Choosing a college major is like trying to predict the future. With careers and industries changing at light speed, how do you choose a program that will lead you to a comfortable, well-paying career? In a recent poll conducted by GQ, 53% of students heading off to college care more about securing a stable career than pursuing an uncertain dream. It’s no wonder you don’t want to waste your time and money.
Job trend indicators provide us with pretty accurate clues as to where demand is heading. Research from NMSU Global Campus and the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics suggests that fields such as technology, healthcare, and data science are booming sectors. This guide walks you through the 15 college degrees that will be most in demand in 2025, according to the latest employment statistics, to help you make an informed choice.
Computer science
Imagine yourself sitting on your computer, in the midst of a late-night coding binge. With each line of programming, you’re bringing ideas into reality in the form of apps people use every day. That’s the life of computer science majors.
The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) predicts a need for new software developers, quality assurance testers, and analysts by 2034, with a projected growth rate of 15%.
Nursing
You grab your scrubs and start your shift, your heart beating a little more quickly as you take a patient’s vital signs. They were scared when they came in, but now they’re managing with a smile. That’s the nursing life. It leaves you in the thick of human life. There is a demand for approximately 189,100 new nurses each year.
This is a rapidly expanding field with a median salary of $86,070; specialists can earn as much as $214,200 per year.
Data science
You are sitting in front of a massive spreadsheet of customer data, and suddenly you see something that no one else sees. That discovery could alter your entire company strategy.
This is what data scientists do—they turn raw data into fascinating stories. The BLS forecasts 168,900 new jobs in this profession through 2032, a 35% increase, with a median salary of $108,020.
Engineering (general)
You work at a drafting table, sketching out the blueprints for a new bridge durable enough to withstand hurricane-force gusts of wind. You’re combining math and materials to make something that will last. Engineering is the foundation of our world.
I have a friend named Taylor who majored in civil engineering. A scale model she created for a class project served as the inspiration for a community solar grid. With new legislation expected to pour $1.2 trillion into new construction, the American Society of Civil Engineers (ASCE) states that the demand for engineering graduates is immediate.
Business administration
You’re in front of a boardroom, pitching your startup idea to a room full of investors. Your graphs and market research are in your hands. A degree in business administration prepares you to take charge in these moments.
NACE statistics in 2025 indicate that 12% of college graduates entering the workforce in this field receive starting salaries of $70,000, which can increase to $120,000 mid-career. Imagine Jordan, who used his college years as the head of the finance club and is now in charge of operations for a rapidly growing e-commerce company.
Cybersecurity
You’re an invisible detective, following specters through the computer. With your firewalls up, you follow a security breach back to its origin before it can do any real damage. That’s the high-risk occupation of a cybersecurity expert. The BLS anticipates 16% employment growth in this career through 2033.
My college friend Sam would practice by role-playing hackers in his dorm room. Now, he protects big banks from ransomware attacks. There is a staggering 3.5 million unfilled cybersecurity jobs globally, with the U.S. leading the demand with approximately 500,000.
Healthcare administration
You’re managing a busy clinic, juggling schedules, budgets, and policies to get patients the best care possible. Health administration is the unseen force behind our healthcare system.
Employment is forecasted to grow by 23% in 2034, creating approximately 60,700 positions with a median annual wage of $110,680.
Accounting
You’re working with ledgers with precision, as if they’re a game to be solved. Your audit uncovers hidden savings that cause a company to grow. Accounting provides the financial reality companies require. Certified Public Accountants (CPAs) earn up to $130,000.
Consider Kyle, who began at a community college and became a tax-season guru. Today, he advises nonprofit organizations, assisting them with their financial management.
Environmental science
You’re on a hike in a wetland, taking water samples to figure out how to restore a polluted river. A bachelor’s degree in environmental science enables you to take a leading role, advocating for the well-being of the world.
According to the BLS, a 6% increase in employment is projected through 2033, resulting in the establishment of approximately 8,500 new positions annually, with a median annual pay of $78,980.
Artificial intelligence/machine learning
You’re instructing a computer program to predict traffic patterns or estimate crop production, taking buzz of data and distilling it into a glint of the future. Artificial intelligence is a rapidly evolving field of computer science.
The 2025 forecast projects that AI will create 97 million jobs globally. Consider Priya, who spent a capstone project honing a customer support chatbot. That app is now used by millions daily.
Psychology
You’re sitting in a counselor’s waiting room, listening carefully as someone speaks over their thoughts, guiding them toward tranquility. Psychology teaches you the tools to guide people through their worlds.
Consider Theo, who spent his years in psychology labs experimenting with various therapy techniques. Nowadays, he works in a school, helping kids develop the tools to deal with anxiety. The American Psychological Association (APA) states that demand for mental health services has grown 20% since the pandemic struck.
Marketing
You’re developing a social media campaign that you know will make you go viral, turning meaningless scrolls into purchases. Marketing is the science of getting noticed amidst a noisy digital world. BLS projects 6% growth in employment by 2034.
Consider Riley, who invested her college years in creating viral TikTok tests as part of her schoolwork. She’s now spearheading brand strategy for a major sneaker company. The American Marketing Association (AMA) reports that online marketing has created approximately 300,000 jobs in the United States alone.
Education
You’re standing at the head of a classroom, seeing your students’ faces light up with wonder as they learn something new. An education degree puts you in the position of influencing the next generation.
Picture Evan, a college student who taught his peers. Now, he’s employed by Teach for America, taking science, technology, engineering, and math to disadvantaged schools.
Finance
You’re analyzing stock market trends and advising clients on how to build a portfolio that can withstand economic volatility. A finance degree teaches you how to handle money. The BLS forecasts 8% growth to 2032, creating 30,700 jobs at a median salary of $80,730.
The CFA Institute reports that sustainable investing is growing at a rapid rate each year, creating new opportunities in the field.
Communications
You’re producing a podcast episode, weaving a story that will have listeners captivated from the very first minute. A communications degree will learn you to cut through all of the clutter and connect with the public.
Take the example of Casey, who was a star on her university debate team. Now she’s a public relations expert for a nonprofit, sharing their message with the world. Public Relations Society of America (PRSA) reminds us that the demand for crisis communications professionals has grown by 15% due to the volatile nature of social media.
Key takeaway
The degrees most in demand in 2025 are a direct reflection of where our world is headed. Technology areas, medicine, and data are taking the lead, but business, education, and finance degrees remain as pertinent as ever. The most successful career prospects are where technical skills are blended with excellent people skills.
Being aware of these trends can help you choose a degree that aligns with your interests and prepares you for a career where you can genuinely make a meaningful difference.
Disclaimer–This list is solely the author’s opinion based on research and publicly available information. It is not intended to be professional advice.
Don’t Swipe Until You Read This: The 7 Best Credit Cards for 2025 Ranked by Rewards
The 7 Best Credit Cards for 2025 Ranked by Rewards
There’s this moment that sticks with me—standing at a checkout line, swiping my old card like I always did, and thinking, “Wait… why am I not getting anything back for this?” I wasn’t traveling on points. I wasn’t getting cash back. I was spending. Sound familiar?
Look, the truth is, credit cards can work for you—if you choose the right one. And in 2025, you’ve got some advantageous options that can actually boost your bank account. From travel lovers to grocery haulers, there’s something for everyone.
Let’s break down the best credit cards out there this year—the ones that actually give back.
Coffee and Confidence: How Your Brew Shapes Your Day
Coffee and Confidence: How Your Brew Shapes Your Day
Coffee doesn’t just wake you up. It sharpens focus, fuels motivation, and supports the kind of daily rituals that make you feel capable and in control. From the office to the home workspace, the evidence is clear: your morning cup can help shape not just how you start the day, but how confidently you move through it.
If you’re looking to get more out of your daily brew, consider experimenting with blends designed for smoother, steadier
