We live in a world surrounded by Science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM). 

To succeed in this digital age, you might want to consider having some basic knowledge of science and technology to have a better understanding of the world around us and the ever-changing innovation industry. STEM has a tremendous influence on every facet of nation-building; infrastructure, technological innovations, and healthcare.

If you’re still in limbo about what course to study at university, there is an endless list of STEM professions you might want to consider to secure your place in the next generation’s future of work. According to research by Burning Glass Technology, STEM graduates have access to two times as many entry-level jobs as non-STEM graduates. STEM professions offer substantial salaries even at the entry-level; Pew Research Centre cites that those in the STEM field earn 26% more than those outside the STEM industry.

So here are 5 STEM Majors for High Paying Careers you should take a closer look at

Petroleum Engineering

We live in an oil-rich continent and while renewable technologies get a lot of attention, the petroleum industry remains a highly regarded industry. In the energy industry, Petroleum Engineers are the ones who design and develop methods for extracting oil and gas, of course using environmentally friendly techniques. They extract the oil and gas that drives different economies across the world. 

Some universities Offering Petroleum Engineering in Ghana

· Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology, Kumasi

· University of Mines and Technology, Tarkwa

· University of Energy and Natural Resources, Sunyani

Computer Engineering

Computer engineering is one of the highest paying STEM fields. It is the best route for people who want to design and develop computer hardware and software. 

Some universities offering computer engineering

• Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology
• Ghana Communication Technology University
• Accra Institute of Technology
• University of Ghana
• Accra Technical University 
• Ashesi University 

Database Administration

Database administration or management is crucial to many organizations, including businesses, non-profits, and government institutions. It requires studying database languages such as SQL, and other computer science and information technology skills.

Some universities offering Database Administration

• University of Ghana
• Ashesi University
• The Ghana-India Kofi Annan Centre of Excellence in ICT (AITI-KACE) 

Biomedical Engineering

The study of Biomedical engineering combines multiple disciplines like medical research, engineering and biology. Biomedical Engineers work in academia, hospitals and laboratories, designing equipment and devices for the healthcare industry.

Some universities offering Biomedical Engineering

• University of Ghana
• All Nations University College, Koforidua
• Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology

Agricultural Engineering

Agricultural engineering degrees are vital to the development of every economy. It involves agricultural production and processing and a combination of the disciplines of mechanical, civil, electrical, Food science with knowledge of chemical engineering principles. The degree will also teach students to oversee the construction of agricultural infrastructure.

 Some universities offering Agricultural Engineering

• University of Ghana
• Cape Coast University
• University for Development Studies

Forensic Science

The role of forensic science is one of the fastest-growing fields in STEM. As crime continues to rise, reliance on forensic science technicians to collect and analyze evidence during criminal investigations will increase.

Some universities offering Forensic Science 

• University for Development Studies
• Cape Coast University

Actuarial Science

This degree teaches students to analyze risk using science and mathematics. Most of them work in the insurance industry, but they are also found in scientific research and company management firms advising on the best ways to manage assets.

Some universities offering Actuarial Science

• University of Ghana
• Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology
• Presbyterian University College 
• Methodist University College Ghana
• Catholic University College of Ghana
• University for Development Studies
• University of Cape Coast
• Catholic University College
• Pentecost University College

Works Cited

Burning Glass Technology . “Real-Time Insight Into The Market For Entry-Level STEM Jobs.” n.d.

Get Educated. Get Educated. n.d. 25 October 2020 <https://www.geteducated.com/careers/stem-majors/>.

Nikki, Graf, Fry Richard and Funk Cary. “7 facts about the STEM workforce.” https://www.pewresearch.org/fact-tank/2018/01/09/7-facts-about-the-stem-workforce/. 2018.