The major you choose will have a major impact on your career and even your life. There will always be exceptions — like those who study history or psychology and eventually become a computer programmer, but for the majority of people, your major will dictate your career path.
I referenced the latter data from a study conducted by Career Builder on which majors employers are most looking to hire, and the former data from a 2014 salary survey that was conducted by the NACE.
1. Computer Science
Computer Science is the highest paying and most in-demand degree on this list. Data from the Bureau of Labor Statistics shows, for example, that by 2020, there will be 1.4 million new computer science jobs, but only 400,000 computer science students.
Average Starting Salary: $63,000
Percent of Employers Are Seeking This Major: 27%
Example Careers: Software Developer, Web Developer, Database Administrator
2. Business & Administration
As long as there are businesses, business majors will always be in demand. Business majors are the most in-demand major on this list due to sheer number of different types of business positions available on the job market.
Average Starting Salary: $54,000
Percent Of Employers Are Seeking This Major: 38%
Example Careers: Marketing Manager, Business Development, HR manager
3. Engineering
Engineering is one of the highest paying majors you can choose with a wide selection of career options in different fields. Although the starting salary for engineers as an average is $63,000, a Petroleum Engineer starting salary is $93,500.
Average Starting Salary: $63,000
Percent Of Employers Are Seeking This Major: 18%
Example Careers: Petroleum Engineer, Electrical Engineer, Chemical Engineer
4. Finance
Choosing a finance degree can lead you to a very lucrative career. Although the starting salary for finance majors is slightly above average, financial managers can earn an average salary of $130,000. Keep in mind with finance, employment opportunities can be influenced by your GPA.
Average Starting Salary: $55,000
Percent Of Employers Are Seeking This Major: 22%
Example Careers: Financial Manager, Financial Analyst, Money Manager
5. Information Technology
Just like Computer Science, the need for Information Technology (IT) majors is growing each year as the world we know continues to become more digitalized. Understand that in the field of IT, you will constantly be educating yourself in order to stay up to date with the newest technologies long after you finish school.
Average Starting Salary: $48,900
Percent Of Employers Are Seeking This Major: 30%
Example Careers: Network Engineer, VoIP Support Specialist, Network Administrator.
6. Mathematics & Statistics
Companies are always looking to hire math majors due to their analytical skills and the ability to work in a problem solving environment. Math majors are highly valued by public and private companies in every industry, including finance, computer and data science, and biotechnology.
Average Starting Salary: $43,000
Percent Of Employers Are Seeking This Major: 14%
Example Careers: Engineering Analyst, Mathematician, Operations Research
7. Communications
The ubiquitous nature of social media and the globalization of information-sharing has led organizations of all sizes to have an interest in communications majors. Communication majors are able to work such fields like marketing, media relations, writing and broadcast.
Average Starting Salary: $44,000
Percent Of Employers Are Seeking This Major: 12%
Example Careers: Public Relations (PR) Manager, Creative Services Director, Media Manager
8. Education
Although teaching may have the lowest average starting salary on the list, it definitely can be one of the most fulfilling career paths one can take. You have the ability to have a direct impact on the future of many, plus having summers off isn’t half bad either.
Average Starting Salary: $41,000
Percent of Employers Are Seeking This Major: 7%
Example Careers: K-12 Teacher, Principal, College Professor
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