 Are you looking for a rewarding and exciting job in a fast-growing field that gives you financial security and great benefits? Are you interested in solving important problems in society? If so, STEM is for you. STEM stands for science, technology, engineering, and math. From climate change to a cure for cancer to cyber security and drug development. STEM is about helping our communities and making the world a better place. Science, although it is a slow path, it's ramping up really quickly with people like me who are also very passionate in our field. So it's a moving process to better our future. If you like to decide, innovate, and problem solve, engineering might be the path for you. Engineers develop solutions to compress problems in technology, medicine, aerospace, alternative energy, and more. Consider taking engineering 100, a two-credit class to explore engineering careers and disciplines, and hear from real engineers. Research is about finding the answers to questions no one have an answer to. That's the entire point of it and it's a skill. It's art and it's science. Physics encompasses the study of the universe from the largest galaxies to the smallest subatomic particles. Applications range from quantum computers to new radiotherapies for curing cancer to sustainable energy sources. Physics majors work as engineers, computer scientists, data scientists, health physicists, teachers, policy analysts, researchers, and more. Do you enjoy solving logical puzzles and coming up with creative solutions to real-world problems? Mathematics could be a great choice of major for you. Studying math helps you develop analytical pattern recognition and critical thinking skills. These skills are highly valued by employers as well as graduate and professional schools. Math majors do everything from data science to informatics to biostatistics to financial consulting and urban planning. Math is everywhere. One of the things I looked at was where are the jobs and what do you hear about people needing more of and cyber security is definitely on that list. If you like solving puzzles, if you like being challenged, if you like always learning something new, then cyber security is probably a good fit for you. Cyber security is about protecting computer system networks, digital devices, and the internet of things from cyber attacks. There is a growing need for professionals who protect computer systems from outside access by hackers, malware, and viruses. Interested in learning how our planet works and helping to solve some of today's most pressing environmental problems? A degree in geology may be just what you're looking for. You can explore how geology impacts your daily life. Whether you want to research volcanoes or earthquakes, work in the environmental field, or pursue a career in private industry, government, or teaching, this program will lay the groundwork for a variety of geoscience career options. Chemistry is, at its core, the study of all things in the world around us and central in applications to a variety of fields ranging from solar cell development to pioneering medical treatments. An associate degree in chemistry will transfer directly into further studies in chemistry and biochemistry, as well as prove as a useful starting point for degrees in programs such as environmental or material science. Highline College's Life, Ocean, and General Sciences department offers a wide range of lecture-based and hands-on laboratory courses for majors and non-majors alike, whether for transfer, vocational training, or general interests. These classes provide a variety of skills including science communication, experimental design, and laboratory techniques necessary for success in a career in the biological sciences. Computer occupations are projected to be the biggest source of growth in STEM fields. Studying computer science will help you find rewarding jobs in the information technology field, with working on everything from web development to cyber security to quantum computing and creating video games. If you enjoy logic and problem-solving and want to create technological solutions to help people, computer science is for you. As I first started at Highline, I know I want to do something about biology, like living stuff, plants, insects, human, and jellyfish, but I didn't really know I want to do microbiology until I took a class in microbiology. Sometimes we need to be brave, take a little risk, try it out. Biologists engage in meeting the challenges of the future, helping to improve the quality of human life and preserving our world's biodiversity. The skills obtained are immediately applicable to employment as a laboratory technician in such areas as medical research, manufacturing, or environmental testing and conservation biology. You have to start to succeed, and here at Highline, this is a great place to start. Connect with your classmates and connect with your professors. Talk to everybody. You might end up finding your new best friend. So why STEM at Highline? Are small classrooms, hands-on learning, and caring faculty with provide engaging activities help you succeed and ignite your passion about the world around us? We want to see more diverse students in STEM. Our MESA and TRIO programs are special learning communities where you can connect with other students, get free tutoring, and one-on-one support where you can feel like you belong. You will find lots of career resources, including a mentorship program for computer science majors with professionals and Microsoft, engineering mountain nights, and special internship opportunities at local companies and labs. Exciting STEM activities happen throughout the year, from geology field trips to Mount St. Helens to math contests, cybersecurity competitions, and 3D printing in our engineering makerspace. Different modalities, evening and online classes will help you finish your degree faster. From start of degree to transfer and completion, we support you every step of the way. We believe in you.