What’s the Fastest Way To Get a STEM Degree?

Do you want to fast-track your way to a STEM degree? Here's what you need to know about program options, timelines, and the steps to finding the best STEM path for you.

Science, technology, engineering, and math (STEM) degrees open doors to many exciting and impactful careers. Whether you dream of working in biotechnology, computer science, healthcare, or even biomedical engineering, a STEM degree provides the foundational knowledge and skills needed to excel in these fields. However, pursuing a degree in STEM can be time-intensive.

Are you searching for the fastest way to get an education in one of these areas? Look no further. This guide will help you learn how to secure a STEM degree quickly. 

Types of STEM Degrees

The realm of STEM education is incredibly diverse, offering a multitude of pathways tailored to various interests and career aspirations. From foundational degrees to doctoral programs, choosing the right degree depends on your interests, career goals, and the time you want to dedicate to your education. Here are some in-demand STEM degrees to consider:

Undergraduate Degrees (BS)

Biotechnology

Exploring genetic engineering, biopharmaceuticals, and bioinformatics, these programs teach core biological concepts. By combining biology with technology, this STEM designated degree addresses challenges in medicine, agriculture, and environmental sustainability. Career outcomes include research scientists, biomanufacturing specialists, or genetic engineers within pharmaceutical and biotechnology companies, research institutions, and agricultural firms.

Chemistry

A degree in chemistry provides a comprehensive understanding of chemical principles, including organic, analytical, physical, inorganic, and biochemistry. Career options include research, analytical, or pharmaceutical chemists in pharmaceutical companies, chemical manufacturers, and research laboratories.

Data Science and Biotechnology Research and Development

These interdisciplinary programs blend computer science, statistics, and data analysis with biotechnology. Graduates can find careers as bioinformatics scientists, data analysts in biotech, or computational biologists within biotechnology companies, research institutions, and technology firms.

Data Science and Health Analytics

Incorporating data sciences and healthcare, the STEM subject focuses on analyzing and interpreting large datasets to improve patient outcomes. The program includes statistical modeling, analytics, and machine learning. Various career outcomes include health data analysts, healthcare informatics specialists, and clinical data managers within hospitals, healthcare technology companies, and pharmaceutical companies.

Health Information Management and Technology

This STEM discipline merges healthcare administration with IT and focuses on the management and analysis of health data. Students gain an understanding of healthcare data, programming and database structures, as well as data security and privacy. STEM graduates from this program can seek careers as health information managers, medical records administrators, or data security analysts within hospitals, life sciences companies, and related organizations.

Medical and Molecular Biology

This degree provides a strong foundation in life sciences and focuses on genetics, microbiology, and molecular mechanisms related to human health and disease. Graduates can continue their studies in medicine and other areas of health or search for STEM jobs as laboratory scientists, research assistants, or biotechnologists within research institutions, hospitals, and pharmaceutical companies.

Pharmaceutical Sciences

These programs focus on drug discovery, development, and testing. Students can prepare to enter the STEM workforce in pharmaceuticals or continue their studies in pharmacy, biotechnology, healthcare policy, or regulatory affairs. Career outcomes include pharmaceutical scientists, drug development associates, or quality control analysts within pharmaceutical companies and research institutions.

Pharmacology and Toxicology

Examining how drugs affect biological systems and their potential risks, degrees in this field focus on the adverse effects of chemicals and drugs. This program will prepare students for a STEM career in the pharmaceutical and biotechnology industries, research and development, and graduate and professional schools. Graduates can pursue roles as toxicologists, pharmacologists, or research scientists within pharmaceutical companies, research institutions, and government agencies.

Pharmacy and Life Sciences

This STEM program integrates pharmaceutical knowledge with biological sciences, preparing students for a healthcare career. Specific opportunities include research and pharmacy support within pharmacies, hospitals, and research facilities.

Master’s Degrees (MS)

Clinical Investigation and Development

With a strong focus on clinical trials, regulatory affairs, and drug development processes, students are prepared for a career in clinical research coordination and monitoring. Career outcomes include positions in federal and state healthcare agencies, clinical research organizations, and hospitals.

Medicinal Chemistry

These programs study drug design and synthesis and the molecular-level behavior of chemical substances. Students learn to design, synthesize, analyze, and test potential new drug compounds. Graduates can find careers as medicinal chemists, drug discovery scientists, or pharmaceutical researchers within pharmaceutical companies and research institutions.

Pharmaceutical Economics and Health Policy

Exploring the financial and policy aspects of the pharmaceutical industry, this degree focuses on pharmaceutical economics, global drug policy, and pharmacoeconomics. Career opportunities include pharmaceutical economist, health policy analyst, or market access manager within pharmaceutical companies, healthcare organizations, and government agencies.

Pharmaceutics

A degree in pharmaceutics provides chemical, biological, and technical knowledge and focuses on drug formulation, delivery, and production. Possible careers include formulation scientists, drug delivery specialists, or pharmaceutical manufacturing managers within pharmaceutical companies and research institutions.  

Pharmacology

By examining how drugs interact with the body at the molecular level, this program focuses on the pharmacological effects of synthetic and naturally occurring compounds. Career outcomes may include pharmacologists, research scientists, or drug safety specialists within pharmaceutical companies, research institutions, and government agencies.

Public Health

This degree prepares students to manage healthcare programs, conduct epidemiology research, and develop health policy, focusing on disease prevention, community health, and global health. Students will learn about quantitative and qualitative research methods, environmental health sciences, and health policy. Career options may include public health program managers, epidemiologists, or health policy analysts within government agencies, non-profit organizations, and healthcare systems.

Regulatory Sciences

Focusing on government regulations surrounding healthcare and drug development, this degree investigates the science of standards and best practices for assessing the safety, efficacy, and quality of drugs and devices. Career outcomes include regulatory affairs specialists, quality assurance managers, or compliance officers within pharmaceutical companies, medical device manufacturers, and regulatory agencies.

Doctoral Degrees

Medicinal Chemistry

Advanced doctoral study in medicinal chemistry focuses on researching pharmaceutical compounds and examining the behavior of chemical substances at the molecular level. Students will learn to design, synthesize, analyze, and test new drug compounds. Graduates can find careers in advanced research within pharmaceutical companies and research institutions.

Pharmaceutics A doctorate in pharmaceutics focuses on the formulation, production, and analysis of medications, providing in-depth knowledge of the advanced chemical, biological, and technical processes involved in developing new drugs and delivery systems. Career outcomes include advanced research roles within pharmaceutical companies and research institutions.

Pharmacology

Focusing on drug interactions and treatments for diseases, this degree studies the pharmacological actions of synthetic and naturally occurring compounds. Graduates often take positions in advanced research within pharmaceutical companies and research institutions.

How Long Does it Take to Complete a Degree?

The right degree—associate, bachelor’s, master’s, doctoral, or specialized medical—depends on your desired profession and how quickly you want to begin your career. Here’s a look at the average time it takes a full-time student to complete a degree:

• Associate degrees require about two years of study.
• Bachelor's degrees usually take four years to complete.
• Master's degrees take an extra two to three years of study, depending on the subject. Practical experience may also be required.
• Doctoral degrees require two to three years to complete coursework and four to six years to complete a dissertation.
• Medical degrees typically require four years of study. However, graduate students need additional time to complete a residency or fellowship. 

How To Get the Right STEM Degree

The journey to a STEM degree begins with awareness of what you do and do not want during your studies and career. Here's a step-by-step approach to help you navigate this process:

Step 1: Identify Your Interests

Think about which areas of STEM excite you and research what programs are offered in that field. Also consider past experiences, hobbies, and subjects you enjoy—these can help point you in the right direction. 

Step 2: Consider Your Career Goals

Research different STEM careers and talk to people who work in a related occupation to find out which professions fit your strengths, interests, and goals. Explore potential earnings, job outlooks, and growth opportunities.

Step 3: Evaluate Your Skills

What subjects do you excel in, and what problems do you enjoy solving? Answering these questions can help guide your program choice. 

Step 4: Research Program Structures

Decide what aspects of education are essential for you. If you want hands-on practical and laboratory experience or desire a more theoretical, research-driven approach to learning, be sure to find a program that includes those in its curriculum. Different programs also offer various learning styles beyond traditional in-class education. Search for accelerated, online, and part-time options to find a structure that suits your lifestyle.

Step 5: Look for Growth Opportunities

Research programs that offer internships, research experiences, and networking opportunities to enhance your educational experience and professional development.

Step 6: Seek Hands-On Opportunities

Practical experience is valuable in STEM fields. Find a program emphasizing laboratory work, real-world projects, and experiential learning. 

Step 7: Ask for Advice

Consult with academic advisors, professors, and professionals in the field that interests you most. These real-world insights can help guide your educational and career path. Aptitude tests and career counseling can also help you choose the right path and enjoy lifelong job satisfaction.

The Quickest Route? Consider "Easier" STEM Degrees

While any STEM program requires effort and none are truly “easy,” some programs may feel more accessible based on coursework and career goals. The following fields are often considered more manageable while still leading to strong career opportunities:

Information Technology (IT): This STEM major focuses on computer networks, programming, and cybersecurity. Math plays a heavy role in IT degrees, but it isn’t as intense as other math-focused STEM programs. They also tend to have practical applications and analyses that some students may find easier to understand.

Environmental Science: Nature enthusiasts are often interested in this field as it involves sustainability, conservation, and ecological studies. This STEM designated degree program tends to involve lower-level math and statistics requirements than many other STEM majors. This field requires a lot of biology and chemistry, which have real-world applications that may be easier for some students to understand. 

Applied Mathematics: A degree in this area concentrates on statistics, probability, and problem-solving. Although applied mathematics requires strong math skills, the focus is on using mathematical principles to understand and solve real-world problems.

Psychology: This STEM program studies the mind and human behavior. Psychology degrees may be easier for some students because the focus is on scientific methodology and statistics rather than intense physics or engineering coursework. The main components include understanding human behavior and cognitive processes, and analyzing data.

Health Sciences: These degrees cover various medical and wellness-related fields and offer diverse career paths. While still challenging, a health sciences STEM major focuses more on practical and applied knowledge instead of high-level math and computational skills. These degrees are geared toward applying scientific knowledge to human health and biological systems.

It's important to remember that the "easiest" path isn't necessarily the most fulfilling. Prioritizing your passions and long-term career goals should be the main determinant when choosing a degree.

Strategies To Earn Your STEM Degree Faster

If you want to expedite your education even more, consider the following options:

• Enroll in an accelerated degree program.
• Take summer courses.
• Earn college credit in high school through AP or dual-credit programs.
• Consider online or hybrid programs.
• Transfer existing college credits.
• Take advantage of optional practical training for extra credit.

Earn a STEM Degree From MCPHS

Choosing the fastest path to a STEM degree involves selecting a field that aligns with your strengths, interests, and career aspirations. Passion, curiosity, and a commitment to learning are key to attaining STEM skills and succeeding in any STEM field.

Massachusetts College of Pharmacy and Health Sciences (MCPHS) offers a wide range of STEM programs that can help you on your path to a career in science, healthcare, and technology. Whether you’re a domestic or international student, we help you every step of the way—from registration to graduation. As an international STEM degree student on an F-1 visa, you may qualify for an extension of your post-completion optional practical training (OPT) . The STEM OPT extension allows you to work in your field of study and gain real-world experience in the United States that you can bring home.

Apply today to get started on your STEM journey with MCPHS!