When choosing a college major, students take several elements into account, including what they're most interested in and which fields complement their natural skills. But it's important not to overlook an important factor: future job opportunities.
With classes resuming for the fall, job-posting site Indeed compiled a list of majors that lead to "jobs of the future" — positions that pay $57,700 per year or more and saw at least 25% wage growth between 2004 and 2014.
Indeed found that these jobs represent positions that are at a low risk for automation, utilize transferable skills, and are in high demand by employers. Computer and information sciences earned the top spot on the list, thanks to high average annual salaries and skill sets that can be applied across industries.
Read on to see more jobs of the future, along with the majors that will help you get there.
6. Finance
Best majors: Finance, accounting, economics
Number of graduates in 2014: 358,079 (general business degrees)
Average annual salary: $73,670 (accountants and auditors); $92,250 (financial analysts)
5. Health professions and related programs
Best majors: Biology, nursing, medical assistant, healthcare administration, medicine, sports medicine, physical therapy
Number of graduates in 2014: 198,770
Average annual salary: $69,790 (registered nurses); $83,940 (physical therapists); $97,280 (physician assistants)
4. Management
Best majors: Business administration, international business
Number of graduates in 2014: 358,079 (general business degrees)
Average annual salary: $126,040 (sales managers); $137,400 (marketing managers); $114,140 (human resources managers)
3. Architecture
Best majors: Architecture
Number of graduates in 2014: 9,144
Average annual salary: $138,720 (architectural and engineering managers)
2. Engineering
Best majors: Engineering, software engineering, systems engineering, electrical engineering, biomedical engineering
Number of graduates in 2014: 92,162
Average annual salary: $87,140 (mechanical engineers); $95,780 (electrical engineers); $87,130 (civil engineers)
1. Computer and information sciences
Best majors: Computer science, computer programming, computer networking
Number of graduates in 2014: 55,367
Average annual salary: $99,530 (software developers, applications); $87,320 (computer systems analysts)
