Are you planning to attend college in 2010? If so, it is important to have a good idea of what major you may be interested in. Although students are often told to choose a major that they like, it is also important to consider how profitable the degree that you earn is going to be for you in the future. Here are some of the top majors for 2010.
Biology
There are a number of different areas that one can pursue when they choose to major in biology. Medicine, research, biotechnology, biochemistry, and even pharmaceutical technology are some of the areas that you can concentrate in. The amount of money that you will earn varies according to the area of biology that you choose, as well as your location. These jobs are often some of the highest paid on the job market, however. A graduate degree will really increase your earning potential.
Nursing
Want a career that is in very high demand and also has good earning potential? Nursing may be the right choice for you then. The health field is booming with positions available for both Licensed Practical Nurses (LPN’s) and Registered Nurses (RN’s). You can earn your associate’s degree in LPN or an accelerated associate’s degree in RN in less than two years. A bachelor’s degree in RN will take four years. LPN’s earn about $38,000 to $46,000, while RN’s earn anywhere from $53,000 to $72,000. In order to become a nurse, you will also need to pass the examination for licensure in your state.
Education
If a job in the health field is not suiting for you, then you may want to think about becoming a teacher. There is a constant demand for teachers at all grade levels. It will take about four years to earn your bachelor’s degree in education. You will also need to do student teaching and pass the PRAXIS exam. Teachers can work in public, private, or religious schools. Also keep in mind that there is a high demand for college professors.
To become a professor at a community college, you will need to earn at least a Master’s Degree. A university professor will need to obtain the highest degree in his or her field, which is usually a Doctoral Degree. Keep in mind that pay varies widely according to the level of education that you are teaching. Elementary school teachers generally earn about $35,000, while middle and high school teachers earn about $42,000. College professors may earn anywhere from $48,000 to over $100,000 a year. Not a bad career at all, eh?
Business Management/Administration
Anyone interested in working in a corporate setting may want to think about earning their degree in business management or administration. Most people who earn their college degrees in this area can expect to earn anywhere between $43,000 and $60,000 per year, depending on the area that you live in and the company that you work for. In order to make the most of this career, you will want to think about earning your MBA. This will help increase the amount of money that you can earn in this field.
Biology, nursing, education, and business management/administration are just a few of the top majors for 2010. Before deciding on any college major, it is important to do a lot of research on how much the career that you pursue will earn in the area where you are planning to live. One of the best places to find out is Salary.com.
