In the last decade alone, our world has drastically changed due to technology. With advancements happening every day, technology has changed the way we think, live, communicate, act, work, travel, and so much more. With these changes comes new careers and, in turn, more college majors to adapt to our ever-changing world. If you want to try something new—really new—consider these majors as you explore your options for your academic path in college.
1. New Media
New media is a fusion of journalism, design, management, and media. Anything related to the virtual world and interactive communication platforms makes up the new media field. With this major, you can become a color expert, engineer of sound, web programmer, photojournalist, computer artist, animator, media buyer, and more. New Media programs are available at schools like the Academy of Art University in San Francisco, Simmons University in Boston, and Indiana University in Bloomington.
Related: 5 Websites to Help You Choose a College Major
2. Biotechnology
Biotechnology is a fusion of biology and technology, and due to the large scale of the field, it’s often a part of a double major. Biotechnology includes gene therapy, bioremediation, and vaccine development. If the future involves more pandemics like the coronavirus, this field is sure to be valuable. To be successful in Biotechnology, you need to excel in organic chemistry, genetics, anatomy/physiology, calculus, trigonometry, statistics, technical writing, and oral communication. A bachelor’s degree will allow you to work in an entry-level job in a lab collecting data, while a master's degree or doctorate is required to lead research and publish studies. This major will drastically improve your skills in lab work, communication, and data collection and can be found at Johns Hopkins University as well as the University of Delaware, among others.
3. Organic Culture
As large corporations become interested in feeding the world's desire for organic agriculture, this job field and major are gaining popularity. Unlike regular farming, organic farming is a career that’s become needed more than ever before as dietary needs shift. With this major, you can find jobs as an organic farmer or rancher, organic restaurateur, or organic agricultural manager. Organic Agriculture, Farming, or Horticultural programs can found at Washington State University; the University of California, Davis; and the University of Florida.
4. Homeland Security
As the concern for terrorism and safety grows, so does the Homeland Security major. Homeland security professionals work to maintain the safety and security of our society in the US. This type of degree includes studying criminal justice, cybersecurity, emergency management, and critical infrastructure management. If that sounds exciting, you can find this major at schools like Southern New Hampshire University, Purdue University–Global, the University of Maryland Global Campus, and the University of Arizona.
Related: 7 Unique Majors and the Schools That Offer Them
5. Human-Computer Interaction
As technology overtakes our society, it makes sense to have a sector dedicated to understanding the implications of the relationship between humans and computers. In this academic program, students study software, design, user interface, and the social and ethical considerations of technology. It’s a blend of sciences: sociology, psychology, and behavior science with computer and information sciences. If you’re interested in the effects of technology on society, Human-Computer Interaction is for you. Schools that offer this major include Carnegie Mellon University, Stanford University, and Tufts University.
6. Cybersecurity
Cybersecurity is an up-and-coming field related to computer system and data protection. This major includes courses on computer science, information systems, mathematics, cryptography, cloud security, digital forensics, ethical hacking, and penetration testing. A degree in Cybersecurity can gain you a job for the government, law enforcement, or in a private sector. This major can be found at Lewis University, Dakota State University, DePaul University, and The George Washington University.
7. Game Design
It’s no secret that the video game industry is booming, so it only makes sense that this major is too. A Game Design major will teach you the basics in programming, web development, graphic design, concept development, gaming theory, and marketing. After college, you could land a career with any of the many popular gaming platforms or companies out there, like Riot, Steam, EA, or even Nintendo. This major can be found at the University of Southern California, Drexel University, and Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute.
8. Online Journalism
Online journalists work for social media platforms and blogs and through other interactive media. An Online or Digital Journalism major, minor, concentration, or certificate will strengthen your skills in public speaking, creative and content writing, and social media management. After college, you could land a job at a marketing company, a big brand, and more. This type of program can be found at schools like the University of Massachusetts Amherst, Regent University, Full Sail University, and Southern Illinois University.
Related: 4 Great Public Universities for Studying Journalism
9. E-Business/E-Marketing/E-Commerce
Since the emergence of e-commerce and online shopping, the business world has gotten more complex and diverse. A degree in E-Business, E-Marketing, or E-Commerce will prepare you for many different careers in the world of online business. It combines the regular facets of a Business degree but through an electronic perspective, giving you the skills required to sell things to an audience you can’t interact with in person. With this major, you could work as an operations manager, a content marketer, and more. These types of degree programs can be found at the University of Pennsylvania, New York University, the University of Texas at Austin, and the University of Michigan–Ann Arbor.
10. Forensic Accounting
Forensic Accounting is a branch of accounting that examines the finances of businesses and looks for fraudulent activity. Forensic accountants often work with law enforcement to sentence financial criminals. With this major, you’ll study finance, investigation, auditing, fraud prevention, and criminal justice. If you’re good with numbers and financial crime seems interesting to you, you could have a bright future as a forensic accountant. This major can be found at West Virginia University’s Institute of Technology, Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University–Prescott, and Waynesburg University.
11. Nanotechnology
Nanotechnology is a branch of natural sciences technology that manipulates individual atoms and molecules. As technology further develops, it becomes more possible to control matter at smaller and smaller levels, making this a truly innovative field. If you enjoy physics, chemistry, and biology, Nanotechnology could be the perfect major for you. It can be found at schools like Rice University, the University of Pittsburgh, and Excelsior College.
12. Robotics Engineering
In the future, we’ll see a significant increase in the use of robots in society. From factory workers to hotel bellhops, robots will fill a variety of labor needs. Robotic engineers are in charge of the development and creation of these robots. With this major, you’ll learn to build, interact, control, and understand robots. Robotics programs can be found at Carnegie Mellon University, Lawrence Technological University, and the University of Detroit Mercy.
Related: New Tech Means New Jobs: Career Paths to Consider
As our world keeps changing, so will your college major options. When deciding what to major in, keep an open mind to cutting-edge opportunities and pursue something you’re passionate about. If any of these majors interest you, be sure to do more research on the specific programs and the many schools that offer them!
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