By Innesia Ma'sumah
While the major you decide when you enroll in college does not define the start of your future, choosing the right one will help you to open doors into the workforce and pave the way to a high-paying job and fulfilling career. However, certain degrees are in high demand, which translates into better pay and salary.
If you are planning your career, now is the perfect time to learn about the hot in-demand majors to help you make an informed decision. Therefore, there are several majors that you might want to consider. Check out the list below on the most in-demand majors to help you find one that might be right for you:
1. Business
Average Annual Income (May 2020): $72,250
Employment Growth Rate (2020-30): 8%
Common Specializations: Accounting, business administration, business intelligence, business management, entrepreneurship, finance, international business
Business programs explore fundamental principles and practices that enable companies to run efficiently. Students pursuing a business major often study multidisciplinary concepts to develop strong communication, leadership, and critical thinking skills. Make sure those competitive juices are flowing; the business world is all, well, business.
Potential Career Paths: Accountant, Investment Banker, Financial Advisor, Business Analyst
2. Health Professions
Average Annual Income (May 2020): $69,870
Employment Growth Rate (2020-30): 16%
Common Specializations: Health sciences, health services, medicine, nursing, nutritional science, public health, sports medicine
As the population ages and people become more reliant on healthcare, the demand for health professionals is projected to rise. This demand may help explain why health-related majors are among the most popular degrees. In the course of evaluating, diagnosing, and treating health problems, there is also the chance to work with ever-evolving and ultra-sophisticated technology.
Potential Career Paths: Doctor, Nurse, Community Health or Public Health Worker, Mental health counselor
3. Social Science and History
Average Annual Income (May 2020): $69,760
Employment Growth Rate (2020-30): 8%
Common Specializations: Anthropology, criminology, economics, geography, history, legal studies, political science, social work, sociology
Undergraduate social sciences coursework generally takes an interdisciplinary approach, incorporating topics like economics, sociology, and history. Social sciences programs often provide a liberal arts education, developing students' analytical, communication, and leadership skills and preparing them for various potential career paths. Students, if you love to learn about places, cultures, and events around the world, you may want to know more about this career choice!
Potential Career Paths: Journalist, Risk Advisory Associate, Diplomat, Lawyer
4. Engineering
Average Annual Income (May 2020): $83,160
Employment Growth Rate (2020-30): 6%
Common Specializations: Chemical engineering, civil engineering, electrical engineering, electronics engineering, industrial engineering, mechanical engineering, nuclear engineering
Students who choose to study Engineering will have multiple options and realms like Structural, Electric, Computer, Mechanical, many more. For many of these specialties, the average starting pay is in the six figures, so not only is it a good field in terms of a lucrative salary, but it also offers high job security. If you have a good background in math and the sciences, this may be the best college major for you.
Potential Career Paths: Civil Engineers, Biomedical Engineers, Architects, Aerospace Engineering Technician
5. Computer Science
Average Annual Income (May 2020): $91,250
Employment Growth Rate (2020-30): 13%
Common Specializations: Computer programming, cybersecurity, data science, database management, information technology, network administration, software engineering, web development
As technology becomes more popular, businesses look for trained computer professionals to solve technical problems and improve efficiency. Computer science is a computer professional who researches and analyzes how computers store and use information - a.k.a, the computer experts. Their expertise will be needed in various areas in the technology industry, such as offices, government agencies, and research facilities.
Potential Career Paths: Computer and Information Research Scientists, Information Security Analysts, Hardware Engineers, Systems Engineering
Choosing college majors might be hard, yet it can open doors into the workforce and help pave the way to a high-paying job and fulfilling career. So what are you waiting for? Make a decision today for your future tomorrow!
