What major should you study in the US? 10+ HOTTEST majors

Computer Science is always mentioned first when learning what major to choose to study in the US, thanks to the demand for technology human resources in the US that continues to increase sharply in the digital era.

In the group of majors studying in the US, Computer Science opens up many attractive career opportunities such as Software Engineer, Data Scientist, AI Engineer, Cybersecurity Analyst, Web Developer at global technology corporations. In addition, students have many internship opportunities at large headquarters such as Google, Microsoft, Intel, IBM, HP, etc. and the degree is highly valued by employers around the world.

With the advantage of being in the STEM sector, graduates have many opportunities to stay and work for a long time, helping this industry to always be in the top of the most promising universities in the US today.

According to statistics from PayScale, the average salary for a Computer Scientist position in the United States reaches about 92,500 USD/year (updated 2025–2026), with a common income ranging from 64,000 – 151,000 USD/year, depending on experience, skills, and work location.

Top Computer Science Universities in the US

• Stanford University

• Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT)

• University of California, Berkeley (UCB)

• Carnegie Mellon University

• Harvard University

2. Business Administration

What should I study in the US? Business Administration is one of the top choices when studying in the United States. When studying this major, students have the opportunity to access a wide range of fields such as finance, accounting, marketing, economics, strategic management, communications, and international business.

Thanks to its high applicability and flexibility in career orientation, Business Administration is always in the group of majors that are most interested when students learn what to study in the US, especially suitable for those who do not want to "frame" their careers too early.

The average starting salary is about 60,000 – 90,000 USD/year, depending on the major such as management, finance, marketing or business analysis (analytics).

The group of prestigious schools that are chosen by international students:

• University of California, Berkeley

• University of Michigan

• New York University (NYU)

• University of Southern California (USC)

• University of Texas at Austin

If you are wondering what major you should study in the US, you can refer to the 10 promising majors below:

2.1. Techniques

Number of international students studying this major in the United States: 201,145

In American universities, Engineering is a discipline related to mathematics and science, including various specialized fields such as chemical engineering, electrical engineering, aerospace engineering, computer engineering, mechanical engineering, and industrial engineering.

When studying in the U.S., students have the opportunity to study in state-of-the-art laboratories and do internships at the world's leading companies. Therefore, many students who are passionate about engineering often choose to study in the US.

Top universities: Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Stanford University, California Institute of Technology (Caltech), Georgia Institute of Technology (Georgia Tech)...

The total length of time working in the U.S. for international engineering students is 29 months, 17 months more than in other majors. This gives you more experience working at the world's leading companies with attractive salaries and more opportunities to settle in the US. According to the U.S. Department of Labor, the growth rate of engineering jobs was up to 62% in 2020.

Post-graduation salary: About 66,400 USD/year (about 1.6 billion VND) immediately after graduation and 156,000 USD/year (about 3.7 billion VND) for people with 5-7 years of experience or more.

Aerospace engineering is a discipline that attracts many international students to study in the United States.

2.2. Business Administration

Number of international students studying this major in the US: 200,312

What major should I study in the US? When studying business administration in the United States, you can access many different fields such as finance, accounting, marketing, economics, strategic management, communication, international business, etc.

Students can gain in-depth knowledge participate in practical experience and have the opportunity to intern at the world's leading companies and corporations. In addition, a diploma from a U.S. university is globally recognized. Therefore, the percentage of international students studying in the US majoring in business administration is very high: Indonesia 31.1%; Vietnam 29.8%; Venezuela 28.6%; Germany 25.8%, and France 24.8%.

Famous universities: Oregon State University, La Salle University, California State University, Umass Lowess University, University of New Hampshire, Stanford University...

The United States is a country where many world-famous companies and corporations are concentrated. Therefore, international students majoring in business administration have the opportunity to find many suitable working positions such as market research analyst, customer care specialist, and business executive... with a stable salary to settle in the US.

Salary after graduation: Can be up to 59,532 USD/year (about 1.4 billion VND).

2.3. Computer Science (Information Technology)

Number of international students studying this major in the United States: 107,682

The United States is considered a global information technology center, so it is not difficult to arrange this major when answering the question of what major one should study in the United States. In addition, the country also owns 5 of the top 10 universities that provide specialized training in Computer Science according to the US News & World Report rankings. Students have many internship opportunities at large headquarters such as Google, Microsoft, Intel, IBM, HP... and the degree is highly valued by employers around the world.

Famous universities: Stanford University, Massachusetts Institute of Technology, University of California, Berkeley (UCB), Carnegie Mellon University...

Among the majors in the US, computer science is one of the preferred professions to settle in the US with many different working positions such as programming languages, robot manufacturing, artificial intelligence, etc.

Salary after graduation: Can be up to 81,500 USD/year (about 1.9 billion VND)

2.4. Visual and applied arts

Number of international students studying this major in the United States: 59,736

As an industry that answers the question of what to study in the US, visual and applied arts include many different fields such as music, theater, architecture and design, film, etc. The United States is a leader in this major, with 8 of the 10 universities with the best teaching quality in the world according to the 2022 QS Universities Rankings.

When studying visual and applied arts in the US, students have the opportunity to access architectural, fashion, furniture, and animation studios with global fame such as Disney, Dream Works, Pixal, etc.

Top universities: University of California, Stanford University, Yale University, Columbia University...

The United States is one of the world's art centers with many fields such as music, film, architecture, etc. Therefore, international students majoring in visual and applied arts have many opportunities to find jobs with a stable salary to settle in the US.

Salary after graduation: Can be up to 81,500 USD/year (about 1.9 billion VND)

2.5. Social Sciences

Number of international students studying this major in the United States: 52,568

What major should you choose to study in the United States, social science is a good choice. Social sciences are majors in anthropology, economics, geography, politics, and sociology and are also an answer to what major to study in the United States. This is a major for students who are interested in the relationship between people, society, and the events that take place around them.

When you study social sciences in the U.S., you will not only approach theory, but you will also be taught how to apply that knowledge in practice. In addition, degrees at American universities are globally recognized, opening you up to a wide range of opportunities and future work experience.

Top universities: Harvard University, Stanford University, University of California Berkeley (UCB), University of Chicago, University of Pennsylvania...

Studying in the U.S. in social sciences opens up many job opportunities in the U.S. and other countries around the world such as Lawyers, legal advisors, criminologists, social workers, government relations consultants, etc.

Salary after graduation: Average about 57,237 USD/year (about 1.4 billion VND)

2.6. Liberal arts and sciences

Number of international students studying this major in the US: 50,360

One of the majors to study in the US, especially science and liberal arts, is one of the majors on the list of what to study in the US. Liberal Art & Science is a harmonious blend of many different humanities such as history, philosophy, language, literature, art history, etc. When studying this major in the US, students can tailor their courses to the most suitable to expand their understanding of the arts and have many career opportunities in different fields such as communication, education, law, etc.

Top schools in the United States: Amherst College, Wellesley College, Williams College, Pomona College, Swarthmore College...

Liberal arts and sciences are one of the most popular majors among American and international students. In addition, degrees in the U.S. are globally recognized. Therefore, the chances of finding a job that suits you after studying abroad are very high.

2.7. Intensive English

Number of international students studying this major in the United States: 40,887

If you want to study Intensive English, studying in the US is the right choice and it is also the answer to what major should you study in the US. Here, you don't need to absorb the dry vocabulary in books but can apply it to your daily life with native speakers, friends, and specialized teachers. Since then, students have perfected 4 English skills naturally and used English fluently in all life situations.

Intensive English courses in the US usually take place in a short time, about 1-4 months at an affordable cost.

Top universities: University of Southern Indiana, Dallas Baptist University, Northeastern Illinois University, The University of Iowa, Tennessee State University...

English is one of the most popular languages globally. Therefore, the addition of intensive English opens the door to study at prestigious universities and future careers.

2.8. Medicine

Number of international students studying this major in the US: 40,184

Medicine is a must-see when it comes to what major to study in the US. The United States is a leader in medicine and healthcare. This is also a field that plays an important role in the development of people and society. American students studying medicine not only learn book knowledge but also practice and practice at famous hospitals. In addition, degrees in the U.S. are globally recognized. So, the opportunity to find your job after graduation is more open.

Top universities: Harvard University, Columbia University, New York University (Grossman), University of California–San Francisco, Johns Hopkins University...

Medicine is one of the industries that the United States and other countries around the world are very interested in. Therefore, the chances of finding a suitable job after graduating and settling in the US are extremely high.

Salary after graduation: About 145,175 - 165,450 USD/year (about 3.4 billion - 3.9 billion VND).

2.9. Communication

The world's leading economy and information technology is one of the reasons why the US media industry is more developed. So you must understand why this major is in the answer to studying in the United States. Students not only get acquainted with gathering information and writing news reports but also have access to modern media. Some professions related to the media industry such as journalists, media managers, copywriters, and marketing communication experts...

Top universities: Stanford University, University of Southern California, University of Texas at Austin...

Studying in the United States in the media is the orientation of many Vietnamese students.

2.10. Psychology

Finally, what major should you study in the US, psychology is one of the top choices. Psychology is a popular major in the United States. During their studies, students learn how the mind works which affects a person's ability to learn, intelligence, cognitive behavior, and emotions. Psychology can open the door to becoming a counselor, sports or children's specialist, teacher or therapist, or psychiatrist...

Top universities: Harvard University, Stanford University, University of California - Los Angeles (UCLA), University of Michigan - Ann Arbor, Duke University...

Psychology is an important discipline in the United States and many other countries around the world. Therefore, international students after graduation have many opportunities to find a job and settle in the US.

Salary after graduation: About 93,315 USD/year (about 2.2 billion VND).

If you are cherishing your dream of studying in the US, contact IDP Education to receive useful advice for your upcoming journey!

IDP Education has more than 50 years of experience in advising students to study abroad, playing an important role in international education when helping more than 450,000 students successfully study abroad at schools in the UK, Canada, Australia, New Zealand, the United States, and Ireland.

Currently, IDP owns a network of 80 international admissions offices in 30 different countries and is the official admissions representative of more than 600 prestigious schools in the US, Australia, the UK, New Zealand, Canada, and Ireland. In addition, IDP is also the co-founder and organizer of the IELTS test worldwide, which will best support you to have a great study abroad experience!

Hopefully, the above article has provided useful information to help you answer the question of what major should you study in the US. From there, you can choose what major you should study in the US, the school that suits your interests and conditions and have useful experiences during your time studying in the US.

Learn more

• How much money does it cost to study in the USA?

• Top 15 Best Universities in the US

When considering what major to study in the US, Education is the right choice for those who love teaching and human development. In the U.S., Education provides students with access to modern pedagogy, educational psychology, and curriculum design skills according to international standards.

The U.S. has a shortage of teachers at many levels, especially early childhood education and special education, creating a steady demand for recruitment. Thanks to its high applicability and long-term work opportunities, this industry is increasingly mentioned in the US study abroad majors.

According to PayScale, the average salary of teachers in the US ranges from $50,000 to $75,000 per year, depending on the state and experience.

Typical training schools:

• Harvard University

• Stanford University

• University of California, Los Angeles (UCLA)

• University of Wisconsin–Madison

• Columbia University

6. Communications & Media

Communication is a prominent choice among universities in the US, especially suitable for those who love creativity and a dynamic working environment. When learning what major to choose to study in the US, many students choose communication thanks to the strong development of digital marketing, social networks, and digital media. Students are equipped with skills in writing, content building, brand management, and cross-platform communications, with the opportunity to intern at international media companies and corporations. Thanks to the great demand for human resources in the digital age, this is one of the majors to study in the US with high career flexibility.

According to PayScale, the average salary of the communication industry group is about 55,000–85,000 USD/year.

Typical training schools:

• University of Southern California (USC)

• New York University (NYU)

• Northwestern University

• Boston University

• University of Texas at Austin

On the list of what to study in the US, Social Sciences & Psychology are increasingly interested due to the important role of mental health and the study of human behavior. Belonging to the highly academic group of majors in the US, this major helps students gain a deep understanding of psychology, society, and human relationships, while developing analytical and counseling skills. The demand for psychologists, school counselors, and social studies in the U.S. is increasing. With clear career prospects, this is a field of study with long-term value in the fields of studying in the US.

According to PayScale, the average salary of a psychologist ranges from $60,000 to $90,000 per year (higher than with a graduate degree).

Typical training schools:

• Stanford University

• University of California, Berkeley

• University of Michigan

• Yale University

• University of Chicago

8. Biotechnology

Biotechnology is a prominent choice when students ask the question of what major they should choose to study in the US in the science and research sector. The United States is the world's leading center for biomedicine, pharmaceuticals, and biological research, helping this industry to always be among the highly applicable universities in the United States. Students receive intensive training in molecular biology, genetics, and laboratory technology, with many opportunities to work at research institutes and biotech companies. Thanks to its strong development potential, Biotechnology is a highly appreciated field of study in the US today.

According to PayScale, the average salary in the industry is about 65,000 – 100,000 USD/year, higher than with a master's or doctoral degree.

Typical training schools:

• Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT)

• Stanford University

• University of California, San Diego

• University of Washington

• Harvard University

If you love creativity and are looking for what to study in the U.S., Visual & Applied Arts is a great option to consider. In the U.S., this field helps students develop aesthetic thinking, design skills, and professional portfolio building in areas such as graphic design, animation, UI/UX, and digital art. The demand for creative talent in the U.S. is increasing, especially in the technology and media industries. Thanks to its flexibility and global work opportunities, this industry has always had a strong foothold in the US study abroad industries.

According to PayScale, the average salary ranges from 50,000 to 90,000 USD/year, depending on the field and personal capacity.

Typical training schools:

• Rhode Island School of Design (RISD)

• Parsons School of Design

• School of Visual Arts (SVA)

• California Institute of the Arts (CalArts)

• Pratt Institute

Factors to consider when choosing a major:

The choice of major is an important step in determining the learning journey and career in the future. When learning what major to choose to study in the United States, international students need to consider many factors such as their own capacity, financial conditions, career prospects, and training strengths of U.S. education.

1.1. Personal Competencies and Strengths

In the fields of study in the United States, each industry requires its own skills and qualities. Understanding your interests, strengths, and long-term orientation will help you choose the right major, instead of following trends or opinions when wondering what major to study in the US.

1.2. Financial conditions and scholarships

The cost of studying in the U.S. is quite high, including tuition and living expenses. Therefore, when researching the fields of studying in the US, you need to balance your budget, and at the same time actively seek scholarships and financial support from the university to reduce cost pressure.

1.3. Career prospects after graduation

An important criterion when choosing universities in the U.S. is job opportunities after graduation. Industries with high demand for human resources, good internship opportunities and the ability to stay and work will bring great advantages to international students.

1.4. Industries with high immigration opportunities

If you want to settle in the U.S., industries such as healthcare, chemistry, and pharmaceuticals would be a wise choice. Not only do these industries meet the large demand for human resources in the market, but they also offer attractive salaries, helping you stabilize your life and easily adapt to the high cost of living in the US.

In general, to answer the question of what major should you study in the USA, you need to choose the right major for you, and at the same time take advantage of the strengths of the American education system to optimize future study and career opportunities.

Choosing the Right Major for Studying in the US with IDP Education Vietnam

Hopefully, this article has given you a more comprehensive understanding to answer the question of what major to choose when studying in the US, given the ever-changing US education and labor market. With strengths in quality education, high practicality, and broad career opportunities, majors in the US such as technology, healthcare, business, communication, and science and research remain among the most popular choices for international students today.

With over 30 years of experience, IDP Education Vietnam has been accompanying thousands of parents and students on their journey to study in the US. Not only do we advise on choosing a major that suits your abilities and interests, but IDP also supports you in selecting schools, securing scholarships, and building an optimal study plan, helping you increase your chances of studying and developing a sustainable career in the United States.