Approved by the associate dean of the College of Science, Engineering and Technology on Aug. 25, 2023.
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New technologies and scientific findings push the limits of what is possible. STEM careers offer potential and future growth. According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), careers within STEM are expected to grow by 10% from 2023 to 2033.1
STEM (science, technology, engineering and math) fields need a workforce of diverse backgrounds, ideas and interests. A STEM field may be for you. Historically, women and other diverse populations have sometimes been hesitant to explore their options in STEM, but today a number of initiatives are helping to change that.2 Below, you can learn more about diversity in STEM careers and about the opportunities available for women in STEM.
There is indeed a lack of women in STEM, along with significant underrepresentation of other diverse groups. Although diversity is a crucial factor in progress and innovative breakthroughs,3 women are grossly underrepresented in STEM fields, composing just 28% of the STEM workforce in the U.S.4 In some STEM career fields, the disparity is even starker: just 26% of computers and math science and only 16% of engineering majors are women.
What’s the reason for the lack of women in STEM? Consider the reason why representation has increased over the past five decades. What has led to a significant increase in women in STEM is education, advocacy and mentoring. The lack of female role models in the past has made it hard for young adults to have someone to look up to in STEM. Additional factors include when Title IX went into effect in 1972, it did more than ban discrimination in collegiate athletics; it also prohibited sex-based discrimination in higher education institutes that receive federal funding. This led to a nearly 20% jump in the number of women in STEM over the five decades that followed.5
However, as important as the law has been in improving the ratio of women in STEM, cultural forces are slower to change. Many factors contribute to the lack of women and other diverse groups in STEM, including the following:5
Exposing girls to STEM fields and encouraging their interest is key to engagement and entry into the field. Parents, teachers, civic leaders, mentors and others who want to encourage STEM education for girls can take a few concrete steps to accomplish this. Here are a few ideas:
At Grand Canyon University, you’ll find a welcoming community of students, instructors and support staff. When you’re ready to pursue a STEM education, you can choose from a wide array of degree programs offered by the College of Engineering and Technology, including degrees in software development, cybersecurity, biology and engineering. Fill out the form on this page to take the first step toward your academic journey at GCU.
1 COVID-19 has adversely affected the global economy and data from 2020 to 2023 may be atypical compared to prior years. Accordingly, data shown is effective September 2024, which can be found here: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, Occupational Outlook Handbook, STEM Careers, retrieved Feb. 3, 2025.
2 Wang, M. T., & Degol, J. L. (2017). Gender Gap in Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics (STEM): Current Knowledge, Implications for Practice, Policy, and Future Directions. Educational psychology review, 29(1), 119–140.
3 Digby, S. (2023, June 5). Diversity as the Catalyst for National Progress and Innovation: A Workplace Perspective. Linkedin. Retrieved Feb. 4, 2025.
4 AAUW. (2023). The STEM gap: women and girls in science, technology, engineering and mathematics. Retrieved Aug. 24, 2023.
5McDermott-Murphy, C. (2022, June 22). Women in STEM need more than a law. The Harvard Gazette. Retrieved June 15, 2023.
6WiCys. (2023). Women in cybersecurity. Retrieved Aug. 24, 2023.
7 STEM women. (2023). STEM women career events. Retrieved August 1, 2023.
8Association for Women in Science (2023). Discover pathways to and through STEM. Retrieved Aug. 1, 2023.
9 U.S. Department of Energy. (2023). Resources: women and girls in STEM programs at the energy department. Retrieved Aug. 1, 2023.
10IEEE Women in Engineering. (2023). IEEE women in engineering. Retrieved Aug. 1, 2023.
11SWE.org. (2023). A catalyst for change for women. Retrieved Aug. 24, 2023.
12Womenintech.org. (n.d.). Women in Tech. Helping women embrace Tech. Retrieved Aug. 24, 2023.
Although the challenges are great, the need for diversity in STEM remains strong. Minorities who do decide to battle inequality and systemic bias can pursue a career they find meaningful and rewarding. If you are a female or a diverse student who is thinking of majoring in a STEM field, you shouldn’t let the statistics stand in your way. Rather, you could use the current underrepresentation in the field as motivation to create positive change.
As technologies continue to evolve and new breakthroughs are made, it is likely that even more new career paths will emerge. Here’s a quick look at some of the popular options for women in STEM:
For women in STEM, support is crucial. Even for those who are not in a diverse group, there are many ways to show support and demonstrate that you are an ally. For support, consider joining local STEM programs, create or engage in mentoring opportunities, join local and national learning and network groups, such as some of the ones listed below. You can also think about taking a part in a awareness/diversity training program and actively work to create an inclusive, welcoming environment in school and at work. The support of allies can make all feel seen, validated and welcome.
For minority students and recent graduates, it can be helpful to know where to find additional support. Here are some diversity resources to be aware of:
