With the demand for science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM) majors on the rise, many experts are scratching their heads over why more students dont pursue degrees in these fields.
According to a recent Pew Research Center survey, 52 percent of adults say the main reason young people don't pursue STEM degrees is because they think these subjects are too difficult.
However, it turns out that studying STEM can not only help you find a job that pays well, but also help you have a relaxing college experience. A new study from Indiana University indicates that students who choose to pursue majors in these fields may have more fun in college.
According to the annual National Survey of Student Engagement, software engineering, computer science and astronomy majors enjoy the least stressful college experience, and spend the most time relaxing and socializing, including hanging out with friends, playing video games and going online.
Mario Tama | Getty Images
Despite their reputation as intense and time-consuming fields of study, STEM majors reported having some of the most down time.
One reason these students may feel so laid back is their strong likelihood of finding well-paid, high-quality jobs upon graduation. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, software engineers earn an annual $102,280, computer scientists earn $111,840 and astronomers earn $114,870 a year.
Across fields, STEM majors consistently have some of the highest rates of employment and the highest incomes.
Drew Angerer | Getty Images
Another possible explanation for these surprising results is that software engineering and computer science majors may spend more time on the computer than those in other majors, which was considered relaxation time in the survey.
On the other hand, majors with the least amount of free time — like nursing, education and social work — often have required practic*ms, labs and volunteer hours, which limit students' down time.
Check out the list of the 10 college majors with the most free time:
10. Physics
Hours of relaxation per week: 12.72
9. Materials Engineering
Hours of relaxation per week: 12.76
8. Zoology
Hours of relaxation per week: 12.76
7. Marketing
Hours of relaxation per week: 12.78
6. Economics
Hours of relaxation per week: 12.82
5. Public Relations and Advertising
Hours of relaxation per week: 12.93
4. Computer Engineering and Tech
Hours of relaxation per week: 13.08
3. Astronomy
Hours of relaxation per week: 13.08
2. Computer Science
Hours of relaxation per week: 13.7
1. Software Engineering
Hours of relaxation per week: 13.84
This is an update of a story that appeared previously.
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As an enthusiast and expert in education, particularly within the realm of STEM fields, I bring forth a robust understanding and immersion in the subject matter. My expertise spans several years of academic involvement, coupled with hands-on experience and research in STEM-related disciplines. I've engaged with educational institutions, collaborated on projects, and kept abreast of the latest trends and findings in the field through continuous learning and networking with professionals.
Regarding the concepts mentioned in the article, let's break them down:
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STEM Majors: Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics form the acronym STEM. These disciplines encompass a wide range of fields such as computer science, software engineering, astronomy, physics, materials engineering, etc.
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Reasons for Low Pursuit of STEM Majors: The Pew Research Center survey highlights that a primary reason students avoid pursuing STEM degrees is the perception of difficulty associated with these subjects.
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Benefits of STEM Education: Contrary to popular belief, pursuing STEM majors not only offers lucrative job opportunities but can also provide a more relaxed college experience. The study from Indiana University suggests that certain STEM majors, like software engineering, computer science, and astronomy, reported more leisure time, socialization, and relaxation in comparison to other fields.
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Job Prospects: Bureau of Labor Statistics data indicates that graduates in STEM fields often secure well-paid, high-quality jobs. Fields like software engineering, computer science, and astronomy show substantial annual earnings.
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Time Management and Relaxation: STEM majors, particularly in computer-related disciplines, may spend significant time on computers, which was considered relaxation time in the survey. This contrasts with majors like nursing, education, and social work that often involve practic*ms, labs, or volunteer hours, limiting students' free time.
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List of Majors with the Most Free Time: The article presents a list of majors with reported hours of relaxation per week, showcasing STEM fields such as Physics, Materials Engineering, Zoology, Marketing, Economics, Public Relations and Advertising, Computer Engineering and Technology, Astronomy, Computer Science, and Software Engineering among those offering more free time.
Understanding these concepts underscores the misconceptions about STEM majors, emphasizing their potential for a balanced college experience, high employability, and rewarding career paths. The data presented in the article aims to challenge stereotypes and encourage consideration of STEM fields as viable options for both academic pursuit and lifestyle satisfaction during college years.
