STEM stands for Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics. It is an umbrella term used to group together the distinct but related technical disciplines of science, technology, engineering, and mathematics. STEM subjects are taught in schools and colleges, and they form the basis of a huge number of careers. STEM courses comprise primarily of these four STEM subjects:
- Science: This is composed of natural sciences like biology and chemistry and formal sciences like mathematics and statistics.
- Technology: This includes computer science, information technology, and other technology-related disciplines.
- Engineering: This includes all types of engineering.
- Mathematics: This includes any field involving a heavy application of mathematical principles.
Other academic disciplines that fall under STEM include astronomy, biochemistry, physics, psychology, and statistics. STEM subjects are important because they form the basis of a huge number of careers, and most STEM jobs are in high demand but suffer from a lack of qualified workers.