Perhaps It’s Time to Consider Majors that are Sustainable
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 UMD, has its more popular majors as well. However; in these unprecedented times, students might want to take recent events into consideration 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, UMD’s School of Public Health has multiple majors that would be beneficial to pursue that apply to public health. Behavioral and Community Health and Public Health Science are two majors at the University of Maryland that are fast-growing and increasingly relevant at this time. The School of Public Health also offers degrees in Family Science and Kinesiology. Family Science is a major that is aimed at improving the quality of family life and Kinesiology majors work with the movement of the human body. These majors both work to help and understand individuals on a deeper level.
In addition to this school, UMD’s School of Nursing is one of the best schools and most popular majors for undergraduates. The services provided by health care workers are so important and careers, such as a nurse, will always be crucial to the world.
More Options
The College of Education at UMD has various majors that students can explore to pursue the essential job of teaching. Teaching has undoubtedly taken on a new lens, aside from many having a newfound respect for the value of a good educator. With the new transition to online learning, it can be very beneficial that education majors look into a possible minor or certificate in Computer Science. This background in computer science can help them stay up to date and knowledgeable in the technology side of education.
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, which is one of the most popular majors at UMD, can lead to varying careers in this realm. A Bachelor of Science in psychology is widely sought in business, education, and mental health fields.
UMD’s A. James Clark School of Engineering is one of the best schools at the university. They offer various undergraduate majors that will always be needed and range from civil, computer, mechanical, bioengineering, and more.
At the Robert H. Smith School of Business, UMD’s business school, there are eight majors that are offered to students. Majors such as Finance, Information Systems, and Accounting prepare students for careers that would be relevant during these times. Supply Chain Management is a major offered by the Smith School that is unique and is increasingly relevant, especially with the issues in SCM at the start of COVID-19.
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. There are many certificate programs that 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 UMD can help you decide. Encourage your student to visit the UMD Career Center or its website. They offer so many helpful services and resources such as helping you pick a major, help with resume and cover letters, networking opportunities, career and internship fairs, and more.
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