College Majors Change to Suit Job Market

Students entering college to earn their associates degree or bachelor's degree need to consider if the major they intend to pursue is viable in today's economy. Students who earn a nursing degree or engineering degree know that there are great jobs out there that are in need of top candidates.

Mindful of the worst job market in more than 25 years, many students enrolling in colleges and universities this fall are considering majors that they believe will land them stable careers. Students with degrees in nursing, health care, accounting, computer science, economics, general science and engineering report the most success in finding jobs, say local and national experts and college placement officials. Those with degrees in finance, journalism, graphic design, and international relations have had tougher times. Liberal arts graduates also struggle.

Still, career experts say students should major in whatever area most interests them, even if it's a less specialized liberal arts field, such as English or sociology. In a national survey, communication, followed closely by a strong work ethic and teamwork skills, was rated as the most important attribute sought by employers.

Texas Health Resources, one of the region's largest employers, uses a wide range of workers at its 14 hospitals and other sites. The 18,000-employee company hires about 2,000 people a year.

You will need to carefully consider what your major can do for you when you graduate college. Earning a degree in engineering online will set you up in a field that has seen exceeding low numbers of candidates. Earning a nursing degree online will also prepare you for a great career that is on the rise.