In college, students enjoy academic freedom, meaning they have the choice to enroll in the classes that interest them and pursue a college major of their choice. While this freedom can be exciting for those who love to learn, it can also be daunting — requiring students to make difficult choices, stay organized, and focus on a field of study.
While pursuing their interests, students must take responsibility and organize their coursework in a way that ultimately fulfills graduation requirements within a field of study for a chosen bachelor’s degree. This includes earning the required number of general studies credit hours as well as core curriculum credit hours. In order to take classes in an organized manner and begin fulfilling your degree requirements, you must first pick a major.
Read on to discover how to choose what to study in college as well as some of the most useful degrees to pursue.
How to Choose What to Study in College
When choosing what to study in college, consider a variety of factors, such as:
- Your talents – If you have a natural affinity for mathematics, sciences, or communication, you can lean into your natural strengths by choosing a major that will complement your talents. That being said, avoid basing your decision entirely on the courses that are easiest for you; college should provide you with a healthy challenge that helps you learn and grow. To get the most out of your degree, try to take classes that challenge you, teach you new skills that compliment your skillsets, and expand your horizons.
- Your interests – Apart from thinking about the subjects in which you excel, strongly consider what areas of study most interest you. For example, having a particular interest in science, animals, the environment, or business can help direct you to the general field of study in which you will discover a major that is the right fit.
- The kind of impact you want to make – Earning a college degree takes hard work and commitment. Choosing a meaningful path will motivate you to keep going, even during the most challenging moments. Think about the issues that matter most to you and how you want to use your degree to make an impact. You can then tie the goal of earning your degree to the ultimate goal of having a positive, long-term impact on the world.
- Potential career opportunities – Of course, your degree should also help you achieve personal career aspirations. Consider the kind of career that most interests you and benefits your long-term career goals. Then, ask yourself which type of degree would create the most professional opportunities in your field of interest or most desired position.
The Most Useful Degrees (for a Sustainable Future)
The most useful degrees not only help students achieve their career aspirations; they also provide deeper meaning, fulfillment, and purpose in life by helping you make a positive impact on your community, the future, or the world. The following can pave the path toward significant opportunities to achieve both personal and impact-based goals.
Engineering
Earning an engineering degree provides students with the knowledge, training, skills, and credentials to solve real-world problems with innovation and advanced infrastructure. It also opens doors to a successful, lucrative, and fulfilling professional future and career path. For example, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), environmental engineers earn a median annual salary of more than $100,000 — and the industry’s job outlook is growing 7% faster than the average across industries.
To protect and improve the health of the environment, people, plants, and animals, environmental engineers solve problems related to:
- Pollution
- Waste management
- Resource management
- Water quality
- Air quality
- Public health
Unity Environmental University has constructed degree programs from coursework uniquely focused on students’ ability to flourish personally and professionally while also having a positive impact. In our Bachelor of Science in Environmental Engineering program, students acquire the skills, knowledge, and hands-on experience needed to carve out a future in the environmental engineering industry as leaders in engineering a sustainable future.
Business
A broader field of study, students with a degree in business have opportunities across industries, sectors, and roles. A business degree prepares students for positions in specific disciplines like:
- Marketing
- Entrepreneurship
- Management
- Operations
- Leadership
- Finance and accounting
- Human resources
- Data analysis
According to the BLS, business majors earn a higher-than-average median salary of about $71,000 per year. And with the potential for such a broad reach, in terms of industries, business majors have the potential to generate a positive impact by effecting change from just about any position they desire.
For students interested in business, the environment, and the triple bottom line (people, planet, and profits), earning a sustainable business degree can provide you with tools, knowledge, experience, and connections to help you effect change in a business suit. We invite you to explore sustainability-centered coursework for students aspiring to be leaders in green business with Unity’s Bachelor of Science in Sustainable Business Management or Applied Bachelor of Science in Sustainable Business Management 90-credit option (for undergraduates), or Sustainable Master of Business Administration in Climate-Ready Business (for graduate students).
Economics
Economists conduct research, organize data, generate reports, and evaluate problems and concerns related to financial health and monetary policies — usually considering the data, economic performance, and fiscal policies specific to a nation or region.
With its broad applicability, a background in economics can lead to careers in multiple sectors, such as finance, consulting, education, and nonprofit work. For example, environmental economists play a vital role with their economy-based recommendations for regulations and policies.
Economic policies have a direct impact on environmental outcomes (such as resource management, water quality, ecosystem health, and pollution). With the ability to conduct cost-benefit analyses on the relationship between the economy and a healthy environment, biodiversity, or responsible resource management, economists can influence the policy decisions and regulations implemented at a high level.
Certain graduate-level programs focus on teaching students how to foster sustainability through economics. For instance, our Sustainable Master of Business Administration in Coastal Economic Development focuses on the sustainable use of ocean resources. These programs are designed to help students take their careers to the next level by becoming leading economists prepared to shape a healthier, more sustainable future.
Animal Science and Conservation
Animal science and conservation studies take several approaches to promoting a healthier, more biodiverse animal world through professions in zoology, wildlife biology, wildlife conservation, sustainable agriculture, and veterinary science. Animal science experts study captive, domesticated, and wild animals to develop a better understanding of their role within the ecosystem, their habitats, behaviors, health, and impact on human environments.
Students interested in learning about and working with animals can better prepare themselves for futures in the field of animal science and conservation by earning a Bachelor of Science in Animal Health and Behavior or Bachelor of Science in Wildlife Conservation.
Agriculture and Food Science
As the world’s population increases, so does the demand for food and advanced agriculture practices. That’s why the agriculture and food science industries in America are growing faster than average, expanding the need for knowledgeable farmers, food scientists, plant scientists, animal scientists, and soil scientists. In turn, identifying, implementing, and perfecting sustainable agricultural practices is becoming increasingly important to preserving the quality of our food, human health, animal health, and the health of the environment.
For students who are passionate about human wellness and environmental health, pursuing a degree in sustainable agriculture can help them find professional success and personal fulfillment in a meaningful profession. Unity offers a variety of programs focusing on this type of coursework — including our undergraduate Applied Bachelor of Science Culinary Innovation and Food Systems and Bachelor of Science in Sustainable Horticulture, and our graduate Master of Professional Science in Sustainable Food Systems.
Conclusion: Degrees That Are Worth It
Choosing a degree is a major decision. And finding one that offers long-term value is key. Fields like economics, animal science, business, and engineering stand out for their versatility, strong job prospects, and potential for career advancement. While no degree can guarantee success, aligning your studies with in-demand industries and your personal interests can set the foundation for a rewarding and sustainable career path.
At Unity Environmental University, we focus on designing degree programs that serve a greater purpose while providing students with a flexible, robust, and supportive online learning environment designed to help them develop personally and professionally with customized career service support. Our innovative 90-credit Applied Bachelor’s degrees offer an efficient, career-focused path for transfer students and working professionals ready to advance their impact. To learn more about our range of degree programs and begin envisioning a fulfilling future for yourself, explore Unity Environmental University today.
