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What are the most versatile college majors?
I was wondering which college majors were most versatile. I know that engineering majors are typically quite well rounded, being prevalent in a wide range of industries. What are some other flexible majors?
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Paul Goetzinger MPA
Academic and Career Consultant and Freelance Writer
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Paul’s Answer
In my experience, as an academic advisor, the most flexible majors tend to be in the social science area.
This includes such majors as Business, Economics, Psychology, Sociology, History, Public Administration, Legal Studies etc..
The reason for this might be because various skills are developed by people who focus on these majors, especially in the areas of working with people, public speaking, and writing skills.
David Epstein, who wrote the book "Range" stated that individuals who are well rounded, and develop skills which can be utilized in many different areas of the workforce, are eventually going to be the ones who will rule the world.
And from what I have observed the social science majors tend to be the ones who develop the technical skills to succeed in many different careers and occupations.
This includes such majors as Business, Economics, Psychology, Sociology, History, Public Administration, Legal Studies etc..
The reason for this might be because various skills are developed by people who focus on these majors, especially in the areas of working with people, public speaking, and writing skills.
David Epstein, who wrote the book "Range" stated that individuals who are well rounded, and develop skills which can be utilized in many different areas of the workforce, are eventually going to be the ones who will rule the world.
And from what I have observed the social science majors tend to be the ones who develop the technical skills to succeed in many different careers and occupations.
Updated
Michelle’s Answer
Hello, Jason !
You have asked such an interesting question and I have a point of view that you can consider.
Majors are great but they lead to Degrees and that is the important factor in choosing a Major, not which major is considered versatile, because you know, honestly they're not. Majors are targeted to specific career goals. Employers want people with actual specific degrees targeted to the work. In the region in which I live, this is the case but it may be different in other regions of the U.S. I can give you the perspective that I know, experienced and have seen people experience in a specific area of the U.S..
Some majors that will end up causing barriers if your goal is to apply for any random jobs are Liberal Arts, English, Sociology and History. Don't get me wrong, these are wonderful majors, but these majors are only beneficial to people that are going for a career connected to the subjects (except for Liberal Arts). Right now, you are asking about Majors, majors that you can have that will lead you into a variety of careers. I will explain why it doesn't work this way. You'll need to choose a career first and tailor your major to that subject.
Say a newspaper company has a great career job opening. They receive 100 resumes from people with a major in Journalism. Then they receive random resumes from people with their degrees in in, say, Liberal Arts, Sociology or English. This employer is going to concentrate on the candidates that have the degree in Journalism. To explain further, this is evident by using employment websites. There is software that screens applicants for specific requirements. If you apply for a job through the employment website Indeed, when you apply, it will ask you two or three questions about your qualifications. The software screens this and the employer will than see whose qualifications best fit their needs for a particular position. So there is some purpose for majors such as English, History and Sociology, but those degrees match up only with specific careers and the pool for careers with them is quite narrow. I'm just using them as an example. Your major should allow you to be proficient in a specific subject with the intention of having a career in it.
It's a different story if you wanted to know which majors have a lot of subdivisions wherein you can choose various niches to work in like say a medical major, computer science or law. But since you want to know about majors, it's best to pick a career interest first so you'd know what to major in, not the other way around. It's okay to not know what to major in or even have a career interest yet. It will come to you and you will be inspired to strive for a specific career that you would be qualified for. You will get an edge on the competition if you give this some time, decide and focus on what career you want to do and then choose a major.
So, unfortunately, there are no flexible majors or ones that will make you eligible for a multitude of careers. More importantly, employers are usually not flexible and usually ask for degrees in subjects connected to the work. Many students are well rounded, but that's not what employers are looking for. They want someone with the focused degree that fits their company's purpose.
I hope that this is something useful for you to think about and I wish you all the best !
You have asked such an interesting question and I have a point of view that you can consider.
Majors are great but they lead to Degrees and that is the important factor in choosing a Major, not which major is considered versatile, because you know, honestly they're not. Majors are targeted to specific career goals. Employers want people with actual specific degrees targeted to the work. In the region in which I live, this is the case but it may be different in other regions of the U.S. I can give you the perspective that I know, experienced and have seen people experience in a specific area of the U.S..
Some majors that will end up causing barriers if your goal is to apply for any random jobs are Liberal Arts, English, Sociology and History. Don't get me wrong, these are wonderful majors, but these majors are only beneficial to people that are going for a career connected to the subjects (except for Liberal Arts). Right now, you are asking about Majors, majors that you can have that will lead you into a variety of careers. I will explain why it doesn't work this way. You'll need to choose a career first and tailor your major to that subject.
Say a newspaper company has a great career job opening. They receive 100 resumes from people with a major in Journalism. Then they receive random resumes from people with their degrees in in, say, Liberal Arts, Sociology or English. This employer is going to concentrate on the candidates that have the degree in Journalism. To explain further, this is evident by using employment websites. There is software that screens applicants for specific requirements. If you apply for a job through the employment website Indeed, when you apply, it will ask you two or three questions about your qualifications. The software screens this and the employer will than see whose qualifications best fit their needs for a particular position. So there is some purpose for majors such as English, History and Sociology, but those degrees match up only with specific careers and the pool for careers with them is quite narrow. I'm just using them as an example. Your major should allow you to be proficient in a specific subject with the intention of having a career in it.
It's a different story if you wanted to know which majors have a lot of subdivisions wherein you can choose various niches to work in like say a medical major, computer science or law. But since you want to know about majors, it's best to pick a career interest first so you'd know what to major in, not the other way around. It's okay to not know what to major in or even have a career interest yet. It will come to you and you will be inspired to strive for a specific career that you would be qualified for. You will get an edge on the competition if you give this some time, decide and focus on what career you want to do and then choose a major.
So, unfortunately, there are no flexible majors or ones that will make you eligible for a multitude of careers. More importantly, employers are usually not flexible and usually ask for degrees in subjects connected to the work. Many students are well rounded, but that's not what employers are looking for. They want someone with the focused degree that fits their company's purpose.
I hope that this is something useful for you to think about and I wish you all the best !
Updated
Chinyere’s Answer
Hello Jason,
Good question!
You're right that engineering majors are highly versatile, as they apply to many industries. When choosing a college major, versatility can be a significant factor. A versatile major often provides a strong foundation for a variety of career paths, allowing you to adapt to changing job markets and industries. Here are some of the most versatile college majors:
1. Computer Science:
Why it's versatile: Computer science graduates are in high demand across industries, from software development to data analysis, artificial intelligence, and cybersecurity.
Potential career paths: Software engineer, web developer, data scientist, systems analyst, cybersecurity specialist.
2. Business Administration:
Why it's versatile: Business administration majors develop a broad understanding of business principles, making them adaptable to various roles within organizations.
Potential career paths: Management, marketing, finance, accounting, human resources, entrepreneurship.
3. Mathematics:
Why it's versatile: Mathematical skills are highly transferable and valuable in fields ranging from finance and economics to engineering and computer science.
Potential career paths: Actuary, statistician, financial analyst, data scientist, mathematician, operations researcher.
4. English:
Why it's versatile: Strong communication and critical thinking skills developed through an English major are essential in many professions.
Potential career paths: Journalism, writing, editing, public relations, law, education.
5. Psychology:
Why it's versatile: Psychology majors gain valuable insights into human behavior, making them adaptable to roles in various fields.
Potential career paths: Counseling, social work, human resources, market research, education, law.
6. Economics:
Why it's versatile: Economic knowledge is applicable in a wide range of fields, including finance, business, government, and international development.
Potential career paths: Economist, financial analyst, investment banker, policy analyst, market researcher.
7. Political Science:
Why it's versatile: Political science majors develop strong analytical and research skills, along with a deep understanding of government and public policy.
Potential career paths: Government service, law, international relations, public policy analysis, journalism.
Remember that versatility also depends on your interests, skills, and career goals. It's essential to explore different majors and consider how they align with your aspirations.
Best wishes!
Good question!
You're right that engineering majors are highly versatile, as they apply to many industries. When choosing a college major, versatility can be a significant factor. A versatile major often provides a strong foundation for a variety of career paths, allowing you to adapt to changing job markets and industries. Here are some of the most versatile college majors:
1. Computer Science:
Why it's versatile: Computer science graduates are in high demand across industries, from software development to data analysis, artificial intelligence, and cybersecurity.
Potential career paths: Software engineer, web developer, data scientist, systems analyst, cybersecurity specialist.
2. Business Administration:
Why it's versatile: Business administration majors develop a broad understanding of business principles, making them adaptable to various roles within organizations.
Potential career paths: Management, marketing, finance, accounting, human resources, entrepreneurship.
3. Mathematics:
Why it's versatile: Mathematical skills are highly transferable and valuable in fields ranging from finance and economics to engineering and computer science.
Potential career paths: Actuary, statistician, financial analyst, data scientist, mathematician, operations researcher.
4. English:
Why it's versatile: Strong communication and critical thinking skills developed through an English major are essential in many professions.
Potential career paths: Journalism, writing, editing, public relations, law, education.
5. Psychology:
Why it's versatile: Psychology majors gain valuable insights into human behavior, making them adaptable to roles in various fields.
Potential career paths: Counseling, social work, human resources, market research, education, law.
6. Economics:
Why it's versatile: Economic knowledge is applicable in a wide range of fields, including finance, business, government, and international development.
Potential career paths: Economist, financial analyst, investment banker, policy analyst, market researcher.
7. Political Science:
Why it's versatile: Political science majors develop strong analytical and research skills, along with a deep understanding of government and public policy.
Potential career paths: Government service, law, international relations, public policy analysis, journalism.
Remember that versatility also depends on your interests, skills, and career goals. It's essential to explore different majors and consider how they align with your aspirations.
Best wishes!