Going back to school can be difficult, especially when you’re an adult juggling other responsibilities, such as a job, kids, and family commitments. One of the biggest decisions about going to college as an adult is picking a field of study. Many students commonly choose majors that commonly align with their interests and hobbies, but many students also take the future if the job market into consideration. Assessing which careers will be in high demand when you graduate is an important decision to many students.
Choosing a college major can seem like an intimidating task. It can feel like a permanent decision, and many people feel overwhelmed with their choices. However, it is actually very common for college students to change majors during their time in college. In fact, a study by collegerank.net shows that that 50%-70% of undergraduate students change their majors at least once, and the majority change their majors at least three times.
Although it is common to change majors throughout college, it can influence your previous courses and even void them entirely. Depending on how you go about changing your major, you may have to take more courses, which can extend your graduation date. So, it is best to be as informed as possible when making this decision. Here is a list of the most common and in-demand college majors of 2022.
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Engineering
Engineering is a field that is expected to grow to 140,000 new jobs by 2026. Professional engineers use scientific concepts in physics and math to design and build various systems and structures such as buildings, bridges, vehicles, and machines. Specific careers in engineering include computer engineers, nuclear engineers, and industrial engineers.
According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, engineers make an average salary of $91,010.
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Business
Although it is a large field with a variety of different job outlooks, business is the most common college major in the United States. Business students learn the technical and managerial aspects of starting, growing, and maintaining business entities. Careers in business include marketing, financial managers, business owners, and chief executive officers (CEOs).
Business professionals, on average, make anywhere in the range of $36,000-$92,000 per year.
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Nursing
Nursing is a highly in-demand field. Registered nurses provide and facilitate the care of medical patients. Studying nursing in college usually requires courses with medical labs, such as human anatomy, biology, and physiology.
On average, registered nurses with bachelor’s degrees make $71,730 according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics.
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Hospitality
Hospitality can be a broad field with many different job opportunities. Professionals in this field oversee operations of the hospitality industry, such as hotels, restaurant, and event spaces. Specific careers in hospitality include event planner, restaurant manager, and wedding planner.
The median pay for hospitality managers is $59, 440 according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics.
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Education
Education professionals and teachers is quickly becoming one of the top in demand majors for adults. The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics projects nearly 1.9 million job openings for teachers of preschool through postsecondary school by 2024. Those pursuing careers in education usually are required to take classes in early childhood development, special education, and student teaching. Bachelor of Education degree holders can be kindergarten, elementary, or secondary teachers.
Educators make around $50,000 per year according to data from the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics.
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Computer Science
Computer science is becoming a very sought-after career. Computer scientists use data and computer programming systems and software to solve problems related to technology. Careers in computer science include web developer, software developer, and computer programmers.
According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, the median pay for computer scientists is $131,490.
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Architecture
Architectures work closely with engineers to create and design large structures and public buildings through models. Specific focuses in the career of architectural design include landscape architecture, urban planning, and research architecture.
According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, the median wage for architects is $80,180.
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Pharmaceutical Science
Pharmaceutical scientists administer and monitor medication and medication dosage for medical purposes. College courses in the pharmaceutical field include biochemistry, human anatomy, and organic chemistry.
The Bureau of Labor Statistics reports that pharmacists make a median annual wage of $128,570.
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Information Technology
Similar to computer science, information technology (IT) is a highly in-demand major, and thousands of colleges across the country offer IT programs. IT professionals study, design, implement, and manage computer software and hardware. IT majors can also concentrate in cybersecurity or IT management. Careers in IT include data analyst, cybersecurity experts, and computer systems analysts.
The average salary for information technology professionals is $93,000, according to data by the Bureau of Labor Statistics.
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Construction management
Construction managers plan, budget, facilitate, and supervise various construction projects. Construction managers spend a majority of their workday on construction sites overseeing the construction work.
The Bureau of Labor Statistics reports that the median annual wage for construction managers is $98,890.
