30 of the most popular college and university majors

Those of us who never went to college or university or went years ago often forget how stressful it can be for the vast majority of students to select their major. For most students, selecting a major is one of the most important decisions in their lives and one for which they have little to no experience.

Many who are applying to a higher education institution don’t even understand what a major is, or don’t really grasp the significance of one major over another. That’s not to say that they think that a major is unimportant. To the contrary, they tend to believe that it is more important than it actually is. Fill a room with 100 people who have been in the workplace for more than five years and you’ll find very, very few of them who work in occupational fields that are directly related to their majors. You’ll have English majors selling medical equipment, History majors teaching employed as grade school teachers, Computer Science majors working as accountants, and more.

A college or university major is the specific area of study that a student chooses to focus on during their undergraduate education. Nothing more…and nothing less. It serves as the foundation for their academic journey, equipping them with specialized knowledge and skills in a particular field, such as business, healthcare, or engineering.

Yet selecting the right major is a critical decision because it often shapes future career opportunities and personal fulfillment. While some students are drawn to majors that align with their passions, others prioritize fields with strong job prospects or earning potential. The key is to choose a major that balances personal interests with long-term goals, ensuring a rewarding and meaningful educational experience. Also, key, is understanding that a particular major might open some career paths but rarely closes others. So if you graduate with a Russian Literature major, there’s nothing preventing you from pursuing employment in a wide, wide variety of other fields.

We thought that it would be helpful to generate a list of 30 of the most popular majors, provide a brief explanation for each, and describe some of the most common career paths for each.

1. Business Administration is a versatile major that prepares students for careers in management, marketing, and finance.
2. Nursing trains students to become registered nurses, a highly in-demand profession in healthcare.
3. Psychology explores human behavior and mental processes, leading to careers in counseling or research.
4. Biology focuses on living organisms and is a common path for those pursuing medical or environmental careers.
5. Computer Science develops skills in programming, software development, and data analysis for tech-driven roles.
6. Communications teaches students about media, public relations, and effective messaging strategies.
7. Education prepares students to become teachers, focusing on pedagogy and classroom management.
8. Engineering covers disciplines like mechanical, civil, and electrical engineering for innovative problem-solving.
9. Health Sciences provide a foundation for various healthcare roles, including public health and clinical work.
10. Criminal Justice offers insights into the legal and law enforcement systems, leading to careers in policing or criminology.
11. Accounting equips students with financial management skills essential for business operations and auditing.
12. Marketing focuses on strategies for promoting products and services to target audiences.
13. Political Science examines government systems and policies, leading to roles in public service or advocacy.
14. Finance teaches financial planning, investment strategies, and risk management.
15. Economics analyzes market trends and economic systems, preparing students for roles in policy or business.
16. Sociology studies society and social behavior, often leading to work in social services or research.
17. English provides skills in writing, analysis, and critical thinking for careers in publishing or education.
18. History explores past events and their impact, paving the way for roles in education, research, or museums.
19. Environmental Science examines ecological systems and sustainability practices.
20. Graphic Design blends creativity with technology to create visual content for various media platforms.
21. Journalism trains students to report, write, and produce news across different media outlets.
22. Public Administration prepares students for leadership roles in government and nonprofit organizations.
23. Mathematics develops analytical and problem-solving skills applicable to many industries.
24. Social Work focuses on helping individuals and communities through advocacy and support services.
25. Chemistry studies matter and its properties, essential for careers in pharmaceuticals or research.
26. Fine Arts nurtures creativity in disciplines like painting, sculpture, and performance.
27. International Relations examines global politics, economics, and diplomacy.
28. Physics explores the fundamental laws of the universe, leading to careers in research or engineering.
29. Philosophy hones critical thinking and ethics, valuable in law, academia, or writing.
30. Anthropology studies human cultures and societies, often leading to roles in research or cultural preservation.