Top STEM Programs For Black & African American Students

The STEM field provides great opportunities to excel in various high-wage careers. With a bachelor's degree in a STEM discipline, students can secure jobs like the following:

• information security analyst
• mechanical engineer
• geoscientist
• hydrologist
• chemical engineer
• microbiologist

There has been a push to bring more underrepresented minority students into the STEM field, including Black students. The great news is HBCUs like Albany State University and Morgan State University offer STEM degree programs for minorities, which can help give African Americans opportunities to find quality STEM jobs. Below, we'll review some of the best STEM programs for Black and African American scholars.

Leading STEM Programs for Black and African American Scholars

These traditional and minority-serving institutions offer degrees that can help Black students transition into the STEM profession. Programs can prepare learners to become engineers, scientists, mathematicians, and more. These schools may also offer affordable STEM degree programs online.

1. Howard University � BS in Chemical Engineering

Howard University is one of many Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCUs) offering programs that lead to STEM careers. The Bachelor of Science (BS) in chemical engineering is an ABET-accredited program that explores the processes in which matter and energy change. Students explore fluid mechanics, process design, separation processes, and more.

2. Alabama State University � BS in Biology

Alabama State University's BS in biology teaches students how living organisms function, evolve, and interact with each other. Coursework explores cell biology, general zoology, and human anatomy. In the final year of this program, students participate in a senior seminar that advances their knowledge and allows them to present their findings.

3. Albany State University � BS in Forensic Science

The BS in forensic science from Albany State University combines the forensic science curriculum with lab instrumentation. Courses explore physical sciences, biochemistry, forensic microscopy, and fingerprint technology. Undergraduate students who complete this program will be ready for serologist, criminalist, and drug analyst careers.

4. Central State University � BS in Computer Science

Central State University offers a BS in computer science that provides students with the professional development they need to excel in their STEM careers. The program offers research opportunities and summer internships. Students can also benefit from personal mentorship from their professors.

5. North Carolina A&T State University � BS in Applied Engineering Technology

North Carolina A&T is home to the BS in applied engineering technology. This program teaches the fundamentals of engineering and technology. It also explores industrial design, operation, service, and manufacturing. Graduates can find great careers as quality engineers, automation managers, and design engineers.

6. Hampton University � Bachelor's in Marine and Environmental Science

Hampton University's bachelor's in marine and environmental science is a top marine-focused undergraduate HBCU program. Enrollees explore chemistry, physics, math, and biology. They must complete a senior research thesis before graduating. Students who complete this program can work in oceanography, marine biology, and consulting.

7. Morgan State University � BS in Chemistry

Morgan State University offers two BS in chemistry programs. The American Chemical Society (ACS) certified professional track prepares enrollees to become professionals or graduate students in master's, MD, or PhD programs. The BS in chemistry general track prepares graduates for careers in sales, labs, secondary education, and hospitals.

8. North Carolina Central University � BS in Physics

The BS in physics from North Carolina Central University provides an in-depth examination of physics. The first two years of this four-year program explore the fundamentals of physics, electronics, and data acquisition. The final two years delve into magnetism, quantum mechanics, and thermal physics.

9. Tuskegee University � BS in Aerospace Science Engineering

Tuskegee University's BS in aerospace science engineering is an ABET-accredited program. Students learn the foundations of chemistry, physics, and aerospace science. Coursework also prepares students to apply their knowledge of dynamics, flight mechanics, thermodynamics, and flight vehicle design.

10. Florida Agricultural and Mechanical University � BS in Animal Science

Florida Agricultural and Mechanical University, or FAMU, offers a BS in animal science for students interested in animal-focused careers. Nutrition, feeding, management, and livestock selection are all explored. Students who complete this program can work in the animal feed, production, and health industries.

11. Fort Valley State University � BS in Agriculture Engineering Technology

Fort Valley State University's BS in agriculture engineering technology teaches students how to use science to build structures and machines. Enrollees also learn the role science plays in programming computers and other devices. The degree prepares graduates for CAD programmer, engineering technician, and farm manager careers.

12. Prairie View A&M University � BS in Mathematics

The BS in mathematics from Prairie View A&M University discusses using the right math methods and formulas to solve problems. Students also learn to use logic and reasoning to find the strengths and weaknesses of alternative solutions. Courses explore numerical analysis, differential equations, discrete math, and more.

13. Southern New Hampshire University � BA in Information Technologies

Southern New Hampshire University offers a BA in information technologies for students interested in learning to evaluate and solve complex computing programs. Enrollees also learn to design and implement computer-based solutions. This online degree can lead to computer support specialist and information security analyst roles.

14. Arizona State University � BS in Biophysics

Students who want to become physicists, medical scientists, or radiologists can start their careers with help from Arizona State University's online BS in biophysics. The program teaches enrollees how to design experiments, collect data, and write scientific reports. After graduating, students can work in education, healthcare, and biotech.

15. The University of Arizona Global Campus � BS in Computer Software Technology

The University Arizona Global Campus offers an accelerated online BS in computer science technology. This program features five-week courses students can take one at a time. Classes discuss IT, software engineering, and the software development lifecycle. Emphasis options include business economics, health and wellness, and supply chain management.

FAQs About STEM Degrees for Black & African American Scholars

Black women and men can pursue great STEM careers after earning bachelor's, master's, or doctoral degrees. Learn more about being a STEM major and how to fund your education with these frequently asked questions.

1. What Financial Aid Is Available for Black & African American STEM Majors?

African American college students can access grants, scholarships, fellowships, and other STEM funding opportunities. Some include:

• Historically Black Colleges and Universities - Undergraduate Program (HBCU-UP)
• Graduate Research Fellowship Program (GRFP)
• Presidential Awards for Excellence in Science, Mathematics and Engineering Mentoring (PAESMEM)
• Racial Equity in STEM Education (EHR Racial Equity)
• Louis Stokes Alliances for Minority Participation (LSAMP)
• National Science Foundation - NSF Scholarships in Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics (S-STEM)
• Fund II Foundation UNCF STEM Scholars Program

Financial aid options like federal grants, student loans, and work-study jobs can also help students fund their STEM education.

2. What Are the Benefits of Pursuing a STEM Degree?

Studying science, technology, engineering, or mathematics � or a combination of these disciplines � is fantastic for students who want to open doors to new career options. STEM education makes sense financially since these degrees are known for delivering a high return on investment. Programs often provide students with valuable hands-on experience that prepares them for the STEM workforce. Minorities, including Black, Hispanic, Native American, and Asian students, can also find great scholarships to save on tuition.

3. What Are the Career Prospects for Black & African American STEM Degree Graduates?

STEM is a growing field with fantastic career prospects for Black degree holders. According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), STEM employment is projected to grow more than 10% from 2023 to 2033. This is faster than employment for all occupations. Salaries are also high among STEM jobs. The BLS revealed that STEM occupations earned more than double the median annual wages of non-STEM occupations in 2023.