Explore STEM - The Goliath of STEM Branches

​In a previous blog entry we outlined a process to determine which of the four STEM branches you're most attracted to. Those interested in the sciences will find themselves in the largest of STEM categories, with a seemingly countless number of college majors (and minors!) to choose from. Science encompasses a range of careers broad enough to include volcanologists who risk their lives near molten lava to quantum computer scientists who spend their days looking for ways to maximize data storage. With such an incredible range of opportunities within the scientific realm, it's critical to take advantage of those first two years of general college coursework to fine tune the process of choosing a major. Working as an intern in your field of interest can confirm your passion (while giving you invaluable work experience) or redirect you towards a more suitable career goal.

The Goliath of STEM - the Science Realm
While each of the STEM branches is broad in scope compared to some other career avenues, the scientific realm of STEM dwarfs the other three. Scientists descend to the bottom of the ocean in search of mysterious forms of life, study distant galaxies, explore and expand the limits of technology and do virtually everything in between. Broadly speaking (and with the disclaimer that plenty of overlap exists within these fields), non-healthcare related science consists of the following disciplines:

• Biology - Any scientist who studies life in one form or another is working within the realm of biology. Entomologists (people who study insects), marine biologists, pedologists (those who study soil) and botanists (experts in plant life) are all examples of specialists who began their careers by studying general concepts of biology. Many biologists have chosen their career path due to a love of nature and/or desire to work outdoors.
• Chemistry - According to Merriam-Webster, the field of chemistry involves the "Structure and properties of a substance and the way the substance changes and reacts with other substances". Organic, inorganic, analytical, medicinal, nuclear and acid-base chemistry represents a fraction of the areas of specialization within this branch of science. In practical applications, most chemists lean towards the biological or physical side of their discipline. A biochemist, for example, studies the chemistry of life, while a physical chemist focuses on the driving forces (physics) behind chemical reactions.
• Physics - Physicists study how matter and energy behave in various situations. Quantum mechanics, thermodynamics and theoretical physics each clearly fall into this category, yet astronomy, cosmology and all forms of planetary science reflect the laws of physics on a grand scale. The behavior of heat, light, electricity, magnetism and other abstract qualities are studied within this realm. Physics forms the base for all other branches of science and requires nearly constant use of higher order math.
• Earth Science - Geology, volcanology, oceanography, atmospheric science, ecology and more are all considered Earth Sciences. Like their biologist cousins, earth scientists are likely to spend a significant portion of their working hours outdoors in field based situations. Unfortunately, some junior colleges no longer encourage science majors to take an earth science related course. If you suspect your passion lies anywhere in the realm of earth science, make sure to include coursework that allows you to explore this branch of science. In most cases, such coursework will easily transfer for University credit.
• Computer Science - A relative newcomer to the scientific realm, computer science has become one of the most popular majors at the undergraduate level. Computer science arguably falls into the engineering category and different colleges will have different names for similar computer and technology related majors. Computer scientists develop hardware and software, manage networks, serve as instructors and more. They are likely to find job opportunities in virtually every part of the world, a factor that contributes to the popularity of this field.  

General Coursework and Internships - Tools to Refine Your Major
Students who plan on majoring in any branch of science will be required to take general courses in biology, chemistry, and physics; many schools also require a computer science related course. Gratefully, these courses provide an introduction to all major fields within the general realm of science, save for earth science. General coursework exposes students to a wide range of career options, yet the marginalization of the earth sciences in some schools is of concern due to the wide range of job opportunities this field encompasses. Anyone who suspects their passion may lie in the realm of earth science would be well advised to take at least a basic geology course. Such coursework will readily transfer for University credit, in spite of its absence on the AGEC-S list of required courses. Utilizing your summer months as an intern in whatever scientific field you are most attracted to will provide invaluable feedback about your projected career path. Some internship opportunities, including those offered through G.E.M Environmental, provide living stipends and can be completed as early as one year into your college career.

Keep following our blog for more great tips on how to narrow down which STEM major is best for you. Next month, we'll explore the "T" in STEM and highlight the career options available to people with an interest in working as technicians. 

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References
https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/chemistry

https://www.usnews.com/education/best-colleges/articles/2012/07/12/computer-science-continues-growth-on-college-campuses

http://typesofdegrees.org/the-different-types-of-science-degrees/

https://www.pima.edu/programs-courses/credit-programs-degrees/gen-ed/gen-ed-transfer/

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