As the job market continues to evolve, it is important for students to evaluate their options and select a college major that fits their interests and goals. A college major can open up many opportunities for students in the future.
To help you determine which college major is best for your ambitions, here are 15 of the best college majors for the future according to 2023 rankings:
15 Best College Majors Rankings
1 Petroleum Engineering
- Starting Median Salary: $84,000
- Mid-Career: $126,000
- Future Growth: 3%
Atop the list of rankings for top college majors stand Petroleum Engineering. It is a fruitful major, and while competition can be fierce in this industry, students who pursue it could reap tremendous financial rewards down the line.
Petroleum engineers work with companies to develop solutions to help extract natural gas and other petroleum products from the ground. They also analyze environmental conditions, such as air, soil, and water quality, in order to make sure drilling operations are safe for the environment. With such a wide array of responsibilities, it is no wonder that this major has skyrocketed in popularity in recent years.
In addition to the high salaries, petroleum engineers enjoy other perks of their profession. The work environment is often very dynamic and collaborative, offering an opportunity to learn from colleagues and experts in the field. Also, since most drilling sites are located in remote places, travel can be a great perk of being a petroleum engineer. Whether exploring a new country or simply enjoying the beauty of nature, this profession can bring about amazing opportunities for exploration.
2 Cybersecurity
- Starting Median Salary: $75,000
- Mid-Career: $116,000
- Future Growth: 28%
Next on the list of top college majors?
Cybersecurity. With more and more of our data being stored online, the demand for professionals knowledgeable in this field continues to rise. Cybersecurity experts work to ensure that companies’ networks are secure from digital attacks or intrusions. They also help develop protocols and techniques to protect critical systems from cyber threats.
For those looking for a job with good pay and high growth potential, cybersecurity is an ideal choice. Not only will students receive excellent financial compensation for their services, but they will be working on cutting-edge technology at the same time! Furthermore, since most security measures require ongoing maintenance and monitoring, there are plenty of opportunities available for long-term employment within this field.
3 Nuclear Engineering
- Starting Median Salary: $68,000
- Mid-Career: $109,000
- Future Growth: 1%
For those who are looking for a challenging and rewarding career, Nuclear Engineering is right up there with the best college majors. Nuclear engineers utilize the core principles of physics to help design, operate, and maintain nuclear power plants.
With the world’s focus on renewable energy sources such as nuclear energy, this field will continue to grow in importance in the future. Nuclear engineers must be highly skilled professionals capable of working under pressure and solving complex problems.
They must also have an excellent grasp of mathematics and physics in order to work effectively in this field. Furthermore, some states require that engineers obtain licensing before being able to practice within their state’s borders. Despite these challenges, those who pursue a degree in nuclear engineering can look forward
4 Software Engineering
- Starting Median Salary: $74,000
- Mid-Career: $102,000
- Future Growth: 21%
Fourth on our list of top college majors in Software Engineering. This major combines mathematics, coding, and computer science to create efficient and effective software systems. Those who pursue this field have a wealth of opportunities available to them in the technology industry.
Software engineers are tasked with creating both desktop applications and web-based systems that can be used by businesses or individuals. They must also be able to troubleshoot problems when they arise and provide support for existing systems. The field is highly competitive and requires extensive knowledge of programming languages, database management, system design, user interface design, etc.
As technology continues to advance at an ever-increasing pace, the demand for software engineers will only increase over time. As such, those who pursue a degree in software engineering can look forward to a bright future.
5 Physics
- Starting Median Salary: $74,000
- Mid-Career: $102,000
- Future Growth: 9%
Moving on to our list of top college majors in Physics. Physics is the study of matter and energy and how they interact with one another. Those who pursue this degree have a wide range of opportunities available to them, from research to teaching positions.
Physicists often work on developing new technologies or analyzing existing theories. They must also be able to think logically and creatively in order to solve complex problems. Additionally, they must be highly skilled in mathematics and problem-solving techniques in order to succeed in this field. Those who earn a degree in physics can look forward to excellent job security and earn good salaries for their efforts.
Those looking for an intellectually stimulating career should consider pursuing a degree in physics! With its excellent earning potential and job security, physics is a great choice for those wanting to earn a bachelor’s degree.
6 Computer Science
Starting Median Salary: $62,000
Mid-Career: $102,000
Future Growth: 16%
Those who earn this degree often find themselves in high demand within the technology industry. It requires an understanding of both hardware and software systems, as well as an aptitude for problem-solving and creativity.
Computer scientists have excellent job security and earn good salaries for their efforts. They create efficient algorithms, design user interfaces, develop software applications, debug existing software systems, and so much more! With its ever-evolving nature and wealth of opportunities available, computer science is a great choice for those wanting to earn a bachelor’s degree.
These are just some of the many college majors that you can pursue to earn your bachelor’s degree. With the right major chosen and the right amount of hard work, you can earn a degree and ensure a successful professional career.
7 Chemistry Major
- Starting Median Salary: $66,000
- Mid-Career: $99,000
- Future Growth: 6%
If you earn a bachelor’s degree in Chemistry, you deserve an award. This major focuses on the study of chemical reactions and their applications to various fields such as medicine, engineering, and environmental sciences. Those who earn this degree often pursue careers in research or teaching positions at universities where they can continue exploring their interests and make groundbreaking discoveries.
Chemists have excellent job security and earn good salaries for their efforts. They must possess strong analytical skills and be able to think logically in order to solve complex problems. Additionally, chemists must be able to work well with others and have strong communication skills in order to succeed in this field.
8 Economics Major
- Starting Salary: $58,000
- Mid-Career: $98,000
- Future Growth: 8%
Economics is a great choice for those looking to earn their bachelor’s degree. This major focuses on market trends, the economic behavior of individuals and organizations, and the performance of national economies.
Those who earn this degree often pursue careers in research or banking where they can analyze data and provide valuable insights. They must possess strong analytical skills, be able to think logically, and have an understanding of mathematics in order to succeed in this field. Additionally, economists must be knowledgeable about changes in global markets and how they could affect economies as a whole.
9 Electronics Engineering
- Starting Salary: $64,000
- Mid-Career: $95,000
- Future Growth: 2%
This major focuses on the development of electronic devices, systems, and circuits. It requires an understanding of mathematics as well as the principles of design and problem-solving.
Those who earn this degree often pursue careers in research or teaching positions at universities where they can continue exploring their interests and make groundbreaking discoveries. They must possess strong analytical skills and be able to think logically in order to solve complex problems. Additionally, those with electronics engineering degrees must have an aptitude for understanding how electricity works in order to succeed in this field.
10 Information Technology
- Starting Salary: $60,000
- Mid-Career: $93,000
- Future Growth: 5%
There’s nothing like the feeling of knowing you earn a bachelor’s degree in Information Technology. This major focuses on the development, maintenance, and implementation of computer systems as well as data networks. Those who earn this degree often pursue careers in software engineering or system administration where they can use their skills to develop new applications or maintain existing ones.
IT professionals must possess strong analytical skills and be able to think logically in order to solve complex problems. Additionally, they must have an aptitude for understanding how computers work in order to succeed in this field. With its ever-evolving nature and wealth of opportunities available, IT is a great choice for those wanting to earn a bachelor’s degree.
11 Health Informatics
- Starting Salary: $60,000
- Mid-Career: $93,000
- Future Growth: 11%
Earn a bachelor’s degree in Health Informatics and you’ll be able to utilize technology to improve healthcare outcomes. This major focuses on the development and maintenance of electronic medical records, data analytics, and information systems for use within the healthcare sector.
Careers in software engineering or system administration where can use their skills to develop new applications or maintain existing ones. They must possess strong analytical skills and be able to think logically in order to solve complex problems. Additionally, those with health informatics degrees must have an aptitude for understanding how computers work as well as a deep knowledge of the healthcare industry in order to succeed in this field.
With its growing demand and wealth of opportunities available, health informatics is a great choice for those wanting to earn their bachelor’s degree.
12. Management Information Systems
- Starting Salary: $58,000
- Mid-Career: $91,000
- Future Growth: 11%
Management Information Systems (MIS) is a major that focuses on using technology to increase efficiency within the workplace. It requires an understanding of mathematics and computer programming, as well as courses related to business and management.
Careers in software engineering or system administration where can use their skills to develop new applications or maintain existing ones. MIS professionals must possess strong analytical skills and be able to think logically in order to solve complex problems. Additionally, those with MIS degrees must have an aptitude for understanding how computers and business operations work in order to succeed in this field.
13. Game Design Major
- Starting Salary: $51,000
- Mid-Career: $90,000
- Future Growth: 21%
Outstanding news for gamers: the next top choice of college majors has arrived!
Game Design is an exciting field that has seen significant growth in recent years. Those who choose this major will learn how to create games and interactive experiences. This requires courses related to game design, computer programming, 3D modeling and animation, narrative writing, and more.
Game Design majors must possess strong analytical skills and be able to think logically in order to solve complex problems. Additionally, they must have an aptitude for understanding game mechanics as well as the various software programs used by developers in order to succeed in this field. With its ever-evolving nature and wealth of opportunities available, Game Design is a great choice for those wanting to earn a bachelor’s degree.
14. Mechanical Engineering
Starting Salary: $61,000
Mid-Career: $95,000
Future Growth: 10%
Mechanical Engineering is a major that focuses on the design and development of machines and mechanical components. Those who pursue this degree will learn courses related to physics, mathematics, materials science, and engineering principles.
Professionals in this field must possess strong analytical skills and be able to think logically in order to solve complex problems. Additionally, those with a mechanical engineering degree must have an aptitude for understanding how machines work as well as courses related to courses such as thermodynamics, the strength of materials, and manufacturing processes in order to succeed in this field.
15 Public Administration Major
Starting Salary: $49,000
Mid-Career: $79,000
Future Growth: 14%
Public Administration is a major that focuses on the management of public sector organizations and their employees. Those who choose this path will take courses related to public policy, administration theory, organizational behavior, budgeting, and more.
Professionals in this field must possess strong analytical skills and be able to think logically in order to solve complex problems. Additionally, those with a public administration degree must have an aptitude for understanding the needs of the public sector as well as courses related to government processes and regulations in order to succeed in this field.
