Introduction
Choosing a major can be a daunting task for any student. It’s important to find a field of study that not only interests you, but also has the potential to lead to a rewarding career. While many assume that high-paying careers are limited to fields such as medicine, engineering, or business, there are actually several “easy” majors that can lead to well-paying jobs. In this post, we will discuss some of those majors, provide tips for choosing the right major, and explore some alternatives for those who may not be interested in the “easy” majors.
Definition of an Easy Major
The term “easy major” can be misleading. It does not mean that the coursework or material is necessarily easy or requires minimal effort. Instead, an easy major generally refers to a field of study that has a less competitive admissions process, requires fewer prerequisites, and has less demanding coursework compared to other majors. These majors tend to have a wider range of career options available after graduation and may lead to jobs with higher earning potential.
Easy Majors that Pay Well
Below are some majors that are considered “easy” and have a high earning potential:
- Communications: Median salary of $56,000 per year. Career options include marketing, public relations, and journalism.
- Political Science: Median salary of $63,000 per year. Career options include government, law, and consulting.
- Marketing: Median salary of $63,000 per year. Career options include advertising, market research, and public relations.
- Psychology: Median salary of $56,000 per year. Career options include therapy, research, and human resources.
- Sociology: Median salary of $65,000 per year. Career options include social work, research, and consulting.
- English: Median salary of $53,000 per year. Career options include writing, editing, and content creation.
Tips for Choosing an Easy Major that Pays Well
Choosing a major is a big decision, but there are some tips that can help make the process easier:
- Consider personal interests and strengths: It’s easier to do well and stay motivated in a field that you enjoy and feel passionate about.
- Research job outlooks and median salaries: While it’s important to find a major that you enjoy, it’s equally important to consider the job market for that field. Look for an industry that is projected to have growth and stability, and research the median salaries for jobs in that field.
- Consider the possibility of graduate school: While some employers may accept a bachelor’s degree for certain jobs, some careers may require advanced degrees. Students should consider their future goals and whether or not they would be willing to pursue an advanced degree in their chosen field. This should also be researched for a rough estimate of the cost and time commitment required.
Alternatives to Easy Majors
While easy majors can lead to high-paying jobs, there are also several majors that may not be considered “easy” but still have high earning potential. Some examples include:
- Engineering: Median salary of $73,000 per year. Career options include aerospace engineering, chemical engineering, and civil engineering.
- Computer Science: Median salary of $86,000 per year. Career options include software development, data analysis, and cybersecurity.
- Finance: Median salary of $68,000 per year. Career options include financial analysis, accounting, and financial planning.
- Nursing: Median salary of $68,000 per year. Career options include registered nurse, nurse practitioner, and nurse administrator. For more on nursing, check out this list of the best Canadian-friendly US dental schools.
Interesting facts
- Some of the majors that are considered “easy” include communications, political science, marketing, psychology, sociology, and English.
- Despite their reputation for being less challenging, many of these majors still have strong job prospects and high earning potential.
- The median salary for individuals with a communications degree, for example, is around $60,000 per year.
- When choosing an “easy” major, it’s important to research job outlooks and consider personal interests and strengths.
- If you are a student seeking an education credential assessment to study abroad, check out https://robertvirona.com/education-credential-assessment/.
FAQ
What does it mean for a major to be considered “easy”?
An “easy” major is one that is generally considered less challenging than other majors, often requiring fewer steps or less rigorous coursework.
Can “easy” majors still lead to high-paying jobs?
Yes! Many of these majors still have strong job prospects and high earning potential, as long as students are able to market themselves effectively and demonstrate their skills to potential employers.
What sort of median salaries can someone with an “easy” major expect to earn?
Median salaries can vary widely depending on the specific major, but individuals with “easy” majors can earn anywhere from $40,000 to $80,000 or more annually.
Is it worth choosing an “easy” major instead of a more challenging one?
The decision to choose an “easy” major ultimately depends on individual circumstances and interests. It’s important to consider practical factors like job outlook and earning potential as well as personal preferences.
How can I choose the right “easy” major for me?
Researching job outlooks and median salaries, considering personal interests and strengths, and researching the curriculum of different majors within an “easy” category can all be helpful when making a decision.
Are there any majors that aren’t traditionally considered “easy” but still have high earning potential?
Yes! Fields like engineering, computer science, finance, and nursing often have excellent job prospects and high salaries.
What are some high-paying careers that someone with an “easy” major might pursue?
Possible careers might include public relations specialist, marketing manager, social media manager, writer/editor, or sales representative.
What are some common misconceptions about “easy” majors?
Some people may assume that these majors require little effort or do not lead to good job prospects, but both of these are often untrue.
Can I still pursue graduate school with an “easy” major?
Yes! As long as you meet the prerequisites for your desired graduate program, your undergraduate major does not need to be directly related.
How can I ensure my “easy” major leads to a high-paying job after graduation?
In addition to excelling in your coursework, obtaining internships or relevant work experience, networking, and developing strong communication and organizational skills can all be helpful when pursuing high-paying jobs after graduation.
Real experience
Christina was a high school senior staring down a deadline. She had to choose an area of study on her college applications, and fast. She had been interested in writing for as long as she could remember, but felt unsure of how she could turn that passion into a viable career. She initially considered studying engineering, but the thought of four years of intense coursework in a field she wasn’t passionate about made her stomach turn.
She decided to do some research into majors that were easier on her anxiety levels, but still promised decent job prospects. She landed on communications – a field she had always felt drawn to, but never considered seriously as a career option. She began to immerse herself in the curriculum, learning about branding, public relations, and social media strategy. It felt good to be learning about something she was interested in, and the fact that this field also had plenty of attractive job openings only made the decision easier.
After four years of hard work, Christina graduated and found herself with multiple job offers, all promising solid salaries and plenty of opportunities for growth. She chose to start at a nonprofit, managing their marketing efforts as they ramped up their fundraising efforts. It was a job that provided meaning as well as financial stability – and Christina felt like she had hit the jackpot.
Years later, as Christina looked back on the decision she had made all those years ago, she felt immense gratitude for the ability to pursue a career that felt like a fit. Even though she had never expected to find herself in communications, it had opened up countless opportunities for her, and provided her with a fulfilling and lucrative career.
Conclusion
Choosing a major is a big decision, and it’s important to find a field of study that not only interests you, but also has the potential to lead to a rewarding career. Easy majors can provide several career options that are both financially and personally fulfilling. However, it’s important to research thoroughly and find the right fit for yourself. Additionally, there are several majors that may not be considered “easy” but still have high earning potential.
For more information on the pros and cons of choosing a “useful” major, check out this article.