How have popular majors changed over time

Okay, so I’m trying to figure out what to major in, and everyone keeps telling me "choose something practical!" But what’s "practical" changes, right? What was a hot major 20 years ago might be useless now. I’m really curious to see how the popularity of different majors has shifted over the years. Like, did everyone used to be pre-med, and now it’s all computer science?

Specifically, I’m interested in:

• What were the most popular majors in the 80s, 90s, 2000s, and now? Ideally, with some actual numbers, if possible (percentage of students, graduation rates, etc.).
• What were the major reasons behind those shifts? Was it job market changes, societal trends, new technologies, or something else entirely?
• Are there any surprising shifts in popularity? Like, a major that was completely obscure but suddenly became super popular.
• I’m not just looking at STEM fields. I’m also curious about changes in humanities, social sciences, business, and the arts.
• Is there any data on how the popularity of certain majors correlates with future earning potential? That’s kind of the "practical" element I’m trying to understand.

I’m really hoping to get a better understanding of the historical trends, so I can make a more informed decision about my own major!

Answer

The popularity of academic majors has shifted significantly throughout history, reflecting societal needs, technological advancements, economic trends, and evolving cultural values. Here’s a detailed overview of these changes:

Early Higher Education (Pre-20th Century):

• Classical Education: The earliest forms of higher education, particularly in Europe and early America, heavily emphasized a classical curriculum. This included Latin, Greek, rhetoric, philosophy, theology, and mathematics. The goal was to produce well-rounded, morally upright citizens and leaders, primarily for religious and political roles.
• Theology and Religious Studies: Given the dominant role of religion, theology was a central major. Universities were often founded with religious missions, and training clergy was a primary function.
• Law: As societies developed more complex legal systems, the study of law became increasingly important for governance and conflict resolution.
• Medicine: The development of formal medical education led to an increase in the study of medicine, although its scientific basis was less developed than today.

Early to Mid-20th Century:

• Engineering: The Industrial Revolution spurred tremendous growth in engineering disciplines. Mechanical, civil, and electrical engineering became highly sought-after majors, reflecting the need for skilled professionals to design, build, and maintain infrastructure, machines, and electrical systems.
• Business and Commerce: As industrial capitalism expanded, the study of business, accounting, and commerce gained prominence. These majors equipped students with the skills needed to manage growing businesses, finances, and trade.
• Education: With the growth of public education systems, teacher training became a significant area of study. Education majors prepared individuals to teach in elementary and secondary schools.
• Liberal Arts (Humanities and Social Sciences): While still important, the liberal arts saw a relative shift in emphasis compared to the more vocationally oriented fields. History, literature, sociology, and political science remained popular but competed with the rise of science and technology.

Late 20th Century and Early 21st Century:

• Computer Science: The advent of computers and the rise of the Information Age revolutionized the academic landscape. Computer science became one of the fastest-growing majors, driven by the demand for software developers, programmers, and IT professionals.
• Business Administration and Management: Business majors continued to be highly popular, with increasing specialization in areas like marketing, finance, human resources, and entrepreneurship. The MBA (Master of Business Administration) became a highly valued graduate degree.
• Health Sciences: As healthcare became more advanced and complex, majors in nursing, pre-med, pharmacy, and other allied health professions experienced significant growth. The aging population and increasing focus on healthcare further fueled this trend.
• Biological and Life Sciences: Advances in biology, genetics, and biotechnology spurred interest in these fields. Many students pursued degrees in biology as preparation for medical school or careers in research.

Recent Trends (21st Century):

• STEM Fields (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics): STEM fields have experienced renewed emphasis due to their perceived importance for economic competitiveness and innovation. Governments and educational institutions have actively promoted STEM education.
• Data Science and Analytics: The explosion of data has created a high demand for professionals with skills in data analysis, statistics, and machine learning. Data science has emerged as a distinct major, often interdisciplinary, combining computer science, mathematics, and domain expertise.
• Cybersecurity: Growing concerns about cyber threats have led to increased interest in cybersecurity majors. These programs equip students with the skills to protect computer systems and networks from attack.
• Sustainability and Environmental Science: Increasing awareness of environmental issues and climate change has fueled interest in sustainability and environmental science. Students in these fields study environmental problems and develop solutions for a more sustainable future.
• Specialized Business Degrees: Within business, there’s a growing trend toward specialized degrees, such as supply chain management, business analytics, and international business.
• Decline in Some Humanities Disciplines: Some traditional humanities disciplines, such as English and history, have experienced a decline in enrollment, although there is ongoing debate about the value and relevance of these fields in the modern world.
• Interdisciplinary Studies: There is a growing interest in interdisciplinary programs that combine knowledge from multiple fields to address complex problems. Examples include cognitive science, bioengineering, and environmental studies.

Factors Influencing Major Popularity:

• Job Market Demand: Students are often influenced by the perceived job prospects and earning potential associated with different majors. Fields with high demand and good salaries tend to attract more students.
• Technological Advancements: Technological changes create new fields of study and reshape existing ones. For example, the rise of the internet led to the emergence of web development and digital marketing as popular areas of study.
• Economic Trends: Economic booms and recessions can influence major choices. For example, during economic downturns, students may be more likely to pursue practical, job-oriented majors.
• Societal Needs: Societal challenges, such as climate change and healthcare disparities, can drive interest in majors that address these issues.
• Cultural Values: Changing cultural values and priorities can also influence major choices. For example, increasing emphasis on social justice may lead to greater interest in fields like sociology and public policy.
• Government Policies: Government policies, such as funding for research and education, can impact the popularity of certain majors.
• Media Representation: The way different fields are portrayed in the media can also influence student perceptions and choices.
• Accessibility and Availability: The availability of specific programs at different institutions affects enrollment. New programs or programs that are widely accessible tend to attract more students.

The trends in major popularity are dynamic and subject to ongoing change. Understanding these trends is crucial for students, educators, and policymakers alike.