One of the economic diseases spreading across our country is that too many college students are majoring in studies incompatible with most job openings. We are seeing a skills mismatch. It seems that some students’ most popular areas of study are not what employers seek.
Majors in social sciences, education, performing arts, psychology, humanities, and journalism account for about 29% of all college degrees. But, while popular with some, these majors are ill-matched to sectors with the highest job offerings. The entry-level job market remains tough for these fields of study. In some regions of the country, times are tough even in fields like computer science and engineering, where graduates face high unemployment or underemployment due to oversupply of students and stiff competition.
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Employers increasingly prioritize AI literacy and transferable skills across industries, not just specific majors. And many Gen Z individuals are pivoting toward trade careers and vocational paths (e.g., construction, skilled labor) in response to job market instability and student debt burdens.
Having a “good major” is not sufficient on its own. The major plus relevant experience (internships, data literacy, proficient communications), quality of the college, relevant skills, and a professional network matter a lot. Willingness to relocate geographically, adapt to industry trends, and a willingness to work long hours and/or weekends also matter. Some fields might have more openings, but are concentrated in unfavorable cities or regions.
For those choosing a college major who want to maximize their chances of landing a good job quickly and broadly, the strong fields of study stack up like this:
- Business management;
- Healthcare-related majors/nursing;
- Computer science/information technology;
- Engineering: civil, electrical, mechanical;
- Accounting/finance/business analytics/cybersecurity.
Finally, when weighing academic major choices, it’s wise to consider employment trends and personal interests. High-demand fields might offer stability and growth, but aligning them with the graduating student’s strengths and passions is the key to long-term fulfillment.
Other stories you may want to read:
- John R. Smith: How America Got Swamped by $38 Trillion of Debt - November 12, 2025
- John R. Smith: Popular College Majors Don’t Match Job Demand - October 29, 2025
- John R. Smith: Economic Forecast for Florida - October 13, 2025