15 Most Popular College Majors in 2017

If you’re a prospective college student and still deciding what your field of study should be, take a look at our list of the 15 most popular college majors in 2017. While you’re at it, also check out our list of the 11 Best Master’s Degrees for the Future.

What do Computer Science, Nursing, and Statistics all have in common? They all made it to the list of most popular college majors for this year. When making a decision about what to study in college, you may experience anxiety, full body sweats, night terrors, nausea, and a desire to bury your head in the sand, or run away to a foreign country where no one will think to look for you. This is completely understandable. The decision to study Communications over Biology will undoubtedly alter the course of your life (for the better or worse is yet to be determined). The only way you can feel a bit more secure in making this decision is to do your research.    

In order to create our list of 15 most popular college majors in 2017, we used Forbes, GlassDoor, Kiplinger, and The Princeton Review as our sources. We collected all of the majors from each list, and then sorted them according to a number of students who reported studying within that major.

Continue reading to learn more details about the most popular college majors of 2017.

15. Software Engineering

Median Base Salary: $54,900

Software engineers are the creative minds behind every computer program. Some of them work on applications for your computer, tablet, or smartphone. Others work on developing systems which run the devices or control networks. Many software engineers work in firms that deal in computer system design and related services. 

 

14. Political Science

Median Base Salary: $45,000

Political scientists study the origin, development, and the operation of political systems. They do research on political ideas and analyze governments, political trends, policies, and related issues. They typically work full time in an office, and oftentimes need to work additional overtime hours in order to meet strict deadlines. Political scientists generally need a master’s degree or Ph.D. in political science or related field.

 

13. English

Median Base Salary: $45,000

English majors focus on the analysis, consumption, and production of texts in the English language. These students interpret literature, analyzing and presenting their arguments in clear, convincing writing. English majors have critical thinking skills which are essential to a number of career fields like writing, teaching, editing, and publishing.

 

12. Business

Median Base Salary: $47,850

Business majors are born leaders with great communication skills. There is no room for shy people, and you must have an aptitude for solving problems, crunching numbers, and making big decisions. While studying to become a business major, you will also study aspects of finance, accounting, marketing, statistics, and human resources. 

 

11. Physics

Median Base Salary: $50,000

Physics majors seek to understand the laws of the universe. From giant stars trillions of miles away, to the subatomic parts of our own bodies, physics majors take interest in all kinds of energy in different forms. If you’d like to know how the universe works, down to what are atoms made of, this major may be the perfect for you. 

 

10. Mathematics

Median Base Salary: $54,018

Math majors conduct research to develop and understand mathematical principles. They also analyze data and apply mathematical techniques in order to help solve real-world problems. They usually work in the federal government or in private science and engineering research companies, in teams with scientists, engineers, and other professionals. While there are positions open for those with a bachelor’s degree, it usually behooves Math majors to obtain  Masters as well.

 

9. Statistics

Median Base Salary: $60,000

Statistics major use statistical methods in order to collect and analyze data to solve real-world problems in business, healthcare, engineering, etc. About one-third of statisticians work for the federal government or for scientific research and development companies. Even though some statisticians work mostly in offices, they can also travel for data collection. Usually, students in this field should plan to obtain at least a Masters degree.

 

8. Chemical Engineering

Median Base Salary: $65,000

Chemical engineering majors, next in line on our list of most popular college majors in 2017 apply the principles of chemistry, biology, mathematics, and physics to solve problems which involve the production of chemicals, drugs, food, fuel, and many other products. Chemical engineering majors design processes and equipment for large manufacturing companies, plan and test the production methods and byproducts treatment, and direct facility operations. Most chemical engineers work in offices or laboratories, but they can also spend some time at other locations where they are needed to monitor and direct operations.

 

7. Economics

Median Base Salary: $52,000

Economics majors study the production and distribution of resources, services, and goods, while collecting and analyzing data, evaluating economic issues, and researching trends. The majority of them work independently in offices, but some collaborate with other economists and statisticians. Most need a Masters degree or Ph.D., but some entry-level jobs are also available for those who have only a Bachelors degree. With so many good job opportunities it is no wonder why economics is one of the most popular college majors of 2017.

 

6. Biomedical Engineering

Median Base Salary: $52,814

We are continuing our list of most popular college majors in 2017 with biomedical engineers that combine engineering principles with medical and biomedical sciences to design and create equipment, computer systems, devices, and software which can be used in healthcare. They work in manufacturing facilities, hospitals, universities, research facilities, medical institutions, and governments regulatory agencies. 

 

5. Finance

Median Base Salary: $54,900

A degree in Finance will prepare you for professions in the areas of corporate finance, financial analysis, underwriting, or portfolio management, among other professions. Working in Finance is about managing money, regardless of it is for individuals, corporations, organizations, or institutions. Majoring in finance will give you a great idea of how money works, as well as knowledge of financial instruments, markets, bonds, and stocks.

 

4. Management Information Systems

Median Base Salary: $58,900

Management Information Systems, the next in line on our list of most popular college majors in 2017 is also known as MIS, is a study of people, technology, and organizations. If you enjoy the latest technology, and you have the desire to use the technology to improve people’s lives, this may be the perfect major for you. Programming is just a small part of this major, and students will also learn how businesses use information to improve the company’s operations.

 

3. Nursing

Median Base Salary: $58,928

Nursing, that’s up next on our list of most popular college majors in 2017 is a program that prepares individuals in the knowledge, procedures, and techniques for promoting health, and to provide care for sick or disabled individuals or groups. This also includes instruction for the administration of medication and treatments, and how to assist a physician during treatments or examinations. Also, they are responsible for referring patients to physicians and other health care specialists. This major is great for those who enjoy helping other people.

 

2. Civil Engineering

Median Base Salary: $61,500

Civil engineering ranks 2nd on our list of most popular college majors in 2017 and it is a program that prepares individuals to apply mathematical and scientific principles to the design, development, and operational evaluation of structural materials, transportation, and water resource systems. These students are able to analyze information in order to develop the most suitable solution. Many like to draw and create projects using their hands.

 

1. Computer Science

Median Base Salary: $70,000

Computer sciences focus on computer theory, computing problems, and solutions. The computer science major program also includes principles of computational science, programming, and computer development to a variety of end-use situations. Students majoring in computer science must excel in the use of computers, mathematics, English, and physics, while being self-motivated, independent, and able to concentrate on handling frustration effectively.

Thanks for checking out our list of the 15 most popular college majors in 2017. We hope that you will find the program that is the perfect fit for you, in whatever major you intend on studying.