When thinking about your future career, no college major should be completely dismissed without careful consideration. However, there are a few standouts that everyone even slightly interested in these particular fields should think about before completely writing them off—even if they don’t seem like the most unique or glamorous options. From high employment rates to a great return on investment, these five majors all have the potential to lead students to a promising future.
1. Computer Science
Before you roll your eyes, hear me out. It's no secret that STEM fields are growing at a rapid rate, and tech is relevant to every single field out there. Medicine requires quite a bit of technological knowledge, but guess what—so does business, entrepreneurship, robotics, environmental work, education, and so much more. That makes Computer Science a very valuable degree with a robust job market and endless opportunities. A huge plus is there’s likely a job for a Computer Science major no matter what other fields you’re interested in. The average salary for a Computer Science major is $71,156, according to Zippia.com, though this number definitely fluctuates. Technology is the future, after all!
Related: Top 10 Reasons to Major in Computer Science
2. Economics
This major is also pretty common and may not seem that exciting, but the future is bright for Econ majors. According to Indeed, the average salary for an economist is around $107,000, the field is expected to grow by 13% over the next 10 years, and every career involves money somehow! Majoring in Economics is a good idea if you're interested in the technical side of business and how money and finances influence society as a whole.
3. Engineering
Shocking absolutely no one, Engineering is easily regarded as one of the most valuable majors around. Not only are engineers vital to the development of society, business, and major fields like technology and medicine, but it’s also an incredibly broad discipline with many specialties. From Chemical to Medical to Aerospace, there's a branch for every interest imaginable; that's just how essential Engineering is. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, the field is expected to grow by 6%, and Indeed reports that the average engineer makes around $94,500. While it’s a competitive field, jobs are available, the market is steady, and it can prove to be quite a lucrative career path.
Related: What Can You Do With an Engineering Major?
4. Business
Another popular choice among college students, Business is a very useful major that can take you on many different paths, from starting your own business to working for a corporation. Majoring in Business gives students a deep understanding of the inner workings of the ever-changing business world while preparing them for a successful career in the field. Business degrees are pretty well regarded as a whole and are among the most in-demand, according to Coursera. Earning a Business degree and going on to earn your MBA can be a great choice for people interested in entrepreneurship, upper-level corporate positions, marketing, and more.
5. Communications
This one is the riskiest of the list, but it should still be given time to shine. While Communications often lands on “most regretted college majors” lists, the degree still has its perks. A common criticism of Communications is the fact that it’s incredibly broad and therefore can't easily be applied to any specific field. While this may be true, it can also be seen as an advantage if the circumstances are right. For instance, roles in marketing, copywriting, content creation, management, and many other jobs require a degree in Communications or similar fields. While all these examples are also related to business, each specific job is different from the next, proving that a Communications degree can be the key to many different doors.
Related: What Can You Do With a Communications Major?
The truth is that most college majors have their own unique advantages and disadvantages, but some degrees are viewed as much more favorable than others in the eyes of employers, like the majors on this list. The most important thing to do while searching for the perfect major for you is to keep an open mind. However, don't forget to be realistic and look into job outlooks, average salaries, ROI, and every other factor under the sun; you don't want to end up passive-aggressively ranting on the internet about how much you regret your degree once you're well into your 30s.
Looking for great schools to study these fields? Find and connect with colleges that offer Business, Communications, Engineering, and much more with our Lists & Rankings by major.
