11 Most Popular Degrees of 2016 in The United States of America

The following is a list of 11 popular majors of 2016 in the US based on their ability to get their holders hired and the potential salaries they can earn.

1. Accounting

* No. of Respondents who would hire: 98

**2015 Median Pay (Accountants): $67,190

Growth: 11% (Faster than average)

Nearly all businesses hire accounting graduates to ensure that their finances are properly handled. All private and government entities are required by law to keep accurate records of their financial transactions, especially taxes. An accounting degree teaches students how to perform a wide range of essential functions required within a business or organization such as balancing sheets, reconciliation of records, calculating profit, loss or cash flows, etc.

2. Computer Science

*No. of Respondents who would hire: 97

**2015 Median Pay (Software Developers): $100,690

Job Outlook: 17% (Much faster than average)

Computer science has grown into a vast field in recent years and has become a requirement in all kinds of workplaces. Most businesses are now fully automated with their own software to perform various functions. Computer Science majors are taught how to make software using various computing languages. The career opportunities for computer science majors are quite vast since nearly every organization uses software of some kind.

3. Finance

*No. of Respondents who would hire: 91

**2015 Median Pay (Financial Analysts): $80,310

Job Outlook: 12% (Faster than average)

Finance majors are an important part of every organization. They provide guidance to businesses and individuals making investment decisions. In addition to that, they perform various finance related functions such as evaluating current and historical financial data, studying economic and business trends and assessing the performance of stocks, bonds and other investments. Finance majors are taught these concepts among many others in order to fully equip them to deal with various matters that occur in different business settings.

4. Business Administration/Management

*No. of Respondents who would hire: 86

**2015 Median Pay (Administrative Service Managers): $86,110

Job Outlook: 8% (As fast as average)

Business Administrators and Management staff coordinate the supportive services of an organization. Their main tasks include performing supervisory activities such as recordkeeping, mail distribution, and office upkeep. Students who major in this subject area are taught the development, management and monitoring of records, analysis of basic policies and methods to improve them in accordance with the type of organization.

5. Mechanical Engineering

*No. of Respondents who would hire: 83

**2015 Median Pay (Mechanical Engineers): $83,590

Job Outlook: 5% (As fast as average)

Mechanical engineering is one of the broadest engineering disciplines. It involves research, design, development, building and testing mechanical and thermal sensors and devices. Students who enroll in this major are taught how to analyze problems to figure out the workings of mechanical and thermal devices. They may also learn how to design and redesign mechanical and thermal devices or subsystems using analysis and computer aided design.

6. Information Sciences and Systems

*No. of Respondents who would hire: 75

**2015 Median Pay (Information Technology Occupations): $81,430

Job Outlook: 12% (Faster than average)

Information sciences and systems majors could work in a variety of different jobs such as Computer and Information Research Scientists, Computer Network Architects, Computer Programmers, Computer Support Specialists, Information Security Analysts, Database Administrators, etc. Their basic aim is to solve complex computing problems for businesses, as well as in medicine, science and other fields.

7. Management Information Systems

*No. of Respondents who would hire: 73

**2015 Median Pay (Computer and Information Systems Managers): $131,600

Job Outlook: 15% (Much faster than average)

Information Systems managers often referred to as Information Technology (IT) managers or IT project managers, plan, coordinate and direct computer-related activities in an organization. Their main purpose is to determine the overall IT goals of the organization and advise the higher management on the implementation of computer systems to meet these goals. Students who major in this field are taught how to analyze an organization’s computer needs, plan and direct installation of computer hardware and software, and ensure proper security measures of the network and electronic data within an organization.

8. Electrical Engineering

*No. of Respondents who would hire: 71

**2015 Median Pay (Electrical and Electronics Engineers): $95,230

Job Outlook: 0% (Little or no change)

Electrical engineers design, develop and test electrical equipment, such as electric motors, navigation systems and power generation equipment. These individuals make electronic equipments from portable music players to GPSes. Students who enroll in Electrical Engineering programs at college level are taught how to design and create new products, or improve upon existing products.  They learn how to carry out detailed calculations to develop manufacturing and construction standards within the scope of an organization’s needs.

9. Logistics/Supply Chain

*No. of Respondents who would hire: 67

**2015 Median Pay (Logisticians): $74,260

Job Outlook: 2% (Slower than average)

Individuals who go into logistics and supply chain careers are typically required to analyze and coordinate an organization’s supply chain – the system that takes a product from the supplier to the end consumer. Logistics and Supply Chain Managers are prepared to manage the entire lifecycle of a product, which includes everything from acquiring, distributing, allocating and delivering. In short, students are taught to deal with the logistical aspects of a product’s life cycle from creation to disposal.

10. Economics

*No. of Respondents who would hire: 64

**2015 Median Pay (Economists): $99,180

Job Outlook: 6% (As fast as average)

Economics majors usually end up in careers that study the production and distribution of resources, goods and services. They do this by collecting and analyzing data, researching trends and discussing economic issues in great detail. Economics majors are taught the various methods of research and analysis, conducting surveys, interpreting results, forecasting market trends, and preparing reports on their research. They are also taught how to advise businesses, governments and individuals on various economic concerns.

11. Marketing

*No. of Respondents who would hire: 64

**2015 Median Pay (Advertising, Promotions, and Marketing Managers)

Job Outlook: 9% (Faster than average)

Marketing managers and related occupations require individuals to perform duties such as advertising, promotions, and marketing activities for various companies. Their work brings them into contact with art directors, sales agents and finance managers.  Students who choose to go into this field are taught how to plan promotional campaigns, negotiate advertising contracts, evaluate the look and feel of marketing materials and understand the impact of particular advertising techniques on the relevant market segment.

 

* The number of respondents has been taken from Forbes. The research conducted by Forbes was based on figures from the National Association of Colleges and Employers (NACE).

** The Salary figures and Job Outlook figures were taken from the US Bureau of Labor Statistics, for occupations most closely related to the listed majors.