Perhaps It’s Time to Consider Majors that are Sustainable in Tough Times
Students usually choose a major over a period of time. I have always been a fan of taking a variety of classes until you find the ones that you enjoy most and choosing a major around that. Every school, including USF, has its more popular majors as well. However; in these unprecedented times, students might want to take recent events into consideration when choosing or changing their major.
As with any major event, such as a recession, war, or, in this case, a pandemic, there is a shift in what type of degree a student may want to consider pursuing. Certainly, the job market will look different in the future. Contemplating what jobs were sustainable throughout the pandemic may also help in the decision-making process.
For instance, public health which can include hospital management, infectious disease, and clinical research, among other things, was already a fast-growing major but may continue to grow due to an upcoming need. Similarly, we definitely learned the significance of our health-care workers. There are many avenues that can stem from majors in the Health Sciences; starting with USF’s Nursing Program, which is highly ranked nationally. Majors that would lead to careers in nutrition, physician assistant, speech technology, biomedical sciences, and many more, are all available at USF. There is even an opportunity to complete a 7-year PharmD program for students interested in a career in pharmacy.
More Major Ideas
Teaching has undoubtedly taken on a new lens, aside from many having a newfound respect for the value of a good educator. USF offers degrees from Early Childhood through Secondary Education. However, while the look of education has also been altered, teachers will always be needed and now could also benefit in a background in computer sciences, which can be taken as a minor or include degrees in cybersecurity and information technology.
The food industry is undoubtedly in for some changes, but people are going to be needed in various food services whether it is in management or administration of restaurants or grocery store chains, etc. Check out what USF’s Hospitality Management and their related programs have to offer.
Politics in one form or another, particularly since politicians and government seemed to have become an integral part of our daily lives, could be worth considering. USF’s Political Sciences major has various programs; including a pre-law track and a B.A. in International Studies.
Wellness from mental health has taken on new forms (particularly those that can be done remotely) and have increased in popularity, so a major in psychology or a degree in exercise science may be in order.
Majors in engineering range from biomedical, chemical, civil, and computer engineering. Finance, which can prepare students for careers in financial management, investments, and insurance; among others, is also available and will continue to be needed. Economics majors are taught skills and training for careers in business, law, government, politics, teaching, research, and a variety of other areas that lead to stable, higher-paying jobs that will undoubtedly remain popular. However, in today’s climate, it can’t hurt to consider what jobs can be done remotely as well.
In addition to choosing a major, students may want to add some skills like mastering Photoshop, Google-drive, Zoom, data analysis, computer programming, proficiency in a second (or third) language. There are many certificate programs that can be done outside of college classes that can only enhance your employability. Increasing your knowledge escalates your value to potential employers.
Some college majors may be changing and many are offered almost solely online. New ones may be added and others may disappear. Find out what major programs are of interest to you and how USF can help you decide. Encourage your student to visit Career Services or their website. They offer seminars and meetings to not only help find them a job but to educate them on careers out in the working field.
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