YOUR STEM PATH
Learn more about the different directions that your STEM path can take.
EXPLORE BY EducAtion
While some STEM careers require multiple advanced degrees, there are others that don’t! Sometimes experience and technical skill is more valuable than a degree. Below you can read more about each education type and see some ideas of what careers/positions you can do with each level of education.
Associate Degree
An associate degree is an undergraduate degree awarded after two or three years of study. These are programs you can take right out of high school and are less time-consuming than a bachelor’s degree. While many STEM careers require at least a bachelor’s degree, there are some that only require an associate degree.
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- Dental hygienist
- Lab technician
- Nuclear technician
- Radiologic technologist
- Registered nurse
Bachelor's Degree
Bachelor’s degrees are an undergraduate degree awarded after three-to-six years of studies, though most programs are designed to be completed in four years. It is available in any STEM field and prepares you for entry-level positions related to your field. You can find these positions in engineering firms, pharmaceutical companies, tech companies, research facilities, and more. It is also a prerequisite for a postgraduate master’s degree.
Master's Degree
Master’s degrees are a postgraduate degree awarded after completing an in-depth program, and typically take two years to complete. The courses dive deeper into the STEM subject, getting more technical than a bachelor’s degree. No matter what field you’re pursuing, a master’s degree will help expose you to opportunities in research careers, as well as higher compensation. This degree is typically a prerequisite for a Ph.D.
Ph.D.
A Ph.D. is a doctoral research degree awarded after years of study and is the highest level of academic qualification achievable. These degrees typically require four-to-six years to complete and include performing original research and writing a dissertation. A Ph.D. will allow you to pursue a high-level career in academia, industry, research, and more. It also increases the amount of compensation you can earn.
Certificates or Registered Apprenticeships
Certificate programs allow you to focus on a specific set of skills needed to perform a position. These certificate programs can take the form of training programs, semesters or bootcamps. These are rigorous programs that vary in length from 3-to-18 months. Some career options that only require a certificate include:
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- Computer programmer
- Dairy science
- Horticulture
- Nursing aide
- Paramedic
- Pharmacy technician
- Phlebotomist
- Solar photovoltaic installer
- Surgical technologist
- Welder
- Wind turbine technician
AEOP Internships and Fellowships
AEOP Internships and Fellowships help you gain the skills and experience you need today to prepare for the STEM careers of tomorrow. As an intern or fellow, you will conduct cutting-edge research in a state-of-the-art facility alongside a professional STEM mentor.