1. Petroleum Engineering
Mid-career pay: $182,000
Focused on extracting natural gas and oil from the earth and developing new methods of drilling and obtaining resources, petroleum engineers are vital for addressing our energy needs. The major will appeal to students with a passion for science and exploring. While earning your degree, you’ll study a range of mathematical and scientific topics.
2. Electrical Engineering & Computer Science (EECS)
Mid-career pay: $152,300
In this multifaceted program, you’ll study two pivotal fields and gain knowledge that applies to careers in engineering and technology. Some graduates choose to pursue advanced degrees, although it isn’t critical to succeed in the field. As an undergraduate, you’ll complete coursework in mathematics, physics, computer science, and engineering, among other disciplines.
3. Applied Economics and Management
Mid-career pay: $139,600
A popular choice for people hoping to go into business, the major encourages students to learn about economic theory and principles, and then put the concepts into practice to tackle real-world issues. Some schools like Cornell University have an entire school dedicated to the study of Applied Economics and Management (Dyson). Many graduates go on to earn a master’s degree, such as an MBA or MS in Applied Economics.
See our rankings of the best colleges for business.
4. Operations Research
Mid-career pay: $139,600
This interdisciplinary major combines math topics like statistics and probability with business, data science, and other analytical fields. A degree in Operations Research will prepare you to solve real-world operational problems for businesses, organizations, and governments. It’s also a common position in the military, from where it originated. A graduate degree isn’t mandatory for a career in the field, although a Master in Operations Research may improve your employability.
5. Public Accounting
Mid-career pay: $138,800
Public accounting is not the only path to becoming, well, a public accountant, but it is the most direct path. In this role, you may work with businesses, individuals, governmental bodies, and other organizations to help them plan and reach their financial goals. Along with your bachelor’s degree, it’s highly recommended that you become a Certified Public Accountant (CPA), a license that will give you credibility for your knowledge in tax preparation.
6. Chemical Engineering/Materials & Science Engineering
Mid-career pay: $137,800
Chemical Engineering and Materials & Science Engineering are typically separate programs, although some colleges allow you to study both as a double major or in a single program. Both are scientific disciplines that involve studying the use and production of energy and materials. Common coursework includes mathematics, chemistry, and computer science, among other disciplines. In your future career, you’ll be instrumental in the development, design, and production of many products that are critical in our everyday lives.
See our rankings of the best colleges for engineering.
7. Quantitative Business Analysis
Mid-career pay: $136,200
Combining math, business, information technology, and other disciplines, this major is critical for numerous industries and occupations. You will receive hands-on training in analytical tools and business decision modeling that will make you marketable for various careers. With your degree, you can pursue several different careers, such as working as a business analyst or an operations research analyst. Depending on your chosen role, you may want to earn an MBA.
8. Pharmacy
Mid-career pay: $133,200
Pharmacists play a crucial role in healthcare and providing education on prescription drugs. It’s not essential to study pharmaceutical sciences as an undergraduate — many students hoping to become pharmacists study biology, chemistry, or related disciplines. No matter your program, you’ll gain a solid foundation in the sciences to prepare you for pharmacy school, where you’ll earn your PharmD.
Want to learn more about pharmacy? See our post on how to become a pharmacist.
9. Aeronautics & Astronautics
Mid-career pay: $133,100
Are you interested in space? In Aeronautics and Astronautics, students learn the principles of aerospace engineering, design, and systems. Science, math, engineering, and technology courses are foundational to an undergraduate program in the discipline. With this degree, graduates can pursue careers in aircraft and spacecraft engineering, research, and related fields.
10. Systems Engineering
Mid-career pay: $132,900
“Systems” sounds broad and so is this major. After learning a wide variety of topics and principles in STEM, graduates who pursue careers in systems engineering specialize in different niche systems, such as biological, computer, electrical, mechanical, military, supply chain, transportation, and many others. As a professional, you’ll have the opportunity to work alongside other engineers to ensure that systems function successfully and cohesively.
