It’s normal for majors to become more popular or less popular over time. There are several majors in healthcare, engineering, computer science, and other areas of study that are getting more attention than ever before. According to the Bureau of Labor and Statistics, the five fastest growing occupations are:
- Wind turbine service technicians – 45% growth rate
- Nurse practitioners – 45% growth rate
- Data scientists – 35% growth rate
- Statisticians – 32% growth rate
- Information security analysts – 32% growth rate
With those fast-growing occupations, it’s no surprise then what some of the fastest growing majors are! Using data from the National Center for Education Statistics website, including their table on Bachelor’s degrees conferred by postsecondary institutions, by field of study for 2020-21 and annual reports, we put together a list of some of the fastest-growing undergraduate degrees in the United States today.
Flickr user Daxis
Health and Medical Majors
Some fast-growing majors fall under the category of health and medicine, such as
Nursing
Nursing in particular has always been a very popular major – that is only becoming more popular! Especially in the wake of the labor gap left by the pandemic, nurses are in demand more than ever before.
Those who decide to pursue a major in nursing can expect to complete courses in microbiology, pathophysiology, clinical experience, human anatomy, and more.
Health Science
Health Science, Medical Science, and Physician Assistant Studies are also common majors in the healthcare field. These particular undergraduate programs can set students up for a future career in the medical field, including one as a physician assistant. However, to become a physician assistant, you will need to further your education beyond a bachelor’s degree.
Communication Disorders
Previously, students would need a master’s degree to find a position in audiology, the study of the sense of hearing, but that is no longer the case. Now it requires either a degree in Communication Disorders or Speech-Language Pathology and Audiology.
Engineering
Did you know that there are about 40 different types of degrees that fall under engineering?
Some examples include:
A fast growing undergraduate major, there is a vast demand for experts in various specializations. Students in these fields learn to apply the principles of physics and mathematics to their work to design structures, vehicles, electronics, devices, buildings, and more. However, it does require a great deal of problem-solving and critical-thinking skills!
Engineering programs are also notoriously difficult to be accepted to, especially among schools that already have low acceptance rates. These colleges and universities will often require a separate application to their engineering program. It is entirely possible to be accepted to the school, but not to the program due to the stiff competition.
Computer/Information Sciences
Computer sciences and information technology have come a long way in the past 20 or so years, with new majors popping up regularly. Some of the most common majors that fall under this educational umbrella include:
Cybersecurity
Every business can be the target of a cyber-attack, so cybersecurity professionals are in high demand at the moment! Those in this field need to learn about current threats, ways to prevent new ones, data security, compliance regulations, audits, assessments, and much more.
Management Information Systems
Also known as Information Systems Management in some schools, this particular major focuses on the data portion of businesses and organizations. Classes will cover data collection, security, risk management, cybersecurity, and data analysis, among other subjects.
Computer Science
Computer science can cover a breadth of subjects and niches, so students need to be sure to think about their specialization if they go down this route. Classes focus on computer theory, computing problems and solutions, the design of computer systems, programming, software development, and more. Some schools may also offer specific computer science majors in these areas of study as well as others.
Biology/Biomedical Sciences
Biology
Biology is the study of the principles of life processes at all levels. Biomedical sciences is an umbrella term for a number of different majors that cover biochemical functions, anatomy, histological structures, epidemiology, pharmacology, and physiological functions.
Pharmaceutical sciences
Pharmaceutical science is one area under this umbrella that is seeing significant growth. Those in this field will be expected to be able to administer the appropriate medications, help monitor and manage dosages, and improve health outcomes. Students will study biochemistry, human anatomy, organic chemistry, and others. With an undergraduate degree in pharmaceutical studies, students can also decide to advance their education and pursue careers in research, drug development, and veterinary work.
Nutrition
Another biomedical major that is growing is nutrition (or nutrition science), which is needed to become a dietitian. Those in this area of study can expect to learn about the principles of nutrition, food preparation, diseases, chemistry, biology, and more.
These are just some of the quickly growing majors in the United States. Other areas of study that are continuing to grow fast include Business, Psychology, Parks/Recreation/Leisure, Agriculture/National Resources, Homeland Security/Law Enforcement, Math and Statistics, and Communications/Journalism. 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.
Are you interested in learning more about the fastest growing undergraduate majors? Want to see if one of them fits your career and education goals? Or curious what other areas of study would be strong fits for you? Our Major Search tool allows you to learn more about these areas of study, the best schools for your goals, and about potential majors!
