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Top 15 College Majors for the Future
By
Zach Skillings
Zach Skillings is the Scholarships360 Growth Product Manager. During his time as a Scholarships360 writer, he specialized in college admissions, striving to answer important questions about higher education. Zach graduated from Elon University with a degree in Cinema and Television Arts.
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Varonika Ware is a content writer at Scholarships360. Varonika earned her undergraduate degree in Mass Communications at Louisiana State University. During her time at LSU, she worked with the Center of Academic Success to create the weekly Success Sunday newsletter. Varonika also interned at the Louisiana Department of Insurance in the Public Affairs office with some of her graphics appearing in local news articles.
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Maria Geiger is Director of Scholarship Services at Scholarships360. She is a former online educational technology instructor and adjunct writing instructor. In addition to education reform, Maria’s interests include viewpoint diversity, blended/flipped learning, digital communication, and integrating media/web tools into the curriculum to better facilitate student engagement. Maria earned both a B.A. and an M.A. in English Literature from Monmouth University, an M. Ed. in Education from Monmouth University, and a Virtual Online Teaching Certificate (VOLT) from the University of Pennsylvania.
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As industries evolve and the demand for certain jobs increases, some college majors promise especially rewarding career paths. That’s why we’ve put together this list of the top 15 college majors that lead to the best job prospects.
We’ve paid close attention to the demand for certain jobs across industries, basing our list on the fastest growing occupations according to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics. Note that some of these professions require only a certificate or associate’s degree, while others call for a bachelor’s, master’s, or even a doctoral degree. Let’s get started!
1. Wind Turbine Installation
Wind energy is a rapidly expanding field. In fact, wind turbine technician jobs are expected to grow by 60% over the next decade – the fastest growing profession in the U.S. Windtechs install, maintain, and repair wind turbines.
They generally work outdoors, in confined spaces, and often at great heights. Most windtechs learn their trade by attending technical school or community college, where they earn a certificate or associate’s degree. A bachelor’s degree isn’t required to enter this field.
Career: Wind Turbine Technician
2. Solar Panel Installation
Another quickly growing field is solar energy. As more and more households turn to solar power as an alternate form of energy, the demand for solar photovoltaic (PV) installers is skyrocketing. These professionals assemble and maintain rooftop systems that convert sunlight into energy.
There’s an average of over 4,000 job openings in this industry each year, and that’s projected to continue over the next decade. PV installers learn their trade by taking courses online or at technical school or community college, while also receiving on-the-job training. A bachelor’s degree is not required to pursue this profession.
Career: Solar Photovoltaic Installer
3. Nursing
Nursing is one of the fastest-growing fields in the healthcare industry. Within the field of nursing, there are a wide range of career paths. With a Bachelor of Science in Nursing you could become a registered nurse, nurse practitioner, or a specialized nurse in a number of areas.
While the field of nursing as a whole is generally trending upward, nurse practitioner (NP) jobs in particular are quickly expanding. NPs serve as primary and specialty care providers, delivering advanced nursing services to patients.
To become a nurse practitioner, you must obtain a B.S. in Nursing, pass a national certification exam, and complete an NP-focused advanced degree program.
Career: Nurse Practitioner
Career: Registered Nurse
Also see: Top nursing scholarships
4. Data Science, Statistics, and Mathematics
In today’s information-driven world, data science, statistics, and mathematics are extremely valuable fields of study. Across all industries, businesses are turning to data to predict consumer behavior, improve decision-making, and tweak marketing strategies. So, it makes sense that there’s such a high demand for individuals who understand data.
These professionals, often referred to as data scientists, help companies make sense of information that can improve their business practices. Data science is a relatively new field of employment and is expected to expand rapidly.
To become a data scientist, students typically major in data science or a related field such as mathematics, statistics, or computer science. A master’s degree is sometimes required, depending on the specific job position and employer.
Career: Data scientist
Career: Statistician and Mathematicians
Learn more: What is a STEM Degree (And why you should study one)
5. Computer Science and Software Engineering
Since we are currently in a digital era, there’s a high demand for college graduates with a degree in a computer-related field. From developing websites to mining data to making advancements in artificial intelligence, there’s an abundance of opportunities in this field. Jobs in information security, software development, and computer research are expected to expand rapidly throughout the coming years.
As the demand for new and better technology grows, the demand for these jobs will grow as well. Depending on the specific field they wish to enter, students may want to concentrate their computer science degree in a certain area. Popular concentrations include artificial intelligence, information security, data science, software engineering, and programming languages.
Career: Information Security Analyst
Career: Software Developers, Quality Assurance Analysts and Testers
Career: Computer and Information Research Scientist
6. Healthcare Administration
Healthcare administrators work on the management side of healthcare. They ensure that hospitals, clinics, and nursing homes run efficiently by overseeing finances and coordinating health services. They may oversee an entire facility, or a specific clinic or department.
Most individuals have at least a bachelor’s degree in healthcare administration before entering the field, but master’s degrees are also common. Due to the aging of the Baby Boomer generation, an increased demand for healthcare service professionals is expected.
Career: Medical and Health Services Manager
7. Physician Assistant
While becoming a physician assistant seems like the same track as becoming a doctor, you will actually shave off a few years pursuing this career. Physician assistants usually spend their four years in a medical related major, though it’s not required, before applying to PA school.
PAs fulfill similar responsibilities as physicians, but they are under direct supervision of surgeons or physicians. There’s a variety of medical fields that PAs can work in, and they are often able to examine and diagnose patients.
Career: Physician Assistant
8. Physical Therapy
Physical therapists are movement experts who help patients improve their quality of life through prescribed exercise and hands-on care. They treat individuals of all ages, from newborns to senior citizens. Most patients have injuries or disabilities that require treatment.
The demand for physical therapists and their assistants is increasing due to the large number of aging Baby Boomers, as well as the recent rise of conditions such as diabetes and obesity. A doctor of physical therapy (PT) degree is required to become a physical therapist.
However, there’s no specific bachelor’s degree required to pursue the profession. Most undergraduate students with plans to pursue PT choose to major in exercise science, kinesiology, biology, health science, or psychology.
An associate’s degree is required to become a PT assistant, and physical therapists and occupational therapists are often required to have a postgraduate degree such as a master’s or doctorate.
Career: Physical Therapist Assistant
Career: Physical Therapist
Career: Occupational Therapist
9. Operations Research Analysis
If you love problem solving, operations research analysis might be the major for you! As the name indicates, operations research is dedicated to identifying problems within businesses and organizations to improve operations. People in this profession collect data to effectively create and implement solutions.
Since data is imperative in this major, statistics and math are heavily involved as well. It also requires a minimum of a bachelor’s degree, but a master’s degree may be required for certain positions. Degrees should be in mathematics, business, computer science, and other related fields.
Career: Operations Research Analyst
10. Actuarial Science
Actuaries work with companies to predict financial risk of certain events and minimize it. As a result, they are extremely important for insurance companies to continue operating. Some of their responsibilities are similar to accountants and financial analysts.
Therefore, actuaries typically start out with an undergraduate degree in mathematics, statistics, business administration, and other related fields. Students can also pursue additional certifications to diversify their resumes as well.
Career: Actuary
11. Business, Accounting, Finance and related subjects
A business degree can span across several different majors, such as accounting, finance, economics, marketing and many more. It’s often a profitable career path, and a 2023 study found that 25% of workers with a business degree were in management positions.
Specifically, careers as a financial examiner and logistician are on the rise. These professions are essential in ensuring transactions are in compliance with the law and oversee product supply, respectively. Both require bachelor’s degrees, but some logistician positions may allow an associate’s degree.
Career: Financial examiner
Career: Logistician
12. Home Healthcare
As we’ve mentioned, Baby Boomers are beginning to get older, which has caused a rise in several medical related fields. Home healthcare aides in particular assists older adults, people with disabilities, and severe illnesses with day-to-day tasks. This can include but isn’t limited to administering medication, housekeeping, and other caregiving activities.
In order to fulfill a role in home healthcare, you have to complete training and certification for your state and/or program. A college degree isn’t required, but aides must graduate from high school or have a GED equivalent.
Career: Home Health and Personal Care Aide
13. Animal Caretaking
Animal caretakers are responsible for the overall care of many different types of animals. These responsibilities include bathing, feeding, performing maintenance on enclosures, and more. They also don’t have to just work at a veterinary clinic since their options include places like aquariums and zoos!
Anyone that has a high school diploma or equivalent and a passion for animals can get started in this career. However, you can get certifications to set yourself apart when applying for positions.
Career: Veterinary Assistants and Laboratory Animal Caretakers
Career: Veterinarians
14. Veterinary Technology
Specializing in veterinary technology means assisting veterinarians in the very important task of keeping people’s pets healthy. Students in this major can either go into the research side as a veterinary technologist or work in a vet clinic as a veterinary technician. Veterinary technicians work directly with veterinarians and conduct animal exams and tests.
Depending on if you’re a technician or technologist, your schooling requirements will differ. Veterinary technicians require at least an associate’s degree while veterinary technologists must complete a four-year bachelor’s program.
Career: Veterinary Technician
15. Psychology and Social Science
Mental health is an important aspect of all of our lives, and luckily, there are professionals that can help provide assistance, such as empowering their clients with coping mechanisms for life, personal issues, and/or mental and behavioral illnesses. There are actually a wide variety of social sciences to choose from including sociology, anthropology, political science, psychology, and more!
This field is involved heavily in research, so continuing education is fairly common. Typically, someone pursuing a career in this field will also have a postgraduate degree ranging from a master’s to a doctorate, but there are some positions that only require a bachelor’s degree.
Career: Substance Abuse, Behavioral Disorder, and Mental Health Counselor
Final Thoughts
As you can see, there’s many promising majors that lead to lucrative and rewarding careers. The key is to choose a field of study that you’re passionate about. Don’t declare your major based on job prospects alone.
Choosing a major is an important decision that has a long term impact. You want to end up with a stable career, of course, but you should also enjoy the work that you’re doing. If you can find something that checks both boxes, you should absolutely pursue it. Whatever path you choose, remember to apply for all the scholarships you qualify to help fund the journey!