Is Nursing a STEM Major? The Complete Analysis (2025)

The classification of nursing within academic disciplines has sparked considerable debate among educators, policymakers, and students. As the healthcare landscape becomes increasingly technology-driven and scientifically complex, many wonder: is nursing a STEM major? This question isn’t merely academic—it has significant implications for funding, scholarship eligibility, career pathways, and even immigration options.

STEM—Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics—represents fields that drive innovation and economic growth. Understanding nursing’s relationship to STEM disciplines helps prospective nursing student

Whether you’re a prospective nursing student evaluating educational pathways or a current nurse seeking to understand your profession’s academic positioning, this guide will provide clarity on nursing’s place within the broader academic landscape.

For those preparing for nursing entrance exams or NCLEX certification, Ulosca.com provides specialized study materials that emphasize the scientific and technical aspects of nursing education that we’ll discuss throughout this article.

The Scientific Foundation of Nursing Education

Nursing and STEM Education: The Overlap

The modern nursing curriculum is deeply rooted in scientific principles and methodologies. Core coursework in nursing programs typically includes:

Anatomy and Physiology
Microbiology
Chemistry
Biochemistry
Pharmacology
Pathophysiology
Statistics and Research Methods

These courses share significant overlap with traditional STEM majors, particularly in the biological and health sciences. According to ScienceDirect research, nursing students typically complete 40-60 credit hours of science coursework—comparable to many designated STEM majors.

Nursing Test Banks

How Nursing Applies Science and Technology

Modern nursing practice extends far beyond traditional bedside care. Today’s nurses:

Operate sophisticated medical technology systems
Interpret complex diagnostic data
Administer evidence-based interventions
Apply pharmacological principles
Utilize informatics and healthcare technology
Conduct and apply clinical research

The integration of clinical science into daily nursing practice demonstrates how the profession has evolved to incorporate core STEM principles. As reported by Axios, nurses now regularly use artificial intelligence tools, genomic data, and precision medicine approaches that require advanced scientific understanding.

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Official STEM Classification for Nursing

Nursing Degree STEM Status: Current Classifications

The official STEM classification for nursing varies by organization and context:

Federal Agencies: The U.S. Department of Homeland Security (DHS) classifies certain nursing specialties within STEM, particularly those emphasizing research and advanced practice. According to LinkedIn industry analyses, nursing informatics and nursing research are officially recognized under STEM CIP codes.

Educational Institutions: Many universities classify the Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) as a STEM degree, particularly programs with robust research components. As noted in CLJ publications, approximately 60% of U.S. universities now classify their nursing programs as STEM or STEM-adjacent.

Industry Classification: Healthcare employers increasingly recognize the technical expertise of nurses, with Investopedia reporting that nursing roles requiring technological proficiency command 12-18% higher salaries—comparable to other STEM professionals.

Is a Bachelor of Science in Nursing a STEM Degree?

A Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) program typically includes:

60+ credit hours of science coursework
Laboratory components
Clinical practicums applying scientific principles
Research methodology training
Evidence-based practice education

This rigorous scientific foundation leads many institutions to classify the BSN as a STEM degree. However, the classification isn’t universal—some institutions place nursing within health sciences or professional studies categories rather than explicitly under STEM.

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The Case for Nursing as a STEM Field

Why Nursing Should Be Considered a STEM Major

Several compelling arguments support the nursing as a STEM field classification:

Scientific Knowledge Requirements: Modern nursing practice requires understanding complex biological processes, chemical interactions, and physiological systems—knowledge domains identical to those in traditional STEM disciplines.

Technological Proficiency: Today’s nurses must master an array of technologies:

Electronic health records systems
Monitoring equipment
Infusion technology
Telehealth platforms
Point-of-care diagnostic tools

Evidence-Based Practice: Nursing has embraced the scientific method through evidence-based practice, requiring nurses to:

Evaluate research literature
Apply statistical analysis
Implement data-driven interventions
Measure outcomes systematically

Mathematical Applications: Nurses regularly employ mathematical principles for:

Medication calculations
IV rate determinations
Nutritional assessments
Risk scoring
Epidemiological analysis

Schools and Colleges reporting on nursing education trends note that nursing programs now include 25-40% more quantitative coursework than they did two decades ago, reflecting the growing STEM nature of the profession.

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Benefits of Classifying Nursing as STEM

The nursing STEM designation carries significant advantages:

Enhanced Funding Opportunities:

STEM-classified programs often receive priority for federal and state funding. According to Nursing CE Central, nursing programs classified as STEM receive an average of 32% more institutional funding.

Scholarship Access:

Students in STEM-designated programs have access to specialized scholarship programs. Forbes reports that over $400 million in STEM-specific scholarships are available annually, many of which could benefit nursing students if consistently classified as STEM.

Immigration Advantages:

International students in STEM programs may qualify for extended Optional Practical Training (OPT) periods. The nursing STEM major for OPT designation can extend work authorization from 12 to 36 months for international nursing graduates.

Prestige and Recognition:

STEM classification elevates nursing’s academic standing and acknowledges the scientific rigor of the discipline.

STEM Opportunities for Nursing Students

Specialized STEM Pathways in Nursing

The intersection of nursing and STEM education has created exciting career specializations:

Nursing Informatics: This rapidly growing field combines nursing science with information technology, requiring expertise in:

Database management
System design
Clinical decision support
Data analytics

Clinical Research Nursing: These specialized nurses design, implement, and manage clinical trials, applying:

Research methodologies
Statistical analysis
Regulatory compliance
Scientific protocols

Genetics Nursing: This emerging specialty focuses on genetic assessment, counseling, and personalized medicine, requiring advanced understanding of:

Genomic science
Risk assessment
Genetic testing
Precision medicine approaches

NurseJournal.org identifies these STEM-intensive nursing specialties as among the fastest-growing and highest-compensated in the profession, with average salaries 15-25% higher than traditional clinical roles.

Are Nursing Students Eligible for STEM Scholarships?

The eligibility of nursing students for STEM scholarships depends largely on specific program classifications:

Programs officially designated as STEM typically qualify students for STEM-specific scholarships
Programs with STEM concentrations (informatics, research) may qualify for specialized funding
General nursing programs may require additional documentation to establish STEM eligibility

At Ulosca.com, we maintain a comprehensive database of scholarship opportunities for nursing students, including those specifically earmarked for STEM disciplines. Our resources can help you identify funding opportunities regardless of how your specific program is classified.

Nursing: STEM or Humanities?

Is Nursing STEM or Humanities?

The question “is nursing STEM or humanities?” represents a false dichotomy. Modern nursing integrates elements of both traditions:

STEM Components:

Biological and physical sciences
Technology application
Evidence-based methodologies
Quantitative assessment

Humanities Components:

Ethics and moral reasoning
Communication skills
Cultural competence
Holistic patient assessment

This integration makes nursing uniquely positioned at the intersection of science and human care. Rather than forcing an either/or classification, many scholars now recognize nursing as exemplifying how STEM fields can incorporate humanistic elements to address complex problems.

Is Nursing a STEM or Social Science?

Nursing incorporates methodologies and knowledge from both domains:

Social Science Elements:

Behavioral health concepts
Community health approaches
Health policy analysis
Sociological perspectives on health

STEM Elements:

Biological sciences foundation
Clinical diagnostic reasoning
Technological application
Quantitative assessment

According to CLJ research publications, this multidisciplinary nature is increasingly viewed as a strength rather than a classification challenge. Modern nursing education intentionally bridges these domains to prepare practitioners capable of addressing both the scientific and social dimensions of health.

Geographic and Educational Context

Is Nursing a STEM Major in the United States?

The classification of nursing as a STEM major in the United States varies by:

Institution
Program focus
Accreditation body
State education department

The U.S. Department of Education’s Classification of Instructional Programs (CIP) includes certain nursing specializations within STEM categories, while general nursing programs may fall under health professions classifications.

Is Nursing a STEM Major in College vs. High School

College Level: At the collegiate level, nursing programs typically include substantial science coursework, laboratory components, and technology training that align with STEM criteria. Many BSN programs are classified as STEM degrees, particularly at research-intensive universities.

High School Level: High school health science pathways focusing on nursing preparation are increasingly incorporating STEM components, with studycreek.com reporting that 78% of these programs now emphasize biology, chemistry, and mathematics as foundational requirements. However, classification policies at the secondary level vary widely by state and district.

FAQs

Would Nursing Be Considered Stem?

Nursing increasingly meets the criteria for STEM classification due to its rigorous scientific foundation, technological components, and quantitative methodologies.

While not universally classified as STEM across all institutions and agencies, the trend is moving toward recognizing nursing’s alignment with STEM disciplines, particularly for programs emphasizing research, informatics, and advanced practice.

Students preparing for nursing entrance exams should focus on strengthening their scientific knowledge base. Ulosca.com offers specialized prep tests that emphasize the STEM components of nursing education, helping aspiring nurses build the scientific foundation necessary for success.

Is Nursing a Stem or Social Science?

Nursing occupies a unique position that bridges STEM and social sciences. The profession’s foundation in biological sciences, pharmacology, and medical technology firmly establishes its STEM credentials. Simultaneously, nursing incorporates social science perspectives on health behavior, community dynamics, and healthcare systems.

This integrated approach enables nurses to address both the biological and social determinants of health. Rather than choosing between classifications, modern nursing education embraces this multidisciplinary identity as essential for comprehensive patient care in complex healthcare environments.

What Is a Nursing Major Considered?

A nursing major is typically considered a professional healthcare degree with strong scientific components. Depending on the program emphasis, nursing may be classified as:

A health science degree
A professional clinical degree
A STEM degree (particularly BSN programs with research emphasis)
An allied health degree

The specific classification affects programmatic funding, scholarship eligibility, and sometimes curriculum requirements. However, regardless of classification, nursing education universally requires mastery of scientific concepts, technological applications, and evidence-based practice methodologies.

Does Healthcare Count as Stem?

Healthcare fields vary in their STEM classification. Disciplines with substantial scientific and technological components—including many nursing specializations, medical laboratory science, radiologic technology, and biomedical engineering—increasingly qualify as STEM fields.

According to Axios reporting, approximately 60% of healthcare occupations now require STEM-level scientific knowledge and technological proficiency. This percentage continues to increase as healthcare becomes more technologically sophisticated and data-driven.

Preparing for Success in Nursing Education

Whether officially classified as STEM or not, succeeding in nursing education requires mastery of scientific concepts, technological applications, and quantitative reasoning. At Ulosca.com, we provide specialized preparation materials that emphasize these critical components:

Comprehensive science review materials aligned with nursing entrance exams
Practice questions that simulate the scientific reasoning required in nursing education
Specialized modules on medical calculations, pharmacology, and clinical applications
Test preparation strategies specific to nursing’s scientific content areas

Our resources complement those provided by official examination bodies, offering additional practice opportunities and focused review of challenging scientific concepts.

Conclusion: Embracing Nursing’s Scientific Identity

The question “is nursing a STEM major?” ultimately reflects nursing’s evolution into a scientifically rigorous, technologically sophisticated discipline. While classification policies vary across institutions and agencies, the scientific foundation of nursing education is undeniable.

As healthcare continues to advance technologically and scientifically, nursing education will likely strengthen its STEM components further. For prospective nursing students, this means greater emphasis on scientific preparation, technological fluency, and quantitative reasoning.

Visit Ulosca.com today to access our complete library of nursing entrance exam preparation materials.

Is Nursing a STEM Major?