As a high school student getting ready to go to college, you probably hear these two questions ALL THE TIME:
- “Where are you going to college?”
- “What are you going to major in?”
These are big decisions, and we don’t want you to feel like you have to make them without help. We know choosing a major will impact the jobs you can qualify for after graduation, and we want to ensure you have all the information you need to pick the right college degree.
We’ve put together a list of 15 majors that might interest you. We’ll break down each one in detail below.
The 15 best college majors
We chose these majors based on the job prospects they can lead to after graduation. Sit back, relax, and enjoy!
Computer engineering
Computer engineering majors spend a lot of time learning about how computers work and how to make computer hardware work better. You can get a job as a systems analyst, computer programmer, software developer, or systems architect once you graduate.
Average salaries vary between positions, but the median salary for computer engineers is over $128,000, according to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS). You can expect a starting salary a little lower on the payscale since you’re starting with less experience.
Computer science
At first glance, a computer science degree sounds similar to a computer engineering degree. The main difference is that computer scientists focus more on theory (engineering is a little more practical). You’ll discuss topics like information security and cybersecurity at length.
Students who think they’d enjoy working as IT managers or database architects might love majoring in computer science. The BLS predicts 21% growth by 2031, so there’s a high demand for more computer science majors. And with an average annual salary of over $130,000, the pay can be quite lucrative.
Actuarial science
This major sounds really cool, but what exactly is it? Actuarial science is pretty similar to risk management. Basically, you use numbers and statistics to reduce financial risk for individuals and organizations.
In other words, people who love numbers might have a good time with this major. The median salary for actuaries is over $100,000, and, like computer science, this field is growing quickly. With a projected growth rate of 21% by 2031, this is one of the most in-demand job markets.
Electrical engineering
Those studying electrical engineering will learn about cool topics like electromagnetic fields and energy conversion. You’ll get your fill of circuit design, software engineering, and technical writing.
You can apply for computer programming or software development jobs as soon as you finish school. Many electrical engineers earn over $100,000 each year working in roles like broadcast engineering or technical writing.
Business management
As a business management major, your coursework will include project management and finance classes to help prepare you for various sales, marketing, and finance jobs. You’ll learn skills in market research, critical thinking, and problem-solving, which you can apply to any business specialization.
Once you finish your bachelor’s degree, you’ll be ready to pursue a job as a financial analyst, economist, or financial manager. You might even decide to start your own business venture or pursue a master’s degree in business administration (MBA).
Your first job will likely pay a starting salary below $60,000, but entry-level salaries for top earners may approach $80,000. There’s also a strong possibility of future growth.
Chemical engineering
Chemical engineering might be the right major for you if you like the idea of solving problems while doing hands-on work in a lab (or if you’re a “Breaking Bad” fan).
Chemical engineers may look for ways to improve food processing or develop better methods for producing drugs and medications. The median annual salary for a chemical engineer is over $100,000 each year, and jobs are projected to grow 14% by 2031.
Health care administration
A degree in health care administration can prepare you for managing operations in a hospital or medical facility. You’ll learn a lot about leadership and administration and how to apply these skills in health care.
The need for health care administration is quickly growing. Demand is projected to increase by 28% by 2031. The average entry-level salary is just over $90,000, and the BLS reports that the median salary for all health care administrators is over $101,000 each year.
Aerospace engineering
This is definitely a cool major. Who wouldn’t want to work on airplanes and rocket ships?
A degree in aerospace engineering requires classes in propulsion and aerodynamics. After you graduate, you’ll work in aerospace product manufacturing or engineering services.
Aerospace engineering jobs are growing at a steady rate, with the average worker making around $122,000 each year.
Health informatics
Chances are you don’t yet know what the word “informatics” means. Basically, health care informatics uses an information technology (IT) approach to improve patient care. A health informatics degree helps students understand and analyze patient data in a way that helps doctors and nurses take better care of their patients.
Although the median salary is lower than other jobs on this list (just under $56,000), the need for workers is growing faster than average. We should see around 17% growth by 2031.
Mechanical engineering
Those who like building things and working with their hands may love mechanical engineering. Mechanical engineers are natural problem-solvers who design and build various machines and tools.
The average mechanical engineer makes around $95,000 each year. One thing to note is that the position is projected to grow by 2% in the next 10 years.
Construction management
A construction management degree could qualify you for a leading role overseeing various residential and commercial construction projects. You’ll take classes in architecture, blueprint design, and city planning.
Construction managers usually make a solid salary (the average construction manager makes just under $99,000 per year). The field is projected to grow 8% by 2031.
Industrial engineering
Industrial engineers combine physical and social sciences to make systems better. Companies want to hire great industrial engineers because they can boost productivity, improve quality, and save their companies money.
Industrial engineers make around $95,000 per year, on average. The need for industrial engineers is expected to grow by 10% over the next 10 years. Based on these projections, around 22,000 industrial engineering jobs should open each year.
Management information systems
Students majoring in management information systems will learn how to plan and oversee organizational computer-related activities. In a way, this degree combines IT and business-related studies.
Computer systems managers make an average of $159,000 per year, so this is one of the top high-paying career options on this list. In addition, the need for systems managers is projected to grow by 16% over the next 10 years.
Physics
Are any “Big Bang Theory” fans reading? Students wanting to follow in Sheldon, Leonard, and Raj’s footsteps should consider majoring in physics. A college student majoring in physics will take all kinds of interesting classes, such as quantum mechanics, applied physics, and so much more.
The average physicist makes around $147,000 each year. The need for physics grads is also growing by around 8% each year.
Mathematics
Do you love numbers? Does the thought of spending all day doing division or calculus make you giddy? If so, perhaps you’re destined to be a mathematician. A math major will take number theory, logic, and applied mathematics classes.
Mathematicians normally make around $96,000 per year. In addition to being a lucrative career, there’s also a projected job growth rate of 31% for mathematicians and statisticians. Needless to say, plenty of job opportunities are available.
Discover how College Rover can help you find the best school and program for you
As you can see, you have many options when it comes to choosing a college major. We didn’t even cover all the other majors you can pursue at the school of your choice.
Hopefully, something in this article helped you gain insight into the subjects you might enjoy studying (or which career paths might fit you best).
Check out College Rover for more help choosing a major or learning about different colleges and universities. We’ve compiled a massive amount of information for our easy-to-use online database.
We hope this content simplifies the process of choosing a school (and makes the experience a little more fun and a lot more awesome).
