Majors and careers

College Majors and Career Paths

Where 109 college majors can lead: the career paths connected to each one, and practical training you can take along the way.

How to use this list

Find your major, or a major you are considering, to see careers that commonly connect to it. Select a career to read what the work involves, or a training to start building skills for it now. Many careers are open to more than one major.

Healthcare

MajorCareer pathsRelated training
NursingRegistered Nurse, Licensed Practical Nurse, Certified Nursing Assistant, Nurse PractitionerRegistered Nurse Training
Healthcare AdministrationMedical and Health Services Manager, Medical Administrative Assistant, Medical Billing and Coding Specialist, Health Information TechnologistMedical and Health Services Manager Training
Public HealthHealth Educator, Community Health Worker, Epidemiologist, Environmental Health SpecialistHealth Educator Training
Health SciencesMedical Assistant, Physical Therapist Assistant, Occupational Therapy Assistant, PhlebotomistMedical Assistant Training
Medical AssistingMedical Assistant, Phlebotomist, Medical Administrative Assistant, Medical Billing and Coding SpecialistMedical Assistant Training
Health Information ManagementHealth Information Technologist, Medical Billing and Coding Specialist, Medical Administrative Assistant, Medical TranscriptionistHealth Information Technologist Training
Radiologic Technology and Medical ImagingRadiologic Technologist, MRI Technologist, Diagnostic Medical Sonographer, Nuclear Medicine TechnologistRadiologic Technologist Training
Respiratory TherapyRespiratory Therapist, Cardiovascular Technologist, Paramedic, Emergency Medical TechnicianRespiratory Therapist Training
Emergency Medical ServicesEmergency Medical Technician, Paramedic, Ambulance Driver, FirefighterEmergency Medical Technician Training
Kinesiology and Exercise ScienceExercise Physiologist, Personal Trainer, Athletic Trainer, Physical Therapist AssistantExercise Physiologist Training
Nutrition and DieteticsDietitian, Dietetic Technician, Health Educator, Food ScientistDietitian Training
Dental Hygiene and Dental AssistingDental Hygienist, Dental Assistant, Dental Lab Technician, DentistDental Hygienist Training
Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical SciencesPharmacy Technician, Pharmacist, Pharmacy Aide, Chemical TechnicianPharmacy Technician Training
Surgical TechnologySurgical Technologist, Sterile Processing Technician, Surgical Assistant, Registered NurseSurgical Technologist Training
Medical Laboratory ScienceMedical Laboratory Technician, Phlebotomist, Biological Technician, MicrobiologistMedical Laboratory Technician Training

Business

MajorCareer pathsRelated training
Business AdministrationGeneral and Operations Manager, Administrative Services Manager, Project Manager, Management AnalystGeneral and Operations Manager Training
MarketingMarketing Manager, Digital Marketing Specialist, Public Relations Specialist, Advertising Sales AgentMarketing Manager Training
AccountingAccountant, Bookkeeper, Tax Preparer, Budget AnalystAccountant Training
FinanceFinancial Analyst, Financial Advisor, Loan Officer, Credit AnalystFinancial Analyst Training
Human Resources ManagementHuman Resources Specialist, HR Assistant, Human Resources Manager, Compensation and Benefits SpecialistHuman Resources Specialist Training
EntrepreneurshipGeneral and Operations Manager, Chief Executive, Retail Store Manager, Restaurant ManagerGeneral and Operations Manager Training
Management and Organizational LeadershipGeneral and Operations Manager, Administrative Services Manager, Office Manager, Facilities ManagerGeneral and Operations Manager Training
EconomicsEconomist, Financial Analyst, Management Analyst, Budget AnalystEconomist Training
Project ManagementProject Manager, Construction Manager, IT Manager, Management AnalystProject Manager Training
Business AnalyticsManagement Analyst, Operations Research Analyst, Data Scientist, Financial AnalystManagement Analyst Training
Real EstateReal Estate Agent, Real Estate Broker, Property Manager, Title ExaminerReal Estate Agent Training
Insurance and Risk ManagementInsurance Underwriter, Insurance Agent, Claims Adjuster, Financial Risk SpecialistInsurance Underwriter Training
International BusinessPurchasing Manager, Logistics Manager, Wholesale Sales Representative, Management AnalystPurchasing Manager Training
Sales and MerchandisingAccount Executive, Wholesale Sales Representative, Technical Sales Representative, Retail Store ManagerAccount Executive Training

Technology

MajorCareer pathsRelated training
Computer ScienceSoftware Developer, Web Developer, Data Scientist, Software QA TesterSoftware Developer Training
Information TechnologyIT Support Specialist, Network Administrator, Network Technician, Computer Repair TechnicianIT Support Specialist Training
CybersecurityCybersecurity Analyst, Network Administrator, IT Support Specialist, Computer Systems AnalystCybersecurity Analyst Training
Data Science and AnalyticsData Scientist, Statistician, Database Administrator, Operations Research AnalystData Scientist Training
Artificial IntelligenceData Scientist, Software Developer, Computer Systems Analyst, Software QA TesterData Scientist Training
Information SystemsComputer Systems Analyst, Database Administrator, IT Manager, Management AnalystComputer Systems Analyst Training
Software EngineeringSoftware Developer, Software QA Tester, Web Developer, UX/UI DesignerSoftware Developer Training
Web Design and DevelopmentWeb Developer, UX/UI Designer, Graphic Designer, Digital Marketing SpecialistWeb Developer Training

Engineering and Architecture

MajorCareer pathsRelated training
Mechanical EngineeringMechanical Engineer, Mechanical Engineering Technician, Mechanical Drafter, Industrial EngineerMechanical Engineer Training
Electrical EngineeringElectrical Engineer, Electronics Engineer, Electrical Drafter, Electronics TechnicianElectrical Engineer Training
Civil EngineeringCivil Engineer, Civil Engineering Technician, Construction Manager, Construction and Building InspectorCivil Engineer Training
Industrial and Manufacturing EngineeringIndustrial Engineer, Industrial Engineering Technician, Industrial Production Manager, Quality Control InspectorIndustrial Engineer Training
Chemical EngineeringChemical Engineer, Chemical Technician, Chemical Plant Operator, Refinery OperatorChemical Engineer Training
Aerospace EngineeringAerospace Engineer, Aerospace Engineering Technician, Avionics Technician, Aircraft MechanicAerospace Engineer Training
Biomedical EngineeringBiomedical Engineer, Biomedical Equipment Technician, Medical Appliance Technician, Medical ScientistBiomedical Engineer Training
Computer EngineeringElectronics Engineer, Electrical Engineer, Software Developer, Network AdministratorElectronics Engineer Training
Environmental EngineeringEnvironmental Engineering Technician, Civil Engineer, Environmental Health Specialist, Water Treatment Plant OperatorEnvironmental Engineering Technician Training
Engineering TechnologyMechanical Engineering Technician, Civil Engineering Technician, Electronics Technician, Industrial Engineering TechnicianMechanical Engineering Technician Training
ArchitectureArchitect, CAD Drafter, Interior Designer, Landscape ArchitectArchitect Training

Construction and Skilled Trades

MajorCareer pathsRelated training
Construction ManagementConstruction Manager, Cost Estimator, Construction Foreman, Construction and Building InspectorConstruction Manager Training
Building Science and Construction TechnologyConstruction and Building Inspector, Building Maintenance Technician, CAD Drafter, Construction ManagerConstruction and Building Inspector Training
Industrial TechnologyIndustrial Engineering Technician, Production Supervisor, Quality Control Inspector, Industrial Maintenance TechnicianIndustrial Engineering Technician Training
Welding TechnologyWelder, Welding Machine Operator, Metal Fabricator, BoilermakerWelder Training
Electrical TechnologyElectrician, Electrical Lineworker, Electronics Technician, Solar Panel InstallerElectrician Training
HVAC TechnologyHVAC Technician, Building Maintenance Technician, Stationary Engineer, Sheet Metal WorkerHVAC Technician Training
Plumbing and PipefittingPlumber, Pipelayer, Plumber Helper, Construction and Building InspectorPlumber Training
CarpentryCarpenter, Cabinetmaker, Construction Foreman, Drywall InstallerCarpenter Training

Manufacturing and Mechanics

MajorCareer pathsRelated training
Mechatronics and RoboticsMechatronics Technician, Industrial Maintenance Technician, Electronics Technician, CNC ProgrammerMechatronics Technician Training
Precision Machining and CNCCNC Machinist, CNC Operator, CNC Programmer, Tool and Die MakerCNC Machinist Training
Automotive TechnologyAutomotive Service Technician, Auto Body Technician, Diesel Mechanic, Parts SalespersonAutomotive Service Technician Training
Diesel and Heavy Equipment TechnologyDiesel Mechanic, Heavy Equipment Mechanic, Farm Equipment Mechanic, Automotive Service TechnicianDiesel Mechanic Training
Aviation Maintenance TechnologyAircraft Mechanic, Avionics Technician, Aerospace Engineering Technician, Aircraft AssemblerAircraft Mechanic Training

Transportation and Logistics

MajorCareer pathsRelated training
Supply Chain ManagementLogistics Manager, Logistics Coordinator, Purchasing Agent, Purchasing ManagerLogistics Manager Training
Logistics and DistributionLogistics Coordinator, Logistics Manager, Freight Dispatcher, Warehouse AssociateLogistics Coordinator Training
Transportation ManagementTransportation Supervisor, Logistics Manager, Freight Dispatcher, Truck DriverTransportation Supervisor Training
Operations ManagementGeneral and Operations Manager, Industrial Production Manager, Production Planner, Logistics ManagerGeneral and Operations Manager Training
AviationCommercial Pilot, Airline Pilot, Air Traffic Controller, Airfield Operations SpecialistCommercial Pilot Training

Education

MajorCareer pathsRelated training
Elementary EducationElementary School Teacher, Kindergarten Teacher, Teacher Assistant, Substitute TeacherElementary School Teacher Training
Secondary EducationHigh School Teacher, Middle School Teacher, Career and Technical Education Teacher, Substitute TeacherHigh School Teacher Training
Early Childhood EducationPreschool Teacher, Childcare Worker, Childcare Center Director, Kindergarten TeacherPreschool Teacher Training
Special EducationSpecial Education Teacher, Preschool Special Education Teacher, Middle School Special Education Teacher, High School Special Education TeacherSpecial Education Teacher Training
Instructional Design and Adult LearningCorporate Trainer, Instructional Coordinator, Training and Development Manager, Adult Education TeacherCorporate Trainer Training

Science and Mathematics

MajorCareer pathsRelated training
BiologyBiological Technician, Microbiologist, Medical Laboratory Technician, Medical ScientistBiological Technician Training
ChemistryChemist, Chemical Technician, Food Science Technician, Materials ScientistChemist Training
PhysicsPhysicist, Astronomer, Materials Scientist, Semiconductor Processing TechnicianPhysicist Training
MathematicsMathematician, Statistician, Actuary, Operations Research AnalystMathematician Training
Forensic ScienceForensic Science Technician, Detective, Chemist, Biological TechnicianForensic Science Technician Training
Geology and Earth SciencesGeoscientist, Geological Technician, Environmental Technician, Mining EngineerGeoscientist Training

Criminal Justice, Law and Public Safety

MajorCareer pathsRelated training
Criminal JusticePolice Officer, Detective, Correctional Officer, Probation OfficerPolice Officer Training
Fire ScienceFirefighter, Fire Inspector, Emergency Medical Technician, ParamedicFirefighter Training
Emergency Management and Homeland SecurityEmergency Management Director, 911 Dispatcher, Transportation Security Officer, Security SupervisorEmergency Management Director Training
Legal Studies and ParalegalParalegal, Legal Secretary, Court Clerk, Title ExaminerParalegal Training

Communications and Media

MajorCareer pathsRelated training
CommunicationsPublic Relations Specialist, Technical Writer, Editor, WriterPublic Relations Specialist Training
JournalismJournalist, Editor, Writer, ProofreaderJournalist Training
Public Relations and AdvertisingPublic Relations Specialist, Public Relations Manager, Marketing Manager, Advertising Sales AgentPublic Relations Specialist Training
Digital Media and Film ProductionVideo Editor, Camera Operator, Producer and Director, AnimatorVideo Editor Training
English and Professional WritingWriter, Editor, Technical Writer, ProofreaderWriter Training

Arts and Design

MajorCareer pathsRelated training
Graphic DesignGraphic Designer, Art Director, UX/UI Designer, Web DeveloperGraphic Designer Training
Interior DesignInterior Designer, Set Designer, CAD Drafter, Visual MerchandiserInterior Designer Training
Fashion Design and MerchandisingFashion Designer, Apparel Patternmaker, Tailor, Visual MerchandiserFashion Designer Training
Fine Arts and Studio ArtFine Artist, Craft Artist, Art Director, PhotographerFine Artist Training
MusicMusic Director, Sound Engineer, Self-Enrichment Teacher, Producer and DirectorMusic Director Training

Hospitality, Culinary and Tourism

MajorCareer pathsRelated training
Hospitality ManagementHotel Manager, Restaurant Manager, Event Planner, Food Service SupervisorHotel Manager Training
Culinary ArtsChef, Line Cook, Baker, Private ChefChef Training
Tourism and Travel ManagementTravel Agent, Tour Guide, Event Planner, Hotel ManagerTravel Agent Training
Event ManagementEvent Planner, Recreation Manager, Hotel Manager, Public Relations SpecialistEvent Planner Training
Sport and Recreation ManagementRecreation Manager, Recreation Worker, Sports Coach, Sports OfficialRecreation Manager Training

Psychology, Social Sciences and Public Service

MajorCareer pathsRelated training
PsychologyPsychiatric Technician, Human Services Assistant, Substance Abuse Counselor, Rehabilitation CounselorPsychiatric Technician Training
Social WorkSocial Worker, Healthcare Social Worker, Substance Abuse Counselor, Human Services AssistantSocial Worker Training
SociologySurvey Researcher, Sociologist, Social and Community Service Manager, Human Services AssistantSurvey Researcher Training
Human Services and CounselingHuman Services Assistant, Substance Abuse Counselor, Rehabilitation Counselor, Community Health WorkerHuman Services Assistant Training
Political ScienceParalegal, Lawyer, Urban Planner, Survey ResearcherParalegal Training
Public Administration and PolicySocial and Community Service Manager, Budget Analyst, Emergency Management Director, Urban PlannerSocial and Community Service Manager Training
HistoryHistorian, Archivist, Curator, Museum TechnicianHistorian Training

Environment, Safety and Sustainability

MajorCareer pathsRelated training
Environmental Science and SustainabilityEnvironmental Technician, Environmental Health Specialist, Conservation Technician, Environmental Engineering TechnicianEnvironmental Technician Training
Occupational Safety and HealthOccupational Safety Specialist, Safety Technician, Safety Engineer, Hazardous Materials TechnicianOccupational Safety Specialist Training
Renewable Energy TechnologySolar Panel Installer, Wind Turbine Technician, Electrician, Electrical LineworkerSolar Panel Installer Training

Agriculture and Natural Resources

MajorCareer pathsRelated training
Agriculture and AgribusinessFarm Manager, Agricultural Technician, Agricultural Inspector, Soil and Plant ScientistFarm Manager Training
Animal Science and Veterinary TechnologyVeterinary Technician, Veterinary Assistant, Animal Scientist, Animal CaretakerVeterinary Technician Training
Forestry and Natural ResourcesForester, Forest and Conservation Worker, Conservation Technician, Fish and Game WardenForester Training

Frequently asked questions

What is the best college major for my career?

Work backward from the career: look at the education it typically requires, then compare the majors that lead there. Some careers require a specific degree and license, while others accept many majors plus practical skills.

Does my major decide my career?

Not completely. Many careers accept several majors, and people often change direction. Skills, experience and additional training can open careers outside your major.

Which majors lead to careers without a four-year degree?

Many technical and healthcare programs, such as medical assisting, welding technology, HVAC technology and emergency medical services, are offered as certificates or associate degrees.

Which majors lead to healthcare careers?

Healthcare majors include Nursing, Healthcare Administration, Public Health, Health Sciences, Medical Assisting, and Health Information Management.

Which majors lead to technology careers?

Technology majors include Computer Science, Information Technology, Cybersecurity, Data Science and Analytics, Artificial Intelligence, Information Systems, Software Engineering, and Web Design and Development.

Which majors lead to business careers?

Business majors include Business Administration, Marketing, Accounting, Finance, Human Resources Management, Entrepreneurship, and Management and Organizational Leadership.

Can I get a job outside my major?

Yes. Many graduates work in fields different from their major, especially when they build relevant skills through minors, internships, projects and job-specific training.

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