Top College Majors for a Fulfilling Career

Summer break -- the time of year when pools are open, the weather is perfect, curfew is later, and school is a distant memory. Does it get any better than this? We know it probably feels like you just received your high school diploma, but the unspoken truth is that college orientation will be on your doorstep before you know it. With that in mind, it's not a bad idea to start considering what you'd like your college journey to look like.

So take a quick break from the Summer festivities and join us as we discuss 10 of the most popular college majors that will ultimately lead to lasting, impactful, and lucrative careers.

Top majors in college: What are college students studying?

So, what are the ‘best’ majors, you ask? That’s a tough question to answer. Determining what makes a job desirable is not always easy. 

Different people value different things in a career. The best college majors for you may be the ones that allow you to make a tangible difference in the world. Or maybe you want a career that requires more than a bachelor's degree, meaning you'll likely prioritize schools with good graduate programs.

Whatever you hope to get out of your college studies, we've identified 10 popular majors (in no particular order) that are in high demand in 2024.

Keep in Mind! The word "best" is subjective and can change depending on what you value in a career, which is why we’ll avoid using that language throughout. Only you can determine what the best college majors are for you. The 10 majors we've selected are meant to give you a wide range of options (Some with a high median annual salary, some not. Some require a pre-existing skillset, some don't).

Computer Science

Computer science majors (also known as CS majors) are the computer geeks that make the world go round. They are experts in computer systems and software development, creating programs we know you use all the time (Instagram, TikTok, X, Snapchat)! Of course, app development is only a small subset of what these professionals can do. As we dive head-first into an era molded by artificial intelligence, computer systems analysts will be faced with never-before-seen challenges and opportunities. 

Exciting job opportunities: Software Engineer, Game Designer, Full-Stack Developer, Computer Network Architects

Business Administration

Are you sitting on a million-dollar idea but just don't know how to execute it? Becoming a business major may be in your future. Business majors get to learn the basics of business management, ethics-based decision-making, and leadership. There's a reason business administration has remained one of the most common college majors for decades; it leaves you so many potential career paths. Think of this major as a Swiss Army knife for the professional world.

Exciting job opportunities: Market Research Analyst, Information Manager, Operations Management, Financial Advising, Project Management, Advertising

Healthcare Administration

Have you ever wondered how healthcare systems and hospitals run so smoothly? You can thank the healthcare administrators of the world. They are the unsung heroes in the background -- they enact medical policies, keep the healthcare facility running and operable, and strive to give the patient the best experience possible. The US Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) predicts that from now to 2031, jobs within the healthcare administration space will grow by 28 percent. (This major is not to be confused with Nursing).

Exciting job opportunities: Medical Director, Nursing Recruiter, Medical Records Manager, Healthcare Data Science

Education

You would not be able to make the transition from high school to college if not for the wonderful teachers who helped mold you along the way. Have you ever wanted to pay it forward? Education majors are some of the most selfless people we have in this world -- dedicating their time and effort to ensuring our next generation of professionals are adequately prepared to take on life's challenges (despite maybe not being paid what they deserve). 

Exciting job opportunities: Primary Education Teacher, College Professor, School Principal

Political Science

Political science majors (or, PoliSci majors) get to dive into the world of political theory, international relationships, public policy, and the government. If you're the type that would rather watch the daily news than the night's biggest sporting event, you may want to start looking at some schools with good PoliSci programs. You could be well on your way to becoming your city's, state's, or even country's next great leader!

Exciting job opportunities: Policy Analyst, Public Relations Specialist, Social Media Manager

Nursing

If you've got a heart of gold and a passion for helping others, medical school might be your desired career path. As a nursing major, you'll dive headfirst into the world of healthcare, joining the ranks of compassionate and skilled healthcare professionals who are the backbone of patient care. You'll learn all the ins and outs of the human body, how to keep people healthy, and how to be there for them when they're not feeling their best. Think of it as your training to become a real-life superhero in scrubs, ready to make a tangible difference in the lives of others.

Exciting job opportunities: Anesthetist, General Practitioner, ER Nurse, Surgeon, Nutritionist

Fine and Performing Arts

You might want to consider pursuing a degree in fine and performing arts if you find it easier to express yourself through a creative medium rather than words. Or maybe, you simply can't imagine a world without music, movies, and television (you would not be alone in that). The art landscape is vast and varied, with no real blueprint for how one achieves "success" (That is part of the appeal of an art career, you get to pave your own path). 

Exciting job opportunities: Film & Video Production, Theatre Acting, Photography, Interior Design, Graphic Design

Engineering

Engineering students love to solve problems through a blend of math, science, and critical thinking. They're the humans behind creating structures we live and work in, the gadgets we use every day, and even the medical devices that save lives. They aim to create systems and products that make daily life easier and more efficient for everyone. Engineering is a massive college major with several subdisciplines, including electrical, computer, civil, biomedical, and mechanical engineering. 

Exciting job opportunities: Computer Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, Aerospace Engineering, Civil Engineering, Biomedical Engineering, Electrical Engineering

Psychology

Do you want to genuinely help people? Do you have a desire to learn more about human behavior? Psychology might be your perfect match. Psychology programs offer students the chance to delve into the complexities of human thoughts, feelings, motivations, and relationships. You'll get to learn about personality theories, how we learn and remember, and how to offer professional advice to those dealing with challenges. As we continue to prioritize the mental health movement, psychologists are going to be of great need in the future.

Exciting job opportunities: Therapist, Career Counselor, Social Worker, Program Coordinator

Biological and Biomedical Sciences

When the microscopes get busted out, are you the one kid in the room whose eyes light up? Your dream school may be one that offers an esteemed biology program. This field is all about unraveling the mysteries of life, from the tiniest cells to the most complex organisms. You'll explore genetics, microbiology, physiology, and even how to create new medicines and therapies. Think lab coats, microscopes, and groundbreaking discoveries! 

Exciting job opportunities: Veterinarian, Pharmacist, Laboratory Technician, Environmentalist

The Future is Yours to Mold

There you have it. Ten majors that are not only popular among your peers but are in growing industries that will set you up with long-lasting and rewarding careers. Remember, there’s no one-size-fits-all answer when it comes to choosing the best college major. 

Whether you decide on one of these ten majors or find another path that calls to you, Varsity Tutors is here to support you every step of the way. We offer personalized tutoring, test prep, and academic resources to help you excel in your studies and achieve your goals.

Take a deep breath and realize this decision is not the career-defining moment it is made out to be. Your future is yours to mold. With hard work, dedication, and a little guidance from your friends at Varsity Tutors, you’ll be well on your way to a fulfilling and successful career path.

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