State Sees 20% Growth in STEM Degrees

Ohio’s push to increase the number of higher degrees awarded in STEM disciplines is starting to show results.  A recent report from the Board of Regents indicates there were 5,209 more bachelor’s degrees awarded by the state’s colleges and universities in science, math and engineering fields in 2010 than in 2006.  That’s a 20 percent increase in just four years.  

Studies show these degrees lead to better job opportunities and higher pay.  Even during the recent recession, unemployment for engineers and scientists was only 4.5 percent – nearly half the national average for unemployment across all fields. 

In addition, a recent study by the employment compensation group PayScale.com, shows graduates in STEM fields will earn higher salaries on average than many other degree holders. Of the top 10 highest-paying fields, eight were in engineering, one was in physics and the other was economics, according to the study. All had starting salaries topping $45,000, with median pay near $100,000.

For more, see more about STEM degree growth in Ohio in the Dayton Daily News.