The Top STEM Schools in the Nation and Their Programs

If you’re looking into STEM careers, there is certainly an abundance of options — and some schools may just be better than others for the career that you’re looking to pursue. 

This list of schools should serve as a starting point for STEM applicants. Perhaps you’ve already decided on your ideal career and have started looking into specified programs. This is a great year to plan ahead. Whether you’re getting started or are halfway through the process, take a look at these institutions and their offerings. 

Massachusetts Institute of Technology

MIT is the first school that comes to most people’s minds when they think of STEM — and for a reason. Because STEM is the premise of its studies, you truly cannot go wrong with any field of study. 

For biological sciences, the top programs include: Biological Sciences; Biochemistry; Genetics; and Neuroscience. 

For chemistry, the best programs include: Chemistry; Biochemistry; Inorganic Chemistry; Organic Chemistry; Physical Chemistry; and Theoretical Physics.

For computer science programs, the most competitive programs include: Computer Science; Artificial Intelligence; Programming Language; Systems; and Theory.

For earth sciences, top programs include: Earth Sciences; Geochemistry; Geology; and Geophysics and Seismology.

Top math programs include: Mathematics; Algebra; Analysis; Applied Math; Discrete Mathematics and Combinatorics; Geometry; and Topology.

For physics, the best programs include: Physics; Atomic Physics; Condensed Matter; Cosmology; Elementary Particles; Nuclear; and Quantum.

Harvard University

As you likely expect, any STEM major that you choose at Harvard University will be ranked highly and will serve as a great stepping stone for a career in STEM.

Top biological programs include: Biological Sciences; Biochemistry; Cell Biology; Evolutionary Biology; Genetics; and Neuroscience. 

Their best chemistry programs include: Chemistry; Biochemistry; Inorganic Chemistry; Organic Chemistry; Physical Chemistry; and Theoretical Chemistry. 

For those interested in computer science, their best programs include: Computer Science; Artificial Intelligence; Programming Language; Systems; and Theory.

Top earth sciences programs include: Earth Sciences; Geochemistry; and Geophysics and Seismology.  

Their top math programs include: Mathematics; Algebra; Analysis; Geometry; and Topology.

In terms of physics, their best programs include: Physics; Atomic Physics; Condensed Matter; Cosmology; Elementary Particles; and Quantum Physics.

Stanford University

Stanford University has incredible programs in biology, chemistry, and earth sciences. They also have extraordinary computer science, physics, and math programs.

Top biology programs include: Biological Sciences; Biochemistry; Cell Biology; Ecology; Genetics; and Neuroscience.

In terms of chemistry, top programs include Chemistry; Biochemistry; Inorganic Chemistry; Organic Chemistry; Physical Chemistry; and Theoretical Chemistry.

The best computer science programs include: Computer Science; Artificial Intelligence; Programming Language; Systems; and Theory.

For those interested in earth sciences programs, the top ones include: Earth Sciences; Environmental Sciences; Geochemistry; Geology; and Geophysics and Seismology.

For math programs, the most competitive ones include: Mathematics; Algebra; Analysis; Applied Math; Geometry; and Topology.

For physics programs, the top programs include: Physics; Atomic Physics; Condensed Matter; Cosmology; Elementary Particles; and Quantum Physics. 

Johns Hopkins

Johns Hopkins has an incredible medical school. For undergraduate students looking to prepare for a career in medicine specifically, this is a great institution to attend.

Their biological sciences programs are great. Such programs include: Cell Biology and Neuroscience.

Rice University

Rice University boasts great STEM programs, particularly in the chemistry and computer science departments. 

Their chemistry and physics programs are top ranked, particularly their Theoretical Chemistry and Atomic Physics programs, respectively. Their computer program programs are great as well, and the best ranked would be their Programming Language program.

Carnegie Mellon

Carnegie Mellon is a great school, especially for students interested in math or computer science.

Their mathematics department has great programs, which includes: Mathematics; Applied Math; Discrete Mathematics and Combinatorics; and Logic.

For the computer science department, top programs include: Computer Science; Artificial Intelligence; Programming Language; Systems; and Logic.

Princeton University

For STEM students, Princeton University is a great place to be, particularly in the fields of chemistry, computer science, mathematics, earth sciences, and physics.

In the chemistry department, top programs include: Chemistry; Inorganic Chemistry; Organic Chemistry; Physical Chemistry; and Theoretical Chemistry. 

For programs in computer science, top ones include: Computer Science; Artificial Intelligence; Programming Language; Systems; and Theory.

Top mathematics programs include: Mathematics; Algebra; Analysis; Applied Math; Discrete Mathematics and Combinatorics; Geometry; and Topology.

For earth sciences, top programs include: Geophysics and Seismology. 

For physics programs, the best ones include: Physics; Condensed Matter; Cosmology; Elementary Particles; Plasma; and Quantum Physics.

Cornell University

Cornell has a wide range of competitive programs for students interested in STEM.

Their top biological sciences program is Ecology Biology.

In terms of their chemistry department, their top programs include: Inorganic Chemistry and Physical Chemistry.

In the computer science department, the best programs include: Computer Science; Artificial Intelligence; Programming Language; Systems; and Theory.

The earth sciences department is known for Geophysics and Seismology. 

The mathematics department is renowned for various programs, including: Mathematics; Applied Math; Discrete Mathematics and Combinatorics; Logic; and Topology. 

In the physics department, top programs include: Physics; Condensed Matter; and Elementary Particles.

Georgia Institute of Technology

Georgia Institute of Technology is great for STEM students, particularly those looking into the computer science and math departments.

The computer science department has incredible programs, including: Computer Science; Artificial Intelligence; Programming Language; Systems; and Theory.

The mathematics department is home to great programs in Discrete Mathematics and Combinatorics. 

University of Michigan

The University of Michigan offers STEM students opportunities in the chemistry, computer science, earth sciences, math, and physics departments.

The chemistry department has top programs that include: Chemistry; Analytical Chemistry; Biochemistry; and Organic Chemistry.

The best programs in the computer science department include: Computer Science; Artificial Intelligence; and Systems.

Their top earth sciences programs include: Earth Sciences; Geochemistry; Geology; and Paleontology. 

In the mathematics department, the top programs include: Mathematics; Algebra; Analysis; Applied Math; Discrete Mathematics and Combinatorics; and Geometry.

The top programs in the physics department are Physics and Elementary Particles.

 

These are some of the best schools for STEM applicants. Keep in mind that it is not an extensive list; there’s definitely a school that’s perfect for you. This guide should simply help you narrow down your research process so you can begin looking for scholarships

Once you’ve created a list of potential schools that offer the program(s) of study that you’re interested in, you’ll be well on your way to success. 

Get ready for the incredible college experience ahead!

Home
Table of Contents
    Add a header to begin generating the table of contents
    Scroll to Top

    The Top STEM Schools in the Nation and Their Programs

    If you’re looking into STEM careers, there is certainly an abundance of options — and some schools may just be better than others for the career that you’re looking to pursue. 

    This list of schools should serve as a starting point for STEM applicants. Perhaps you’ve already decided on your ideal career and have started looking into specified programs. This is a great year to plan ahead. Whether you’re getting started or are halfway through the process, take a look at these institutions and their offerings. 

    Massachusetts Institute of Technology

    MIT is the first school that comes to most people’s minds when they think of STEM — and for a reason. Because STEM is the premise of its studies, you truly cannot go wrong with any field of study. 

    For biological sciences, the top programs include: Biological Sciences; Biochemistry; Genetics; and Neuroscience. 

    For chemistry, the best programs include: Chemistry; Biochemistry; Inorganic Chemistry; Organic Chemistry; Physical Chemistry; and Theoretical Physics.

    For computer science programs, the most competitive programs include: Computer Science; Artificial Intelligence; Programming Language; Systems; and Theory.

    For earth sciences, top programs include: Earth Sciences; Geochemistry; Geology; and Geophysics and Seismology.

    Top math programs include: Mathematics; Algebra; Analysis; Applied Math; Discrete Mathematics and Combinatorics; Geometry; and Topology.

    For physics, the best programs include: Physics; Atomic Physics; Condensed Matter; Cosmology; Elementary Particles; Nuclear; and Quantum.

    Harvard University

    As you likely expect, any STEM major that you choose at Harvard University will be ranked highly and will serve as a great stepping stone for a career in STEM.

    Top biological programs include: Biological Sciences; Biochemistry; Cell Biology; Evolutionary Biology; Genetics; and Neuroscience. 

    Their best chemistry programs include: Chemistry; Biochemistry; Inorganic Chemistry; Organic Chemistry; Physical Chemistry; and Theoretical Chemistry. 

    For those interested in computer science, their best programs include: Computer Science; Artificial Intelligence; Programming Language; Systems; and Theory.

    Top earth sciences programs include: Earth Sciences; Geochemistry; and Geophysics and Seismology.  

    Their top math programs include: Mathematics; Algebra; Analysis; Geometry; and Topology.

    In terms of physics, their best programs include: Physics; Atomic Physics; Condensed Matter; Cosmology; Elementary Particles; and Quantum Physics.

    Stanford University

    Stanford University has incredible programs in biology, chemistry, and earth sciences. They also have extraordinary computer science, physics, and math programs.

    Top biology programs include: Biological Sciences; Biochemistry; Cell Biology; Ecology; Genetics; and Neuroscience.

    In terms of chemistry, top programs include Chemistry; Biochemistry; Inorganic Chemistry; Organic Chemistry; Physical Chemistry; and Theoretical Chemistry.

    The best computer science programs include: Computer Science; Artificial Intelligence; Programming Language; Systems; and Theory.

    For those interested in earth sciences programs, the top ones include: Earth Sciences; Environmental Sciences; Geochemistry; Geology; and Geophysics and Seismology.

    For math programs, the most competitive ones include: Mathematics; Algebra; Analysis; Applied Math; Geometry; and Topology.

    For physics programs, the top programs include: Physics; Atomic Physics; Condensed Matter; Cosmology; Elementary Particles; and Quantum Physics. 

    Johns Hopkins

    Johns Hopkins has an incredible medical school. For undergraduate students looking to prepare for a career in medicine specifically, this is a great institution to attend.

    Their biological sciences programs are great. Such programs include: Cell Biology and Neuroscience.

    Rice University

    Rice University boasts great STEM programs, particularly in the chemistry and computer science departments. 

    Their chemistry and physics programs are top ranked, particularly their Theoretical Chemistry and Atomic Physics programs, respectively. Their computer program programs are great as well, and the best ranked would be their Programming Language program.

    Carnegie Mellon

    Carnegie Mellon is a great school, especially for students interested in math or computer science.

    Their mathematics department has great programs, which includes: Mathematics; Applied Math; Discrete Mathematics and Combinatorics; and Logic.

    For the computer science department, top programs include: Computer Science; Artificial Intelligence; Programming Language; Systems; and Logic.

    Princeton University

    For STEM students, Princeton University is a great place to be, particularly in the fields of chemistry, computer science, mathematics, earth sciences, and physics.

    In the chemistry department, top programs include: Chemistry; Inorganic Chemistry; Organic Chemistry; Physical Chemistry; and Theoretical Chemistry. 

    For programs in computer science, top ones include: Computer Science; Artificial Intelligence; Programming Language; Systems; and Theory.

    Top mathematics programs include: Mathematics; Algebra; Analysis; Applied Math; Discrete Mathematics and Combinatorics; Geometry; and Topology.

    For earth sciences, top programs include: Geophysics and Seismology. 

    For physics programs, the best ones include: Physics; Condensed Matter; Cosmology; Elementary Particles; Plasma; and Quantum Physics.

    Cornell University

    Cornell has a wide range of competitive programs for students interested in STEM.

    Their top biological sciences program is Ecology Biology.

    In terms of their chemistry department, their top programs include: Inorganic Chemistry and Physical Chemistry.

    In the computer science department, the best programs include: Computer Science; Artificial Intelligence; Programming Language; Systems; and Theory.

    The earth sciences department is known for Geophysics and Seismology. 

    The mathematics department is renowned for various programs, including: Mathematics; Applied Math; Discrete Mathematics and Combinatorics; Logic; and Topology. 

    In the physics department, top programs include: Physics; Condensed Matter; and Elementary Particles.

    Georgia Institute of Technology

    Georgia Institute of Technology is great for STEM students, particularly those looking into the computer science and math departments.

    The computer science department has incredible programs, including: Computer Science; Artificial Intelligence; Programming Language; Systems; and Theory.

    The mathematics department is home to great programs in Discrete Mathematics and Combinatorics. 

    University of Michigan

    The University of Michigan offers STEM students opportunities in the chemistry, computer science, earth sciences, math, and physics departments.

    The chemistry department has top programs that include: Chemistry; Analytical Chemistry; Biochemistry; and Organic Chemistry.

    The best programs in the computer science department include: Computer Science; Artificial Intelligence; and Systems.

    Their top earth sciences programs include: Earth Sciences; Geochemistry; Geology; and Paleontology. 

    In the mathematics department, the top programs include: Mathematics; Algebra; Analysis; Applied Math; Discrete Mathematics and Combinatorics; and Geometry.

    The top programs in the physics department are Physics and Elementary Particles.

     

    These are some of the best schools for STEM applicants. Keep in mind that it is not an extensive list; there’s definitely a school that’s perfect for you. This guide should simply help you narrow down your research process so you can begin looking for scholarships

    Once you’ve created a list of potential schools that offer the program(s) of study that you’re interested in, you’ll be well on your way to success. 

    Get ready for the incredible college experience ahead!

    Contact a Prepory college admissions coach and start your college admissions journey.

    Our college admissions experts are here to guide you from where you are to where you should be. Through our comprehensive curriculum, individualized coaching, and online workshops, you are set for success as soon as you connect with us.

    During our initial consultation, we will: 

    • Assess your student’s applicant profile and higher education goals 
    • Provide detailed information about our services and programming
    • Share tips on how to navigate the U.S. college admissions process 

    Let's get started!


    Subscribe to our blog!