College is a time for exploration and discovery, and choosing a major that is both fun and lucrative can be a great way to make the most of your college experience. In this article, we will explore the top 35 fun college majors that pay well. These majors are not only enjoyable but also offer excellent career prospects in a variety of fields.
In the following paragraphs, we will delve into each of these majors in more detail, highlighting the unique aspects of each and the career opportunities they offer.
So, without further ado, let’s dive in and explore the top 35 fun college majors that pay well!
Table of Contents
How to Choose a Fun College Major
Choosing a college major can be a daunting task, but it’s important to choose one that you enjoy and that aligns with your interests and career goals. Here are some tips to help you choose a fun college major:
- Identify your interests: Make a list of subjects that you enjoy studying or activities that you enjoy doing. This can help you identify potential majors that align with your interests.
- Research potential majors: Once you have identified your interests, research potential majors that align with those interests.
- Consider career prospects: While it’s important to choose a major that you enjoy, it’s also important to consider the career prospects of that major. Some majors may be more in demand than others, so it’s important to research the job market for your chosen major.
- Talk to your academic advisor: Your academic advisor can provide valuable guidance and advice on choosing a major that aligns with your interests and career goals.
- Take classes in different subjects: Taking classes in different subjects can help you identify which subjects you enjoy the most and which ones you don’t. This can help you narrow down your list of potential majors.
List of the Top 35 Fun College Majors that Pay Well
Below is a list of the Top 35 Fun College Majors that Pay Well:
- Petroleum Engineering
- Computer Science and Engineering
- Applied Economics and Management
- Operations Research
- Public Accounting
- Actuarial Science
- Political Economy
- Pharmacy, Pharmaceutical Sciences, and Administration
- Applied Mathematics
- Finance
- Statistics
- Marketing
- Mechanical Engineering
- Civil Engineering
- Electrical Engineering
- Construction Science and Management
- Management Information Systems
- Nursing
- Industrial Engineering
- Computer Science
- Chemical Engineering
- Aerospace Engineering
- Environmental Engineering
- Information Technology
- Computer Engineering
- Mathematics
- Biomedical Engineering
- Chemistry
- Biology
- Physics
- Architecture
- Psychology
- Graphic Design
- Journalism
- English.
Top 35 Fun College Majors that Pay Well
1. Petroleum Engineering
- Average Salary: The average salary for a Petroleum Engineer in the United States is $105,656 per year.
Petroleum engineering is a field of engineering that focuses on the production, exploration, and extraction of oil and natural gas from reservoirs, wells, and other locations where people can naturally find oil or gas.
Petroleum engineers evaluate oil and gas reservoirs to determine profitability and ensure that the drilling process concludes most safely and efficiently possible.
There are several areas of specialization within the petroleum engineering field. Many petroleum engineers choose to specialize in one of the following branches of this industry:
- Drilling engineering: Drilling engineers are responsible for all aspects of the drilling process in an oil field. They may design and implement the techniques used to drill into the earth and select the equipment used and oversee the drilling process. Drilling engineers must coordinate with various companies, governments, and communities when planning and implementing a drilling project.
- Reservoir engineering: Reservoir engineers focus on studying and assessing gas and oil reservoirs to analyze their profitability. They may examine maps of these reservoirs to determine the best and most efficient ways to access these energy resources and where to place wells. Their primary goal is to ensure optimal economic production from a reservoir while also adhering to safety and environmental standards.
2. Computer Science and Engineering
- Average Salary: the average salary of a computer engineer in the United States is $128,170 per year as of 2021.
Computer Science and Engineering are two closely related fields that deal with the study of computers and computing. While Computer Science focuses primarily on computer theory and software, Computer Engineering focuses on computer design and hardware. Both fields offer dynamic, growth-friendly career options for tech-savvy individuals.
As a Computer Science student, you will learn about hardware, software, and computer system performance. Some of the courses you might study as a Computer Science major include Programming, Game design, Web design, Robotics, Data analysis, Algorithmics, Artificial Intelligence, Network architecture, and how computers are used in society.
As a Computer Engineer, you will design and build hardware for computer systems and often work with software. A Computer Engineer’s job duties include designing computer hardware, testing and analyzing computer systems, and ensuring hardware and software work together.
3. Applied Economics and Management
- Average Salary: $76,975
Applied Economics and Management is a field of study that applies economic principles to real-world problems. It involves using data, reasoning, and elements of economic theory to make informed decisions.
According to the Charles H. Dyson School for Applied Economics and Management at Cornell University, an applied economics education from a business college is more practical than economics as an academic discipline. It puts theories and ideas into action, using the theory of economics to do applied business-related work.
The school offers an undergraduate business degree in Applied Economics and Management, which prepares students for professional success in a wide range of fields, including finance, management, food and agriculture, sustainability, international trade, and public policy.
4. Operations Research
- Average Salary: $82,360 per year
Operations Research is a field of study that uses mathematical models, statistical analysis, and optimization techniques to solve complex problems in business, engineering, and other fields. It is an interdisciplinary field that draws on ideas from mathematics, computer science, economics, and other areas. The goal of operations research is to find the best possible solution to a problem given a set of constraints.
One of the key tools used in operations research is mathematical modeling. This involves creating a mathematical representation of a real-world problem, which can then be analyzed using various techniques. Operations researchers use a variety of mathematical models, including linear programming, integer programming, and dynamic programming, among others.
Another important aspect of operations research is optimization. This involves finding the best possible solution to a problem, given a set of constraints. Optimization techniques are used to find the optimal solution to a wide range of problems, including scheduling, resource allocation, and transportation.
5. Public Accounting
- Average Salary: $76,165
Public accounting refers to the services that a public accountant or accounting firm offers to prepare financial documents such as tax returns and budgets. Public accountants, also called certified public accountants (CPAs), are qualified to help other businesses as well as individuals with their tax needs.
Public accounting firms can range in size from a sole practitioner to hundreds or thousands of CPAs, offering services locally, regionally, nationally, or internationally. Some firms are full-service in that they offer a full range of accounting services, including taxes, bookkeeping, audits, risk, payroll, and more.
To become a CPA, you need to have at least a bachelor’s degree in accounting and pass the CPA exam. As a CPA, you can perform a broad range of services, including preparing tax returns, estate planning, consulting, mergers and acquisitions, business valuation, audits, and representing clients during IRS audits.
6. Actuarial Science
- Average Salary: $93,525
Actuarial Science is a discipline that applies mathematical and statistical methods to assess risk in insurance, pension, finance, investment, and other industries and professions. Actuaries are professionals trained in this discipline and apply rigorous mathematics to model matters of uncertainty and life expectancy.
Actuarial science includes some interrelated subjects, including mathematics, probability theory, statistics, finance, economics, financial accounting, and computer science. Historically, actuarial science used deterministic models in the construction of tables and premiums.
Actuarial science is a highly sought-after profession, with many universities offering undergraduate and graduate degree programs in the field.
7. Political Economy
- Average Salary: The average salary for a Political Economy Analyst is $86,000 per year
Political economy is a branch of social science that studies the relationships between individuals and society and between markets and the state, using a diverse set of tools and methods drawn largely from economics, political science, and sociology. The term political economy is derived from the Greek polis, meaning “city” or “state,” and oikonomos, meaning “one who manages a household or estate”.
Political economy thus can be understood as the study of how a country is managed or governed, taking into account both political and economic factors.
In modern times, political economy has become an interdisciplinary field, drawing on sociology, geography, and political science, among other disciplines. Political economists examine how politics and economics intersect, and how they influence each other.
They also examine why “corporatist” partnerships between the state, industry, and labor formed in some states and not in others, why there are major differences in labor and management relations in the more-industrialized countries, what kinds of political and economic structures different countries employ to help their societies adjust to the effects of integration and globalization, and what kinds of institutions in developing countries advance or retard the development process.
8. Pharmacy, Pharmaceutical Sciences, and Administration
- Average Salary: $118,968 to $145,944 per year
Pharmacy, Pharmaceutical Sciences, and Administration is an interdisciplinary program that prepares students for a career in the pharmaceutical and biotech industries.
The program covers a wide range of topics, including clinical and industrial drug development, hospital and managed care pharmacy, natural products chemistry and pharmacognosy, and pharmaceutical marketing and management. Students can also specialize in areas such as medicinal and pharmaceutical chemistry, Pharmacoeconomics, and pharmacy administration and policy.
The program is designed to provide students with a strong foundation in the sciences, including biology, chemistry, and physics, as well as an understanding of the business and regulatory aspects of the pharmaceutical industry.
Graduates of the program are well-equipped to pursue careers in a variety of fields, including research and development, clinical trials, regulatory affairs, and marketing.
9. Applied Mathematics
- Average Salary: $56,723 per year
Applied Mathematics is a branch of mathematics that deals with the application of mathematical principles to solve real-world problems. It is divided into two main categories: Pure Mathematics and Applied Mathematics.
Pure Mathematics involves the study of fundamental concepts and structures of mathematics, while Applied Mathematics involves the use of mathematical tools to solve problems in various fields such as science, engineering, and economics.
Applied Mathematics has a wide range of applications, from modeling the spread of infectious diseases to predicting the behavior of financial markets. It is used to solve problems in fields such as physics, engineering, biology, and computer science.
10. Finance
- Average Salary: $67,829 per year
Finance is a broad term that encompasses the science of managing funds. It involves the issuance, distribution, and purchase of liability and equity claims issued for revenue-generating assets. In business, finance means the funds needed to complete a project.
The concept of finance has evolved, and we find two concepts of finance: the traditional and modern concepts. The traditional concept of finance focused on how funds would be arranged in business and interpreted finance as the means and flows of funds by which a firm can carry out its objectives in the most efficient manner and meet its obligations whenever they become due.
On the other hand, the modern concept of finance focuses on financing decisions, investment decisions, and profit planning decisions. It emphasizes both the acquisition and application of funds in an enterprise, thereby satisfying the needs of investors as well as the enterprise.
11. Statistics
- Average Salary: $99,960
Statistics is a field of study that involves the collection, analysis, and interpretation of data. As a statistics major, you will learn how to use mathematical and computational tools to extract insights from data. You will also learn how to design experiments, conduct surveys, and analyze data using statistical software.
A degree in statistics can lead to a wide range of career opportunities. Graduates can work in fields such as finance, healthcare, government, and technology. They can also pursue advanced degrees in statistics, data science, or other related fields.
The curriculum for a statistics major typically includes courses in calculus, linear algebra, probability, and statistics. Students can choose between a Bachelor of Science or a Bachelor of Arts degree, depending on their interests and career goals.
Some institutions offer concentrations in applied statistics, mathematical statistics, statistical computing and data science, or sports analytics.
12. Marketing
- Average Salary: The median salary for Marketing graduates in the US is $63,623.
A marketing major is a field of study that focuses on the branding and promotion of products and services to the public, and how to target specific demographics. Marketing majors learn about consumer behaviors, brand management, communication, marketing strategies, sales, and more to prepare for their roles.
They study how consumers think, why they think that way, and how to use effective communication strategies to help sell products and services. Marketing majors learn social science as well as the nitty-gritty strategies of selling to customers.
Marketing is a broad field, and to help students prepare for marketing careers, colleges may require students to select one or more areas of concentration. Common coursework for a marketing major typically includes marketing strategy, consumer behavior, marketing communication, marketing research, sales, and professional selling, and digital marketing.
Marketing majors can expect to take a range of core classes toward the start of their college careers and then choose a special area of focus or concentration as they move toward graduation.
13. Mechanical Engineering
- Average Salary: $78,113 per year.
Mechanical engineering is a branch of engineering that deals with the design, analysis, and manufacturing of mechanical systems. It is one of the oldest and broadest engineering disciplines that combines engineering physics, mathematics, and materials science principles to design, analyze, manufacture, and maintain mechanical systems.
Mechanical engineers work on a wide range of products, from small components like microsensors to large systems like spacecraft. They use their knowledge of mechanics, thermodynamics, and materials science to design and develop new products, improve existing ones, and solve problems.
Mechanical engineering is a diverse field that offers a wide range of career opportunities. Mechanical engineers can work in various industries, including automotive, aerospace, energy, manufacturing, and robotics. They can also work in research and development, testing, and quality control.
14. Civil Engineering
- Average Salary: The average salary for a Civil Engineer in the United States is $73,422 per year
Civil engineering is a professional engineering discipline that deals with the design, construction, and maintenance of the physical and naturally built environment, including public works such as roads, bridges, canals, dams, airports, sewage systems, pipelines, structural components of buildings, and railways.
Civil engineering is a broad field that encompasses several specialized sub-disciplines, including structural engineering, geotechnical engineering, environmental engineering, transportation engineering, and water resources engineering. Civil engineers are responsible for designing, building, and maintaining the infrastructure that we rely on every day, from the roads we drive on to the buildings we live and work in.
15. Electrical Engineering
- Average Salary: $111,091 per year
Electrical engineering is a branch of engineering that deals with the study and application of electricity, electronics, and electromagnetism. Electrical engineers design, develop, test, and supervise the manufacturing of electrical equipment, such as electric motors, radar and navigation systems, communication systems, and power generation equipment.
They also work on designing new ways to use electrical power to develop or improve products. Electrical engineers are responsible for managing the production of electrical projects to ensure work is completed well, on time, and within budget.
Electrical engineering has a wide range of applications in various industries, including telecommunications, power generation, and electronics. Electrical engineers are involved in the design and development of electrical systems and components that are used in a variety of products, from small electronic devices to large power plants.
16. Construction Science and Management
- Average Salary: $95,168 per year
Construction Science and Management is an interdisciplinary field that focuses on the management of construction projects. It involves the study of engineering, economics, business, and law. The degree prepares graduates for a career in professional construction, including project and resource management. The curriculum is designed to equip students with the skills and knowledge needed to manage construction projects from start to finish.
The Bachelor of Science in Construction Science and Management curriculum is the basis for a career in construction or as a developer or building management specialist. Students who wish to change their major to Construction Science and Management must have completed at least 30 credit hours with a minimum grade point average of 3.0.
The degree program covers a wide range of topics, including construction materials, project management, cost estimating, and safety management. Graduates of the program are well-equipped to work in a variety of roles within the construction industry.
17. Management Information Systems
- Average Salary: The median salary for a Management Information Systems graduate in the United States is $80,975 per year
Management Information Systems (MIS) is a field of study that focuses on the use of information technology to support business operations.
MIS professionals are responsible for designing, implementing, and maintaining computer systems that help organizations manage their data and make informed decisions. MIS is a multidisciplinary field that combines business, computer science, and information technology.
MIS is essential for businesses to operate efficiently and effectively. It provides managers with the necessary information to make informed decisions about an organization’s operations. MIS gathers data from various sources and processes it to provide information tailored to the managers’ and their staff’s needs. MIS allows managers to track performance indicators, identify trends, and make informed decisions about where to allocate resources.
18. Nursing
- Average Salary: $77,460 per year
Nursing is a profession that involves providing care to individuals, families, and communities. Nurses are responsible for promoting health, preventing illness, and treating patients with various medical conditions.
They work in a variety of settings, including hospitals, clinics, schools, and community centers. Nurses are an integral part of the healthcare system and play a vital role in ensuring that patients receive the best possible care.
Nursing is a challenging profession that requires a high level of skill and dedication. Nurses must be knowledgeable about a wide range of medical conditions and treatments, and they must be able to provide compassionate care to patients who are often in pain or distress. They must also be able to work effectively as part of a team, collaborating with doctors, other nurses, and healthcare professionals to provide the best possible care.
To become a nurse, one must complete a nursing program and pass a licensing exam. Nursing programs typically take two to four years to complete and include both classroom instruction and clinical experience. After completing their education, nurses can work in a variety of settings, including hospitals, clinics, schools, and community centers.
19. Industrial Engineering
- Average Salary: $96,350
Industrial engineering is an engineering profession that focuses on optimizing complex processes, systems, or organizations by developing, improving, and implementing integrated systems of people, money, knowledge, information, and equipment.
Industrial engineers use specialized knowledge and skills in the mathematical, physical, and social sciences, together with engineering analysis and design principles and methods, to specify, predict, and evaluate the results obtained from systems and processes.
The field of industrial engineering is central to manufacturing operations and involves several principles such as Lean Manufacturing, Six Sigma, Information Systems, Process Capability, and Define, Measure, Analyze, Improve, and Control (DMAIC).
These principles allow the creation of new systems, processes, or situations for the useful coordination of labor, materials, and machines and also improve the quality and productivity of systems, physical or social.
20. Computer Science
- Average Salary: $131,490
Computer Science is a field that deals with the study of computers and how they work. It includes software, hardware, and algorithms. An algorithm is a list of instructions for completing a task. In computer science, an algorithm tells the computer what to do and how to do it.
Computer Science is an umbrella term that covers everything from artificial intelligence and data science to robotics, game development, cybersecurity, and more. It is a field that is constantly growing and evolving.
Computers are a part of almost everything we do, from banking to streaming movies and videos to work (especially remote work). Given how important computers are to our lives, computer science is a field that’s constantly growing and evolving. It’s a field where your work can make a difference.
21. Chemical Engineering
- Average Salary: $106,260
Chemical Engineering is a branch of engineering that deals with the design, development, and operation of chemical processes and equipment. It involves the application of chemistry, physics, and mathematics to solve problems related to the production or use of chemicals, fuel, drugs, food, and other products.
Chemical engineers work in various industries such as pharmaceuticals, energy, food, and materials science, among others. They are responsible for designing and optimizing chemical processes, developing new products, and ensuring that the processes are safe, efficient, and cost-effective.
Chemical Engineering is a broad field that encompasses many sub-disciplines such as process design, thermodynamics, transport phenomena, and reaction engineering. Process design involves the creation of a blueprint for the production of a chemical product, while thermodynamics deals with the study of energy transfer and conversion in chemical systems.
Transport phenomena focus on the movement of mass, momentum, and energy in chemical systems, while reaction engineering deals with the design and optimization of chemical reactors.
22. Aerospace Engineering
- Average Salary: $126,880
Aerospace engineering is a field of engineering that deals with the design, development, construction, testing, and operation of vehicles that operate in the Earth’s atmosphere or in outer space.
The field is divided into two major branches: aeronautical engineering and astronautical engineering. Aeronautical engineering focuses on the design and development of aircraft that operate within the Earth’s atmosphere, while astronautical engineering focuses on the design and development of spacecraft that operate outside the Earth’s atmosphere.
Aerospace engineering is a multidisciplinary field that requires knowledge of many engineering disciplines, including aerodynamics, propulsion systems, structural design, materials, avionics, and stability and control systems. The design of a flight vehicle demands a knowledge of these sciences, and one person rarely takes on the entire task; instead, most companies have design teams specialized in these areas.
23. Environmental Engineering
- Average Salary: $96,530
Environmental engineering is a professional discipline that focuses on protecting people from adverse environmental effects and improving the quality of the environment. Environmental engineers work to improve public health by improving recycling and waste disposal, as well as managing water and air pollution control.
This field of engineering uses knowledge of biology, chemistry, ecology, geology, hydraulics, hydrology, mathematics, and microbiology to improve the quality of the environment and the health of living creatures and organisms. Environmental engineering is a sub-discipline of civil and chemical engineering that combines environmental protection with protecting and enhancing the quality of human life.
Environmental engineers work in various fields, including environmental impact assessment, environmental management, and environmental policy development. They also work in the private sector, where they help companies comply with environmental regulations and develop sustainable practices.
Environmental engineers are also involved in the research and development of new technologies that can help reduce environmental pollution and improve the quality of the environment.
24. Information Technology
- Average Salary: The average salary for an IT major is around $88,240 per year in the United States.
As an Information Technology (IT) major, you will study computer science, business, and communications. You will acquire strong technical and communication skills and focus on how information and computing systems support business, research, and communications needs. The instruction ranges from the basics of computer hardware to the complex relationship between humans and computers.
IT majors are in high demand due to the increasing reliance on technology in the modern world. As an IT major, you will have a wide range of career options, including software development, network administration, database management, and cybersecurity.
The average salary for an IT major is around $88,240 per year in the United States. However, the salary can vary depending on the specific job, location, and experience.
If you are interested in pursuing an IT major, you should look for colleges and universities that offer strong programs in this field. Some of the best colleges for IT majors in the United States include the Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT), Carnegie Mellon University, the California Institute of Technology (Caltech), and many more.
25. Computer Engineering
- Average Salary: $76,000
Computer engineering is a field that combines electrical engineering and computer science to design, develop, and maintain computer hardware and software. Computer engineers focus on integrating hardware and software in a unified system safely and efficiently.
They work within a team along with software developers and other tech professionals. The field requires strong foundations in science and mathematics, and most employees have earned a related bachelor’s degree. Certifications in software, programming languages, or hardware systems can lead to additional job opportunities.
Computer engineering started as a specialization of electrical engineering before developing into a new discipline. As initially defined, computer engineering applied aspects of digital logic design from computer science to the design of microprocessors and technological systems. As the field grew, computer engineering continued to adopt design fundamentals and theories from computer science.
26. Mathematics
- Average Salary: The median annual wage for mathematicians in the US was $112,110 in May 2022.
A Mathematics major is a field of study that focuses on the relationships between numbers, structures, and patterns. Mathematics majors can study pure mathematics or applied mathematics and go on to work in areas like finance, biotech, and academia.
Mathematics majors study algebra, calculus, geometry, and the different equations needed to solve mathematical problems. They also learn how to think and apply that foundation to an array of larger, more complex problems.
The coursework ranges from algebra to statistics, and the concepts build on one another. Students learn skills like logic, analysis, abstract thinking, and problem-solving, which are valuable to future employers.
Mathematics majors can generally take two directions: pure mathematics and applied mathematics. Students majoring in pure mathematics focus on the relationship between numbers and their values. Applied mathematics majors learn how to transfer their knowledge and computational thinking to other fields, like data encryption.
27. Biomedical Engineering
- Average Salary: The average salary for a biomedical engineer in the United States is around $91,410 per year.
Biomedical Engineering is an interdisciplinary field that applies engineering principles and design concepts to medicine and biology for healthcare purposes.
Biomedical engineers work on developing and improving medical equipment, devices, and software, as well as researching and developing new medical procedures and treatments. They also work on developing prostheses, diagnostic and therapeutic medical devices, and imaging equipment such as MRIs and EKG/ECGs.
The field of biomedical engineering is vast and includes various subfields such as bioinformatics, biomechanics, biomaterials, and medical imaging. Bioinformatics is an interdisciplinary field that develops methods and software tools for understanding biological data.
Biomechanics is the study of the mechanical properties of biological systems, while biomaterials are materials that are used in medical devices or implants. Medical imaging is the process of creating visual representations of the interior of a body for clinical analysis and medical intervention.
28. Chemistry
- Average Salary: $63,085 per year
Chemistry is a branch of science that deals with the study of matter, its properties, composition, and the changes that occur to it as a result of various activities. It is one of the most significant fields of science and has been in charge of many people’s research endeavors around the globe.
The study of elements and compounds’ properties, compositions, and structures, as well as how they can change and the energy that is released or absorbed during such changes, is the subject matter of the science known as chemistry. Chemistry can be further divided into many branches based on the specialized disciplines of research.
The three primary subcategories of science are the formal sciences, the natural sciences, and the social sciences. Chemistry falls under the natural sciences category and involves the study of natural phenomena through experiments and observations.
The interactions between matter and energy are also studied in the field of chemistry. The study of chemistry is essential in understanding the world around us and has many practical applications in our daily lives.
29. Biology
- Average Salary: The national average salary for a biology major in the U.S. is $41,559
A Biology major is a program of study that focuses on the scientific study of living organisms and their interactions with the environment. Biology majors study the origin, evolution, structure, and function of living organisms, including plants, animals, and humans.
They learn about the fundamental principles of biology, including genetics, ecology, evolution, and cellular biology. Biology majors also develop critical thinking and analytical skills, which are essential for success in the field.
Biology majors can pursue a variety of careers in the life sciences and medicine, dentistry, and other allied health careers. They can also pursue graduate-level work in these fields. Biology majors can work in research and development, environmental science, biotechnology, and other fields. They can also work in education, science writing, and science policy.
To become a biology major, students typically take courses in biology, chemistry, physics, and mathematics. They also take courses in statistics, computer science, and other related fields. Biology majors often participate in research projects, internships, and study abroad programs to gain hands-on experience in the field. They also develop strong communication and teamwork skills, which are essential for success in the field.
30. Physics
- Average Salary: The median salary for Physics graduates is $70,819 per year
A physics major is a science degree path that helps explain how the world works and how the universe is structured. Physics majors study matter and energy and develop strong critical thinking skills along the way.
They learn about the fundamental laws of nature, from gravity to the behavior of subatomic particles. Physics majors also spend time completing experiments in a lab setting, which helps them understand how things work in the natural world.
Studying physics requires a strong background in mathematics. Physics majors usually start with an introductory course that covers topics such as Newton’s laws of motion, kinematics, and rotational motion. Students should expect to complete coursework in calculus and differential equations, for instance. Some schools offer degrees in applied physics that focus on parts of the field more directly applicable to jobs, rather than research. Some schools offer both Bachelor of Arts and Bachelor of Science degree options, with the former having fewer course requirements and more flexibility.
31. Architecture
- Average Salary: $80,180 per year
Architecture is the art and science of designing and constructing buildings and other physical structures. It is a field that has been around for centuries and has evolved to meet the changing needs of society.
The practice of architecture involves a wide range of skills, including engineering, design, and artistry. Architects are responsible for creating structures that are both functional and aesthetically pleasing.
32. Psychology
- Average Salary: $40,858 per year
A psychology major is a skills-based major that can prepare students for graduate-level programs in psychology, education, law, medicine, and business. The major is widely customizable and applicable to many careers.
Students learn basic methods to conduct psychological research, reasoning, and problem-solving. After research is completed, students are expected to write papers on findings from experiments in the American Psychological Association, or APA, writing style, which calls for specific citation methods.
The coursework for a psychology major includes general psychology, research methods in psychology, statistical methods in psychology, and a lab course like psychology as a natural science.
A general psychology course covers the core types of psychology, the history of young science, and the relations between the brain, behavior, and experience. Psychology lab courses give students experience in conducting research, designing experiments, learning observation and measurement techniques, and analyzing behavioral data.
33. Graphic Design
- Average Salary: $50,531 per year
Graphic design is the practice of composing and arranging visual elements to communicate a message or idea. It is a form of visual communication that has been an important part of human history for thousands of years.
Graphic design is used in a wide range of fields, including advertising, marketing, publishing, and web design. It involves creating designs for logos, brochures, websites, and other visual media.
The objective of graphic design is to convey or enhance a message. Good graphic art streamlines communication. For example, a graphic designer might use different colors to highlight which metrics are rising and which are dropping, thus making it easier for the viewer to quickly understand what’s going well and what needs to be adjusted.
34. Journalism
- Average Salary: $49,300
A journalism major is a field of study that trains students to research, report, and communicate news to a particular audience. Journalism majors learn how to research and interview and then communicate the information they uncover with clarity and accuracy.
They also learn how to write and distribute news for print, web, or broadcast. Depending on the school and program, students are still able to specialize in areas like broadcast, data, investigative or political journalism.
Journalism majors typically complete an internship, which gives them practical, real-world experience and helps them grow their professional networks as they head into the workforce.
Common coursework journalism majors can expect classes in reporting and writing, which includes finding stories and sources, interviewing techniques, and the nuts-and-bolts of constructing and editing a story. Journalism majors also take classes in American media institutions, mass media, basic writing techniques, multimedia tools, news gathering and judgment, and more.
35. English
- Average Salary: The average salary for English majors in the United States is $81,088
An English major is a humanities degree option that comes with plenty of opportunities for students to explore different styles of expression. English majors work in fields like journalism, public relations, fundraising, and entertainment, and study creative writing, critical theory, and literary history, among other topics.
The major provides ample academic and creative opportunities, allowing students to study key figures while also improving as playwrights, poets, or novelists if they so choose.
English majors develop close reading and critical writing skills while examining literature’s connections to culture, history, and other fields of study. In addition to studying notable works, English majors spend time building their voices. To complete their degrees, students will consider influential ideas as they analyze novels, poems, films, and more from across the world.
Frequently Asked Questions
Are these majors suitable for everyone, or do they cater to specific interests?
While these majors are generally known for being both enjoyable and lucrative, individual preferences and interests vary. Students need to consider their own passions and aptitudes when choosing a major.
How accurate are the salary figures mentioned for each major?
The salary figures provided are based on available data at the time of writing and are meant to offer a general overview. Salaries can vary based on factors such as location, experience, and industry demand.
How can I explore a major further before making a decision?
Consider talking to professionals in the field, attending career fairs, participating in internships, and seeking guidance from academic advisors or career counselors. Exploring real-world experiences can help you make a more informed decision.
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Conclusion
In conclusion, choosing a major that is both fun and financially rewarding can be a daunting task. However, with the right guidance and information, you can make an informed decision that aligns with your interests and career goals.
The majors listed above are just a few examples of the many fun and well-paying majors available. I hope this article has helped provide you with valuable insights and inspiration for your college journey.
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