Decoding PhD Pursuits: Comparing STEM and Non-STEM Programs Overseas

A Guide to Navigating International Doctoral Studies Across Disciplines

By Grad-Dreams

PhD and Doctorate

Higher Education

Decoding PhD Pursuits: Comparing STEM and Non-STEM Programs Overseas

In today’s ever-changing world of academia, getting a PhD has become a symbol of academic excellence as well as a way to gain specialized knowledge and skills. For many students, this decision comes with a lot of questions, including whether to pursue a STEM or non-STEM degree. Furthermore, getting a PhD abroad adds an extra layer of complexity because different countries and universities offer different benefits and challenges. In this blog, we’ll explore the differences between pursuing a PhD in STEM and a non-STEM degree abroad. We’ll look at the different features, opportunities, and considerations that come with each.

Explore PhD Options: STEM vs. Non-STEM

#Comprehending the distinctions between Stem and non-stem programs:

Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics (STEM) PhD programs focus on empirical research and quantitative analysis, as well as applying scientific principles to problem-solving in real-world situations. In STEM fields, students often perform experiments, create models, or analyze complex data sets in order to advance their fields. Research in STEM fields tends to be specialized and technical in nature, with the aim of providing new knowledge to scientific communities.
Non-Technology, Engineering, and Medicine (Non-Tech) PhD programs cover a broad range of fields, from the humanities and social sciences to business and education. Non-Tech research typically involves qualitative analysis and critical interpretation, as well as theoretical research. Students may conduct archival research and fieldwork, as well as case studies, to explore human behavior, culture, or social trends. The results of non-Tech PhD programs can include scholarly publications and policy recommendations, as well as creative works that promote understanding of human experience and societies.
Both science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM) and non-science, technology, and medicine (NSM) PhD programs involve rigorous academic research and a doctoral dissertation. However, the way in which these programs are conducted, the methodologies used, the research methods used, and the career paths pursued differ. STEM PhD graduates can work in academia, in industry, or in government research labs where they help advance scientific knowledge and technological innovation. Non-science, tech, and medicine (NTSM) PhD graduates can find employment in academia, in nonprofit organizations, in government, or in the private sector where they can apply their knowledge and skills to solve complex socio-cultural or organizational problems.

#Perks of pursuing stem PhD abroad:

Access to Leading Research Opportunities: STEM PhD programs abroad often offer access to cutting-edge laboratories and state-of-the-art equipment, fostering innovative research collaborations.
International networking opportunities: Pursuing a STEM PhD overseas enables students to establish valuable connections with prominent experts and researchers worldwide, facilitating future collaborations and career advancement.
Improving industry applicability: STEM PhD programs abroad frequently include opportunities for industry partnerships and internships, providing valuable hands-on experience and bolstering professional prospects.
Monetary backing: Many countries and institutions abroad offer generous funding options for STEM research, such as scholarships and grants, easing financial constraints for international students.

#Perks of pursuing Non-stem PhD abroad:

Cross-disciplinary viewpoints: Non-STEM PhD programs promote cross-disciplinary approaches and viewpoints, nurturing creativity, analytical thinking, and innovation across diverse domains.
Cultural involvement: Pursuing non-STEM fields abroad facilitates cultural immersion and discovery. Students encounter a variety of perspectives, languages, and customs, enriching both their academic studies and personal growth.
Humanistic Exploration: Non-STEM disciplines delve into intricate human experiences, societal dynamics, and cultural phenomena, addressing pertinent social, political, and ethical dilemmas. International PhD programs offer unique avenues for exploration and research in these realms.
Worldwide consciousness: Non-STEM doctoral studies often emphasize global awareness, social consciousness, and ethical leadership. By studying abroad, students deepen their comprehension of global issues and contribute to positive societal transformation.

#Factors to contemplate when opting for STEM PhD Programs Overseas:

Linguistic competence: When considering a STEM PhD program overseas, it is important to consider language proficiency. Many STEM programs are offered in English, but some countries may require language proficiency or offer courses in a local language.
Assimilation into a new culture: It can be difficult to adjust to a new culture and academic environment. Potential STEM PhD students should take into account cultural differences, academic requirements, and support services offered to international students.
Visa regulations and immigration policies: International students must navigate visa regulations and visa policies when applying for a STEM PhD. Many STEM PhD programs require a lot of documentation and may have special visa categories for research and academic purposes.

#Factors to contemplate when opting for STEM PhD Programs Overseas:

Research grants: Non-science, technology, engineering, and math (STEM) fields may not have the same funding opportunities as STEM fields. Therefore, prospective PhD candidates should look for alternative funding sources such as scholarships grants, or external funding authorities.
Mentorship: It can be difficult to find academic supervisors with experience in non-science fields. This is especially true in countries where non-science and technology fields are less common. Developing strong relationships with your supervisors and mentors will be essential for your academic development.
Dissemination and acknowledgment: Non-science research outputs such as books and essays, as well as artistic creations, may need different forms of publication and recognition than STEM publications. It is important for non-science PhD candidates to understand the academic publishing environment and dissemination channels.

#Research techniques and methodologies:

One of the key differences between a STEM and a non-STEM field of study is their research methodology and approaches.

STEM fields focus on empirical research, quantitative analysis, and experimental validation, and research in these fields often involves controlled experiments, the collection and analysis of large data sets, and the development of mathematical models to explain natural phenomena or to engineer novel solutions.
Non-STEM disciplines use a wide range of research methods, including qualitative interviews, ethnographic studies, textual analysis, and historical research. Humanities, social sciences, and arts scholars engage in critical questioning, interpretation, and theorizing of human experience, cultures, and societies. Research in non-STEM fields often explores difficult social, political, and cultural questions, such as identity, dynamics, and historical context.

#Financial backing and funding environment:

Funding and financial support vary from one discipline to another from country to country and from institution to institution. In STEM disciplines, there is usually strong funding support for research, infrastructure development, and graduate education. Government grants, industry partnerships, and philanthropic donations, as well as institutional endowments, are some of the funding sources in STEM fields. STEM PhD programs often offer competitive scholarships and fellowships, as well as assistantships, to attract the best talent and support students through their doctoral studies.
Non-STEM disciplines, on the other hand, face more limited funding opportunities, especially for research projects that don’t fit with traditional funding priorities and commercial interests. Non-STEM PhD students will need to look for alternative funding sources such as external grants research fellowships or crowdfunding initiatives. Some countries or institutions may also offer special funding schemes or scholarships in non-STEM disciplines due to their societal and cultural significance.

#Scholarly milieu and intellectual atmosphere:

Academic culture and intellectual milieu can have a significant impact on the doctoral experience for both STEM and non-STEM students. For STEM fields, academic culture tends to emphasize competition, innovation, and the rapid dissemination of research results. Researchers are encouraged to publish in peer-reviewed journal publications, present at conferences, and work with industry partners to make the most of their research.
For non-STEM disciplines, academic culture may emphasize depth rather than breadth, prompting researchers to engage in theoretical frameworks, methodological paradigms and disciplinary debates. Non-STEM PhD students frequently attend seminars, workshops, and colloquia in order to share their research ideas, get peer and faculty feedback, and expand their intellectual horizons. Critical thinking, reflexivity, and interdisciplinary dialogue are common in non-STEM disciplines and research centers.

#Professional trajectories and career advancement:

Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics (STEM) and non-science, technology, and mathematics (STEM) doctoral programs equip students for a variety of career paths in the academic, industrial, governmental, and non-profit sectors. In STEM fields, PhD graduates can work as university professors and research scientists, as data analysts, as software engineers, and as technology consultants. There is a high demand for STEM skills in industries like biotechnology, Artificial Intelligence, Renewable Energy, and Healthcare, which offer high-paying jobs and career advancement opportunities.
Non-science, tech, and medicine (non-STEM) PhD graduates work in a variety of fields, from education and publishing to policy analysis and cultural heritage management. Non-science doctoral training prepares students for transferable skills such as Critical Thinking, Communication, Project Management, and Intercultural Competency, which are highly valued by employers across diverse sectors. Non-science and non-science scholars contribute to the development of public discourse and social advocacy, as well as cultural production. Their insights and expertise enrich society.

#To conclude:

To sum up, comparing STEM vs non-science, technology, engineering & math (STEM vs. non-science) PhD programs abroad reveals a landscape shaped by disciplines, research paradigms, funding priorities, cultures, and career paths. STEM fields provide innovative research opportunities, collaborative settings, and industry relevance. Non-science disciplines promote interdisciplinary perspectives, autonomous research, and impact on society. When choosing a non-science, tech, or medicine (PhD) program abroad, prospective PhD students should consider their academic priorities, career goals, and personal preferences. By understanding the unique characteristics, opportunities, and difficulties of each, students can confidently embark on a fulfilling doctoral experience that aligns with their passions and goals.