College majors are a funny thing. Some students know exactly what they want to major in before they even start college. Others don't declare until a year or so down the road. Some choose a major knowing they could potentially earn a lot of money. Others follow in their parents' footsteps. The list goes on.
Bing: What college majors are in highest demand?
Our advice has always been to earn a degree in something that will lend itself to a career path you can be passionate about. It may be uncommon, broad or challenging. But as long as you love it and can find some type of career doing it, go for it. We took a look at the most popular college degrees, defined here as the number of degrees conferred in any given major. Business was the most popular degree in 2007-2008, according to the 2010 Digest of Education Statistics from the U.S. Department of Education. Of the 1,601,368 bachelor's degrees awarded by degree-granting institutions, 346,972 were for degree in business, management, marketing and related support services. Here's how other popular degrees broke down:
- Social sciences: 133,789 - Health professions and related clinical sciences: 120,488 - Education: 101,708 - Visual and performing arts: 89,140 - Engineering and engineering technologies: 84,636 - Communication and communication technologies: 83,109 -Biological and biomedical sciences: 80,956
If you're thinking about earning your bachelor's degree in any of the above fields, here are some possible careers that line up with market demands:
Business Career: Market researcher A bachelor's degree is often adequate for entry-level jobs, but you may need a higher degree for advancement and more technical positions. Job prospects: Employment is expected to increase approximately 28 percent from 2008-2018.
Career: Human resources analyst A lot of schools don't offer specific programs for human resources, so many employers look for college graduates with a technical or business background or a well-rounded liberal arts education. Job prospects: Employment is expected to increase approximately 22 percent from 2008-2018.
Biology Career: Forester A bachelor's degree in forestry, biology, natural resource management, environmental sciences or a related field is the minimum educational requirement for a forestry career. Job prospects: Employment is expected to increase approximately 12 percent from 2008-2018.
Career: Zoologist A bachelor's degree in biology is generally sufficient for a career in zoology. Job prospects: Employment is expected to increase approximately 13 percent from 2008-2018.
Social Science Career: Social worker A bachelor's degree in social work is usually required to get a job in social work, but majors in psychology, sociology or a related social science may qualify for entry-level jobs. Job prospects: Employment is expected to increase approximately 16 percent from 2008-2018.
Career: Urban and regional planner Candidates with a bachelor's degree in urban planning will qualify for some entry-level positions, but they will most likely need a higher degree to advance. Job prospects: Employment is expected to increase approximately 19 percent from 2008-2018.
Visual and Performing Arts Career: Graphic designer An associate's or bachelor's degree is needed for entry-level positions in graphic design. Job prospects: Employment is expected to increase approximately 19 percent from 2008-2018.
Career: Interior designer A bachelor's degree in graphic design is required for most graphic design positions. Many colleges, universities and private design schools offer bachelor's degrees in fine arts or graphic design. Job prospects: Employment is expected to increase approximately 13 percent from 2008-2018.
SOURCE: U.S. Department of Education, National Center for Education Statistics. (2010) Digest of Education Statistics, 2009 (NCES 2010-013.)
