What Is a STEM Degree, and What Can You Do With One?

A STEM degree is a degree in the fields of science, technology, engineering, or mathematics. Demand for people with qualifications in STEM subjects is at an all-time high, particularly in the fields of technology and information science. By earning a degree in one of these disciplines, you can enter the workforce qualified for a variety of in-demand and high-paying careers. According to the Department for Education, 52 per cent of people working in a STEM job role hold their highest qualification in a STEM subject [1].

Take a closer look at what types of STEM degrees are out there, as well as the job prospects and salaries these degrees might lead to.

4 types of STEM degrees

STEM stands for science, technology, engineering, and mathematics, and degrees in STEM can be broken down into the following four broad categories. Within each category you’ll find a range of degree subjects you can choose from.

Science degrees

Science is the study of the material that composes natural things along with the manner in which they behave, and degrees in this field are in subjects like biology, chemistry, and physics. Many jobs in the sciences require at least a bachelor’s degree in a related subject. Below, discover the different disciplines in the field of science, all with various options. 

Biology:

• Human biology

• Genetics

• Zoology

• Marine biology 

• Biotechnology

• Biomedicine

Chemistry:

• Chemical engineering

• Chemistry and healthcare

• Chemistry and forensics

• Chemistry and nanotechnology

• Biochemistry

• Pharmaceutical science

Physics:

• Astrophysics

• Particle physics

• Condensed matter

• Atmospheres and oceans

• Theoretical physics

If you’re interested in some of the previously mentioned subjects, a degree in the sciences can lead the way to a range of STEM jobs. Explore some options along with their average annual salaries:

*All average annual salary ranges reflect starter to experienced levels and are sourced from the National Careers Service as of May 2025.

• Acoustics consultant: £22,000 to £35,000

• Astronomer: £31,000 to £65,000

• Electronics engineer: £28,000 to £60,000

• Biochemist: £28,000 to £53,000

• Ecologist: £24,000 to £50,000

• Oceanographer: £23,000 to £45,000

• Clinical engineer: £25,000 to £72,000

• Chemical engineer: £34,000 to £65,000

• Forensic scientist: £18,000 to £45,000

• Laboratory technician: £21,000 to £30,000

• Research scientist: £27,000 to £48,000

Technology degrees 

When you apply science and maths to human activity, you get technology, a field with high demand for skilled workers. Whilst not all tech jobs require a degree, a degree in a technology-related subject can increase your chances of finding employment. As society relies more and more on technology, job opportunities should continue to expand. 

When thinking about working towards a career in this field, some technology degrees to consider include:

• Computer science

• Information technology

• Software engineering

• Computer engineering

• Data science

• Cybersecurity 

An advantage of technology careers is that some jobs offer the ability to work remotely. If you’re looking for a career that you can do from home, a STEM degree in technology could open up new opportunities. According to a 2024 article from Hays Recruitment, some of the most sought-after jobs in technology include:

*All average annual salary data is from Glassdoor as of May 2025 and does not include additional pay, such as commission and benefits.

• DevOps engineer: £49,564

• .NET developer: £40,964

• Solutions architect: £70,919

• Business analyst: £42,273

• Cloud engineer: £48,964

• Data engineer: £48,220

• Cybersecurity manager: £67,143

• Software engineer: £49,309

Engineering degrees

If technology is the result of applying science and maths to human activity, engineering comprises the methods that get you there—the design, building, and operation of machines, engines, and other structures. Examples of engineering bachelor’s degrees you might consider are as follows:

• Chemical engineering

• Mechanical engineering

• Civil engineering

• Electrical engineering

• Aerospace engineering

• Industrial engineering

Generally, you’ll need an engineering degree in one of the above-mentioned disciplines to be competitive in the field, but fortunately, after earning your qualification, you’ll be able to apply for good-paying jobs. Take a look below at some of your career options:

*All average annual salary data is from Glassdoor as of May 2025 and does not include additional pay, such as commission and benefits.

• Electronics engineer: £37,531

• Production engineer: £41260

• Process engineer: £35,824

• Quality control officer: £28,393

• Planning engineer: £42,642

• Aerospace engineer: £37,847

• Mechanical engineer: £36,298

• Civil engineer: £35,208

Mathematics degrees

If you love mathematics, the science of numbers, quantity, and space, a degree in this STEM category can set you on a path to a rewarding career. Mathematics can offer career opportunities in academia as well as in industries such as technology, finance, and engineering. If you want to study mathematics, you can take a bachelor’s degree in mathematics or statistics, or combine the two.

Maths skills translate across numerous jobs and industries. By earning a maths-related degree, you could potentially build a career in any number of fields that interest you. You can review some of the job possibilities below:

*All average annual salary data is from Glassdoor as of May 2025 and does not include additional pay, such as commission and benefits.

• Chartered accountant: £45,293

• Data scientist: £48,939

• Research analyst: £33,606

• Statistician: £37,421

• Teacher: £34,103

• Actuary: £69,903

• Actuarial analyst: £38,099

• Investment analyst: £49,334 

Earn your STEM degree

Jobs in STEM are projected to continue growing, along with the demand for skilled candidates to fill positions in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics. If you’d like to pursue this area of employment, earning a STEM degree might be a good choice. For example, the University of London offers a bachelor’s degree in computer science, which is available on Coursera. For additional options on Coursera, you can explore various online STEM degrees from top universities, such as those in computer science.