Most and Least Practical Majors

College Life
41

<p>Most: Econ--it teaches you the basics of how money works, and money makes the world go 'round. It also teaches you some of the foundations of politics, and it makes you very aware of your own choices. Economics isn't the study of money--it's the study of choice, and our lives are made up of many choices. In terms of having a financially sucessful life, a major in economics will open up a lot of doors for you as well, because it really makes you learn how to think. </p>

<p>Least: Studio Art--I plan on minoring in it myself, however I don't think it's a very practical major. If it's what you love then go for it, but you won't use those skills in everyday life as much as you might with another major.</p>

<p>Least</p>

42

<p>Least practical: Hotel management. Pretty impractical if you're a 7 foot high flying center... then again very practical for keeping your grades up.</p>

43

<p>Basket weaving.</p>

44

<p>"Basket weaving."</p>

<p>Monica Lewinsky would disagree.</p>

45

<p>most: Computer science + MBA $$$$</p>

<p>Least: any of those fun liberal arts majors. Because you usually can't get a decent job studying medieval basket weaving. </p>

<p>BUT if you love it, then go all the way, get a PhD in your medieval studies, studio art, Egyptian architecture, etc, etc and you'll get paid good money to sit around, get high, and write papers about what you love :)</p>

<p>p.s. - learn to communicate well and you can secure jobs above what you're worth and/or qualified for. (ever wonder why your manager has a freakin degree in philosophy?)</p>

46

<p>I agree with that last part. Success in business is much, much less about what you studied and what you know than it is about how well you can talk your way into things. Confidence + charm= success. Obviously if you have no idea what you're doing, you will (hopefully) be found out eventually. So while you do need some kind of foundation, if you're a quick learner and a decent talker you can definitely upsell yourself, a lot.</p>

47

<p>I'd say that education or nursing would probably be the most practical majors.</p>

48

<p>Most: Finance and/or econ</p>

<p>Least: Science and/or engineering.</p>

<p>In my opinion anyway. I have no intention to work anywhere near science and I intend to work in investment banking so I'm obviously biased.</p>

49

<p>Most: Education, Engineering, English, and Healthcare (such as Nursing)</p>

<p>Least: Journalism, Business, Philosophy.</p>

<p>I don't know why some of you are putting down Art and Art History. You can get a good job working at a law firm with one year of law school and a degree in AH. Art Law is an up-and-coming profession.</p>

50

<p>One year of law school? How does that work?</p>

51

<p>chemical engineering has a ton of applications and lots of high paying jobs these days.</p>

<p>phsychology? not so much.</p>

52

<p>
[quote]
chemical engineering has a ton of applications and lots of high paying jobs these days.</p>

<p>phsychology? [sic] not so much.

[/quote]

Source? The US Department of Labor says the outlook for chemical engineering is "as fast as the average." The outlook for psychology is "faster than average." The middle 50% range for earnings is roughly the same for both.</p>

53

<p>Jason...Business? Why?</p>

54

<p>i see some mixed interpretations about psych majors. i want to major in psych but go into high school counseling or something like that. could i do that? would it be practical?</p>

55

<p>

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56

<p>Marine Transporation or Marine Engineering </p>

<p>95% of the world's commerce is transported by sea and there is a shortage of qualified merchant officers.</p>

<p>A 3rd mate on an LNG tanker will start at $20K a month working two months on/two months off.</p>

57

<p>hey thanks warblersrule86 that was a great post :)</p>

58

<p>nursong.......social worker</p>

59

<p>PEANUT BUTTER - psych would be a great major for counseling - but you do understand that you need the grad school piece for the high school counseling I hope.</p>

<p>Psych is a great undergrad major - but will require grad school to really get somewhere with it - but it is a great background for life in general</p>

60

<p>Of course I'm biased, but most practical = engineering. Not only does it let you get a job as an engineer, it's also one of the most sought after majors for professional study. Med schools and Business love engineering majors because of the critical thinking skills you gain. It may not be the best for law school but an undergraduate in engineering + an MBA = BIG BUX. If that's not enough, it's also fun :D (if you're into math/science).</p>