What is STEM?

STEM is an acronym for Science, Technology, Engineering, and Math. STEM typically refers to school subjects as well as careers. STEM majors include life sciences, physical sciences, social sciences, health sciences, technology, engineering, STEM education, and mathematics. Careers in STEM fall on a diverse spectrum, which ranges from teaching high school science to advanced research positions at National Laboratories. Find a list of STEM careers and learn more about them here.

The UNM STEM Collaborative focuses our programs on STEM because only 22% of UNM Freshmen who are interested in STEM majors actually graduate with a STEM bachelor’s degree.¹ Nationwide, 40% of STEM-interested freshmen graduate with STEM degrees.² Low STEM graduation rates are problematic because there is a growing need for trained STEM professionals in New Mexico and world-wide. In 2018, 11% of job openings in New Mexico will require a STEM bachelor’s degree.³ The STEM Collaborative will support STEM students’ academic success and career exploration by connecting students to UNM's stellar STEM faculty and research laboratories.

¹STEM Gateway Report, 2013 | ²PCAST, 2012 | ³Georgetown University Center on Education and the Workforce, 2010