Biochemistry and molecular biology alumna shrinks gender gaps in scientific research
As a doctoral student, Kiandra Smith ’18 is at the forefront of new scientific discoveries. A biochemistry and molecular biology major at The College […]
Wooster prepares students for success in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM) fields by giving them a liberal arts perspective. Connect to opportunities to gain experience in your field or pursue graduate study upon graduation.
STEM majors at Wooster learn from expert faculty in their fields of interest and broaden their perspectives by studying multiple disciplines across the liberal arts. From areas of study in the sciences and mathematics to majors in economics and psychology that incorporate statistics, scientific theory, research practices, technological innovation, and modeling into the traditional study of the discipline, students earn an education that sets them up for success in their careers or graduate studies. Students who choose majors in STEM have the freedom to explore their interests in the arts and humanities through taking courses in other academic areas that add to their understanding of their field.
International Students in STEM
Pursuing a degree in one of the many fields now recognized as part of STEM by the U.S. Student and Exchange Visitor Program (SEVP), allows international students at Wooster to make connections to opportunities to work in the U.S. upon graduation. Students work with International Student Services to learn about opportunities to gain experience in their field or pursue graduate study in the U.S. upon graduation. Through Optional Practical Training (OPT), international graduates work in their area of study while on their student visa through the college, and STEM students are eligible for a STEM OPT extension for up to three years. The U.S. Department of Education (DOE) groups majors within a Classification of Instructional Programs (CIP) code and recognizes the following Wooster majors in STEM.
STEM Stories
Economics alumna analyzes effect of pandemic on student assessment
Mahi Lal ’22, a College of Wooster economics alumna recently contributed to a national press release elaborating on the effect of the pandemic on […]
Wooster receives $475 thousand HHMI grant to support inclusive excellence in research mentoring in STEM
The College of Wooster has received a grant of $475,000 from the Howard Hughes Medical Institute Inclusive Excellence 3 (IE3) initiative for work over […]
Economics Major reclassified as a STEM program expands opportunities for international graduates
Students who graduate with an economics major from The College of Wooster can now count themselves as STEM majors. The new classification—with science, technology, […]
I was fascinated by the interdisciplinary characteristics of computer science. In our final project in the intro course, we created programs to solve real-world problems. There are all kinds of computational approaches to social problems or humanities problems.
Minhwa Lee ’22, who majored in computer science and mathematics, completed a data-science internship with Microsoft AI and is pursuing a M.S. in Computer Science at the University of Massachusetts, Amherst
Minhwa Lee
The STEM OPT extension helped me pursue long-term career goals in the U.S. Pursuing educational passions while having good job prospects helps with both academics and career.
Hasan Malik ’22, a psychology graduate, is a business development executive for a business intelligence company in Chicago focusing on relationship building and client success.
Hasan Malik
STEM Pipeline to Graduate Programs
Wooster prepares students for success in obtaining undergraduate and graduate degrees in STEM fields, with a particular significance for women and underrepresented minority STEM baccalaureate graduates. A 2019 report published by the Council of Independent Colleges and based on data from National Center for Education Statistics and National Science Foundation ranked public and private institutions based on an institutional-yield ratio that removes the impact of the size of the student body. Wooster ranks No. 33 in the top 100 U.S. institutions where STEM doctorate recipients earn bachelor’s degrees, and No. 21 for women doctoral recipients in STEM. Wooster also ranks in the top 50 among U.S. baccalaureate-origin institutions of women doctorate recipients in the areas of biological sciences (No. 47), chemistry (No. 3), life sciences (No. 42), and physical sciences (No. 6).
Wooster's STEM Success Initiative
The STEM Success Initiative, an inclusive community of students, staff, and faculty at the College engaged in introductory science and mathematics courses, promotes a diverse and inclusive STEM learning community integrating students, faculty, and staff to support student success. The STEM Success Initiative supports students directly by providing academic support, and indirectly via cultural initiatives and faculty development opportunities. The initiative’s STEM Zone learning community allows students taking introductory science courses to work in groups, independently, and seek support from professors and upper-level students (the Zone Interns). Students also attend fun and culture-building events where they learn about opportunities within STEM fields and hear from faculty, staff, and other professionals about their journeys.