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Harry
Student
Southington, Connecticut
1
Question
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How much harder are STEM Courses in college compared to Business courses in College?
I've always heard from friends who are in engineering or computer science that they have such a heavy workload, and when I compare it to my accounting classes, it almost looks similar. Are many STEM courses that heavy compared to business courses?
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7 answers
Josep Antonio Perez
Entry-Level Mechanical Engineer
16
Answers
Reno, Nevada
Updated
Josep Antonio ’s Answer
Keep in mind, any class will have a decent workload including, reading the textbook, taking notes, homework, and quizzes/tests. Completing all of the tasks I listed with effort will set you up for success in the course. Some classes in engineering have complex theory that make it seem like the class is more work, understanding the theory then applying it is what is difficult in my opinion. Just takes more time to understand the theory if you have to read over a chapter twice in order to really understand it. When I was in school I took some operations/management level business classes that took just about as much effort as other engineering courses. The courses are different, but equal in my opinion.
Veeraj Patel
Software Engineer
7
Answers
Jacksonville, Florida
Updated
Veeraj’s Answer
The honest answer is it depends, but here's the general picture:
Yes, STEM courses are often more consistently intense because everything builds on itself. If you fall behind in one math class, the next one becomes really tough. The problem sets can take hours, and answers are either right or wrong — there's no talking your way through it.
But business is often underestimated. You mentioned accounting, and that's actually one of the most rigorous business majors. It's sometimes called "the engineering of business." Finance can be really tough too. So you're not imagining it — your workload probably "IS" similar to your engineering friends.
The main difference is that STEM tends to be heavy almost every semester, while business programs can have some lighter semesters mixed in with harder ones. But at the upper levels, both can be very demanding for sure.
Bottom line: Don't let anyone tell you business is "easy." Some business courses are lighter, sure, but accounting and finance can absolutely compete with STEM workloads. The fact that your coursework looks similar to your engineering friends means you're in one of the tougher business tracks.
Both paths are valuable — they just challenge you in different ways!
Yes, STEM courses are often more consistently intense because everything builds on itself. If you fall behind in one math class, the next one becomes really tough. The problem sets can take hours, and answers are either right or wrong — there's no talking your way through it.
But business is often underestimated. You mentioned accounting, and that's actually one of the most rigorous business majors. It's sometimes called "the engineering of business." Finance can be really tough too. So you're not imagining it — your workload probably "IS" similar to your engineering friends.
The main difference is that STEM tends to be heavy almost every semester, while business programs can have some lighter semesters mixed in with harder ones. But at the upper levels, both can be very demanding for sure.
Bottom line: Don't let anyone tell you business is "easy." Some business courses are lighter, sure, but accounting and finance can absolutely compete with STEM workloads. The fact that your coursework looks similar to your engineering friends means you're in one of the tougher business tracks.
Both paths are valuable — they just challenge you in different ways!
Sandeep Khandelwal
Software Engineer
138
Answers
San Ramon, California
Updated
Sandeep’s Answer
Hello Harry,
STEM courses are often considered heavier because they involve more problem-solving, labs, and technical assignments that require deeper understanding and not just memorization.
Subjects like engineering or computer science usually include projects and complex problem sets that can take many hours to complete.
That being said business majors also have challenging coursework especially in areas like accounting or finance.
The difference is mainly in the type of work. STEM tends to be more technical and time intensive while business courses often focus more on analysis, concepts, and case studies.
STEM courses are often considered heavier because they involve more problem-solving, labs, and technical assignments that require deeper understanding and not just memorization.
Subjects like engineering or computer science usually include projects and complex problem sets that can take many hours to complete.
That being said business majors also have challenging coursework especially in areas like accounting or finance.
The difference is mainly in the type of work. STEM tends to be more technical and time intensive while business courses often focus more on analysis, concepts, and case studies.
Nithya Sampath
SOftware Engineer
11
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Chicago, Illinois
Updated
Nithya’s Answer
Speaking as someone who studied Management Information Systems (MIS), a field that sits right between business and technology the difference between STEM and business courses isn’t just about difficulty, it’s about the type of difficulty.
STEM classes like computer science, engineering, and advanced math tend to be heavier in problem‑solving, labs, long assignments, and cumulative concepts, which means you’re constantly building on previous material and often spending many hours debugging, practicing, or completing technical projects.
Business courses, including accounting, marketing, and management, usually focus more on concepts, case studies, and applied reasoning, which can still be challenging but generally involve less time‑intensive homework and fewer high‑pressure technical exams.
In MIS, I experienced both worlds, the business classes were manageable with steady studying, while the technical classes required more consistent practice and deeper focus. So yes, many STEM courses do have a heavier workload, but that doesn’t mean business courses are “easy”; they just demand a different kind of effort. If you enjoy structured logic, building things, and solving technical problems, STEM difficulty feels rewarding.
STEM classes like computer science, engineering, and advanced math tend to be heavier in problem‑solving, labs, long assignments, and cumulative concepts, which means you’re constantly building on previous material and often spending many hours debugging, practicing, or completing technical projects.
Business courses, including accounting, marketing, and management, usually focus more on concepts, case studies, and applied reasoning, which can still be challenging but generally involve less time‑intensive homework and fewer high‑pressure technical exams.
In MIS, I experienced both worlds, the business classes were manageable with steady studying, while the technical classes required more consistent practice and deeper focus. So yes, many STEM courses do have a heavier workload, but that doesn’t mean business courses are “easy”; they just demand a different kind of effort. If you enjoy structured logic, building things, and solving technical problems, STEM difficulty feels rewarding.
Robin Gulcher
Sound Designer for Film & video
7
Answers
Columbus, Ohio
Updated
Robin’s Answer
Don’t be fooled. Business is also science. Just like a career in science, business also has many technical aspects. There’s a theory to becoming a success in any career; whether it’s business, engineering, video production, or wanting to be a Paramedic. What do you like? Find it and put in the passion, and work.
Good luck.
Good luck.
Maricela Mora
Project Manager
8
Answers
San José, Costa Rica
Updated
Maricela’s Answer
Hi Harry,
It’s not really that STEM is “harder” and business is “easier”—it’s more about the type of difficulty.
STEM courses (like engineering or computer science) tend to be more technical. They involve math, coding, and problem-solving, and usually require lots of practice to understand concepts.
Business courses (like accounting or finance) focus more on understanding concepts, applying them, and sometimes a lot of reading, projects, or presentations.
The workload can feel similar, but the challenge is different:
STEM = more technical and detail-focused
Business = more application, analysis, and communication
In the end, what feels harder depends on your strengths. If you enjoy math and logic, STEM might feel easier. If you prefer working with ideas, communication, or real-world business cases, business might feel easier.
Bottom line: both can be demanding—you just need different skills to succeed in each.
It’s not really that STEM is “harder” and business is “easier”—it’s more about the type of difficulty.
STEM courses (like engineering or computer science) tend to be more technical. They involve math, coding, and problem-solving, and usually require lots of practice to understand concepts.
Business courses (like accounting or finance) focus more on understanding concepts, applying them, and sometimes a lot of reading, projects, or presentations.
The workload can feel similar, but the challenge is different:
STEM = more technical and detail-focused
Business = more application, analysis, and communication
In the end, what feels harder depends on your strengths. If you enjoy math and logic, STEM might feel easier. If you prefer working with ideas, communication, or real-world business cases, business might feel easier.
Bottom line: both can be demanding—you just need different skills to succeed in each.
Chary MN
Project Delivery Manager
3
Answers
Sanford, Florida
Updated
Chary’s Answer
Hi Harry,
STEM majors like Computer Science, Electrical Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, Physics, and Mathematics can be tough because they involve lots of problem-solving and analytical thinking. You'll often work on problem sets, programming assignments, labs, projects, and exams that push you to think critically.
For instance, a computer science course might have you spend 10–20 hours on a programming project over several days. Engineering courses often include weekly problem sets, lab work, and technical reports.
But don't think business majors have it easy. Fields like Accounting, Finance, and Economics also demand a lot of time and effort, especially for exams that require understanding complex rules and calculations. Accounting students, for example, spend many hours practicing problems, much like engineering students.
The main difference is in the type of work. STEM courses focus on technical projects, labs, coding, and problem-solving. Business courses involve more reading, case studies, reports, presentations, group projects, and business analysis.
Both STEM and business can be challenging, but what's important is how you use what you learn. No matter your major, gaining practical skills and hands-on experience is key to standing out and succeeding in your career. Keep pushing forward, and you'll do great!
STEM majors like Computer Science, Electrical Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, Physics, and Mathematics can be tough because they involve lots of problem-solving and analytical thinking. You'll often work on problem sets, programming assignments, labs, projects, and exams that push you to think critically.
For instance, a computer science course might have you spend 10–20 hours on a programming project over several days. Engineering courses often include weekly problem sets, lab work, and technical reports.
But don't think business majors have it easy. Fields like Accounting, Finance, and Economics also demand a lot of time and effort, especially for exams that require understanding complex rules and calculations. Accounting students, for example, spend many hours practicing problems, much like engineering students.
The main difference is in the type of work. STEM courses focus on technical projects, labs, coding, and problem-solving. Business courses involve more reading, case studies, reports, presentations, group projects, and business analysis.
Both STEM and business can be challenging, but what's important is how you use what you learn. No matter your major, gaining practical skills and hands-on experience is key to standing out and succeeding in your career. Keep pushing forward, and you'll do great!