Choosing a college major can be challenging. From weighing your talents and interests against , to getting pressure from your parents to choose a specific major, there are many things to consider. While you may have some idea of what you鈥檇 like to do after college, it鈥檚 common to be concerned that you won鈥檛 make enough money if you choose one career path over another. If you鈥檙e still undecided as to what major to pursue, perhaps you should consider choosing from one of five of the highest-paying majors in 2021.
- Computer Science
You鈥檇 be hard-pressed to find a business or even a career field that doesn鈥檛 rely on computers today. Employers will increasingly be looking for potential hires who aren鈥檛 only computer literate, but who are also fluent in programming, data analysis, and the management of computer systems. is the perfect major to pursue if you鈥檙e interested in working as an IT manager, programmer, or web developer.
Course Examples
Computer science programs are offered at the bachelor鈥檚 and master鈥檚 degree level. At the starting level, in a bachelor鈥檚 in Computer Science program, you鈥檒l be expected to take courses such as:
- Computing
- Computer Ethics
- Calculus
- Discrete Structures
- Advanced Data
- Programming Languages
Your degree specific courses, in addition to a core humanities curriculum, will prepare you for a vibrant career working with computers and computing systems. Plus, some schools offer an accelerated degree path for this major, meaning you鈥檇 be on your way to an exciting career much faster than some of your compatriots.
Career Paths
After graduating with a bachelor鈥檚 degree in Computer Science, you鈥檒l be eligible for a variety of career opportunities. Some of these include:
- Data Scientist
- Software Tester
- Web Developer
- Business Analyst
- Software Developer
- Research and Development (R&D) Scientist
Earning Potential
According to the median base salary for graduates of a Computer Science program is $70,000. The projects that jobs in computer science and information technology are projected to grow by 11% by 2029, much faster than other career fields. The BLS also notes that those with a master鈥檚 degree have the potential to earn over $126,000 annually. This makes Computer Science one of the highest-paying college majors.
- Computer Engineering
A close cousin of Computer Science, Computer Engineering similarly offers a lucrative career path after graduation. Graduates can enter fields such as software engineering, network security management, robotics, and chip design. If you鈥檙e interested in working with computers on an in-depth, technical level, a career in Computer Engineering would be a good fit.
Course Examples
As a student in a Computer Engineering program, you鈥檒l be expected to take courses such as:
- Material Science for Engineers
- Electrical Engineering
- Digital System Design
- Electronics
- Software Engineering
- Network Analysis
These are just a small sampling of the many career-oriented courses you鈥檒l need to take in order to graduate with a bachelor鈥檚 of science in Computer Engineering. These classes, in addition to a core curriculum of humanities courses, will prepare you for a career as a computer engineer.
Career Paths
Some potential careers you can pursue with a BS in Computer Engineering include:
- Industrial Engineer
- Forensic Computer Analyst
- Web Developer
- IT Consultant
- Game Developer
- Database Administrator
Earning Potential
The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics states that computer hardware engineers can expect to earn a median pay of $119,560 per year. Web developers and digital designers earn a median pay of $77,200 per year. Computer systems analysts can earn $93,730. All three of these careers require a bachelor鈥檚 degree in Computer Engineering. It鈥檚 clear that this degree path can prove to be high paying, as well as versatile.
- Finance
Between 2019 and 2029, the business sector will have grown by 5%. This is an addition of 476,200 new jobs over a ten-year span. It鈥檚 no wonder that so many students gravitate towards business for their college major. However, not all are the same. A bachelor鈥檚 degree in Finance, for example, is considered one of the most high-paying college majors.
Course Examples
As a Finance major, you鈥檒l take a variety of core humanities and liberal arts courses. Additionally, you鈥檒l be expected to take degree-related courses such as:
- Computer Concepts
- Business Communications
- Work Force Dynamics
- Managerial Accounting
- Business Law
- Business Planning
Career Paths
A Finance degree can prepare you for a variety of career paths. Here are a few examples:
- Investment Banker
- Financial Planner
- Hedge Fund Manager
- Budget Analyst
- Product Manager
- Wealth Manager
Earning Potential
Because there are so many to choose from, finance majors can expect a variety of potential earning outcomes. The median annual salary for financial managers, for example, is $129,890. However, in many cases (such as in the case of hedge fund managers or portfolio managers), individuals who work in finance earn a base salary as well as commission. So, in many ways, what you earn comes down to where your ambitions lie.
- Nursing
Nursing is not only a noble profession, but it can be a well-paid one, as well. Due to the nationwide nursing shortage, highly qualified nurses are highly sought after — and their pay reflects that.
Course Examples
Pursuing a bachelor鈥檚 degree in Nursing is an excellent way to set yourself apart from other registered nurses (RNs). Here are some courses that you can expect to take while pursuing your degree:
- Anatomy and Physiology
- Sociology
- Lifespan Development
- Chemistry
- Microbiology
- Pharmacology
Career Paths
Unlike the other programs discussed previously, those who pursue a degree in nursing are likely to want a career as a nurse. In other words, there are fewer options to choose from as this is a highly specialized degree. However, within the nursing field, graduates can pursue careers in a variety of avenues and specializations, including:
- Public Health Nurse
- Health Educator
- Critical Care Nurse
- Quality Director
- Case Manager
- Pediatric Nurse
With a bachelor鈥檚 degree in Nursing, you will be qualified for expanded roles in nursing, as well as advancement opportunities. The Bureau of Labor Statistics, for example, reports that nurses with a bachelor鈥檚 education can pursue administrative, research, consulting, and teaching positions.
Earning Potential
Registered nurses can make as little as $53,000 and as much as $116,000, depending on location and experience level. In Connecticut, for example, registered nurses make annually. While this is a large spread, one thing is clear. Those who earn a bachelor鈥檚 degree in Nursing are more and are likely to be paid more than their colleagues over the course of their career. Cited as one of the top benefits of a BSN, nurses with a bachelor鈥檚 degree can expect to earn 20 percent more than nurses with an associate degree, on average.
While earning potential is not the only aspect to weigh when choosing a college major聽, it is certainly a consideration. Afterall, your education is an investment of your time as well as your money. If you choose one of these high-paying majors, you may find that the investment will majorly pay off.
Not sure what major you want to pursue? Reach out to our career advising team to get started in finding a major that aligns with your personal preferences and professional goals.