Launch into a STEM Career: Best Master's Degrees for Career Change

7 STEM Degrees for Ambitious Career Changers

Are you looking to make a career change — and need a STEM master’s degree to make it happen?

The good news is that some STEM graduate programs don’t require you to have already earned a STEM bachelor’s degree. Read on to learn about six of West Virginia University’s STEM graduate degrees that are available to those making a career change.

1. Check Out a Business Masters in Cybersecurity

The online graduate degree in Business Cybersecurity Management, offered through the WVU College of Business and Economics, gives students the skills they need to become cybersecurity professionals and to adapt to growing changes in security technology. This STEM master's degree program provides a natural graduate pathway for students in computer science, management information systems and criminal justice.

Here are some careers graduates pursue:

Computer Systems Analysts
Security Management Specialists
Information Security Analysts
Business Continuity Planners

2. Explore a Masters in Computer Science

The Masters of Science in Computer Science degree program qualifies a student to assume a professional role in industry or government, teach in a junior or senior college, or undertake advanced training toward a doctorate in computer science. The objective of the graduate program is to produce graduates who have the knowledge, skills, and attitudes to thrive in a variety of career landscapes.

Here are some industries where graduates find careers

Business
Research
Government Service

3. Pursue a Degree in Business Data Analytics

The online M.S. in Business Data Analytics, offered by WVU's College of Business and Economics, equips students to develop expertise in statistical techniques, data mining, utilizing databases, and analytical tools. “Big data” is driving decision-making in businesses and nonprofits and creating a demand for workers with data-analytic skills, which WVU's program provides its graduates.

Here are some STEM careers graduates pursue:

Quality Control Analyst
Business Intelligence Analyst
Computer Systems Analyst
Statistician

4. Look into a Forensic Science Degree Program

The M.S. in Forensic and Investigative Science program is unique in that it shares aspects of a professional education degree, while retaining a strong research component. Coursework focuses on advanced science classes including microscopy, trace evidence, pattern evidence, and laboratory management. These STEM graduate students also study professional communications, ethics, and laboratory management.

WVU's Forensic and Investigative Science program is dedicated to:

Research-Active Faculty
Student-Centric Philosophy
Contemporary Curriculum
World-Class Equipment
Superior Facilities

5. Build Your New Career with a Civil Engineering Degree

The M.S. in Civil Engineering at WVU is a great graduate degree for those who have little academic experience in engineering — but a desire to learn. This STEM graduate degree is research driven and focuses on contemporary methods of engineering analysis. With the help and guidance of a faculty advisor, students will tailor their graduate experience to fit their specific areas of interest.

WVU's Civil Engineering program focuses on four major areas of interest:

Environmental and Hydroelectrical Engineering
Geotechnical Engineering
Transportation Engineering
Structural Engineering

6. Earn a Nutrition and Food Science Degree

At WVU, the M.S. in Nutrition and Food Science is preparing students to tackle the health and nutrition problems many face today. Students will have the opportunity to work with farm and agricultural animals, and will research issues in human nutrition. Upon completion of this STEM masters degree, graduates will be ready to begin professional careers in the field of food quality and safety assurance — or as clinical or registered dietitians.

Here are some careers graduates pursue: