10 Most In-Demand Majors

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With the ever-changing landscape of the job market, it can be challenging to determine which college major will lead to a successful career. However, there are certain fields that are projected to see significant growth in the coming years.

If you're a college student trying to choose a major or a professional looking to make a career change, it may be worth considering one of the most in-demand college majors. These fields are not only growing but also offer lucrative and fulfilling job opportunities.

Below, we've written out a list of the top 10 majors that are currently in high demand.

1. Business

If you have a knack for strategic thinking and leadership, a business degree might be your ticket to a promising career. A major in business can equip you with a comprehensive understanding of the fundamentals of business, including management principles, marketing strategies, financial analysis, and economic concepts.

This versatile degree can pave the way for careers across sectors like finance, marketing, human resources, and entrepreneurship.

According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), business-related occupations are projected to grow significantly, with up to 911,400 new positions expected to be created each year on average.

You can qualify for jobs such as marketing manager and top executive, both boasting six-figure salaries.

2. Healthcare Administration

Those who are interested in the healthcare sector but lean toward the administrative side of things might find that a degree in healthcare administration is the right fit.

This major offers you an understanding of the healthcare system and can equip you with the skills required to manage healthcare facilities effectively.

Plus, the BLS projects that medical and health services management roles will grow by 28% from 2022-2032. In 2022, these professionals earned a median annual salary of $104,830.

3. Mathematics and Statistics

The demand for professionals with a solid foundation in mathematics and statistics is on the rise in our data-driven world. A degree in these fields can allow you to apply for a variety of roles, including data scientist, actuarial analyst, market research statistician, and cryptographer.

The BLS projects that jobs for mathematicians and statisticians will increase by 30% from 2022-2032, a rate that outstrips most other professions. Over the next decade, about 3,500 positions for mathematicians and statisticians are projected to open up annually, so it may be a major worth considering.

4. Nursing

Nursing continues to be a popular career in healthcare, with a steady demand for skilled and compassionate nurses. A nursing degree can prepare you for a fulfilling career in patient care, offering you the chance to make a profound impact on people's lives.

The BLS projects that the number of roles for registered nurses will grow by 6% between 2022 and 2032. And every year for the next decade, there will be, on average, approximately 193,100 job openings for registered nurses.

With an aging population and a rise in chronic illnesses, the healthcare industry's demand is set to surge, offering you a promising job market.

5. Medical Assisting

If you're interested in healthcare but prefer a supportive role, a degree in medical assisting could be a great fit. Medical assistants play an essential role in healthcare teams, often serving as the backbone of medical offices and clinics.

They perform a broad range of duties, from clinical tasks like taking vitals and assisting with patient examinations to administrative tasks like scheduling appointments and updating medical records.

Plus, the BLS estimates a growth rate of 14% in jobs for medical assistants from 2022-2032, a rate that outpaces most other professions.

6. Information Technology

With technology playing an ever-increasing role in our lives, a degree in information technology could be a smart investment in your future. This versatile degree can lead to a wide variety of careers in the tech industry, from software development and network administration to cybersecurity and data analysis.

The BLS projects jobs for certain IT roles like information security engineer to grow by 32% from 2022-2032. The Bureau projects positions for software developers, quality assurance analysts, and testers to grow by 25%.

Jobs for computer and information research scientists are also booming, with the BLS projecting 23% growth for these professionals within the same timeframe.

7. Computer Science

For those with a passion for technology and problem-solving, a degree in computer science can be a pathway to a rewarding career. As a computer science graduate, you can find yourself working on the cutting edge of technology, developing software, designing systems, or solving complex problems with data.

The BLS predicts strong growth in computer science careers over the coming years. For example, jobs for software developers are projected to grow by 22% between 2022 and 2032, much faster than the average for all occupations.

Furthermore, a degree in computer science can also lead to high-paying roles in industries such as finance, healthcare, and technology.

8. Hospitality

If you have a passion for service and enjoy creating memorable experiences for others, a degree in hospitality could be an excellent fit for you.

This field offers a wide variety of career opportunities, from hotel and restaurant management to event planning and tourism. The skills you learn in a hospitality program — such as customer service, operations management, and financial planning — are highly transferable and in high demand across many industries.

The BLS projects 7% growth for hospitality managers, offering ample opportunities for you to launch a successful career in this dynamic field.

9. Engineering

Engineering encompasses many different fields that offer a diverse range of career opportunities.

Whether you're interested in designing bridges as a civil engineer, developing new technologies as a computer engineer, or improving energy efficiency as an environmental engineer, a degree in this field can open many doors.

The BLS projects architecture and engineering roles will grow much faster than average between 2022 and 2032, generating roughly 188,000 new positions annually.

And as of May 2022, the median yearly income for these fields was $83,700, which is much higher than the median yearly income across all professions ($46,310).

10. Architecture

If you have a creative mind and a passion for designing spaces, a degree in architecture could be your pathway to a fulfilling career. Architects use their skills to design and plan buildings, from residential homes to commercial buildings and public spaces.

The BLS projects a 5% increase in job opportunities for architects between 2022 and 2032, a rate that surpasses the average for all jobs. Plus, approximately 8,200 architectural roles are anticipated to be available annually over the next 10 years.

With these professionals earning a median annual salary of $82,840 as of May 2022, a career in architecture can be both rewarding and lucrative.