What should my bachelor’s degree be in?

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“What should my bachelor’s degree be in? I’m a high school senior trying to make one of the biggest decisions of my life, but I’m completely torn between pursuing a subject I love versus something that might lead to better job opportunities. I’m interested in both psychology and computer science, but I’m not sure which path would provide better long-term career prospects while still allowing me to feel fulfilled. My parents are pushing for a degree in business or engineering, saying those have clearer career trajectories, but I don’t feel passionate about either of those fields. I don’t know whether to follow my interests or take a more practical approach. What factors should I consider when choosing a major that will impact the next 40 years of my working life?”

Choosing a bachelor’s degree depends on your individual goals, interests, strengths, and career aspirations. Consider these key areas to decide:

  1. Career Goals & Desired Field:

    • Specific Professions: Research degrees required for your target career (e.g., Nursing for registered nurses, Computer Science for software engineering, Education for teaching, Engineering for engineering roles, Finance for many finance roles, Pre-Med/Biology/Chemistry for medicine).
    • Industry Focus: Identify industries you want to work in (e.g., Business – Business Administration, Finance; Healthcare – Nursing, Public Health, Biology; Technology – Computer Science, Information Systems; Arts – Fine Arts, Design; Government/Non-Profit – Political Science, Sociology, Public Administration).
    • Career Flexibility: If unsure about a specific job, choose a degree with broad applicability (e.g., Business, Economics, Communications, Psychology, Sociology).

  2. Personal Interests & Passions:

    • Subjects You Enjoy: What topics fascinate you and make you curious? (e.g., History, Literature, Biology, Art, Philosophy, Environmental Science).
    • Activities You Love: What kind of work appeals to you? (e.g., Analyzing data, Creating art, Solving problems, Helping people, Writing, Building things, Researching).

  3. Academic Strengths & Skills:

    • Natural Aptitudes: In which subjects did you excel academically in high school or college prerequisites? (e.g., Math/Science, Writing/Literature, Visual Arts, Languages).
    • Developed Skills: What skills do you already possess or want to develop? (e.g., Critical Thinking, Quantitative Analysis, Communication, Technical Skills, Creativity).

  4. Long-Term Aspirations:

    • Advanced Degrees: Do you plan to pursue a Master’s, PhD, or professional degree (Law, Medicine, MBA)? Ensure your undergraduate program provides the necessary foundation and coursework.
    • Earning Potential: While passion is important, consider the typical salary ranges and job market demand for graduates in your potential fields (research Bureau of Labor Statistics data or salary surveys).
    • Work-Life Balance Preferences: Consider the typical work environments, schedules, and stress levels associated with careers in your fields of interest.
    • Location & Lifestyle: Do you prefer working in a specific city, environment (urban, rural, office, remote), or with certain populations?
  5. Program & University Factors:
    • Program Reputation & Accreditation: Is the program well-regarded in the field? Is it properly accredited for licensure or graduate school?
    • Curriculum & Flexibility: Does the curriculum align with your interests? Are there concentrations, minors, or electives that allow customization? Is it possible to double major or minor?
    • Faculty & Resources: Research the faculty’s expertise, available facilities, labs, internship/co-op opportunities, career services, and industry connections.
    • Cost & Financial Aid: Consider the total cost of attendance and available scholarships, grants, and financial aid packages.
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Common Bachelor’s Degree Fields & Associated Career Paths:

  • Business & Finance: Bachelor of Business Administration (BBA), Bachelor of Science in Finance, Bachelor of Science in Economics, Bachelor of Science in Accounting. (Careers: Management, Marketing, Finance, Accounting, Consulting, Entrepreneurship, Banking)
  • STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, Math): Bachelor of Science (BS) in Computer Science, BS in Engineering (specific discipline: Mechanical, Electrical, Civil, etc.), BS in Biology, BS in Chemistry, BS in Mathematics, BS in Physics, BS in Data Science. (Careers: Software Developer, Engineer, Research Scientist, Data Analyst, IT Specialist, Healthcare Technician, Statistician)
  • Healthcare & Life Sciences: Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN), BS in Public Health, BS in Kinesiology, BS in Psychology, BS in Biology (pre-med/pre-health track). (Careers: Registered Nurse, Public Health Professional, Physical Therapist Assistant, Physician Assistant (often requires post-grad), Health Administrator, Researcher)
  • Social Sciences & Humanities: Bachelor of Arts (BA) or BS in Psychology, BA in Sociology, BA in Political Science, BA in History, BA in English, BA in Philosophy. (Careers: Counseling (often requires grad school), Human Resources, Market Research, Public Policy, Education (often requires certification), Law (requires law school), Communications, Publishing)
  • Communications & Media: BA or BS in Communications, BA in Journalism, BA in Digital Media, BA in Advertising. (Careers: Public Relations Specialist, Journalist, Content Creator, Social Media Manager, Marketing Specialist, Copywriter)
  • Arts & Design: Bachelor of Fine Arts (BFA) in Studio Art, Graphic Design, Illustration, Photography, Interior Design, Animation. (Careers: Graphic Designer, Art Director, Animator, Photographer, UX/UI Designer, Fine Artist)
  • Education: Bachelor of Science in Education (BSEd), BA in Elementary Education, BS in Secondary Education (with subject area specialization). (Careers: Teacher (requires state certification), Curriculum Developer, Educational Coordinator)
  • Criminal Justice & Legal Studies: BS in Criminal Justice, BA in Political Science (Law track), Paralegal Studies (Associate or Bachelor’s). (Careers: Police Officer, Probation Officer, Corrections Officer, Paralegal, Court Reporter)
  • Hospitality & Tourism: BS in Hospitality Management, BS in Tourism Management. (Careers: Hotel Manager, Event Planner, Travel Agent, Restaurant Manager)
  • Interdisciplinary Studies: Allows customization by combining multiple disciplines. (Careers: Highly variable, often depends on the specific combination)

Action Steps to Decide:

  1. Self-Assessment: Seriously reflect on your interests, strengths, values, and career dreams.
  2. Research: Explore specific degree programs at universities you are considering. Look at course descriptions, required classes, graduation requirements, and outcomes.
  3. Network: Talk to people working in fields that interest you (professors, alumni, professionals on LinkedIn).
  4. Internships/Job Shadowing: Gain real-world experience through internships or job shadowing to test out potential careers.
  5. Talk to Advisors: Utilize academic advisors, career counselors, and professors at your university for guidance.
  6. Consider Minors & Double Majors: Don’t feel locked into one path; combining fields can enhance your qualifications and career options.
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Ultimately, the best bachelor’s degree for you is one that aligns with your unique combination of passions, skills, and future plans. There is no single "best" degree for everyone.

Published: September 11, 2025