What are the most popular degrees offered at area schools?
The universities and colleges in the greater Houston area offer a wide variety of options for major courses of study. Most students choose a major that best fits their interests. It’s also important to know the projected demand and salary potential of any possible career.
“The University of Houston Downtown (UHD) offers 46 bachelor’s degrees and 10 master’s degrees,” said Marie Jacinto, executive director of communications, advancement and university relations, UHD. “The top five most popular undergraduate degrees are interdisciplinary studies, B.S., accounting, B.B.A., psychology, B.S., interdisciplinary studies - education, B.A., and criminal justice, B.S.”
Usnews.com annually researches colleges and universities to find information for prospective students and their parents all in one place, at www.usnews.com/best-colleges/. It shows that the most popular majors at Rice University include computer and information sciences, economics, psychology, mechanical engineering, and biochemistry.
The most popular majors at the University of St. Thomas (TX) include business, management, marketing, and related support services; biological and biomedical sciences; liberal arts and sciences, general studies and humanities; health professions and related programs; and psychology.
At San Jacinto College the most popular majors include liberal arts and sciences, general studies and humanities, multi/interdisciplinary studies, business, management, marketing and related support services, and natural sciences.
The most popular majors at Houston Christian University (previously Houston Baptist University) include health professions and related programs; business, management, marketing, and related support services; biological and biomedical sciences; psychology; and parks, recreation, leisure, fitness, and kinesiology.
According to the Texas Higher Education Coordinating Board (THECB), business, management, marketing, and related support services continue to be the most popular degrees earned at four-year Texas public institutions. The second most popular field of study are degrees in the health professions, such as nursing or health care administration. Other popular fields are engineering, biological and biomedical sciences, and multi/interdisciplinary studies.
“To remain competitive, we must lead the nation at producing credentials of our fast-growing economy,” said Harrison Keller, commissioner of higher education, THECB. “We need to emphasize the importance of credentials that are affordable, attainable, and bring value to the lives of all Texans.”
Five of the fastest growing careers in Texas, along with their 2020-2030 projected job growth and their 2021 median annual salary are:
• Market research analysts and specialists, 33.2%, $76,840
• Dental hygienists and assistants, 35%, $77,590
• Operations research analysts, 37.9%, $87,090
• Physician assistants, 37.3%, $112,200
• Nurse practitioners, 31.9%, $116,700