People say that if you choose the best college majors for the future, there’s no need to worry about getting a job in your career. More and more families are beginning to pay attention to their children’s future career development and education returns, and even some parents bluntly want their children to choose “high-paying majors”. At a turning point in life, what major one should choose to study at university is very important, especially for those who want to have both high pay and more fun during school time. Join us and learn more information about the most prospecting majors.
What should I Major in?
According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics(BLS) forecast, about 4.7 million jobs are expected to be added in 2022-2032, a total increase of about 2.8%, bringing employment to 169.1 million by 2032. So, out of the 292 specific industries and sub-specialties that were counted, which ones are the most promising majors?
For reference, we conducted a second collation of this data into a chart. Let’s see it together.
Occupations with the fastest job growth over the next decade and corresponding undergraduate majors
| Ranking | Occupation | Undergraduate Major | Employment Growth Rate | Average Salary in 2023 |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Nurse practitioners | Nursing | 44.5% | $129,480 |
| 2 | Data scientists | Data Science | 35.3% | $108,020 |
| 3 | Statistians | Statistics | 31.6% | $104,806 |
| 4 | Information security analysts | Information Science | 31.5% | $120,360 |
| 5 | Medical and health service managers | Public Health | 28.4% | $110,680 |
| 6 | Software developers | Computer Science | 25.7% | $130,160 |
| 7 | Actuaries | Mathematics | 23.2% | $120,000 |
| 8 | Operations research analysts | Operations Research | 22.5% | $83,640 |
| 9 | Finacial examiners | Accounting | 19.5% | $84,300 |
| 10 | Mental health counselors | Psychology | 18.4% | $53,710 |
| 11 | Web developers | Computer Science | 17.0% | $92,750 |
| 12 | Genetic counselors | Biology | 16.1% | $95,770 |
| 13 | Financial managers | Finance | 16.0% | $156,100 |
| 14 | Computer and information system managers | Inormation Science | 15.4% | $169,510 |
| 15 | Computer and information analysts | Computer Science | 14.9% | $103,800 |
| 16 | Industrial machinary mechanicals | Mechanical Engineering | 14.9% | $99,510 |
| 17 | Market research analysts and marketing specialists | Marketing | 13.4% | $74,680 |
| 18 | Personal financial advisors | Economics | 12.8% | $99,580 |
| 19 | Industrial engineers | Industrial Engineering | 11.7% | $99,380 |
| 20 | Exercise physologists | Exercise Science | 10.2% | $54,860 |
From the list, we can see that majors such as data science, statistics, computer science, and finance were on the list. They are also welcomed by most families. Besides, their employment growth rate is in the top 20, and the salary is very substantial.
Additionally, with the increased medical and health demand in recent years, nursing, public health, biology, exercise science, and other healthcare-related majors have gradually become the most useful majors with a high employment rate and favourable pay.
The Institute of International Education’s (IIE) Open Doors Report 2023 (the latest edition) focuses more on the most popular majors in the US for international students. It shows that the top 3 preferred majors in almost every country are CS, Engineering and Business. Also, the majority still favour STEM fields because of their advantages in jobs.
Comparision between STEM employment and non-STEM employment
| Type | Employment in 2022(thousands) | Projected employment in 2032 (thousands) | Changes in employment from 2022-2032(thousands) | Median salary |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| STEM | 10,365.0 | 11,487.4 | 1,122.4 | $97,980 |
| Non-STEM | 154,117.6 | 157,660.7 | 3,543.1 | $44,670 |
Majoring in STEM can be described as a ” high salary and high return” thing. In 2022-2032, the number of STEM jobs is expected to grow 10.8%, about 4.7 times that of non-STEM jobs. Moreover, the average annual salary of graduates majoring in STEM is $97,980. Another advantage of studying STEM fields is that they can apply for 36 months of ultra-long OPT visas, which can be described as a “high salary and high return.”
Most Popular College Majors
Below are the most popular college majors recommended with high performance.
1. Nursing
Nursing has been ridiculed by the media as “the most difficult major in the Guinness Book of World Records” because students have to complete 64 major exams, 164 series tests and 174 assignments in two years. Students not only need to learn basic medicine, nursing, and preventive health care but also to master practical operation, law, anatomy, biology, statistics, sociology and other knowledge, which requires a very solid knowledge reserve and high comprehensiveness.
However, Nursing has long been synonymous with high pay and high demand in the United States, with the average nursing graduate earning $83,724, according to Glassdoor. In addition, with the ageing of the population and the increasing demand for high-quality healthcare services in recent years, salaries in nursing fields have increased by an average of about 15% per year. It is one of the most beneficial majors.
2. Data Science
With the rapid development of digitalization, Data Science has also risen rapidly, becoming another popular major after CS! As an interdisciplinary subject of applied mathematics, statistics and CS, this major covers a wide range of knowledge. Students should not only master statistics, mathematics, data structures and algorithms, information management, computer systems and other fields of knowledge, but also understand the corresponding decision-making and political trends.
The potential of graduates in the job market is huge, and most of them work for Google, Apple, Intel, SONY, and other big enterprises. However, it should be noted that few schools directly recruit DS majors for undergraduate studies in the United States, and students often need to apply for CS, statistics, mathematics, and other majors before they can apply for transfer after having a certain statistical and programming foundation.
3. Statistics
Statistics is an independent discipline. At the same time, as a basic subject, it is closely related to information, computer science, big data, artificial intelligence and other fields. At the undergraduate level in the United States, Statistics mainly includes four learning directions: biostatistics, financial statistics, applied statistics and mathematical statistics. The courses are inseparable from investigation, collection, analysis, calculation and digital probability, and there are many interdisciplinary courses involving a wide range of fields.
When it comes to employment, Statistics have unlimited potential. It is relevant across various sectors, including banking, insurance, securities, market research, consulting, technology companies, the education industry, and quality testing.
4. Information Science
Information Science is also one of the most popular college majors in recent years. It covers various subjects, integrating professional knowledge of computer science, information science, design and other disciplines. By combining it with other popular majors such as computer, biology, and AI, it can be formed into interdisciplinary majors like electronic informatics, bioinformatics, and so on.
Therefore, there are many positions for graduates majoring in Information Science, and this can also be advantageous for those who want to work in computer and data science-related fields. According to Payscale, the average starting salary for students in informatics is $81,000. The huge demand, coupled with the high salaries, makes informatics one of the majors in demand.
5. Public Health
With the increasing attention paid to the prevention of epidemics and the management of diseases in recent years, Public Health and related fields have become one of the recommended majors in recent years. Public Health involves epidemiology, biostatistics, food safety, public policy, nutrition, biochemistry, and other fields. It is closely related to management, economics, and law and has a strong interdisciplinary nature. Courses often combine theory with practice, requiring students to have a strong, comprehensive ability.
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) defines public health as “a complex science that promotes healthy lifestyles, disease prevention, infectious disease control, and the improvement of human health and community health.” Therefore, the employment of graduates in Public Health in the future is very promising, and they can be applied in many fields, such as medical institutions, disease prevention departments, government agencies, and education industries. In addition, Public Health is also a “springboard” to medical school, which is favoured by prospective medical students.
Conclusion
This blog shows the latest information about the best college majors in the future, including specific statistics and our comprehensive interpretations of the trends of the most popular majors. People selecting majors are a little bit different from that of before influenced by the big environment in the world. Salary is one of the most important factors when students choose majors. As we venture into an era marked by rapid technological advancements and a dynamic global landscape, choosing the right academic path becomes more crucial than ever. Hoping this blog can offer you a roadmap for academic and professional success.
FAQ
What major is the most useful for the future?
Nursing.
According to industry and occupational employment projections for 2022-2032 released by the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), Nursing is the most useful major for the future. As the global population continues to grow and age, the demand for skilled and empathetic nursing professionals remains higher than ever.
What is the most popular major?
Business Administration.
In recent years, Business Administration has become one of the most popular majors worldwide. It combines practical skills and theoretical knowledge, equipping graduates to succeed in a variety of corporate roles.
What major is most in demand?
Below, we have compiled a list of the top 10 majors currently in high demand.
- Nursing
- Data Science
- Statistics
- Information Science
- Public Health
- Computer Science
- Mathematics
- Operations Research
- Accounting
- Psychology
