The 10 most popular majors at ASU Online

September 10, 2024 · 8 min read · By ASU Online

Choosing your college major may seem overwhelming when you don’t know where to begin. If you’re still undecided and need some inspiration, we’ve got you covered. Learn more information about the most popular majors offered by ASU Online and the careers they could lead to.

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What makes a college major popular?

Although everyone has their own reasons for earning a specific degree, there are some common qualities that attract more students to these most popular majors, including:

  • High salary and competitive benefits.
  • Industry growth and development.
  • Plentiful opportunities for entry-level employees.
  • The need to earn a specific degree to advance on a career path.

For example, job growth in the field of computer science is expected to grow 26% from 2023 to 2033, according to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS). That’s much faster than the average compared to all other fields. And, as of May 2023, the median annual salary for these roles was $145,080.

 

The 10 most popular ASU Online majors

These are ASU Online’s 10 most popular bachelor’s programs, as determined by enrollment statistics from academic year 2024.

 

1. Bachelor of Science in information technology

Information technology plays a pivotal role in ensuring organizations are connected, efficient and able to reliably and securely store, retrieve and send information. An information technology degree can open doors to career options where you can design, implement and administer computer-based information solutions.

ASU Online’s program is ABET accredited, which signifies that the knowledge and talents you can develop will be relevant, applicable and high quality. This computer science program emphasizes long-term career growth, preparing you to build upon your professional experiences and take on leadership roles in the future.

According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), the employment of computer and information systems managers is projected to grow at a much faster than average rate of 17% from 2023 to 2033, with a median annual salary of $169,510 as of May 2023.

 

2. Bachelor of Arts in psychology

The Bachelor of Arts in psychology supports those who want to pursue this degree for advocacy reasons or to develop a deeper understanding of mental health. It also helps build broadly applicable skills in areas including:

  • Communication and writing.
  • Critical thinking.
  • Qualitative and quantitative research.

After earning this social science degree, you can assist in psychological research or continue your studies with a master’s degree and doctorate. Graduates also work in a variety of fields where strong knowledge of human behavior is valuable, such as business, social work, law and medicine.

 

3. Bachelor of Arts in liberal studies

The Bachelor of Arts in liberal studies is a flexible degree that can benefit graduates across a variety of disciplines. In fact, you can tailor your learning experience by choosing courses from more than 20 disciplines that fit your personal interests. With only two core courses throughout the entire program, this is the ideal program if you’re undecided on a specific path and want to gain an interdisciplinary skillset.

Some of the industries liberal studies majors find roles in after graduating include:

  • Administration.
  • Human resources.
  • Local government.
  • Management.
  • Public relations.
  • Social services.
  • Urban planning.

 

4. Bachelor of Arts in business with a concentration in business administration

Management and leadership skills are broadly application talents that fulfill core needs for almost every business. By completing this business administration degree concentration, you can develop relevant skills across various industries, including:

  • Demand forecasting.
  • Financial strategy.
  • Inventory planning.
  • Negotiation.
  • Purchasing of services.
  • Strategy development.

This degree will support your efforts to compete for a high-paying role with opportunities for growth. You’ll have the skills to excel in roles of authority, such as a manager or entrepreneur. You can also work in any industry with customers, employees, suppliers or stakeholders from various levels of policy and government.

According to the BLS, employment in administrative services management is projected to grow 6% from 2023 to 2033 and has a median annual salary of $104,900 as of May 2023.

 

5. Bachelor of Science in biological sciences

The Bachelor of Science in biological sciences is a great choice for those with a general interest in biology. You’ll explore topics such as genetic and environmental causes of diversity, how organisms evolve and how these factors influence health and disease.

If you’d like to specialize further, this degree is offered with the following concentrations: 

The curriculum for this biological sciences major also addresses important requirements for learners who want to meet premed student qualifications, take the MCAT or apply to graduate programs in biological sciences or other science-related disciplines.

 

6. Bachelor of Science in Engineering in electrical engineering

Electrical engineers are experts in creating, testing and supervising the production of electrical systems in everything from vehicles to medical and communication equipment. After earning a BSE in electrical engineering, you can compete for a variety of roles related to this field and help solve complex engineering problems.

The degree is provided by the Ira A. Fulton Schools of Engineering, which was ranked as one of the top 25 ABET-accredited engineering schools in the nation. Accreditation from ABET, which certifies postsecondary programs in engineering and science, is a sign of quality.

 

7. Bachelor of Science in software engineering

As technology continues to play increasingly important roles for individuals, businesses and governments, software engineers will support continued innovation and development in this field. For the related roles of software developers, quality assurance analysts and testers, the BLS projects employment growth of an impressive 17% from 2023 to 2033, which is much faster than average for all other occupations.

Earning a bachelor’s degree in software engineering can prepare you for careers related to software development, administration and deployment, and other options in the technology industry. The project-based curriculum helps to build knowledge of theory and practical skills that will guide and support your goals. Plus, the program’s ABET accreditation demonstrates the quality of educational standards that can support positive career outcomes.

Earn your master's degree sooner with accelerated master’s programs

ASU Online's Accelerated Master’s programs allow you to earn your graduate degree in as little as one year after completing your undergraduate degree. By completing graduate coursework in your senior year for dual credit, you’ll streamline your educational journey and easily transition from an undergraduate degree to a graduate degree.

8. Bachelor of Arts in English

The Bachelor of Arts in English is a great fit for those interested in developing comprehensive knowledge for topics in English by researching writing techniques, communication styles and linguistics. As a graduate from this program, you’ll be well prepared in both creative and professional writing styles. The oral and written communication skills you’ll gain in this program opens up opportunities for you to pursue roles in a variety of industries, such as marketing, journalism, education and more. Specific roles include:

  • Communications specialist.
  • Editor.
  • English teacher.
  • Journalist.
  • Public relations specialist.
  • Technical writer.

If you’re interested in becoming a teacher, this program is a great stepping stone in preparing you. Certifications and licensure requirements vary by state and you’ll typically need to complete additional training courses required by your state licensure board.

 

9. Bachelor of Science in criminology and criminal justice

In this bachelor's degree in criminology and criminal justice, you’ll learn about criminal justice, crime and its consequences from a variety of perspectives. Graduates from this program serve in a variety of roles, such as victim advocate, law enforcement professional, parole officers and more. Internships, study abroad programs and flexible scheduling all support enriching and meaningful learning during this degree.

 

10. Bachelor of Science in nursing — RN to BSN

If you’re already a registered nurse (RN), earning a Bachelor of Science in nursing can open up more career opportunities and improve outcomes for your patients. As the field of medicine continues to grow and transform, nurses with more advanced degrees can provide more support to patients and medical research.

According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), the projected employment growth for a registered nurse is 6% between 2023 and 2033, with a median annual salary of $86,070.

Our online nursing degree is accredited by the Arizona State Board of Nursing and the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education. To qualify for this program, you must have your RN license or have passed the NCLEX exam. Students currently earning an associate degree in nursing at a regionally accredited college can pursue both degrees at the same time through the RN to BSN concurrent enrollment program.

Exploratory degree tracks: An option for undecided students

Still undecided? ASU Online’s exploratory degree tracks give you the ability to begin classes while getting the time and assistance you need to choose the degree that's right for you.

We offers four exploratory degree tracks to help you focus on broad topics of interest. Each track allows you to look into different major and career options while fulfilling your general studies requirements. Specialized classes help you choose a major and support you on your professional journey, allowing you to feel more confident about the path you’ve chosen.


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