Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics Division
Innovations resulting from science, technology, engineering, and math (STEM) fields have positively touched every aspect of human life. Our division strives to creatively explore these fields with real world application. At SSC we provide students with educational opportunities necessary to successfully navigate careers in the STEM field.
What is possible with a STEM degree?
STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics) careers focus on problem-solving, technology, scientific discovery, data, and innovation. Oklahoma has strong STEM employment opportunities in areas such as energy, aerospace, healthcare technology, manufacturing, cybersecurity, information technology, engineering, agriculture technology, and environmental science.
Starting at an Oklahoma community college can be a cost-effective pathway. Many students earn an Associate of Science (AS), Associate of Applied Science (AAS), or technical certificate, enter the workforce, or transfer to a four-year university for advanced STEM careers.
STEM Careers in Oklahoma
| Career | Community College Starting Point | Typical Oklahoma Salary Range* | Education Level |
|---|---|---|---|
| IT Support Specialist | Certificate/AAS in IT | ~$45,000–$65,000 | Certificate/Associate |
| Computer Network Technician | AAS in Networking | ~$50,000–$75,000 | Associate |
| Cybersecurity Analyst | IT degree + certifications | ~$65,000–$100,000+ | Associate/Bachelor's |
| Software Developer | AS → Bachelor's or coding pathway | ~$70,000–$120,000+ | Bachelor's typical |
| Engineering Technician | AAS in Engineering Technology | ~$50,000–$75,000 | Associate |
| Laboratory Technician | AAS in Science/Lab Technology | ~$40,000–$65,000 | Associate |
| Environmental Technician | AAS/AS Environmental Science | ~$45,000–$70,000 | Associate/Bachelor's |
| Surveying Technician | Certificate/AAS | ~$45,000–$70,000 | Associate |
| Data Analyst | AS → Bachelor's/certifications | ~$60,000–$95,000 | Associate/Bachelor's |
| Registered Health Technology Roles | Health Science + STEM training | ~$50,000–$90,000 | Associate/Bachelor's |
*Salary ranges are approximate Oklahoma estimates. Actual pay varies by location, employer, experience, and specialization. Sources include the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) Occupational Outlook Handbook and Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics.
Information Technology (IT) Support Specialist
Typical entry point: Certificate or Associate degree
IT is one of the fastest ways to enter a STEM career without a four-year degree.
What they do
- Troubleshoot computers and software
- Install and maintain systems
- Help employees solve technology problems
- Manage user accounts and devices
Employers
- Businesses
- Schools
- Hospitals
- Government agencies
- Technology companies
Qualifications
- AAS in Information Technology
- CompTIA A+ certification (common entry credential)
- Networking skills
Skills
- Computer troubleshooting
- Customer service
- Operating systems
- Cybersecurity basics
- Problem-solving
Career progression
IT Support → Network Administrator → Systems Administrator → IT Manager
Cybersecurity Analyst
Typical pathway
Community college IT program → certifications → cybersecurity role
What they do
- Monitor security systems
- Investigate threats
- Protect networks and data
- Help organizations meet security standards
Oklahoma demand areas
- Government
- Defense contractors
- Healthcare
- Energy companies
- Financial institutions
Helpful certifications
- CompTIA Security+
- Network+
- Certified Ethical Hacker (CEH)
- Certified Information Systems Security Professional (CISSP) (advanced)
Career progression
Security Analyst → Security Engineer → Security Manager
Software Developer / Programmer
Typical pathway
AS Computer Science → Bachelor's (common)
or coding certificates/bootcamps + portfolio
What they do
- Create software applications
- Build websites and systems
- Test and improve programs
Skills
- Programming languages
- Problem-solving
- Algorithms
- Database skills
- Software development tools
Common languages:
- Python
- Java
- JavaScript
- C#
Career progression
Developer → Senior Developer → Software Architect → Engineering Manager
Engineering Technician
Typical entry point: Associate of Applied Science in Engineering Technology
Engineering technicians support engineers by applying technical knowledge to real-world projects.
Specialties
- Mechanical
- Electrical
- Aerospace
- Manufacturing
- Civil engineering technology
Oklahoma industries
- Aerospace
- Defense
- Energy
- Manufacturing
- Transportation
Skills
- CAD software
- Technical drawings
- Testing equipment
- Quality control
- Mathematics
Career progression
Engineering Technician → Senior Technician → Engineering Technologist → Engineering Management
Environmental Technician
Typical entry point: Associate degree
What they do
- Collect environmental samples
- Monitor pollution levels
- Support environmental compliance
Employers
- Government agencies
- Energy companies
- Environmental consulting firms
Skills
- Field sampling
- Data collection
- Scientific measurement
- Report writing
Data Analyst
Typical pathway
AS STEM/business → bachelor's preferred
What they do
- Analyze data
- Create reports and dashboards
- Identify trends
- Help organizations make decisions
Employers
- Healthcare
- Business
- Government
- Energy
- Education
Skills
- Excel
- SQL
- Statistics
- Data visualization
- Problem-solving
Helpful tools:
- Tableau
- Power BI
- Python
Further Education & Certifications
Common associate degrees:
- Computer Science AS
- Information Technology AAS
- Cybersecurity AAS
- Engineering Technology AAS
- Mathematics AS
- Biology AS
- Chemistry AS
- Environmental Science AS
- Health Technology programs
High-Value Certifications
Technology
- CompTIA A+
- CompTIA Network+
- CompTIA Security+
- Cisco CCNA
- AWS Cloud Practitioner
- Google Data Analytics Certificate
- SQL certifications
- Microsoft Power BI certifications
- CAD certifications
- OSHA safety certifications
- Industry-specific credentials
Transfer Pathways
Community college students often transfer into:
- Computer Science
- Engineering
- Mathematics
- Biology
- Chemistry
- Environmental Science
- Information Systems
- Data Science
Advanced careers may require bachelor's or graduate degrees:
- Engineer
- Research Scientist
- Physician
- Data Scientist
- University Professor
- Advanced Cybersecurity Specialist
Job Market Outlook in Oklahoma
STEM demand in Oklahoma is supported by several major industries:
Aerospace and DefenseOklahoma has a significant aerospace workforce, creating demand for:
- Engineers
- Technicians
- Software professionals
- Cybersecurity specialists
The state's energy sector creates opportunities for:
- Engineering technology
- Data analysis
- Environmental science
- Geospatial technology
Demand continues for:
- IT support
- Network professionals
- Cybersecurity workers
- Software developers
Growth in healthcare creates demand for:
- Laboratory professionals
- Imaging specialists
- Health information technology workers
Nationally, many STEM occupations are projected to grow faster than average, particularly in computing, healthcare technology, and engineering-related fields.
Choosing a STEM Path
- Solving problems
- Technology and innovation
- Science and discovery
- Building or designing things
- Working with data
Good community college choices based on interests:
| Interest | Possible Program |
|---|---|
| Computers | IT, Cybersecurity, Computer Science |
| Building/designing | Engineering Technology |
| Healthcare science | Health Sciences |
| Research/labs | Biology, Chemistry, Lab Technology |
| Numbers/data | Mathematics, Data Analytics |
| Environment | Environmental Science |
Next Steps for an Oklahoma Community College Student
- Decide whether you prefer technology, engineering, science, healthcare, or math.
- Choose an AS/AAS program that matches your career goal.
- Build technical skills outside class through certifications, projects, or internships.
- Meet with transfer advisors if a bachelor's degree is your goal.
- Seek internships with Oklahoma employers in aerospace, energy, healthcare, technology, or government.
Explore Degrees in STEM
STEM Enter-the-Workforce Degrees Programs
STEM Transfer Degree Programs
- Agriculture AS
- Agriculture AS - Agribusiness Emphasis
- Agriculture AS - Agricultural Education Emphasis
- Agriculture AS - Pre-Vet Emphasis
- Agriculture AS - Leadership Emphasis
- Biology AS
- Computer Science AS
- Computer Science AS - Cyber Security Emphasis
- Computer Science AS - Esports Emphasis
- Computer Science AS - Programming Emphasis
- Computer Science AS - Security Emphasis
- Liberal Studies AA - Biology Emphasis
- Liberal Studies AA - Mathematics Emphasis
- Liberal Studies AA - Physical Sciences Emphasis
- Pre-Engineering AS
Division Chair