Most In-Demand Majors of 2025: A Look at the Top Choices for the Future

As we look at 2025, one thing is clear: the demand for skilled professionals in certain fields is growing significantly. But with so many degree options available, how can prospective students identify the best majors for job opportunities?

Understanding which majors lead to the best types of jobs is key to making an informed decision about your career. This blog article will highlight the most in-demand fields, the benefits of pursuing higher education, and why it’s important to consider these when choosing your degree. We’ll also discuss how NMSU Global Campus supports your journey in particular high-demand areas through its online degree offerings.

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What Makes a Major “In-Demand”?

As you explore potential career paths, it’s important to understand what makes a major stand out in terms of demand. Several factors play into determining which fields are truly thriving, and by looking at these key indicators, you can better predict which industries are ripe with opportunities.

Employment and Industry Growth Projections: Aligning Majors with Your Future Career

Employment projections play an important role in determining the demand for specific majors. By examining labor market data from sources like the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) and other industry reports, we can gain insight into which sectors are poised for growth in the coming years. These insights highlight the importance of aligning academic choices with the fields expected to see significant job demand.

The BLS projects strong growth ¹ across several key industries:

• Renewable energy
• Healthcare
• Financial industry
• Technology and IT
• Education, particularly in special education ²
• Science and research

In addition to these projections, global industry trends underscore the rising demand for majors in these areas:

• Cybersecurity: The global cybersecurity workforce grew by 12.6% between 2022 and 2023. ³ The demand for skilled professionals in this field is so significant that the cybersecurity industry alone may need four million more workers to fill critical shortages.
• Data Science and Technology: With a global reliance on data and technology, fields like data science, software development, and information security are expected to see sustained demand. Learn how a Master of Data Analytics degree can help propel your career.
• Sustainable Energy: Jobs in solar and wind energy are booming as the world transitions toward sustainable energy solutions. These sectors are projected to expand rapidly due to the global push for greener energy alternatives.
• Healthcare and Biotechnology: With an aging population and increasing healthcare needs, careers in nursing, physical therapy, and biotechnology are seeing strong growth. ⁴ These fields offer ample opportunities for those pursuing healthcare-related majors.
• Manufacturing and Skilled Trades: Careers in advanced manufacturing and skilled trades, like electricians and plumbers, are growing steadily due to the demand for infrastructure development and technological advancements in the industry. ⁵

These combined projections illustrate the increasing demand for majors aligned with these expanding fields. By choosing a major tied to sectors that are expected to grow, students can position themselves for a rewarding and future-proof career.

Graduate and Enrollment Data

Another factor that shapes the demand for a major is graduate and enrollment numbers. When there is high enrollment in a particular field but still a gap in skilled workers, that college degree becomes even more valuable. For example, when certain industries struggle to find talent despite a large number of graduates, the demand for that field rises. On the flip side, majors with low enrollment may reflect either a niche interest or a lack of awareness, but they can still offer unique career opportunities.

Median Salaries & Job Stability

Finally, median salaries and job stability are major factors in determining demand. High-paying careers, especially those that offer job security, naturally attract more students. Majors tied to fields like finance, engineering, and technology are often in high demand not just for the exciting job roles they offer, but for the competitive salaries and stability they provide. Websites like PayScale and Glassdoor give you access to salary trends and job stability projections, helping you understand the earning potential and long-term outlook of different industries.

By taking all these factors into account — employment growth, industry needs, enrollment statistics, and job stability — you can make a more informed decision about which in-demand majors align with both your interests and future opportunities.

Why Pursue a Higher Education?

Before diving into the specifics of the most in-demand majors, it’s important to understand why higher education remains a valuable investment. Higher education opens doors to better career prospects, a broader skill set, and personal growth.

Here are some reasons to pursue higher education:

1. Increased Earning Potential

According to the Association of Public & Land-Grant Universities, median earnings for bachelor’s degree holders are $40,500, 86% higher than those with a high school diploma and $1.2 million higher over a lifetime. ⁶ By choosing an in-demand major, students can further increase their earning potential by selecting fields with high salaries.

2. Job Security and Growth

Higher education is also linked to job stability. Individuals with a bachelor’s degree or higher have lower unemployment rates. In fact, according to the Association of Public & Land Grant Universities, bachelor’s degree holders are half as likely to be unemployed as those with a high school diploma. ⁷

3. Flexibility and Career Mobility

Earning a degree can provide more career flexibility. Many high-demand majors have applications in multiple industries, so graduates can pivot between fields as their career interests evolve. For example, a degree in data science can open doors in tech, healthcare, finance, and even government sectors.

4. Building a Strong Network

College and university programs often provide students with access to a network of industry professionals, alumni, and mentors. This network can be instrumental in helping graduates find jobs and advance their careers. The ability to connect with like-minded professionals is a significant benefit of pursuing higher education in a specialized field.

The Most In-Demand Majors for 2025

As we move further into 2025, several fields continue to show strong growth, reflecting both current labor market trends and future projections. Here’s a look at the majors that are expected to be in high demand.

1. Cybersecurity and Information Technology

As the world becomes increasingly digital, the demand for professionals in cybersecurity and information technology (IT) continues to rise. According to the BLS, the job outlook for information security analysts is expected to grow by 33% from 2023 to 2033, much faster than the average for other occupations. ⁸ Fields like cloud computing, data security, and network administration are all experiencing a surge in demand, driven by the need to protect sensitive data from cyber threats.

NMSU Global Campus offers a Bachelor of Information and Communication Technology (ICT) and Master of Information Technology, preparing students for roles like:

• Network Security Analysts
• Ethical Hackers
• IT Security Specialists
• Database Administrators
• Software and Web Developers

The demand for IT and cybersecurity professionals will only continue to rise in the coming years. The combination of growing cyber threats, technological advancement, talent shortages, and job security makes these fields incredibly lucrative, both in terms of salary and career prospects. With the rapid pace at which technology is evolving, IT and cybersecurity professionals will remain at the forefront of innovation and digital protection, ensuring that their expertise will always be in demand.

Healthcare and Nursing

The healthcare industry is projected to continue growing rapidly due to the aging population and advancements in medical technology. Registered Nurses (RNs) and healthcare practitioners, including physician assistants and medical technologists, are all in high demand. The BLS predicts that the employment of registered nurses will grow by 6% from 2023 to 2033. ⁹

NMSU Global Campus offers a few various online nursing degrees and certificates that span:

• Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP)
• Master of Science in Nursing (MSN) in Leadership and Administration
• Psychiatric/Mental Health Nurse Practitioner Graduate Certificate in Nursing
• Family Nurse Practitioner Post-Master’s Graduate Certificate in Nursing

Nursing degrees online are in high demand due to the increasing need for healthcare professionals, particularly as the global population ages and healthcare services expand. Online programs offer flexibility for working adults, allowing them to balance education with their personal and professional lives, making nursing a more accessible career path.

Additionally, the COVID-19 pandemic highlighted the critical need for skilled nurses, further driving the demand for nursing education. With growing healthcare job opportunities, online nursing degrees provide a convenient and efficient way to enter or advance in this essential and rewarding field.

Data Science and Analytics

With the increasing amount of data being generated globally, companies are in need of data scientists who can analyze and interpret this data to make informed decisions. The BLS estimates that jobs for data scientists will grow by 36% over the next decade. ¹⁰ Fields like machine learning, artificial intelligence (AI), and data visualization will only continue to grow in importance.

NMSU Global Campus offers degrees that allow graduates to pursue careers in the data science field. A Master of Data Analytics can help students hone in on data science and data analytical skills to pursue professions such as:

• Business Intelligence (BI) Analyst
• Data Analyst
• Data Architect
• Data Engineer
• Data Scientist
• Health Data Analyst
• Machine Learning Engineer
• Marketing Analyst
• Operations Analyst

In short, the growing need for businesses to make data-driven decisions, combined with the continuous advancements in technology and the vast amount of data being generated, makes data science one of the most in-demand and future-proof career paths today.

Sustainability and Renewable Energy

As climate change becomes a more pressing issue, the demand for professionals in sustainability and renewable energy fields is rising. The BLS projects jobs in environmental science, including renewable energy engineers and environmental specialists, to grow much faster than average. ¹¹ Companies are focusing on sustainability initiatives, creating a wealth of opportunities for graduates in this area.

NMSU Global Campus offers a few relevant programs that are directly related to sustainability and renewable energy, including a Master of Engineering in Electrical Engineering. Learners in this degree program can pursue specializations that focus on power systems and smart grid technology, which are essential for optimizing energy usage and incorporating renewable energy into existing infrastructure.

A Master of Engineering in Civil Engineering can also help you pursue a job with an environmental science focus. Civil Engineers can focus on sustainable infrastructure and environmental systems, training students to implement energy-efficient practices in construction and other green urban planning projects.

Business and Finance

Majors in business administration, finance, and accounting remain highly in demand, with a projected growth rate of 9% for financial analysts and business management professionals through 2033. ¹² Graduates with skills in financial planning, data analytics, and global business strategy are sought after in nearly every industry.

NMSU Global Campus offers a Master of Business Administration (MBA) degree with four specialized focuses:

• MBA: Health Services Management
• MBA: Information Systems
• MBA: Public Utility Regulations
• Master of Business Administration (MBA)

These versatile programs prepare students for a wide range of career opportunities in financial management, investment analysis, corporate leadership, and beyond, allowing them to tailor their education to specific career goals.

Additionally, the degree opens doors to senior positions in management, finance, consulting, and entrepreneurship, all of which typically offer lucrative compensation packages. The demand for MBAs remains strong because businesses are constantly seeking leaders who can drive growth, innovate, and navigate complex challenges.

FAQs: Most In-Demand Majors of 2025

As we explore the most in-demand majors of 2025, it’s crucial to understand how to assess whether a field is truly in demand and likely to offer strong career prospects. Many students wonder what factors to consider when choosing a major that aligns with job growth and long-term success. Find answers to some frequently asked questions that can help guide your path forward.

How do I know if a major is in demand?

You can determine if a major is in demand by looking at employment projections from sources like the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) or consulting industry reports that analyze job growth. These sources provide data on which sectors are experiencing rapid growth and have a high need for professionals.

What’s the best way to choose the right major?

When choosing a major, consider factors like your interests, skills, the growth potential of the field, and salary expectations. Research current job market trends and talk to professionals in your field of interest. It’s also helpful to consult academic advisors and career counselors to ensure your choice aligns with your goals. Feeling stuck on defining your major?

Are online degrees as valuable as traditional degrees?

Yes, online degrees from accredited institutions, like NMSU Global Campus, are just as valuable as traditional degrees. NMSU’s online programs offer the same curriculum and faculty, allowing students to earn the skills and credentials they need to succeed in the job market.

What if I’m unsure about my major?

It’s completely normal to feel unsure. Many schools, including NMSU Global Campus, offer advising services to help you explore your interests and find a career path that aligns with your strengths and goals. You can also consider an individualized studies degree or explore minors to complement your primary degree.

Charting Your Path to a Future-Proof Career

Choosing the right major is a critical step in ensuring your future career is not only fulfilling but also in high demand. As we’ve explored, many of the most sought-after fields — such as technology, healthcare, and sustainability — offer not only job stability and growth but also exciting opportunities for innovation and impact.

Understanding the factors that contribute to a field’s demand, including employment projections, industry needs, and salary trends, empowers you to make informed decisions about your education. By aligning your interests with in-demand fields, you can pave the way for a rewarding career that meets both your aspirations and the evolving needs of the job market.

References

1. “Occupational Outlook Handbook: Fastest Growing Occupations.” U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, last updated 29 August 2024.

2. “An Increased Demand for Special Education Services.” New York Weekly, 10 April 2025.

3. Meineke, Michelle. “The cybersecurity industry has an urgent talent shortage. Here’s how to plug the gap.” World Economic Forum, 28 April 2024. 

4. “Healthcare Careers Overview: Your Path to Impactful Roles.” ZipRecruiter, last updated 14 May 2024.

5. Greenberg, E., Schaefer, E., & Weddle, B. “Tradespeople wanted: The need for critical trade skills in the US.” McKinsey & Company, 9 April 2024.

6. “How do college graduates benefit society at large?” The Association of Public and Land-grant Universities, last accessed April 2025.

7. “How does a college degree improve graduates’ employment and earnings potential?” The Association of Public and Land-grant Universities, last accessed April 2025.

8. “Occupational Outlook Handbook: Information Security Analysts.” U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, last updated 29 August 2024.

9. “Occupational Outlook Handbook: Registered Nurses.” U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, last updated 29 August 2024.

10. “Occupational Outlook Handbook: Data Scientists.” U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, last updated 29 August 2024.

11. “Occupational Outlook Handbook: Environmental Scientists and Specialists.” U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, last updated 29 August 2024.

12. “Occupational Outlook Handbook: Financial Analysts.” U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, last updated 29 August 2024.