STEM Careers You Can Launch from STLCC

August 25, 2025

Posted by School of Science, Technology, Engineering and Math in Programs and Pathways

Are you curious about how robots work, how websites are built or how scientists help protect our environment? Or maybe you’ve set your sights higher, literally, and wish to find a career in space exploration. If you love solving problems and asking big questions, a career in science, technology, engineering or math (STEM) might be perfect for you.

Although St. Louis Community College doesn’t offer a degree in rocket science, you will find exciting, hands-on programs that can help you launch a great career in the STEM field. Whether you're still in high school, changing careers or just ready to do something different, STLCC has a program to fit your goals.

Are you ready to explore how STLCC’s STEM pathway can help you turn your curiosity into a career in STEM – and maybe even change the world?

Discover Your Passion: STEM Fields Are Waiting for You

STEM careers are all around us. From the phones in our pockets to the bridges we cross to the clean water we drink. STEM professionals play a role in making our lives safer, smarter and better. These fields are growing fast, with many well-paying jobs opening up every year. What’s even better is that you don’t even need a four-year degree to get started.

STLCC offers the training and support you need to step into these roles in just one or two years. Ever thought about building websites or working in an environmental science or health care lab? Or have you ever considered getting into a green industry or working with plants? Or what about finding your way to a career in cybersecurity or network security? No matter what you are interested in pursuing, STLCC is here to help you explore your path and help you on your way to a career.

Learn with a Purpose: Real Programs for Real Careers

Hands-on learning at STLCC is a key part of every STEM program. Students don't just sit in classrooms—they work directly with the tools, technology and equipment used in real jobs. Whether you're programming a robot, testing samples in a science lab or building a website, you'll gain practical experience that prepares you for the workforce.

STLCC offers labs, workshops, and simulation environments that bring learning to life. Many programs also include internships and partnerships with local employers, giving students real-world experience before they graduate. This approach helps students build confidence, develop job-ready skills and stand out in the job market.

Further, the professors have real-world experience in their fields of expertise, allowing them to pass on their knowledge and help students know what awaits them when they move into their careers.

“We have experience in the industries you may want to work in,” said Ryan Schepers, assistant professor of horticulture. “We have an incredibly dedicated faculty that want to see you succeed.”

At STLCC, you won’t just sit in lectures all day. Our STEM programs are designed to get you involved, engaged and ready for a job on day one.

“You want to work in the park system? We can help. Want to work in research? Come take our greenhouse management class. Urban farming, conservation, biotechnology, landscape management, floriculture, so many other areas in which we can help you find a job,” Schepers said.

What part of STEM is for you?

Are numbers your thing? Or working with gadgets? Maybe you’ve always dreamed of wearing a white lab coat. Wherever your interests lie, we’re here to help you take your next steps. What part of STEM is right for you?

Science: STLCC offers multiple programs and classes to start your science career. Biotechnology, horticulture, and cannabis and hemp production are all options for students interested in science. The College even offers a General STEM transfer studies degree.
Technology: From software to hardware, from security to support, STLCC has the programs and classes to get you making a difference and making a paycheck quickly.
Engineering: If you plan to transfer to a four-year college or university to major in engineering, then STLCC is a great place to start (with a much more affordable price tag). You can earn your Associate in Science – General Transfer Studies degree with a focus in engineering. In two years, you’ll be on your way to becoming an engineer with an associate degree already in your pocket.
Math: We know math isn’t everyone’s favorite subject. But If you’re reading this, you may be the exception. At STLCC, you can earn an Associate in Science – General Transfer Studies degree with a focus in math. From there, you can take your next steps to a four-year degree to find a career as a statistician, economist, actuary or many other fields.

Many of our degree programs take just two years, and certificate programs can be completed even faster—sometimes in just a few months. That means you can start earning sooner and build your career step-by-step.

Learning Beyond the Classroom and Opening Doors to Fulfilling Careers

You wouldn’t want to get a horticulture degree without getting some dirt under your fingernails, or a certificate in database development without using SQL. Our students don’t take classes to memorize formulas and read hundreds of pages every day (though, there will be plenty of reading). Instead, at STLCC, students will experience hands-on learning, field projects, internships with local companies and feedback from career experts.

Once you’ve earned your degree or certificate, you will be ready to start your career in the STEM workforce. And these jobs don’t just pay well, they also offer the chance to keep learning, take on leadership roles and work on important problems that affect real people. With companies both large and small hiring for STEM fields, your future could be closer than you think. And STLCC is here to help you get there faster!

We’ve Got Your Back: Support Every Step of the Way

At STLCC, you’re never alone on your journey. We offer a full range of career support services to help you succeed from day one:

Free career assessments to help you find your perfect fit
Resume writing and interview practice
Job fairs and hiring events
One-on-one career coaching
Connections to local companies looking for new talent

These are just the tip of the iceberg when it comes to support at STLCC. We’re here to help you go from student to professional with confidence.

Take the First Step Today

Your future in STEM starts with one small step—taking action. Whether you want to write code, study ecosystems, explore the human body or fix computer networks, STLCC is ready to help you make it happen.

So, what are you waiting for? Explore STEM programs at STLCC, take a free career assessment, or schedule a visit to one of our campuses. Every great journey begins with a first step—and yours starts right here.

You never know – your one small step could end up leading to a giant leap for mankind.