Hey there! I'm a high school junior and honestly, I don't know exactly what I want to study in college. I'm considering a lot of options right now, but it could help if I knew what the most common undergraduate degrees are. Can anyone shed some light on this? Thanks a ton in advance!
Hi there! It's completely fine to not have a specific major in mind yet, many high school students are in the same boat. This is a common experience and colleges understand that. You’ll have time to explore your interests once you start college.
As for the most common undergraduate degrees, according to the National Center for Education Statistics, the popular degree areas in the U.S. as of the latest data are as follow:
1. Business Administration and Management: This encompasses everything from marketing and management to finance and economics.
2. Nursing: With a rising demand in the healthcare industry, nursing is a popular choice among students for its rewarding and ever-changing nature.
3. Psychology: This major provides a thorough understanding of human behavior and mental processes which can lead to numerous careers in healthcare, business, or social services.
4. Biology: A strong foundation in biology can lend itself to various careers in research, healthcare, or environmental science.
5. Liberal & General Studies: This typically involves a broad overview of the arts and sciences, and is great for students who want to sample a wide array of classes before committing to a specialized path.
6. Education: Those with a passion for teaching and working with kids often lean towards degrees in education.
7. Computer & Information Sciences: With the growth of technology, degrees in this field are becoming increasingly popular and valuable.
8. Engineering: Majors like civil, mechanical, or electrical engineering are popular among students interested in applied sciences.
9. Social Sciences & History: This can include subjects like history, anthropology, and sociology.
10. Health Professions (other than nursing): This could include exercise science, health administration, pre-med, etc.
Remember, your choice of major is a personal decision. It depends a lot on what you are interested in and where you want to guide your academic and professional future. Just because a major is popular doesn't necessarily mean it's the best fit for you. Consider your own strengths, interests, and career goals when choosing your path of study. Best of luck with your future college journey!
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