Is Psychology a STEM Major?

STEM is a commonly used acronym in academia for science, technology, engineering, and mathematics courses. STEM fields are often called ''hard'' or physical sciences because the courses in these disciplines are practically oriented. The more theoretical fields, such as psychology and other social sciences, are considered to be ''soft'' sciences.

Although psychology degree programs include many of the elements associated with hard sciences, there is debate over whether it should be included as a STEM discipline.

What Is Psychology?

Psychology is the study of human behavior and the mind; however, the applications of psychology take many different forms. Some of the most common fields of psychology include:

• clinical psychology
• social psychology
• applied psychology
• forensic psychology
• educational psychology

Psychology relies on researching the human mind and behavior in a variety of situations such as work and school to understand how people react to different stresses and external pressures. Psychologists also branch into other aspects of health care, looking for connections between brain activity and behavior.

Neuroscience is a branch of psychology that researches the effects brain injuries can have on the body, such as Parkinson's or Alzheimer's disease.

What Is a STEM Major?

STEM majors are majors that are part of the four main pillars of STEM:

• science
• technology
• engineering
• mathematics

Majors in this field of study cover topics that include practical application of work combined with theoretical pursuits. A degree program like physics, for example, focuses on many theories, but engineering students and physicists can apply these concepts to solve problems.

What separates STEM fields from other degree programs, including the social sciences, is the practical component of studies, usually in the form of lab-based coursework. A liberal arts degree might include a lab science requirement, but there won't be nearly as much emphasis as in a true STEM degree.

Some of the most common STEM majors include:

• astronomy
• biology
• mathematics
• chemistry
• computer science
• information technology

Why Do Some Consider Psychology a STEM Major?

According to the American Psychological Association (APA), psychology is not only a natural science but should be considered a STEM subject. In the eyes of academics, STEM programs meet several criteria that other fields of study don't. Some of the social sciences, like political science, are more theoretical studies that don't include the same methodologies used in hard sciences.

Even though psychology programs are considered a social science in most curriculums, the National Science Foundation (NSF) includes cognitive and behavioral sciences in their list of scientific programs due to the contributions of these branches in understanding the human brain.

Psychology can be considered a STEM program for several reasons.

Innovations in Science

Understanding the human brain on a deeper level has led to advancements in scientific research methods in multiple ways. Several of the biggest advancements around technology have received input from psychological research. Additional innovations in scientific methodologies have been shaped by the evidence-based work done by cognitive psychology.

Contributions to Education

School psychology and education psychology are two fields that study how education methodologies and systems affect students. New methods of learning and teaching have been pioneered based on hypotheses developed by psychologists working directly with educators.

Considered a Social Science

Although the social sciences aren't always included in STEM careers, these programs are more science than social for many reasons. Psychology majors work across disciplines to find connections between human behavior and physical healthcare. Health psychology departments overlap with medical degree programs and deal with neuroscience to diagnose how the brain can impact the body.

Use of the Scientific Method and Statistical Analysis

Every psych major knows how much psychological science relies on research. All disciplines of psychology rely heavily on research and analysis to diagnose and treat patients. Although these fields use less quantitative data compared to fields like computer science, fields like applied psychology use data and the scientific method to address behavioral problems. All psychology is built off an underpinning of research and analysis.

Gathering of Empirical Evidence

STEM degree programs are known for their use of empirical evidence to solve problems. Psychologists also gather evidence for problem-solving, which may consist of data about both individuals and systems. Experimental psychology is a branch of psychology that tries new mental health treatments to find better solutions. This practical research relies heavily on empirical evidence to support theories.

Why Is Psychology Considered Not To Be a STEM Major By Some?

Despite the arguments established by the APA, some still argue that psychology isn't a STEM major.

The biggest claim against psychology is that it lacks a quantitative component. Although there is a large amount of research and analysis done, most of it is in the form of observation, survey research, and other forms of qualitative evidence. Qualitative means that interpretation is based on opinions from the researcher as opposed to measurable outcomes.

Most of the work a psychologist does branches more into cultural and societal impacts, which some STEM majors argue makes a psychologist closer to a social worker or sociologist than a biologist, despite psychology being a life-based science. However, not all psychology degrees are viewed the same.

Undergrad psychology degrees are offered in two main types: science and arts. A Bachelor of Science in psychology focuses on more of the scientific elements of psychology, such as research and experimentation, which makes some people consider it a STEM degree. The Bachelor of Arts in psychology emphasizes humanities and social science-based courses, leading to many considering it more of a liberal arts degree than a STEM major.