Home / Career tests / SHS STEM
Career paths after Senior High School STEM strand
See which careers fit your traits, based on what Filipino SHS STEM graduates typically pursue.
What SHS STEM graduates typically do
Common career destinations for Filipino Senior High School STEM graduates, grouped by frequency in the DepEd K-12 Curriculum Guide track-to-pathway mapping.
Most common
Common
Niche or specialised
Find your fit in 3 minutes
Take the Career Match test — RIASEC, the Holland Codes framework behind the US Department of Labor's O*NET. See which of these STEM career paths match your traits.
Take the Career Match testBig Five and MBTI also available from your dashboard.
About SHS STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics)
STEM is the academic SHS strand that prepares Filipino students for college programs in engineering, computing, the natural sciences, and the allied health professions. Core specialised subjects include pre-calculus, basic calculus, general biology, general chemistry, and general physics, the prerequisite knowledge most BS programs in these fields assume. It is one of four academic strands inside the K-12 Senior High School framework introduced by DepEd in 2012.
- College (BS programs in engineering, health sciences, computing, natural sciences)
- Direct entry to allied-health technical roles after further certification
- Overseas Filipino Worker (OFW) placement for nursing or engineering after licensure
Source: DepEd K-12 Curriculum Guide · K-12 Senior High School overseen by DepEd Philippines, started 2012.
Frequently asked questions about SHS STEM
What can I study in college after the SHS STEM strand?
STEM graduates are eligible for any college program but are best positioned for engineering, computer science, nursing, allied-health (medtech, pharmacy, physical therapy), architecture, and natural sciences. Most universities require STEM-strand subjects (calculus, biology, chemistry, physics) as prerequisites for these programs.
Do I have to go to college after SHS STEM?
No. The K-12 reform was designed so SHS graduates can also enter the workforce, pursue TESDA certifications, or start their own business. STEM-specific direct-employment paths are narrower than TVL, but laboratory aide, draftsman, and CAD operator roles are accessible with the SHS diploma plus a short TESDA NC II.
Can I shift to a non-STEM college course after the STEM strand?
Yes. Colleges accept STEM graduates into business, humanities, education, or arts programs. You may need to take a few foundation subjects in your first year if you skipped them in SHS.
Which careers from STEM pay the most in the Philippines?
Software developers, medical doctors (after the MD plus residency), and licensed civil engineers typically top the median pay in PSA Labor Force Survey data. Nurses and marine engineers often earn more once they go overseas, but domestic Philippine medians are lower.
Is the STEM strand only for students who want to be engineers or doctors?
No. STEM is also a strong base for actuarial science, data analytics, environmental science, agriculture and food technology, and quantitative finance roles. The strand teaches research and quantitative reasoning that transfer to many fields.