Looking Into College Majors and Beyond: The Top Ten Most Popular College Majors in the US

Choosing the right college major is essential in obtaining the adequate knowledge and skills to achieve success in future career paths and employment opportunities. In pursuing most college degrees, deciding on a major may be done during a student's sophomore year to ensure graduating on time, provided that all courses are taken at the designated schedule. It is important for any college student to identify which courses to take and maintain focus on his or her long-term goal and ambition.

Several college majors have earned a certain amount of popularity among students, usually depending on how lucrative the careers ensuing from these majors may be. A report from the National Center for Education of the US Department of Education indicates that the majors that are most in demand are in the categories of business, social sciences, education, and health sciences.

The following is a list of majors that are sought after by a majority of college students and short descriptions of what students may expect in the included courses:

Programs relating to Biology and Biological Sciences include a variation of courses relevant to the fields of genetics, botany, zoology, biochemistry, molecular biology; along with other similar disciplines. A degree in Biology may be pursued by students intending to take up further studies in medicine, advanced medical research, molecular biology, and the like.

Business Administration and Management includes the general study of what a business encompasses, its organizational structure, guidance on its operation and effective supervision of its resources. Courses may also include the discussion of entrepreneurship, economics, applicable laws and ethics in business, corporate communications as well as the utilization of appropriate communication and information systems.

Majors in Communications deal with theories and contexts of both verbal and non-verbal, interpersonal, mass, and organizational communication. Courses in effective public speaking and public relations also contribute to this study. Communication research, both qualitative and quantitative, as well as the employment of applicable research methods are offered by some institutions.

Pursuing a degree in Computer Science may involve delving into the basic principles of computing, programming, software development, networking, system design, architecture, and various computing applications. Graphics generation, web design and programming, algorithm creation, and robotics may also be offered under this major.

Criminal Justice covers the identification and operation of institutions with reference to the justice system which includes corrections, courts, and law enforcement units in either local, state or federal jurisdictions. Courses in criminal law, criminal investigation, security, and forensic science are among those offered by various colleges for this field.

A major in Elementary Education entails the study of theories and methods similar to those of the broader discipline of Education. The courses, however, are tailored distinctly for elementary students and conducting lessons designed for educating at the primary level. Theories on developmental learning and assessment along with techniques in imparting information on various subjects are explored in this program.

Engineering majors are introduced to a wider array of industry-specific courses relating to mechanical, electrical, civil, materials, environmental engineering; among others. Concepts on Linear Algebra, Fluid Mechanics, Thermodynamics, as well as general coursework on technical writing and engineering design are required of all students in this field.

A popular choice in the field of Health Sciences, a major in Nursing will include the fundamentals, laws, and ethics of the nursing profession, familiarization with healthcare systems, identification and care of ailments, and the like. Also taken up under this major are lessons in proper interaction with patients and sensitivity to cultural diversity.

Psychology courses delve in the study of human behavior, its development, surrounding environment, and aspects of mental health. It is toward the understanding and treatment of behavioral and mental disorders that majors in Psychology are geared, undergoing coursework on behavior management, application of theories in providing treatment, as well as conducting research and analyses of psychological issues as may be related to various factors.

Under the field of Social Sciences, a major in Political Science allows a student to study the principles influencing the matters of politics and government; their foundations and the issues surrounding them. Courses on political thinking, human rights, international relations, global politics, and foreign relations are among those that are provided, in addition to the study of the US government and constitution.

It is important to stress that successful careers are not dictated solely by being able to finally identify what course to take and especially not in going with what may be the popular options at the moment. College majors that are in demand may also mean tougher competition and a higher possibility of attaining a mediocre standing should a major be taken up based only on popularity instead of genuine interest and suitability to a student's skills. What will truly measure a successful career is being able to choose the course of study that a college student will be intent on pursuing and will lead to the most suitable and enticing opportunities after graduating.

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