10 Most Popular College Majors

Choosing a college major is a big decision, and knowing what others are studying is helpful. 

Check out our list of the most popular college majors today's students are pursuing. From computer science to psychology, engineering to business, we've got you covered. 

Plus, we have resources to help you explore and choose the best college major for your interests and future career goals. 

Let's take a look at these exciting majors that might just unveil the perfect path for you. Please note that these rankings are in no particular order.

Business

A business major is a popular choice for college students these days. In fact, schools awarded almost 400,000 business bachelor's degrees in 2021 alone.

Business students learn about marketing, finance, accounting, IT, and business administration. It's a great choice if you love critical thinking and strategic decision-making. 

Once you graduate, you can work as a marketing manager or financial analyst, or even start your own business as an entrepreneur. Students wanting to go further can pursue MBAs or specialized master's degree programs.

Check out our list of the best undergraduate business schools.

Health

Students looking for a high-demand major should consider health. The health care industry is growing rapidly, and this major is becoming more and more popular.

You'll study subjects like biology, anatomy, public health, and health care administration. Health professions are perfect for people wanting to help others and positively impact public health.

The health field has many exciting career paths. You could become a registered nurse, a public health educator, a health administrator, or even a medical and health services manager. 

Social sciences

A social sciences major might be ideal for students captivated by people and society. It's a popular and fascinating field, with schools awarding over 150,000 undergraduate degrees in this area. 

As a social sciences major, you'll delve into coursework that explores human behavior, cultures, and societies. It's good for those who love studying how people interact, think, and shape the world. 

Graduates with this college degree can pursue entry-level jobs in social work, market research, human resources, or policy analysis. 

You'll gain valuable insights into human nature and positively impact different sectors of society.

Engineering

Engineering is a seriously cool field all about designing and building machines, materials, and structures.

Typical engineering courses cover calculus, physics, computer programming, and specialized topics in your chosen discipline (e.g., chemical engineering, mechanical engineering, civil engineering, industrial engineering, and electrical engineering). 

An engineering major is ideal for students wanting to use science and math to solve real-world problems. There's no shortage of jobs in fields like aerospace, civil, mechanical, electrical, and more.

And while money isn't everything, it's worth mentioning that the median salaries in engineering can reach over $100,000 a year, making it a popular choice for many aspiring professionals. 

We've gathered information about the top 10 engineering schools offering bachelor's degrees so you can find the school that's right for you. 

Biology

Biology focuses on living organisms and understanding their intricate systems. From microscopic cells to entire ecosystems, you'll explore it all. And with just about 130,000 biological and biomedical sciences degrees earned in 2021, it's clear that biology is a popular field of study. 

Typical courses in this science major cover genetics, ecology, microbiology, anatomy, and biochemistry. If you're naturally curious about how things work and have a passion for the natural world, biology might be your jam. 

Graduates can work as research scientists, medical professionals, environmental consultants, or even science communicators, sharing their love for biology with others. 

Psychology

Psychology explores the intricate workings of the human mind and human behavior. This major opens up to a wide range of specializations, such as counseling psychology and clinical psychology, which allow you to positively impact people's lives. 

Typical courses include cognitive psychology, social psychology, abnormal psychology, and research methods. 

Psychology students have a strong sense of empathy and are naturally curious about what makes people tick. Graduates can pursue careers in counseling, therapy, human resources, research, or even criminal justice.

Check out the top psychology universities and degree programs across America.

Computer science

Computer science is all about harnessing the power of technology and unleashing your creativity to solve complex problems. 

Computer science students take fascinating courses in programming, data structures, algorithms, information sciences, and software development. The major is perfect for those passionate about logic, problem-solving, and innovation. 

Software engineering, data analysis, cybersecurity, artificial intelligence, and web development businesses eagerly seek out computer science graduates. 

And with technology constantly evolving and tech industry jobs increasing, pursuing a computer science degree opens up a world of possibilities and the chance to use your skills to shape the future.

We've taken the time to research the top-ranking computer science schools in the U.S. to help make your decision easier.

Communication

Communication is all about honing your skills for effective communication in all kinds of situations. This popular major covers written and verbal communication, media studies, public relations, and a whole lot more. 

It's great for people who thrive on connecting with others and have natural interpersonal skills. 

A communication degree opens doors to some pretty awesome career opportunities. Think PR, marketing, journalism, social media, and even event planning. Effective communication is in demand across pretty much every industry you can imagine. Talk about versatility!

Visual and performing arts

A visual and performing arts major digs deep into your creativity and passion for artistic expression. From music and sculpture to graphic design and fine arts, you'll immerse yourself in a ton of courses tailored to your chosen art form. 

Graduates can pursue careers as professional artists, designers, performers, art educators, or even arts administrators. 

The projected job growth in this field is promising, especially for postsecondary teachers. So, if you have a creative spark and a desire to bring beauty into the world, visual and performing arts may be the perfect avenue for you.

Education

Since the demand for awesome educators is always there, an education major is quite popular. It prepares future educators to make a real difference in students' lives. 

This major tackles courses in educational psychology, teaching methods, elementary education, and child development. 

It's a good pick for those with a burning passion for teaching and excellent communication and organizational skills who adore working with kids (or young adults). 

Once you graduate, the world is your classroom. You can become a teacher in different grade levels or even explore opportunities in educational administration and curriculum design. 

How do you choose a college major?

Choosing a major doesn't have to be hard. Here's a helpful guide on choosing a college major:
 

• Consider your interests. Reflect on subjects or activities that genuinely excite you and align with your passions.
• Explore job outlooks. Research each career's projected demand and growth to ensure you're stepping into a field with plenty of exciting opportunities waiting for you down the line.
• Check out salary prospects. Take a peek at average salaries in different fields to get a sense of the potential earnings.
• Evaluate difficulty level. Consider the challenges of different majors, keeping in mind your academic strengths and personal goals.
• Seek guidance. Don't hesitate to reach out to academic advisors or professionals. They can offer some seriously valuable insights and advice to help you make an informed decision.

What are the highest-earning college majors?

When it comes to the highest-earning college majors, a few fields really stand out.

The world of computer science is booming. It's no surprise computer science grads often land attractive job offers with an average salary of $131,490 per year.

Now, let's move on to engineering. Whether it's electrical, mechanical, civil, or any other specialized field, engineers are in high demand. Depending on the engineering discipline, graduates can expect average salaries ranging from $46,000 to over $120,000 per year.

Information technology (IT) industry professionals have excellent earning potential and are highly sought-after by organizations in our tech-driven world. On average, IT graduates can earn a salary of $97,430 per year.

While these majors tend to offer high earning potential, keep in mind that actual salaries can vary based on factors like experience, location, and industry. 

Discover how College Rover helps you find the best school for you

Want to find the best school that suits you perfectly? Look no further than College Rover. 

We've got an awesome database that lets you compare schools, explore programs, and get all the nitty-gritty details, like admission requirements and campus life.

So, head over to College Rover and let us guide you along this exciting education journey.