10 hot majors for the college-bound

Nursing offers several levels of certification, each requiring a different amount of education. While a licensed practical nurse (LPN) can complete their studies in two years, a bachelor of science in nursing (RN) requires a four-year education.

Due to advances in technology, the demand for experienced workers in this field is growing faster than average. Education needed consists of either a certification (usually 1-2 years through a community college or vocational school) or a bachelor’s degree. 

The introduction of social media over the past 10 years has re-defined the study of marketing, journalism and public relations. Journalists and media professionals can no longer rely solely on their writing. They must learn multimedia skills and even basic Web design to land a job. 

Fans of CSI will love this degree, which calls for the analytical thinking of a detective and the math skills of a banker. Forensic accountants often work with police departments and government officials to obtain information on criminal cases through financial history.

This career combines elements of business and computer science to improve the quality of a company or organization. Responsibilities include constructing strategic IT plans and overseeing the internal functions of a company’s computer database.

With a recession still lurking in the U.S. and the collapse of economies around the world, finance majors have an increasingly important role in society. Financial advisors will have plenty of opportunities to take their business global, work as consultants or even start their own firms.

For the artist who understands computers, digital art offers a wide array of creative jobs. Among these is the popular game design major. Digital art majors can also find work in advertising and newspaper, magazine and website layout. 

Studying the humanities gives a student the freedom to take a variety of classes in English literature, history, fine art and more while taking on other liberal arts requirements. The humanities are ideal for those considering a graduate degree, law school or a career as a professor.

Psychology majors spend their time in college learning about the mental and physical workings of the human psyche—from emotions to reason. After college, psychologists can work in a wide range of fields, including family and marital counseling, therapy and human resources. 

An environmental engineer’s main focus is providing clean air and water to people through a knowledge of applied sciences and engineering. Environmental engineers also work with cities to prevent and reverse polluted sites.