Choosing a College Major: 10 Popular Picks

One of the most exciting parts of college planning is imagining what you’ll study and what kind of future it might lead to. While some students have a dream career in mind, many feel unsure. That’s completely normal. Your college major doesn’t determine your entire future, but it can open doors, shape your experiences, and help you grow your skills in ways you haven’t even considered yet.

Here are 10 of the most popular majors among high school students today and why they continue to spark curiosity and confidence in students exploring what comes next, especially in a fast-changing job market.

1. Business: Endless Pathways in Every Industry

Why it’s popular: Business is consistently a top choice for students who are curious about marketing, finance, entrepreneurship, real estate, or leadership. It’s broad enough to allow for exploration, yet practical enough to appeal to students (and parents!) who want a major that leads to jobs.

Career Outlook: Business roles—especially in data analysis, financial services, and marketing—are projected to grow steadily, with strong demand for professionals who can interpret data, lead teams, and drive results.

2. Communications: Telling Stories that Matter

Why it’s popular: Students interested in writing, media, PR, and digital content are drawn to Communications. It combines creativity with strategy—perfect for students who love connecting with others and shaping narratives.

Career Outlook: As companies invest more in digital branding, social media, and content creation, communication majors will see growing opportunities, particularly in digital marketing, UX (User Experience) writing, and public relations.

3. Sports Management: Behind the Scenes of the Game

Why it’s popular: For students who live and breathe sports but aren’t looking to play professionally, Sports Management is a way to turn passion into a career. The major blends business, media, and leadership with real-world applications.

Career Outlook: The sports industry continues to expand globally, especially in esports, event management, and analytics, offering increasing opportunities for graduates with a business mindset and a love for the game.

4. Psychology: Understanding People and Patterns

Why it’s popular: Psychology appeals to students who want to know what makes people tick. Whether it’s used in business, education, health, or counseling, this major builds insights into behavior, motivation, and human connection.

Career Outlook: Demand is rising for mental health professionals, behavioral analysts, and organizational psychologists, especially as society places greater emphasis on mental wellness and workplace dynamics.

5. Education: Making a Difference Every Day

Why it’s popular: Students who love working with kids or want to create more equitable, engaging schools often choose Education. It’s not just about teaching—it’s about empowering the next generation.

Career Outlook: Teacher shortages in many states mean that job prospects are strong, especially in special education, STEM fields, and early childhood education. Demand is also growing for instructional designers and education technology specialists.

6. Nursing: Compassion Meets Critical Thinking

Why it’s popular: Students interested in science, healthcare, and helping others are drawn to Nursing for its structure, stability, and hands-on impact.

Career Outlook: According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, nursing is one of the fastest-growing professions, with above-average job growth projected through 2032, particularly in home health care, geriatrics, and advanced practice nursing.

7. Biology / Pre-Med: A Foundation for Future Healers

Why it’s popular: Students eyeing medical, dental, veterinary, or research careers often start with a Biology major.

Career Outlook: The healthcare field is projected to add millions of new jobs over the next decade. Biology majors who pursue graduate study in health professions, like medicine, pharmacy, physical therapy, or physician assistant programs, can expect continued high demand.

8. Engineering: Building What Comes Next

Why it’s popular: Engineering attracts students who enjoy solving problems and applying math and science principles to real-world challenges.

Career Outlook: Engineering jobs, especially in software, renewable energy, robotics, and biomedical engineering, are projected to grow steadily. Some disciplines, such as environmental and civil engineering, are in particularly high demand as infrastructure and sustainability initiatives ramp up.

9. Computer Science: Tech, Innovation, and Impact

Why it’s popular: With technology shaping nearly every industry, Computer Science is booming. Students drawn to coding, app development, cybersecurity, or AI often find this major intellectually exciting and highly marketable.

Career Outlook: Job growth in computer science is projected to far outpace the average across all occupations, particularly in fields such as AI, data science, cloud computing, and cybersecurity. Tech-savvy graduates will continue to be in high demand.

10. Criminology / Forensic Science: Where Justice and Curiosity Meet

Why it’s popular: Many students are fascinated by the criminal justice system, forensic investigation, or the intersection of psychology and law.

Career Outlook: Criminology majors will find increasing opportunities in social justice advocacy, cybercrime investigation, forensic analysis, and public safety. As technology evolves, so does crime, and the need for skilled professionals to investigate and prevent it.

What’s Next & What to Watch For

Choosing a major doesn’t mean selecting a lifelong identity — it means starting with what interests you now. You’ll grow, explore, and likely revise your plans along the way. Many colleges give you until the end of your sophomore year to declare a major, and career paths are rarely linear.

But here’s something to keep in mind: The more popular a major is, the more competitive it can be when applying to certain colleges. At many universities, programs like business, engineering, nursing, and computer science may have limited spots, meaning that admissions can be more selective than for other majors. This is especially true for direct-admit programs where you must be accepted into the major as a first-year student.

That doesn’t mean you shouldn’t choose a popular major, but it does mean you’ll want to be strategic when building your college list. A well-balanced mix of schools, an understanding of how each college admits by major, and a willingness to explore related areas can help reduce stress and increase options.

Curious about which majors might match your strengths and interests? North Shore College Consulting is here to help you explore and to take the pressure off.