Are you a college-bound student struggling over which major to choose? Of course, you should choose a college major in your area of interest. But it’s also wise to select a major that will propel you into a rewarding career with a steady income and high personal satisfaction. So which degrees will be in demand in the future?
The most in-demand majors and degrees fulfill specific needs that won’t go away. We will always need doctors, healthcare professionals, and engineers. The roles responsibilities may change, but those careers won’t disappear. For the best future employment potential, choose a career that benefits the population but doesn't have enough people pursuing it.
What are the best college majors in 2024? We compiled a top 10 best college majors list based on research, experience, projected job growth, salary, and career options. Let’s check them out!
What are the Top 10 Best Majors in 2023?
10. Psychology
A psychology major provides students with a deep understanding of human behavior, thought processes, and emotions.
Psychology majors learn to:
- Analyze and interpret data.
- Conduct research.
- Apply psychological principles to real-world situations.
Coursework typically includes topics such as developmental psychology, cognitive psychology, abnormal psychology, and social psychology.
Society is becoming more aware than ever of the need for mental health and well-being. Following this trend, psychology careers are growing in demand.
Psychology major graduates can pursue roles in counseling, research, clinical psychology, human resources, marketing, and more. They can contribute to many sectors, including healthcare, education, and business. With a degree in psychology, you'll be prepared to make an impact on individual and community well-being.
Psychology Outlook
Career Option | Clinical & Counseling Psychologists | Substance Abuse, Behavioral Disorder, and Mental Health Counselor | Human Resources Specialist |
---|---|---|---|
Projected Job Growth | 11% | 18% | 6% |
Median Salary | $90,130 | $53,710 | $67,650 |
Data from the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics' projections for 2022-2023.
9. Environmental Science
Environmental science is a crucial field in today's world due to the growing emphasis on sustainability and protecting our planet. This major equips students with a diverse set of skills applicable in government, private industry, and non-profit organizations.
As an environmental science major, you learn about the interactions between natural and human systems and develop solutions for complex environmental challenges. Coursework often includes subjects such as:
- Ecology.
- Environmental policy.
- Conservation.
- Climate change.
Careers in environmental science are in high demand. There is an increasing need for professionals who can manage natural resources, reduce pollution, and promote sustainable practices.
Environmental Science Career Outlook
Career Option | Environmental Scientist | Agricultural Scientist/Innovator | Water Resource Specialist |
---|---|---|---|
Projected Job Growth | 6% | 6% | 6% |
Median Salary | $78,980 | $76,400 | $103,234 |
Data from the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics' projections for 2022-2023.
8. Aerospace Engineering
An aerospace engineering major uses math and science to understand the basics of flight and space travel. They use this knowledge to design and develop newer, safer, more robust aircraft, spacecraft, and missiles. Their studies also include:
- Aerodynamics.
- Launch.
- Flight controls.
- Engines.
Space travel has taken on a new meaning in the last few years. With companies like SpaceX sending passengers on space adventures, and the growing fields of asteroid mining and space science, the need for aerospace engineers is steadily growing.
Aerospace Engineering Career Outlook
Career Option | Aircraft/Spacecraft Designer | Mechanical Engineer | Military Aerospace Engineer |
---|---|---|---|
Projected Job Growth | 6% | 10% | 6% |
Median Salary | $130,720 | $99,510 | $108,638 |
Data from the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics' projections for 2022-2023.
7. Finance
Finance is a good choice for a major because reports indicate healthy, stable market growth.
Finance majors learn versatile skills they can use in most financial departments and workplaces. They learn financial competencies and advanced investment skills, and they also learn how to manage financial records and understand financial markets.
In school, finance majors typically study topics like:
- Corporate finance.
- Financial analysis.
- Risk management.
- Investment strategies.
As a finance professional, you shouldn’t have trouble finding a long-term career. Businesses will always need help managing cash flow, investments, and financial planning.
Finance Career Outlook
Career Option | Accountant | Auditor | Financial Analyst |
---|---|---|---|
Projected Job Growth | 4% | 4% | 8% |
Median Salary | $79,880 | $79,880 | $99,890 |
Data from the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics' projections for 2022-2023.
6. Software Engineering
Software engineering majors learn how to design and develop software programs before sending them to customers. This math-heavy degree also focuses on building software for particular operating systems, designing databases, and all about computer architecture.
Since computer hardware architecture is constantly evolving, there will always be jobs for software engineers and developers. Whether they’re updating existing software or installing new hardware and software, the demand for software engineering majors will continue to grow.
Software Engineering Career Outlook
Career Option | Software Developer | Web Developer | Game Developer |
---|---|---|---|
Projected Job Growth | 25% | 16% | 21% |
Median Salary | $130,160 | $92,750 | $91,009 |
Data from the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics' projections for 2022-2023.
5. Healthcare Administration
Healthcare administration is a vital field, especially as the healthcare industry continues to expand and evolve. This major equips you with the skills to manage healthcare facilities, understand healthcare policies, and improve patient care.
As a student, you learn about:
- Healthcare systems.
- Financial management.
- Health informatics.
- Healthcare law and ethics.
- Healthcare economics.
- Healthcare quality improvement.
- Strategic planning.
Careers in healthcare administration are in high demand. Graduates can pursue roles such as hospital administrators, health services managers, healthcare consultants, and policy analysts.
With a degree in healthcare administration, you are prepared to lead and make impactful decisions in hospitals, clinics, public health organizations, and other healthcare settings.
Healthcare Administration Career Outlook
Career Option | Medical and Health Services Manager | Medical Billing Manager | Clinical Supervisor |
---|---|---|---|
Projected Job Growth | 28% | 8% | 9% |
Median Salary | $110,680 | $63,963 | $79,349 |
Data from the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics' projections for 2022-2023.
4. Cybersecurity
Companies rely more and more on technology for every aspect of their business. With this increased reliance comes the need to protect themselves from digital attacks and keep their information safe. Jobs in cybersecurity are expected to grow by 32% over the next ten years — much higher than average for the U.S.
Cybersecurity majors learn all about the complex world of information security. They learn what it takes to safeguard computer systems, networks, and data. They also gain hands-on experience learning about:
- Cloud security.
- Digital forensics.
- Hacking.
- Risk management.
The coursework uses computer science, information systems, and mathematics to help students address cybersecurity challenges.
Cybersecurity is a lucrative and growing field. With a cybersecurity degree, you should not have trouble building a long, successful career protecting businesses, mitigating risks, and developing policies for maintaining security. Many cybersecurity majors find jobs in the government, law enforcement, healthcare, and financial sectors.
Cybersecurity Career Outlook
Career Option | Security Systems Administrator | Information Security Analyst | Penetration Tester |
---|---|---|---|
Projected Job Growth | 32% | 32% | 32% |
Median Salary | $132,472 | $120,360 | $103,566 |
Data from the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics' projections for 2022-2023.
3. Business Administration
Business administration is ideal if you’re interested in a wide range of industries. This field of study gives you essential skills in management, finance, marketing, and operations.
You’ll learn how to run businesses effectively, from small startups to large corporations, by understanding organizational behavior, strategic planning, and decision-making processes. Courses typically cover subjects such as:
- Business ethics.
- Leadership.
- Economics.
- Human resources.
Graduates with a degree in business administration are well-prepared for careers in management, consulting, entrepreneurship, and many other areas. This major is a solid choice if you’re seeking stability and growth in your professional life!
Business Administration Career Outlook
Career Option | General/Operations Manager | Market Research Analyst | Advertising Executive |
---|---|---|---|
Projected Job Growth | 4% | 13% | 6% |
Median Salary | $101,280 | $74,680 | $156,580 |
Data from the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics' projections for 2022-2023.
2. Data Science
A data scientist analyzes data for specific information and organizes it into reports. Data science majors learn how to use programming languages and visualization software to help businesses and governments make sense of all the data they collect.
While this major is relatively new, employment in this field is exponentially growing. Businesses collect massive amounts of data to determine trends, anticipate buyer actions, and more. They’re hiring data scientists to make sense of it all.
Data Science Career Outlook
Career Option | Data Scientist | Database Administrator | Statistician |
---|---|---|---|
Projected Job Growth | 35% | 8% | 30% |
Median Salary | $108,020 | $117,450 | $104,860 |
Data from the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics' projections for 2022-2023.
1. Biology
An undergraduate degree in biology sets you up for career paths in medicine — a timeless field with much higher than average job growth. While most degrees in medicine require graduate work, a biology major sets the groundwork for this in-demand field.
Nurses and physician assistants are two of the most in-demand medical professions. As a large portion of the population ages, they will seek medical care for age-related health concerns and quality of life. Hospitals will look to nurses and physician assistants to fill many of the roles of a traditional doctor.
The Association of American Medical Colleges projects a shortage of qualified medical providers in the coming years. This finding only increases the demand for students to begin their undergraduate career with a biology major and continue their graduate work in nursing or physician assistant school.
Biology Career Outlook
Career Option | Nurse Practitioner | Physician’s Assistant | Epidemiologist |
---|---|---|---|
Projected Job Growth | 45% | 27% | 27% |
Median Salary | $129,480 | $130,020 | $81,390 |
Data from the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics' projections for 2022-2023.
Final Thoughts
As you prepare for college, consider choosing a major that not only excites you but will also propel you into a career that can stand the test of time. While some of the most in-demand majors are healthcare, technology, and business, many majors have bright futures. These top degrees in demand for the future are excellent choices for career longevity and future success.
At Crimson, we help students choose timeless majors that fit their personal and professional goals and interests. Our qualified admissions counselors are here to help you choose a major and get you into the college of your dreams. Contact us for a free consultation.
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