Okay, so I’m trying to decide what to major in at college, and honestly, I’m feeling a bit lost. I keep hearing that certain majors are "more for women" than others, and while I want to do what I’m passionate about, I’m also curious about what fields women are succeeding in.
I’m really interested in knowing what the actual most popular majors are, not just the stereotypical ones everyone assumes. I’m looking for data, not just opinions! I’m hoping for a list, maybe with percentages, that really shows where women are concentrating their studies these days.
Also, it would be super helpful if you could specify whether these are undergraduate or graduate degrees. Are the top majors different depending on the level of study?
Finally, if there’s any information on why these majors are popular among women, even if it’s just speculation, I’d be interested to hear it. Is it job prospects? Perceived work-life balance? Something else entirely?
Answer
Based on available data from sources like the National Center for Education Statistics (NCES) in the United States and similar organizations internationally, certain fields of study consistently attract a larger proportion of female students. These trends can fluctuate slightly year to year, but some majors remain popular among women.
Health Professions and Related Programs: This is often the most popular field of study for women. It encompasses a wide range of specific majors, including:
- Nursing: Nursing consistently attracts a large number of female students. This includes Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) programs, as well as other nursing-related degrees.
- Allied Health: This broad category includes majors such as physical therapy, occupational therapy, speech-language pathology, medical assisting, and other diagnostic and therapeutic health professions.
- Public Health: This major focuses on community health, epidemiology, and health policy.
Business: Business-related majors are also very popular with women. While business used to be a more male-dominated field, the number of women has increased significantly over the years. Common majors include:
- Business Administration and Management: This is a general business degree that covers a wide range of topics, such as accounting, finance, marketing, and human resources.
- Marketing: This major focuses on advertising, public relations, market research, and sales.
- Accounting: This major prepares students for careers in public accounting, corporate accounting, and government accounting.
- Human Resources: This major focuses on employee relations, compensation and benefits, and training and development.
Education: Education has historically been a popular field for women, particularly in the areas of:
- Elementary Education: This major prepares students to teach children in kindergarten through sixth grade.
- Special Education: This major prepares students to teach children with disabilities.
- Early Childhood Education: This major focuses on the development and education of young children from birth to age eight.
Social Sciences and Humanities: These fields also attract a significant number of female students:
- Psychology: This is a consistently popular major among women, exploring the human mind and behavior.
- Sociology: This major studies social behavior, social institutions, and social change.
- Political Science: This major focuses on the theory and practice of government and politics.
- English Language and Literature: This major studies literature, writing, and critical thinking.
- Communications: This major includes journalism, public relations, advertising, and media studies.
Visual and Performing Arts: While not always the largest in terms of overall numbers, these fields often have a higher proportion of female students:
- Fine Arts: Includes painting, sculpture, photography, and other visual arts.
- Performing Arts: Includes music, theater, and dance.
- Graphic Design: This major focuses on visual communication and design.
It is important to note that while these are popular choices, women are increasingly pursuing degrees in STEM fields (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics), although disparities still exist. Initiatives and programs are actively working to encourage greater female participation in STEM.
