Mar 16, 2021 02:50 PM EDT By Ernest Hamilton, UniversityHerald Reporter

Choosing a major is an important rite of passage for college students. The major you choose can play a big part in what jobs you're able to get when you've finished school. So how can you choose a major that will pay off after graduation?

Stick With The Tried And True

Certain careers will always be needed, and therefore offer a certain amount of job security. Choosing a major that leads to one of these careers can set you up for success. Here are a few suggestions. 

• Political science is a popular major among those who plan to go on to law school.  81% of political science majors who apply to law school are accepted. 

• The employment of lawyers is expected to grow by 4% in the next ten years.

• More than half of medical school applicants majored in Biology. About 96% of medical school graduates go on to a residency.

• The medical field continues to grow every year. Practice Match currently has over 500 unfilled positions for emergency medicine physicians.

• Computer science is a popular major for those who have math and tech skills. The computer science field is expected to grow faster than any other occupation.

The availability of jobs in the field is an important factor to consider when choosing a major. 

Choose A Field That's Growing

STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics) and medical fields are some of the fastest-growing college majors in the U.S. Some of the majors included in these two fields are:

Behavioral Science

• A branch of science that deals with human actions and behaviors. 

• This includes sociology, psychology, and anthropology. 

• Majors in this field go on to be counselors, therapists, and social workers just to name a few.

Engineering

• Engineering is using science to build structures or machines. 

• The U.S. expects to see over 100,000 engineering jobs open up in the next ten years. 

• Majors in this field have many options including becoming civil engineers, chemical engineers, and aerospace engineers.

Physical Science

• Physical science includes astronomy, physics, chemistry, and others. 

• Majors in these fields often work as teachers, laboratory technicians, and graduate research assistants. 

• The physical science field has grown by 25% in recent years.

These fields have experienced a growth spurt in recent years and are expected to continue thriving in the future. That makes them a good bet when considering what you should major in.

Pair Your Major With A Useful Minor

A minor is an opportunity to study a second main subject while in college. A minor can be useful in complementing your major, or in opening up other career options. Here are some of the best subjects to minor in.

Creative Writing

• This may seem like an odd choice but writing is a key part of many different careers. 

• Spending some time sharpening your writing skills will improve your other school work and improve your odds of employment. 

Environmental Science

• Environmental science will give you an understanding of the importance of sustainable technology and environmental protection. 

• This is valuable knowledge in many fields as they prepare to transition to being eco-friendly. 

Business

• Minoring in business makes you more appealing to potential employers. They'll know you're capable of approaching your job from a business mindset.

• It's crucial to understand business if you ever start your own company or work for a startup.

• Business skills can complement any major and open up more job opportunities.

A useful minor can greatly improve your chances of employment and give you more options.  It also allows you to study a second subject in-depth and become a more well-rounded student and employee. 

You now have a better idea of how to choose a major that pays off after graduation. If you consider what we've discussed, alongside your research, you're sure to make a good choice.

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