Perhaps It’s Time to Consider Majors that are Sustainable in Tough Times
Students usually choose a major over a period of time. I have always been a fan of taking a variety of classes until you find the ones that you enjoy most and choosing a major around that. Every school, including UNF, has its more popular majors as well. However; in these unprecedented times, students might want to consider recent events when choosing or changing their major.
As with any major event, such as a recession, war, or, in this case, a pandemic, there is a shift in what type of degree a student may want to consider pursuing. Certainly, the job market will look different in the future. Contemplating what jobs were sustainable throughout the pandemic may also help in the decision-making process.
For instance, UNF’s Brooks College of Health has multiple majors that would apply to public health. They can include health administration, public health, nutrition, and dietetics (two different programs), and nursing (multiple programs and degrees); for which UNF is well known. Many of these were already fast-growing majors but may continue to grow due to an upcoming need. Similarly, we definitely learned the significance of our health-care workers. Many avenues can stem from majors in the Health Sciences.
Brooks College also prepares students to influence and improve an array of societal problems and challenges through a Bachelor of Science in Health with a concentration on Exercise Science. If new and innovative ways to exercise are learned (think virtually), this major is important. Note: This is also a good major choice for students considering continuing their education towards a Doctor of Physical Therapy.
Teaching has undoubtedly taken on a new lens, aside from many having a newfound respect for the value of a good educator. UNF offers multiple degrees in education to prepare students for traditional and non-traditional avenues through its College of Education and Human Services. However, while the look of education has been altered, teachers will always be needed and now could also benefit from a background in computer sciences. Students can also receive pertinent certifications through the College of Education and Human Services.
Politics in one form or another, particularly since politicians and government seemed to have become an integral part of our daily lives, could be worth considering. UNF’s Political Sciences major prepares students for careers in law, government and non-government organizations, politics, and the private sector.
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Wellness in mental health has taken on new forms (particularly those that can be done remotely) and have increased in popularity, so a major in psychology, of which there are quite a few at UNF, can lead to varying careers in this realm. A Bachelor of Science in psychology is widely sought in business, education, and mental health fields. As well, UNF’s College of Arts and Sciences offers a degree in Social Work.
Majors in engineering range from civil, computing, and info. sciences, electrical, mechanical, and information science through the College of Computing, Engineering, and Construction. UNF’s Coggin College of Business offers degrees in areas like Finance or Finance Planning which can prepare students for careers in financial management, investments, and insurance, among others, will continue to be needed. There are also five different International Business Programs offered. Economics and Accounting majors are taught skills and training for careers in business, law, government, politics, teaching, research, and a variety of other areas that lead to stable, higher-paying jobs that will undoubtedly remain popular. However, in today’s climate, it can’t hurt to consider what jobs can be done remotely as well.
In addition to choosing a major, students may want to add some skills like mastering Photoshop, Google-drive, Zoom, data analysis, computer programming, proficiency in a second (or third) language. Many certificate programs can be done outside of college classes that can only enhance your employability. Increasing your knowledge escalates your value to potential employers.
Some college majors may be changing and many are offered almost solely online. New ones may be added and others may disappear. Find out what major programs are of interest to you and how UNF can help you decide. Encourage your student to visit the Career Center or its website. They offer seminars and meetings to not only help find them a job but to educate them on the careers out in the working field; and for now, it is all offered virtually.
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