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Scholarships360 Guide to College Majors
By
Maria Geiger
Maria Geiger is Director of Content 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.
Full BioLearn about our editorial policies
Are you asking yourself “what should I major in?” Perhaps you already have an idea, but want to learn more about what coursework to expect. Maybe you want to learn more about what you can “do” with a particular degree. Well, you landed in the right place! Our Guide to College Majors will help you decide whether a particular major might be a fit for you. We cite the latest data from the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics and include the median pay for a variety of jobs related to each major. No less important, we include the USBLS’s projected job growth for a peek into the what the future holds for that particular career.
Choosing a college major is an important decision that should be carefully considered. While there is no guarantee that you will find your “perfect major,” educating yourself before spending time and money is the smart thing to do.
Jump ahead to:
We will constantly be adding to the following list of majors. If you don’t find your major this time, please check again!
College majors
- Accounting
- Animal science
- Anthropology
- Architecture
- Art
- Astronomy
- Biology
- Biomedical engineering
- Chemistry
- Cognitive science
- Communications
- Computer science
- Criminology
- Economics
- Education
- Engineering
- English
- Environmental science
- Exercise science
- Film
- Finance
- Geography
- Geology
- History
- Human services
- Information science
- Information technology
- International business
- Journalism
- Kinesiology
- Linguistics
- Music
- Nutrition
- Philosophy
- Physics
- Political science
- Psychology
- Public health
- Public relations
- Social work
- Statistics
- STEM
- Zoology
Frequently asked questions
We have put together these questions to help you make a “major” decision, including how to choose a major, how to choose one (or two!), and which majors are the fastest growing.
What is a college major?
As described in our How to Pick a College Major Guide, a college major is a “structured program of study built around a particular discipline.” There are an infinite number of majors because new majors are always in the works. Fifty years ago, who could imagine a computer science major? Whatever major a student chooses should expose them to the knowledge and skills needed to work in that particular field of study. While students will usually start out taking core general requirement classes such as English, History, Math, and Science, they usually start taking more specialized classes within their major by the end of their second year of college.
How do I choose a college major?
Choosing a major can be daunting for some students. After all, not every student starts college with a clear sense of what they want to major in. Some are hoping to 100% find that out while in college! However, there are a few things to think about before you decide. Students can start by considering their interests, available opportunities, and earning potential. When choosing a college major, take advantage of all the resources available to you. Talk to students and professors in the major(s) that interest you. If possible, try and get an internship or volunteer in the field you plan to major in. Learn more about choosing a major in our How to Pick a Major Guide.
See also: Top Majors and Careers for Introverts
What are the fastest growing college majors?
If you are looking for a list of the fastest growing majors, you have come to the right place! Our list of the top 15 college majors is a great place to start. We cover a variety of majors, basing our list on the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics’ fastest growing occupations. If you want to be on the cutting edge of future careers, it is a good idea to read What Are the Fastest Growing Careers? to learn more.
Which college majors pay the most?
We are going to go right to the 20 Highest Paying Careers to Consider to answer this question. The highest paying careers are specialists in the mental health and medical fields, such as psychiatrists and maxillofacial surgeons. As expected, airline pilots, judges, architects, and financial managers make the cut. Our list offers a wide variety of careers that pay extremely well, but don’t forget how valuable it is to have a genuine interest in your chosen career!
If you are the type of student who already knows that “less is best” regarding time spent in formal education, check out our list of the Highest-Paying Associate Degree Jobs–there are some real winners on it!
Closing thoughts
If you have a pretty good idea of what you want to major in, that’s great! The best is yet to come as you dive deeper into your major over your college career. If you have no idea about what to major in, don’t despair! The best is ahead for you as well if you are open to the thrill of discovery. As long as you have an open mind, engage in all of your classes, and make the most of your out of school experiences, your future major will find you! Good luck in your journey!
