STEM is the abbreviation for Science, Technology, Engineering, and Math. However, the skills required for each discipline overlap. Thus, STEM collectively addresses these four disciplines of study.
Graduates with STEM degrees are in higher demand. However, this guide will determine if Biology is a STEM subject. First, let’s discuss the characteristics that classify biology as a science and why it is considered a STEM major.
Is Biology a Stem Major?
Yes, biology is a STEM major. First, biology is a scientific discipline because it’s a field of study that examines the physical environment and how it interacts with living organisms. Due to its academic nature and research components, biology also has a solid scientific identity. Finally, many opportunities fall under STEM careers with a biology degree—from medical school to engineering.
There are three main reasons biology is a STEM major, so tune in!
1. Science Discipline
Multiple educational majors fall under the category of STEM majors within these four categories:
- Science: Biology, Geology, Chemistry, Agriculture
- Technology: Telecommunications, Web Development, IT
- Engineering: Electrical, Mechanical, Civil
- Mathematics: Economics, Statistics, Mathematics
Biology is a science, specifically, a natural science. It is a branch of study that examines life from different angles, from the most fundamental stage, at the chemical and biochemical level, up to the ecosystem level.
Since it investigates all life forms, biology is one of the sciences with the largest field of study in the STEM discipline.
2. Stronger Science Identity
Biology majors demonstrate a stronger sense of their identity as a scientist and are more likely to identify as one.
Biology as a STEM major helps students achieve their aspirations to be a scientist by developing a scientific mind in social and material settings.
Additionally, the curriculum emphasizes preparing students to become scientists who apply scientific knowledge to their daily lives.
Biology majors spoke about science in three distinct ways:
- Understanding biology or the work of a biologist
- Identifying as a scientist
- Communicating scientifically
As you can see, biology’s role in STEM is to foster the next generation of scientists.
Learn more, Is Biology hard?
3. Pursuing STEM Careers
STEM has played a crucial role in increasing the worldwide economy and productivity.
Moreover, the STEM-related industries in the United States also emphasized increasing the number of students pursuing postsecondary STEM education.
At the same time, a biology major is a stepping stone if you want to advance your medical and agricultural career and obtain a degree that meets all the requirements.
Depending on your professional ambitions, a major in biology through a certification, master’s, or doctoral program can land you numerous fields of career:
- Laboratory Scientist
- Forensic Biologist
- Industrial Hygienist
- Research Scientist
Above all, biology as a stem major will equip students for a medical job or scientific profession.
To learn more, you can also see our posts on Physics and Chemistry.
Conclusion
Biology is a STEM major, creating a more productive lifestyle for all individuals involved in this major.
Biology would be classified as a STEM since it shares some of the same qualities of applied science, has a natural focus, and is related to medicine.