<p>Discover the Best Major for Your Future</p>
Start building skills that prepare you for tomorrow’s opportunities.
Written By
Courtney Johnson
Digital Content Specialist,
Grand Canyon Education
Start building skills that prepare you for tomorrow’s opportunities.
Explore fields with strong job growth, innovation and long-term stability to help you choose a college degree that aligns with evolving industries and emerging career opportunities.
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Approved and verified accurate by the Assistant Vice President of GCU Marketing on Oct. 14, 2025.
The views and opinions expressed in this article are those of the author’s and do not necessarily reflect the official policy or position of Grand Canyon University. Any sources cited were accurate as of the publish date.
To help uncover some of the potential best ROI degrees, we can look at U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics’ (BLS) list of fastest-growing occupations, comparing growth rate with median salary. With this, we can identify a pattern of categories where some of the highest projected job growth is expected and discover top industries.1
Some of these trending jobs include:
While wind turbine service technicians and solar photovoltaic installers don’t necessarily require a bachelor's degree, the other occupations tend to be supported by majors like nursing, health administration, cybersecurity, data science, computer science and sustainable or engineering studies. While majoring in any of these does not automatically lead to these median salaries, choosing a field that is expected to grow may lead to strong opportunities.
Additionally, BLS data shows that STEM occupations are projected to grow 10.4% by 2033, above the average of 4% for other occupations.14 This further demonstrates how majoring in STEM fields such as engineering, data and technical fields may be a strong choice for your future career.
Remote or hybrid work has become increasingly normalized, particularly in roles that require digital, analytical or communicative tasks.15 When looking at remote-friendly careers, consider one that involves tasks that work well with digital tools, collaboration platforms and asynchronous work, so the work can be flexible and portable.
Some of the top major groups varying by the organization that may support telework and correlate with such careers, according to a survey from the BLS, include:16
According to the Future of Jobs Report by the World Economic Forum, the “green” transition — prioritizing more environmentally friendly business practices and reducing carbon emissions — remains a priority for nearly half of global employers surveyed.20 Additionally, some of the fastest-growing projected occupations, wind turbine service technicians and solar photovoltaic installers, are both directly related to this projected increase in finding alternative renewable energy sources.1 These careers are also being viewed as relatively stable during more uncertain times in the job market, such as during the pandemic throughout 2020.20
Majors affiliated with this trend include jobs in various industrial fields, such as careers in:20
Degrees in these areas can prepare students for roles working with and researching sustainability strategy, green consulting, clean energy, environmental technology or climate adaptation planning.
Even as automation and artificial intelligence (AI) transform industries, certain roles remain resilient or can even gain momentum with these technologies.
According to a BLS article, occupations that may be most affected by the insurgence of AI include:17
These occupations are all projected to experience strong job growth, despite the continued use of AI.17 With this in mind, one may consider AI as a tool for these professionals rather than a replacement. When choosing a major, students can see that options such as computer science, data engineering and information systems remain promising in the evolving AI landscape.
When looking at best majors for the future, one of the strongest trends seen in BLS employment projections is that technology, especially AI and data systems, is becoming integrated into traditional workplaces. The BLS’s AI impact analysis shows that various technology-rooted jobs, including those mentioned above, are projected to experience job growth from 2024 to 2034.17
This means that even non-technology majors like finance, architecture, civil engineering and health informatics will increasingly require digital fluency, modeling and AI literacy.17 For example, if you are a student majoring in architecture or design, you may find yourself becoming familiar with and utilizing AI-based tools. Thus, preparing for technology integration across various fields may prove relevant and useful in your future endeavors.
"We can help you understand all of the aspects that surround the ecosystem of engineering and technology, but why are we different? We focus in on our Christian worldview. Did you know that character matters? It does. It matters all the time. Character in engineering, character in technology. These are really important pieces that make a whole engineer, a whole technologist valuable out into the real world."
— Paul Lambertson, Dean of College of Engineering and Technology, Grand Canyon University
"I learned so much that is going to benefit me in my career in the future. Finding my purpose here at GCU not only comes from all the classes and friends that I‘ve made here, but also from all of the resources that GCU provides. Although I’m in school most of the time, I’m also getting guidance of where I can go after these classes are over and how to push through life with these skills that I’ve gained through GCU."
— Matthew Mejia, Electrical Engineering Student, Grand Canyon University
Various factors, such as AI, digitization and automation, have led to the idea that majors involving digital adaptability may have international relevance in the job market. The Future of Jobs Report from the World Economic Forum found that 60% of employers expect the broadening of digital access to be the biggest trend driving business transformation by 2030.20
This report further emphasizes that due to this, the demand for generative AI skills, such as prompt engineering, strategic decision-making and trustworthy AI practices, has accelerated globally.20 These are important factors to consider when deciding on a major that will remain relevant years down the road. You may not necessarily choose an AI-related major, but possibly one that bridges the gap between technology and global applicability, such as data science or financial technology. In whatever major you choose, gaining relevant experience and skills in your program is projected to prove crucial in the global job market, helping businesses stay competitive as the world adapts to this technological landscape.20
Choosing a college major often involves finding a balance between preparing for your future and exploring your passions. In an evolving job market shaped by technology, climate shifts and global change, certain degree paths are showing strong promise. Explore some of the best college majors for the future that show promising job growth, reflect emerging trends and embrace varying work models.
You may also consider other educational paths and their relevance to the future job market. Some of the fastest-growing occupations, for example, wind turbine service technicians, do not necessarily require a bachelor’s degree.18 The BLS highlights that many roles in tech, healthcare support and skilled trades are accessible via certifications, targeted training or associate degrees.
As a student planning a major and exploring your talents, you may want to consider non-traditional options, such as certifications and internships. These skill-based career options offer specific hands-on experience and allow you to demonstrate your abilities and build a portfolio outside of a degree.
Majors in business, management, marketing and entrepreneurship remain flexible foundations for launching one’s entrepreneurial venture. Business fields can lead to varied roles in management, consulting, operations and finance, all of which are relevant to entrepreneurs.19
Beyond just functional skills, business and management majors often cultivate competencies in leadership, strategy, operations and financial literacy. These skills are transferable across industries and useful in starting or growing your own enterprise.
Selecting a major is more than an academic decision; it is a strategic step toward shaping your future career and making a meaningful impact in society. The majors discussed above, such as data science, sustainability and business, stand out as some of the best degrees for the future. They align with modern business practices, rapid technological change, the rising importance of green jobs and global relevance.
Shape yourself into a future-ready professional with the knowledge and skills to make a difference, beginning with your bachelor’s degree from GCU. With undergraduate degrees in technology, business, healthcare and the sciences, you can prepare to become a relevant and impactful professional in your career, no matter which field you choose. Apply today and build the foundation for your place in the future workforce.
