Most Popular Majors for International Students

There's a growing trend of international students heading to countries like the USA and Canada for higher education. They're mainly picking majors that promise solid career prospects and a chance to dive into different cultures. Computer science, engineering, and business administration are huge hits, especially in the tech and health care sectors.

Choosing the right major is a big deal for these students. It's not just about getting a good job - it's also about understanding the world better. Think about it: studying something like software engineering in the USA can open doors to tech giants, while liberal arts might offer a broader perspective on global issues.

In a nutshell, international students are looking for majors that mix practical skills with a chance to explore new cultures and ideas. It's all about finding that sweet spot between a future-proof career and a truly enriching college experience.

Top majors for international students

As international students navigate their way through the myriad options in higher education, some majors consistently stand out due to their global relevance and promising career opportunities. Let's take a look at a few of these top choices:

Software Engineering

Software engineering has emerged as a standout major. At its core, this field combines the principles of engineering with software development, focusing on designing, developing, and maintaining software systems. 

Here are a few top reasons international students choose this major:

• Global demand. With the tech boom, software engineers are needed everywhere. This makes it a great choice for students aiming for international careers.
• Innovation at the forefront. This major is all about creating impactful tech solutions. It's a chance to be part of the big tech revolution.
• Diverse opportunities. Graduates can work across various industries, from big tech firms to startups, offering a wide range of career paths.
• Hands-on learning. Many programs mix theory with practical projects, plus opportunities for internships, especially in countries like the USA and Canada.
• High earning potential. Software engineering is known for its lucrative salaries, a big draw for students considering the cost of their education.
• Universal skillset. The skills learned are globally applicable, making it easier for graduates to work in different cultural settings.

In short, software engineering offers international students a blend of innovation, flexibility, and financial stability, making it a highly attractive field of study.

Information Technology

Information technology (IT) is another major that's increasingly popular among international students. This field focuses on the use of computers and telecommunications to store, retrieve, transmit, and manipulate data. It's a broad field that encompasses everything from network administration to cybersecurity.

Here's why IT is a top pick:

• Industry ubiquity. With every sector relying on IT for operations, the demand for IT skills spans globally and offers diverse job opportunities.
• Ever-evolving field. IT's constantly changing landscape means students are always at the cutting edge of new technological developments.
• Career flexibility. IT graduates can take on various roles, from system analysis to IT consulting, allowing for a wide range of career paths.
• Global job market. The universal demand for IT skills opens doors to career opportunities in numerous countries, making it ideal for students seeking international experiences.
• Foundation for advanced specializations. IT provides a solid base for delving into specialized fields like cybersecurity, appealing to students interested in continuous learning.
• Lucrative careers. IT professionals are known for their high earning potential, making this major a financially sound choice for international students.

Information technology stands out as a versatile, dynamic, and financially rewarding field, making it an attractive option for students aiming to engage with the global digital revolution.

Human Resources

Human resources (HR) is increasingly gaining popularity among international students. This field involves managing an organization's workforce, focusing on areas such as recruitment, training, employee relations, and compensation.

Here's why HR stands out:

• Universal relevance. HR is vital in every organization, so it offers stable and diverse career options across various industries.
• Cultural competence. With global business environments, HR's focus on diversity and inclusion aligns well with the experiences of international students.
• Varied roles. From recruitment to employee relations, HR offers multiple career paths, appealing to those interested in both people and organizational management.
• Global skillset. The core skills in HR are globally applicable, making it a versatile choice for students planning to work in different countries.
• Organizational impact. HR professionals play a crucial role in shaping company culture and employee wellbeing, adding a meaningful dimension to the job.
• Evolving field. With ongoing advancements like digital recruitment and data analytics, HR remains a dynamic field, offering continuous learning opportunities.

Human resources is an attractive major for international students seeking a career that blends people skills with strategic business understanding in a global context.

Health Professions

The health professions major is increasingly popular among international students, reflecting the global demand for health care professionals. This field encompasses a range of disciplines, including nursing, medicine, pharmacy, and public health, focusing on improving individual and community health.

Here's why it's a top choice:

• Global demand. There's a steady need for health care professionals worldwide, so this major offers stable and in-demand career options.
• Diverse specializations. The field spans from clinical roles like nursing and medicine to public health, catering to a wide range of interests.
• Meaningful impact. Careers in health professions are lifelong vocations focused on improving lives and community well-being.
• International mobility. Qualifications in health professions can open doors to global job opportunities, appealing to those wanting to work internationally.
• Dynamic field. With continuous advancements in health care technology and research, the field offers an ever-evolving professional landscape.
• Increased relevance post-pandemic. The recent focus on public health has amplified the importance and interest in health-related careers.
• Financial rewards. Many roles in health professions are among the more financially rewarding career paths.

Health professions is a compelling major for international students that combines job security, diversity, and the opportunity to make a real difference in health and wellness on a global scale.

Civil Engineering

Civil engineering is a major that consistently attracts international students due to its unique blend of creativity, practicality, and global relevance. This field focuses on the design, construction, and maintenance of infrastructure like roads, bridges, and buildings. It plays a crucial role in shaping the physical world we live in.

Here's why civil engineering is a popular choice:

• Societal impact. This field allows students to contribute to essential infrastructure like roads and buildings, offering a sense of fulfillment and purpose.
• Global demand. Urbanization and infrastructure needs worldwide ensure steady job opportunities for civil engineers in various countries.
• Diverse specializations. Students can choose from areas like environmental, structural, or transportation engineering and tailor their studies to their interests.
• Hands-on experience. Programs typically balance theoretical knowledge with practical applications, preparing students for real-world challenges.
• Sustainability focus. With a growing emphasis on eco-friendly design, civil engineers play a crucial role in sustainable development.
• Lucrative career. Civil engineers are often well-compensated, especially as they advance in their careers and work on larger projects.
• Cultural adaptability. The universal principles of civil engineering combined with the need for local adaptation make this a globally versatile field.

Civil engineering offers international students a dynamic and impactful career path with opportunities to shape the world's infrastructure while enjoying global mobility and financial stability.

Biomedical Science

Biomedical science is a rapidly growing field that sits at the intersection of biology and medicine. It focuses on the understanding of complex biological processes and how they can be applied to medical science, health care, and research.

Here's why biomedical science is popular:

• Innovative research. The major offers opportunities to engage in groundbreaking medical research, appealing to those interested in scientific advancements.
• Global health impact. With worldwide health challenges, there's a high demand for expertise in biomedical science, making it a relevant and attractive field.
• Diverse career options. Graduates can venture into various career paths, from research and pharmaceuticals to public health.
• Contribution to medical breakthroughs. The field enables students to contribute to significant health care advancements, adding a sense of purpose to their studies.
• Interdisciplinary approach. Combining biology, chemistry, and medicine, it attracts students with wide-ranging scientific interests.
• Industry demand. Expansion in the pharmaceutical and biotech sectors means a growing need for professionals trained in this area.
• Foundation for specialization. It provides a solid base for further education in specialized fields like medicine or biotechnology.

Biomedical science offers international students a pathway to be involved in vital health care developments through diverse, impactful career opportunities in a global context.

Political Science

Political science is a major that delves into the study of politics, government systems, public policies, political behavior, and international relations. It offers insights into how nations operate and interact on the global stage.

Here's why political science is a popular choice:

• Global understanding. It offers an in-depth look at global political dynamics, crucial in our interconnected world.
• Versatile career paths. Graduates can venture into government, international agencies, NGOs, or academia, providing a wide range of options.
• Skill development. The major hones critical thinking, analysis, and communication skills that are valuable in any career.
• Engagement with current affairs. It draws students interested in contemporary global issues like human rights and environmental policies.
• Public service preparation. It's ideal for those aspiring to roles in public service or leadership, as it provides a deep understanding of governance.
• Cross-cultural insights. International students gain perspectives on different political systems, enhancing their adaptability in various environments.

Political science is a compelling choice for international students, offering a blend of global insights, diverse career opportunities, and valuable skill development.

Liberal Arts

Liberal arts is a broad field of study that encompasses a range of disciplines including literature, history, philosophy, and social sciences. This major is known for its focus on developing well-rounded, critical thinkers who can analyze and approach problems from various perspectives.

Here's what makes liberal arts a top choice:

• Versatile skills. This major develops essential skills like critical thinking and communication, applicable in various careers.
• Cultural and intellectual breadth. It offers exposure to diverse cultures and ideas, appealing to those seeking a comprehensive educational experience.
• Career flexibility. Graduates can pursue a wide range of fields, from journalism to business, thanks to the transferable skills gained.
• Global market readiness. The focus on adaptability and broad perspectives prepares students for the changing global job landscape.
• Graduate study foundation. It lays a solid groundwork for advanced studies across multiple disciplines.
• Enhanced global understanding. For international students, it's an opportunity to gain deep insights into different cultural and global dynamics.

Liberal arts is attractive for its ability to foster well-rounded individuals who are ready for diverse career paths and global opportunities because they're equipped with versatile skills and a broad understanding of the world.

Business Administration

Business administration is highly favored for its direct relevance to the global business world. This field covers a wide range of topics, including management, marketing, finance, and economics. It prepares students for leadership roles in various business settings, from startups to multinational corporations.

Key reasons for its popularity include:

• Versatile career options. Graduates can venture into various sectors like finance, marketing, and human resources, offering a wide array of job opportunities.
• Global business knowledge. The major provides insights into international business strategies and market trends, essential in today's global economy.
• Entrepreneurial and leadership skills. It equips students with skills for innovation and leadership, preparing them for managerial roles or to start their own businesses.
• Financial rewards. A Business Administration degree often leads to higher-paying jobs in the corporate world.
• Networking opportunities. The course offers extensive networking chances, including internships and industry connections, crucial for career building.
• Adaptability. Training in responding to market changes makes graduates valuable in the ever-evolving business sector.

Business administration is a popular major among international students for its ability to open doors to diverse and lucrative career paths coupled with its training in essential skills for the modern business environment.

Honorable mentions

While many majors attract international students, some deserve special mention for their unique appeal:

• Electrical engineering. A major that dives into the design and development of electrical systems. It's appealing because of its innovation in technology and electronics.
• Mechanical engineering. Known for its focus on the design and manufacturing of mechanical systems, it's a choice for those interested in the practical application of physics and materials science.
• Computer engineering. Combining elements of computer science and electrical engineering, this major is ideal for students fascinated by computer systems and technology innovation.
• Social sciences. Encompassing areas like psychology, sociology, and anthropology, it's attractive for those seeking to understand human behavior and societal structures.
• Life sciences. This field covers biology, biochemistry, and related disciplines, drawing students interested in understanding living organisms and life processes.
• Information sciences. Focusing on data management, information technology, and computer systems, it's a top pick for students eager to explore the digital information landscape.

Career prospects and opportunities

The job market in countries like America, China, and India offers diverse opportunities for international students. Whether the students are STEM majors, business majors, or majors in social sciences, each area of study paves a unique career path.

• American and global job markets. In the U.S., demand is high for Engineering, Information Systems, and Business degrees. Similar trends are seen in countries like China and India, where technical and business skills are highly valued.
• Importance of OPT. Optional Practical Training (OPT) is crucial for undergrad and grad students in the U.S. It offers real-world American work experience, which is vital for enhancing employability.
• Impact of major on career path. The selected major can dictate career opportunities. For instance, an Engineering degree might lead to tech industry roles, while a degree in English or Social Sciences could open doors in education or media.
• Advanced degrees and career advancement. Pursuing a master's or doctoral degree is often essential in fields like research and academia because it provides specialization and opens up higher-level positions.
• Staying adaptable. It's important for students, especially in fields like information technology, to stay adaptable and continuously update their skills in line with industry changes.

The major an international student chooses, combined with practical experiences like OPT, significantly influences their career trajectory in America and internationally.

Navigating majors and opportunities

Choosing the right major is a crucial decision for international students, deeply influencing their career paths and life experiences. Popular majors like computer science, business administration, engineering, and health professions are in high demand globally, offering diverse career opportunities. Meanwhile, areas like social sciences, liberal arts, and biomedical sciences provide broader cultural and intellectual insights.

These majors align with current job market trends, equipping students with skills ranging from technical expertise to critical thinking. For those planning their educational and career paths, it's vital to consider these fields in light of both personal interests and global job market demands.

As you navigate these choices, College Rover makes the process easier. We offer resources to help you research schools, programs, and more, guiding you toward making informed decisions about your education and future career.

Explore your possibilities with College Rover and set the course for your academic and professional journey.