EDUCATION GUIDE
15 COLLEGE MAJORS THAT HOLD
PROMISING CAREER PATHS
Forbes Magazine deemed these the most valuable college
majors by way of salary and career prospects for graduates.
1. Biomedical Engineering – Also known as BioMed, this
STEM field looks at the ever-increasing use of technology
in the medical field. This broad field has different focus areas
that can involve instrumentation, materials, mechanics,
clinical technology, rehabilitation and more. If science, math,
and biology interest you, BioMed could be a good major for
you.
2. Biochemistry – As the name suggests, this major looks at
biology and chemistry, or the study of the chemistry of living
organisms. Lab work is common in this major, so interest in
hands-on problem solving and process research is important.
Can’t choose between biology and chemistry? This may be
your answer.
3. Computer Science – This major can span many industries
and focuses on exposure to both computer hardware and
software. The current advancements in technology have
computer science majors learning about robotics, natural
language recognition, and artificial intelligence, among
others. Careers with this degree include IT consultant,
information systems manager, database administrator, games
developer and technical writer.
4. Software Engineering – Interested in learning another
language? Programming language, that is! The rapidly
advancing field of software engineering studies the scientific
and mathematical side of computer software. If you’re
good at problem solving and excited by the opportunity for
continuous learning, a software engineering major could be
of interest.
5. Environmental Engineering – Environmental
engineering careers aid in the clean-up and prevention
of dangerous contamination on our planet. This major
studies the design, development, and execution of systems
developed to protect our environment and the health of the
public. Science and math are both used heavily in this major.
6. Civil Engineering – If you enjoy building things and math
is a strong subject of yours, civil engineering may be your
calling. Whether it’s a skyscraper or a bridge, civil engineers
work as part of a larger team to build what our cities need to
function.
7. Geology – If you’re a down-to-earth person, a geology
major may pique your interest. You’ll work outside and
inside a laboratory to learn about Earth’s greatest treasures.
A degree in geology can land you in a variety of different
jobs including environmental agencies, consultancies,
waste management agencies, government organizations, or
independent research.
8. Management Information Systems – Also known
as MIS, this major is a computer nerd’s dream. You’ll
study the ins and outs of information systems including
computer databases, information exchange via networks, and
cybersecurity to name a few. You’ll also learn how to teach
others to best use their computers and how to resolve issues.
9. Petroleum Engineering – If you’ve loved oil rigs since
you were little, petroleum engineering might be your dream
job. A career in this field charges you with discovering and
extracting oil and gas from underground deposits. You could
also find yourself then using these natural resources for
products such as gasoline.
10. Applied Mathematics – Are you a natural problem solver?
An applied mathematics major studies math and statistics to
solve real-world problems across a variety of different fields
and industries.
11. Mathematics – Wondering about the difference between
applied mathematics and mathematics as a major? Applied
math focuses on using math to solve practical problems,
while math is done just for the sake of doing math. You can
use a mathematics degree in a variety of fields such as law,
medicine, or business with an advanced degree, or if you’re
interested in teaching, math can be your subject.
12. Construction Management – Buildings are constantly
being constructed everywhere you look. A construction
management professional ensures that projects are
completed on time and on budget, and jobs can vary from
commercial to residential buildings. A major in this field
requires studying engineering and architecture, followed by
hands-on construction experience.
13. Finance – If you’re all about the numbers, a finance
major may be what you need to show off your money
management skills. Learning how to manage for a business or
organization’s long-term financial success is what will make
you successful in this field.
14. Physics – The scientific study of matter and energy, such
as the theory of relativity, is at the heart of a physics major.
Experiments in the lab and research will teach you more
about the laws that govern the universe.
15. Statistics – If you’re data-driven, statistics is a major to
consider. The scientific discipline collects, organizes, and
analyzes data to put it to good use. Many stats majors choose
a double major or a minor that complements statistics, such
as finance or economics. This makes you very marketable
when going out into the field.
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