It’s normal for majors to become more popular or less popular over time. There’s been quite a lot of growth for a number of subjects over the past five to eighteen years. Here are just some of the fastest-growing undergraduate majors:
Health and Medical Majors
Flickr user University of the Fraser Valley
Some fast-growing majors fall under the category of health and medicine. In the past 13 years, this field has grown by over 160%. Nursing is a very popular major that is still growing in popularity, but other majors that continue to attract more students are those needed to become a physician assistant. They include Health Science, Medical Science, or Physician Assistant Studies. However, this career will also require test scores and possibly further certification.
Another major that is growing is nutrition (or nutrition science), which is needed to become a dietitian. Previously, students would need a master’s degree to find a position in audiology, but that is no longer the case. Now it requires either a degree in Communication Disorders or Speech-Language Pathology and Audiology.
Engineering
Flickr user MyFuture.com
There are quite a few degrees that fall under the category of engineering, but it is a discipline that is attracting more and more students. What major you choose under this field depends on your personal interests and career goals.
Some majors included are Biomedical Engineering, Chemical Engineering, Computer Science, Mechanical Engineering, and Electrical Engineering. The list goes well beyond these though! There are about 40 different types of degrees that fall under engineering.
Fire Science
Flickr user DVIDSHUB
Between 2000 and 2016, the number of degrees awarded in Fire Science more than doubled. It is a smaller field, but it definitely has attracted a number of people. While most firefighters can be hired with only a high school degree, further education is needed to advance. Firefighters in this position will usually major in fire science.
Fire science, of course, focuses on fire, investigation, and emergency services, but management and business are also studied. These courses come in handy as firefighters advance in position and have to manage their houses.
Fitness Studies
Flickr user Paula Seno
Another area of study that is not as popular but attracting more and more students is Fitness Studies. Increasing by 184% between 2000 and 2016, this field includes several majors that focus on health, wellness, and exercise.
Some majors considered as Fitness Studies include exercise science, physical education, kinesiology, and more. These can lead to a job as a personal trainer, physical education teacher, or exercise instructor.
These are just some of the quickly growing majors in the United States. Other studies that are continuing to grow fast include biological and biomedical sciences, homeland security, law enforcement, recreation, and parks. The most popular field overall, however, continues to be liberal arts and sciences. If you’re interested in any of these majors or careers, make sure to talk to your high school guidance counselor or college advisor for more information on courses, work, and the availability of jobs after graduation.
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