administrators are essential across all industries.

Study Process Technology

If you’re interested in how raw materials are transformed into finished products, process technology focuses on the equipment and procedures used in manufacturing and production. Process technicians monitor, maintain, and troubleshoot the complex systems used in industries such as petrochemical, pharmaceutical, food processing, and power generation. Training covers equipment operation, safety protocols, quality control, and process optimization.

Process technology programs are typically offered at community colleges and technical schools, usually taking one to two years to complete. The hands-on nature of this field appeals to those who enjoy tangible results and technical problem-solving. With many industries facing workforce shortages, qualified process technicians often enjoy competitive salaries and stable employment prospects in essential manufacturing sectors.

Learn Programming

If you enjoy solving problems and creating digital solutions, programming provides the fundamental skill set for numerous tech careers. Programmers write, test, and maintain the code that powers applications, websites, and systems. Training covers programming languages, algorithms, data structures, and software development methodologies, with many programs focusing on languages currently in high demand.

Programming courses are available in formats ranging from self-paced online learning to formal degree programs. Building a portfolio of projects is essential for demonstrating your skills to potential employers. Career opportunities include software developer, web developer, mobile app developer, or game programmer. The logical thinking and problem-solving abilities developed through programming are valuable in many fields beyond traditional software development.

Study Software Engineering

If you’re interested in the systematic approach to building reliable, efficient software, software engineering applies engineering principles to software development. Software engineers design, develop, and maintain complex software systems using structured methodologies and best practices. Education covers programming, system architecture, software testing, project management, and quality assurance.

Software engineering degrees are offered at bachelor’s and graduate levels, with programs emphasizing both technical skills and engineering processes. This career focuses on building robust, scalable software solutions for business, consumer, or specialized applications. Software engineers typically work on larger, more complex systems than programmers, with greater emphasis on design, documentation, and systematic development approaches.

Specialize in User Experience Design

If you’re creative and empathetic with a passion for making technology more human-friendly, user experience (UX) design focuses on creating intuitive, accessible digital products. UX designers research user needs, create wireframes and prototypes, and collaborate with developers to implement designs that enhance user satisfaction. Training covers design principles, user research methodologies, prototyping tools, and usability testing.

UX design programs range from bootcamps and certificates to specialized degrees, typically incorporating substantial portfolio development. This field sits at the intersection of psychology, design, and technology, making it appealing to those with diverse backgrounds and interests. UX professionals work in tech companies, design agencies, product development teams, and as independent consultants, improving the way people interact with technology every day.

Learn Web Development

If you enjoy creating online experiences and want a career with both creative and technical aspects, web development offers accessible entry points and diverse opportunities. Web developers build and maintain websites and web applications using languages such as HTML, CSS, JavaScript, and various frameworks. Training covers front-end design, back-end functionality, responsive design principles, and web performance optimization.

Web development programs are available in formats ranging from self-paced courses to degrees, with many developers being self-taught or completing intensive bootcamps. A strong portfolio demonstrating your capabilities is often more important than formal credentials. Career paths include front-end developer, back-end developer, or specializing in areas like e-commerce, content management systems, or web accessibility. The continuous evolution of web technologies ensures this field remains dynamic and engaging.