Top 10 Easiest STEM Courses to Study in the US

When anyone says "STEM," the first thought is: "That must be so hard." And it is true, the majority of STEM classes in the US are research-oriented, mathematical, and highly competitive. Fields like engineering, computer science, or physics sound intimidating.

But the better news is this: not all STEM programs are as demanding. Some are less theoretical and more applied, and they are for those who learn better by doing than by being bogged down in incessant equations. These programs still carry the cache of a STEM degree but offer a less stressful educational experience.

The US is one of the best places to pursue a study in STEM with top-quality universities, robust employment opportunities, and global recognition as an innovator. If you dream of working in Silicon Valley or healthcare, agriculture, or sustainability, there are limitless possibilities in the US.

In this guide, we’ll explore the 10 easiest STEM courses in the US, why they’re considered easier, and what kind of career paths they open up.

What Are STEM Courses?

STEM stands for Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics. Together, these disciplines focus on solving real-world problems using innovation, research, and practical applications.

Different from typical lecture-only curricula, US STEM education is rooted in experiential learning, case studies, and project-based work. Students often operate with high-tech technology and laboratory space and gain professional exposure by graduation.

A note of importance: not all STEM degrees are made up of intense math or laboratory hours. A few areas are more lenient, less theoretical and application-based, making them accessible and offering very good career opportunities still.

Why Study STEM in the US?

The US remains a preference among global students pursuing STEM. Here's why:

World-Class Education: US universities like MIT, Stanford, and Caltech are always among the world's top institutions, offering access to state-of-the-art research and top-notch instructors.

Increased Career Advancement: US STEM occupations are projected to grow 17%, while 9.8% growth is projected in non-STEM careers. This means more opportunities in technology, healthcare, engineering, and research hubs such as NASA and the NSF.

Accessibility close to Silicon Valley: US education puts you within proximity of global tech giants Apple, Google, and Intel, the hub of global innovation.

Global Perspective: Living and studying in the US opens your mind, uniting you with other cultures and creative ideas.

Post-Study Options: F-1 visa international STEM students qualify for the Optional Practical Training (OPT) Extension, where they can work in the US for up to 12 months after graduation (with the possibility of an extension if their program is STEM-approved).

Cost of Studying STEM in the US

A STEM degree in the US is expensive due to labs, equipment, and research facilities. Below are typical tuition fees:

Undergraduate STEM Programs (Bachelor's):

Public Universities: $25,000–$40,000 per year

Private Universities: $35,000–$60,000 per year

Graduate STEM Programs (Master's/PhD):

Master's: $30,000–$55,000 per year

PhD: Generally lower-priced since most programs offer funding, stipends, or assistantships.

Tip: Budget not only for tuition. Include room, health insurance, food, and living expenses. Get scholarships, grants, or research assistantships early to save.

Top 10 Easiest STEM Courses in the US

"Easiest" does not mean less valuable. The majors just happen to be less math-intensive, more applied, and easier to manage than the traditional STEM giants. Here are the top 10:

1. Environmental Engineering

Works on solutions to climate change, pollution, and waste. Less technical than mechanical or electrical engineering and more concerned with practical, sustainable solutions.

Careers: Renewable energy, water treatment, environmental consulting.

2. Information Technology (IT)

One of the most popular majors in the world. IT works on practical tech solutions such as networking, system security, and database management with less coding than in computer science.

Careers: Cybersecurity, IT support, cloud computing, system administration.

3. Agricultural Science

Covers soil science, crop production, and food sustainability. More hands-on and applied, so it's simpler for students who prefer fieldwork over equations.

Careers: Agribusiness, food technology, and sustainability consulting.

4. Computer Science

Programming can seem intimidating with all the coding and algorithms, but the very disciplined nature of programming makes it palatable for students who enjoy logic. And it's one of the highest-paying STEM majors.

Careers: Software development, AI, machine learning, and data science.

5. Computer Information Systems (CIS)

Bridges the gap between technology and business. Instead of complex coding, CIS emphasizes databases, IT management, and systems used.

Careers: Business analyst, IT manager, systems administrator.

6. Health and Safety Engineering

Has expertise in creating safe workspaces and preventing hazards. Blends science and management with less complex computations than other engineering.

Careers: Occupational safety, risk management, environmental health.

7. Industrial Engineering

Often called the "easiest engineering major." Emphasizes systems optimization, operations, and supply chain over heavy technical design.

Jobs: Manufacturing optimization, supply chain management, logistics.

8. Geology

Study of Earth processes like earthquakes, minerals, and landscapes. More field experience and "hands-on" than higher math.

Jobs: Environmental consulting, energy, mining.

9. Nutrition and Dietetics

Studies food, health, and the prevention of disease. Less theoretical than biology or chemistry, and closely tied to actual health outcomes.

Careers: Nutritionist, dietitian, public health advisor.

10. Psychology (STEM-Designated)

Psychology in the US may be STEM-designated on research or clinical tracks. Involves research and the study of cognition and behavior, with minimal statistics as the math requirement.

Careers: Counseling, education, HR, clinical psychology.

Eligibility Criteria for STEM Programs in the US

In order to get admitted to a STEM degree in the US, international students usually need to meet these requirements:

Strong Academic Records: Bachelor's level—good math and science grades. For the master's program, an undergraduate degree in the same field and a GPA of at least 3.0/4.0.

Standardized Tests: GRE/GMAT scores (for graduate programs) and English proficiency test scores (TOEFL/IELTS).

Student Visa (F-1): Required to study in the US. Always verify if your program is STEM-designated in order to take advantage of OPT extensions.

Top Universities for STEM in the US

Some of the best institutions in the world to pursue STEM include:

1. Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT)
2. Stanford University
3. University of California, Berkeley (UCB)
4. Harvard University
5. California Institute of Technology (Caltech)
6. Georgia Institute of Technology

Conclusion

US STEM degrees are highly selective and well-funded and open doors to global professional prospects. While the admissions requirements of some programs are extremely tough, others, such as IT, Environmental Engineering, Industrial Engineering, and Nutrition, offer a more reasonable alternative, melding decent coursework with solid career prospects.

If you wish to pursue STEM study in the US, research well, make sure you have STEM designation for OPT privileges, and take advantage of scholarships and funding. Taking the prudent choice, you may enjoy a good career without being held back by studies.