As a working adult going back to school, you already know that there’s a lot to consider. Among the decisions you’ll have to make is what to major in. This major will determine the classes you take beyond general education or core curriculum courses. Your degree, based on your major, will then show future employers your area of specialty.
Some people already know what their major should be because they know what they want to do after graduation. For others, even adults going back to school, choosing a major can feel overwhelming.
If you’re ready to earn a degree but aren’t sure what to major in, we have some suggestions that can make your path a little clearer.
Top 6 Majors to Consider
Some majors are timeless. For example, there will always be a need for healthcare workers and teachers. Other majors have risen in popularity as the world grows and moves forward.
The majors listed below aren’t guaranteed to get you high-paying jobs, but they’re among the most sought-after fields right now.
1. Nursing and Health Sciences
The world always needs nurses. They provide and coordinate patient care, educate patients and the public about health conditions, and provide advice and emotional support to patients and their families.
According to the US Bureau of Labor Statistics, the need for registered nurses (RNs) is expected to grow by 6% through 2032, making this an attractive career option. Many RNs begin with a bachelor’s degree in nursing, though it’s possible to get your associate’s degree first and start from there.
Even for those who don’t wish to become RNs, other jobs in healthcare are also on the rise — and many require less educational training than nursing.
These positions usually require only an associate’s degree in a related major:
Physical Therapy Assistants
Physical Therapy Assistants, or PTAs, work under the direction and supervision of a physical therapist. Their goal is to assist patients in recovering from injuries and illnesses so they can regain movement and manage pain. This career has a 19% predicted job growth through 2032.
Dental Assistants
In addition to patient care, Dental Assistants keep records and schedule appointments. This career has a 7% predicted job growth through 2032.
Sonographers
Sonographers use specialized equipment to take pictures or conduct tests. They assist physicians and surgeons with the assessment and diagnosis of medical conditions by viewing images and test results. This career has a 10% predicted job growth through 2032.
With so many opportunities in the healthcare field, there’s probably a health science major out there for you.
2. Computer Science
As the world becomes ever more connected and dependent on technology, a computer science major can open up a wide variety of jobs after graduation. You’ll learn skills such as Python and Java coding, hardware and software, algorithms, and more.
These can lead you to high-growth and lucrative careers, such as:
Database Administrator and Architect
Database Administrators and Architects create or organize systems that store and secure a variety of information, such as customer shipping records and financial information. This career has an 8% predicted growth through 2032.
Software Developer
Software Developers create applications that allow users to perform specific tasks and the underlying systems that run devices or control networks. This career has a 25% predicted growth through 2032.
Computer and Information Research Scientist
Computer and Information Research Scientists use new and existing technologies in innovative ways. Among other fields, they study and solve complex problems in computing for business, science, and medicine. This career has a 23% predicted growth through 2032.
Be part of this exciting and innovative field with a computer science degree!
3. Business and Finance
Business degrees are excellent starting points for anyone who enjoys problem-solving, thought leadership, and working with people. Business majors develop outstanding skills in communication, organizational behavior, and statistics. There are also specialties within the business major to consider, including economics, finance, law, and management.
A degree in business or related fields will also open doors to many types of careers across a broad range of industries, including:
Healthcare Manager
Healthcare Managers plan, direct, and coordinate medical and healthcare services. This career has a 28% predicted job growth by 2032.
Computer and Information Sciences Manager
Often called IT managers or IT project managers, Computer and Information Sciences Managers plan, coordinate, and direct computer-related activities. This career has a 15% predicted job growth by 2032.
Training and Development Manager
A training and development manager plans, coordinates, and directs staff skills- and knowledge-enhancement programs. This career has a 6% predicted job growth by 2032.
Wherever business is conducted, someone needs to help manage it. Why not you?
4. Education
A degree in education can be particularly beneficial for adults returning to college who have a passion for helping and mentoring others.
This field not only opens up opportunities to become a teacher but also other positions in educational administration, counseling, and curriculum development. Education majors typically take classes in child development, educational psychology, instructional technology, and classroom management, which provides a well-rounded foundation for various educational careers.
Three of the most common careers for education majors include:
Kindergarten and Elementary School Teacher
Kindergarten and elementary school teachers typically teach children ages 5 through 12 in subjects like math and reading, as well as helping them develop social skills. Around 109,000 job openings for kindergarten and elementary school teachers are projected each year through 2032.
Middle School Teacher
In middle school, teachers prepare students for high school by building on the fundamentals they learned in elementary school, typically ages 12 to 15. Around 42,200 job openings for middle school teachers are projected each year through 2032.
High School Teacher
High school teachers play a significant role in preparing students for life beyond graduation. They provide academic instruction and teach essential skills needed for college or entering the workforce. Around 67,100 job openings for high school teachers are projected each year through 2032.
There’s always a need for teachers. By shaping young minds, you can make a lasting impact on the future.
5. Human Resources
Adults returning to college who are interested in managing and improving workplace environments should consider majoring in human resources (HR). Companies across nearly every industry need to recruit, retain, and develop skilled employees.
Because HR straddles the fields of people management and business, the major's courses typically include organizational behavior, labor relations, employment law, compensation and benefits, and management principles.
Some high-growth jobs in HR include:
Human Resources Specialist
Human Resources Specialists handle tasks across all HR disciplines, including recruiting, guiding employees through procedures, and answering policy questions. They may also administer benefits, process payroll, and ensure compliance with regulations. This career has a 6% predicted job growth by 2032.
Human Resources Manager
An organization’s Human Resources Manager plans, coordinates, and directs the organization's administrative activities. This career has a 5% predicted job growth by 2032.
If you enjoy working directly with people and improving job satisfaction, HR might be perfect for you.
6. Marketing
A marketing degree can open doors to various industries. It equips you with the skills to thrive in a dynamic and ever-evolving field, making it an attractive option for those with a passion for business, psychology, and creative work.
Core classes for a marketing major often include consumer behavior, marketing research, digital marketing, brand management, and strategic marketing. These courses provide a comprehensive understanding of how to effectively promote products and services, engage customers, and analyze market trends.
Careers include:
Advertising Manager
Advertising Managers plan programs to generate interest in products and services. In addition to developing strategies and materials, they work with art directors, advertising sales agents, financial staff, and others. This career has a 6% predicted growth through 2032.
Public Relations Specialist
Public Relations Specialists develop and maintain a favorable public image for individuals, groups, and organizations. This career has a 6% predicted growth through 2032.
Market Research Analyst
In order to determine whether a product or service will be successful, Market Research Analysts analyze consumer preferences, business conditions, and other factors. They help companies understand what products people want, who will buy them, and how much they will cost. This career has a 13% predicted growth through 2032.
Marketing Manager
Marketing Managers plan programs to generate interest in a product or service through advertising, promotions, and marketing. This career has a 6% predicted job growth by 2032.
With the rise of digital marketing and new social media platforms, there’s always a need for marketing specialists who can keep audiences engaged.
How to Go Back to College
Going back to college is a big decision that can present challenges, especially for non-traditional or adult learners. But think of this as an investment in yourself: those with a bachelor’s degree typically earn over $30,000 more every year than those with only a high school diploma.
With the majors we’ve presented here, you’re giving yourself the opportunity to pursue a career with plenty of job opportunities upon graduation.
When you’re ready to leap into a brighter future, StraighterLine can help you get started, no matter how long it’s been since you were a student.
Let StraighterLine Help You Go Back to College
While we don’t offer degrees, StraighterLine helps adults returning to college by giving them a way to take general education and prerequisite courses flexibly and affordably. Our students learn on their own schedule and at their own pace through asynchronous online courses.
Your membership includes e-textbooks and complete student support services. Take one class at a time to sample a new field or to maintain a work-school-life balance, or bundle and save 20% or more when you follow one of our Career Pathways programs!
Wherever your educational journey takes you, StraighterLine is here to help. Try a course for free today to get started.
