Science, Technology, Engineering and Math

STEM, which stands for science, technology, engineering and math, is a constantly evolving industry. You may hear about the importance of STEM degrees in our workforce due to the number of crucial jobs in these fields. Future jobs—including many that don’t yet exist—will come from the STEM disciplines.

At Oakton, we know that the jobs available in these disciplines are competitive and are always evolving as new discoveries are made. Our programs are designed to allow you to easily transition into the workforce or pursue an advanced degree at another institution.

Explore your love for the sciences and develop highly sought-after skills that can be applied to many career fields. You can take your first step toward a STEM degree by exploring our programs below.

Degrees and certificates in this pathway

Opportunities in Science, Technology, Engineering and Math are endless. 

Certificates can be completed in as little as 6 months, and associate degrees can be completed in two years. Your length of study will depend on how many classes you take each semester.

Can be completed within 2+ years

Designed to transfer into a 4-year Bachelor's program; includes all General Education coursework. View Oakton's Transfer Partnerships and Guides here.

Oakton offers pre-majors:

Chemistry instructor in front of demo.

Can be completed within 2+ years

Includes specific math, science, and physics coursework to transfer into a Bachelor of Engineering program. View Oakton's Transfer Partnerships and Guides here.

Oakton offers pre-majors:

Oakton was one of the first schools in Illinois to develop a pre-engineering curriculum recognized by top-notch 4-year universities. For students who are interested in transferring to the College of Engineering at the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, the Engineering Pathways program offers qualifying students guaranteed admission.

Two students with goggles and beakers.

Discover majors and in-demand careers based on your interests. The Career Coach assessment is a 6- or 60-question quiz that links your interests to programs offered here at Oakton and local career opportunities. Don’t worry about education, training or cost when answering the questions; just consider what you would like to spend time doing.

Take the Career Coach Assessment
Student in scrubs preparing a vaccine.

Center for Promoting STEM

Oakton's Center for Promoting STEM was established in 2006 to provide students pursuing STEM credentials with enhanced resources and interdisciplinary opportunities. Oakton's STEM program was named one of the top community college programs in the nation by The New York Times.

Syeda Samiha

“Eventually, I would've figured it all out, but the STEM Scholars Program made me realize I don’t have to do it alone and there is value in connecting with people and the guidance they can provide."

Learn the benefits of becoming a STEM Scholar

Syeda Samiha

Michael Ciupinski, Antonio Mercado, Chris Iliopoulos and Alan Connor

 “Oakton prepared me very well. I came in my first year and I was a procrastinator and I didn't really put school as number one, but by the second semester it started getting harder. And that's when I got into studying and getting help when I needed it.” - Michael

Read about Oakton grads transition to U of I engineering

Michael Ciupinski, Antonio Mercado, Chris Iliopoulos and Alan Connor

Oakton grads

Talk with Admission to map your path

Where to start

Every great professional starts out right where you are. The first step in your college journey (and where it takes you) is to fill out an application. Select this Area of Interest in your application, so we can best support you explore this path.

Apply now