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

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

Engineering has always been in the group of prioritized majors when studying majors in the US, thanks to the high demand for human resources and wide job opportunities.

The training program focuses on practice, research and practical problem solving, helping students develop technical thinking, analytical skills and working in a modern industrial and technological environment.

In particular, most engineering majors are in the STEM sector, allowing international students to stay and work in the U.S. for up to 36 months under the OPT program, creating a great advantage in terms of employment and immigration after graduation.

Average starting salary: about 65,000 – 95,000 USD/year

Majors such as Electrical Engineering, Computer Engineering, Mechanical Engineering can earn higher salaries with experience.

Universities that train engineering:

• University of Michigan – Ann Arbor

• Georgia Institute of Technology (Georgia Tech)

• University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign (UIUC)Purdue University

• University of Texas at Austin (UT Austin)

The Medical & Healthcare industry (Nursing, Pharmacy) is always in the top group when students learn what major to choose to study in the United States, thanks to the demand for medical human resources in the United States is always very high and stable. In the fields of studying in the United States, this field offers many career opportunities such as Registered Nurse, Nurse Practitioner, Pharmacist, Clinical Specialist at hospitals, medical centers, and large pharmaceutical corporations.

The training program in the US focuses on clinical practice, helping students adapt to the real working environment early. With attractive income and long-term job opportunities, this is a group of industries that often appear on the list of universities in the US with high prospects.

According to PayScale, the average salary of a Nursing is about 75,000 – 95,000 USD/year, while Pharmacists can reach 115,000 – 130,000 USD/year.

Typical training schools:

• Johns Hopkins University

• University of Pennsylvania

• University of California, San Francisco (UCSF)

• University of Michigan

• University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill

Free Consultation

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

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

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.