What are some of the best new college majors to emerge in colleges in the US? These top degree programs come in response to rapidly changing technologies and innovations.
Technologies are constantly changing, new fields emerge through discovery and innovation, and colleges and universities adapt quickly to the changes. Colleges are debuting new college majors in response.
Online education is gaining popularity quickly. This method of delivering a college degree to college students is fairly new. Just like the new best college majors discussed here, rapidly advancing technology has made the spread of online education possible.
In fact, many of the existing college majors and new college majors are now offered as online or hybrid programs to accommodate the changing needs of both traditional and non-traditional students.
All of the best college majors in the newest emerging fields in our ranking can be completed online.
Some of the best college majors include computer related career paths like nanotechnology or nanoscience, social media or new media, and human-computer interaction.
Despite the rapidly advancing technology, the best college majors must still undergo a full proposal process that is unique to each college and university, from curriculum development to external review (i.e., accreditation). Every proposed college major undergoes a stringent review process.
Key Point: The best college majors are increasingly offered by many top-ranked colleges and universities in an online education format.
Choosing the right college major is one of the most important decisions that college students make. Graduates who have chosen the right college major will be rewarded with numerous job opportunities and career paths that offer higher than average salary.
On the flip side, choosing a college major with little expected job growth can mean that college students graduate with little prospect of finding a job right away.
The good news is that choosing a college major in an emerging field can help to boost your career options. If the field is new, competition in the job market may not be as intense as a college major that has been around for decades.
New career paths that come about from the best college majors that are just emerging offer exciting and potentially groundbreaking opportunities. We explore career paths for each new college major below.
It is no surprise that many of the new college majors in this article have their roots in computer science and other related technology fields like computer engineering and software development. While a computer science college major is a solid choice, exploring a field like nanotechnology or robotics engineering offers students the chance to participate in something truly groundbreaking.
In fact, there are a number of alternatives to a computer science or computer engineering college degree that will provide excellent career options. Some of the best college majors in technology include digital journalism, ecommerce, human-computer interaction, and robotics engineering. You will find details of each of these college majors below.
Bottom Line: The best college majors in emerging fields can lead to a career path that has lower competition, opportunites for advancement, and a higher than average median salary.
Here are 10 of the newest college majors offered by the country’s leading colleges and universities.
Our ranking of the best college majors in emerging fields includes the best schools for obtaining a degree, career path information, median salary, and job growth projections.
Online Availability: Yes
Degree Levels: Associate degree, bachelor’s degree, and master’s degrees
Digital journalism is an emerging college major that combines the principles and practices of journalism in traditional media (e.g., television, radio and print) with those of journalism in the new media (e.g., social media and online news outlets and websites).
Students master the basics of news coverage including writing and reporting, as well as news analysis, that are suitable for digital platforms. Students also learn the fundamentals of graphic journalism and photojournalism, web and digital publishing, and web-based publication design, among others.
Both on-campus and online education degree programs usually combine didactic coursework, laboratory experiences and, in some academic programs, an internship in local broadcasting or publishing companies. Students also learn the professional and ethical standards of journalism alongside technical skills development.
While the online courses and their descriptions and learning outcomes vary, a college major in digital journalism at the undergraduate and graduate school levels typically include the following courses:
Occupation | Median Salary (Annually) | Job Growth (2021-2031) |
Social media specialists | $56,770 | 8% |
Writers and Authors | $69,510 | 4% |
Pennsylvania State University’s faculty and alumni have been influential in:
The Bachelor of Arts in Digital Journalism & Media degree program at Pennsylvania State University trains students to keep up, even set the trend, with the ever-evolving field of digital journalism. Students can also customize their degree through electives in visual media, telecommunications, and media management.
Graduates possess the knowledge and skills to produce, write and report content for corporate businesses, multimedia organizations, government agencies, and nonprofit organizations.
University of Northern Iowa’s faculty and alumni have been influential in:
Students of University of Northern Iowa’s digital journalism program can choose from concentrations in digital media production, digital journalism, and digital media leadership. There’s a strong air of creativity and collaboration among the students, too, which is complemented by the emphasis on innovation in the digital age.
There’s an internship component aside from the portfolio requirement. Students have become interns in prestigious traditional and multimedia organizations across the Midwest.
Online Availability: Yes
Degree Levels: Associate, bachelor’s degree, and master’s degrees
The COVID-19 pandemic placed an emphasis on physical distancing that reinforced the crucial importance of e-commerce and e-business in modern society. Considered among the fairly new college majors, bachelor’s degree programs in e-business/e-commerce prepare students for a wide variety of careers in the digital world.
Graduates aren’t limited in their job opportunities with a college major in e-commerce/e-business organizations either! Their knowledge and skills are transferable to traditional business organizations, too.
The BLS says employment in the e-commerce industry will reach nearly 450,000 jobs by 2026. Indeed, the job opportunities for graduates are immense.
Occupation | Median Salary (Annually) | Job Growth (2021-2031) |
Market research analysts | $63,920 | 19% |
Advertising, promotions, and marketing managers | $133,380 | 10% |
University of the Southwest’s faculty and alumni have been influential in:
The Bachelor in Business Administration with an E-commerce emphasis degree program at the University of the Southwest enables students to develop their fundamental understanding of e-business/e-commerce. Students learn about electronic business principles and practices, participate in digital sales and marketing campaigns, and maintain customer service systems, among other activities. Graduates are ready to become digital entrepreneurs themselves or make a difference in e-business organizations.
The e-commerce degree program is offered both on-campus and online or in a hybrid format.
University of La Verne’s faculty and alumni have been influential in:
The Bachelor of Science in E-commerce degree program at the University of La Verne emphasizes academic excellence alongside hands-on learning experiences. Students tackle extensive coursework that covers the basics of business management, such as financial and managerial accounting, principles of management and marketing, and project management, with digital commerce.
Students must complete a senior project and choose from one of two concentrations, either Engineering of E-Commerce or Information Systems of E-Commerce.
Online Availability: Yes
Degree Levels: Associate, bachelor’s degree, and master’s degrees
Accounting fraud can affect millions of lives in addition to the billions of dollars lost. This is where forensic accounting comes in—a branch of accounting that examines the financial statements and reports of businesses for possible fraudulent activity.
In many cases, forensic accountants work with law enforcement officers in the conviction of individuals and organizations involved in accounting fraud.
While fraudulent activity isn’t new in accounting, forensic accounting is a fairly new college major in many colleges and universities. This is because forensic accounting was studied as a subject in existing programs in accounting and accountancy.
As an independent field of study, forensic accounting courses cover finance, accounting and auditing, criminal investigation and justice, and fraud prevention. There are also courses in accounting information systems, strategic management, and fraud auditing and examination.
Accounting majors interested in forensic accounting must possess critical and analytical thinking skills as well as problem-solving and research skills to thrive in a forensic accounting college major.
Graduates usually pursue the Certified Public Accountant (CPA) certification but may also add professional certifications specific to forensic accounting. Examples include the Certified Fraud Examiner (CFE) and Certified Forensic Accountant (CFA) credentials.
Occupation | Median Salary (Annually) | Job Growth (2021-2031) |
Accountants including forensic accountants | $77,250 | 6% |
Financial analysts | $95,570 | 9% |
Southern New Hampshire University’s faculty and alumni have been influential in:
The Bachelor of Science in Accounting with Forensic Accounting and Fraud Examination concentration degree program at Southern New Hampshire University prepares accounting majors for successful careers as CPAs and/or CFEs and CFAs. Students learn both hard and soft skills that enable them to pursue their respective career path and make a difference.
Embry–Riddle Aeronautical University’s faculty and alumni have been influential in:
The Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University Bachelor of Science in Forensic Accounting & Fraud Examination degree program is a trailblazer—not only is it offered in the country’s first-ever College of Business, Security and Intelligence, but it combines forensic accounting with the security and intelligence discipline.
Students in the on-campus program tackle courses in financial transactions and fraud schemes, investigation, and fraud prevention and deterrence, among others.
Online Availability: Yes
Degree Levels: Bachelor’s degree, and master’s degree
With technology being an integral part of modern society, it makes sense for colleges and universities to offer undergraduate and graduate degrees in human-computer interaction. These new college majors seek to understand human-computer interaction, an interdisciplinary field that studies the complex relationships between humans and computers.
The independent disciplines covered in this college major include behavioral sciences, sociology, psychology, and computer and information sciences.
Graduates can demonstrate proficiency in explaining the human elements of technology, in building new user interfaces, and in managing digital assets and virtual environments. Their knowledge and skills span the fundamentals of design and drawing, the user’s needs for quality user experience, and database design management, among others.
Job growth in computer and information technology for which HCI graduates are qualified has a 15% projected growth forecast (2021-2031).
Occupation | Median Salary (Annually) | Job Growth (2021-2031) |
Digital designers | $78,300 | 23% |
Usability engineers | $91,435 | 15% |
Carnegie Mellon University’s faculty and alumni have been influential in:
First offered in 2020, the Bachelor of Science in Human-Computer Interaction (HCI) degree program at Carnegie Mellon University was among the first in the world. The primary college major is offered in CMU’s School of Computer Science with a comprehensive curriculum that covers computer science subjects like algorithms, programming, and computer systems as well as social science subjects.
Students gain a unique point of view about digital products and services as well as their impact on humans and human activities. There’s an emphasis on making a positive impact on humanity through effective, efficient, and responsive human-computer interaction. Students first establish a strong foundation in computer science and then broaden their interests through electives and a final capstone project.
DePaul University’s faculty and alumni have been influential in:
Offered as an on-campus and online degree program, the Master of Science in Human-Computer Interaction or HCI program at DePaul University trains students in the life cycle of human-computer interaction. The courses cover the fundamentals from the ideation to the design, implementation, and evaluation of technologies, as well as ensure that these computer-based technologies are usable and useful for their intended users. Graduates possess a portfolio consisting of desktop applications, mobile apps, and websites, among others.
Online Availability: Yes
Degree Levels: Bachelor’s degree, master’s and doctorate degrees; graduate certificate programs
The fields of nanotechnology, nanoscience and nanoengineering are relatively new and, thus, students in this college major have plenty of career opportunities to look forward to! Graduates have the enviable opportunity of making useful contributions and innovations to the new field of science that can affect modern society and humanity. Plus, there’s less competition than from related programs.
Nanotechnology education in itself is an interdisciplinary field that includes physics, mathematics, molecular biology, and chemistry, among other fields that help us to understand atoms and molecules.
Students learn the tools and technologies that allow for manipulation of atoms and molecules that, in turn, contribute to the creation and innovation of revolutionary technologies. Think of extremely bright lights, energy-efficient coatings, and targeted drug delivery systems.
Students must not only learn the theoretical foundations of physics, chemistry, and molecular biology, but must also learn hands-on skills through laboratory work. The best degree programs use state-of-the-art equipment and instruments for this purpose.
Occupation | Median Salary (Annually) | Job Growth (2021-2031) |
Chemists and materials scientists | $79,760 | 6% |
Materials engineers | $98,300 | 6% |
University of Pennsylvania’s faculty and alumni have been influential in:
The master’s degree program in nanotechnology at the University of Pennsylvania prepares students for successful careers in the emerging nanotechnology industry. Students gain both hard skills in the science of nanotechnology and soft skills vital for success in leadership positions, a powerful combination that boosts the graduates’ employability.
The curriculum spans courses from different schools at UPenn including the Schools of Arts and Sciences, Engineering, and Business. Students establish a strong technical foundation in biotechnology, devices and fundamental properties, and synthesis, nanofabrication and materials. Students may or may not submit a research thesis.
Admission requirements include a bachelor’s degree in science and engineering.
Rice University’s faculty and alumni have been influential in:
Collaboration, creation, and innovation are at the heart of the undergraduate degrees in nanotechnology offered at Rice University. Students choose between the Bachelor of Arts and Bachelor of Science in Materials Science & Nanoengineering programs, both of which emphasize a strong theoretical foundation combined with practical skills.
The Bachelor of Arts degree program appeals to students who want more flexibility in their studies via liberal arts courses. The bachelor of science degree program has more science and technology courses and, thus, is more suitable for aspiring researchers and scientists.
Online Availability: Yes
Degree Levels: Associate, bachelor’s degree, and master’s degrees; graduate certificate programs
New media refers to digital content including but not limited to images and text, audio and video, and social media sites as well as emails, blogs, and podcasts. Indeed, whatever is on the Internet is considered part of new media—and that, in itself, is thought to be one of the most exciting fields for both young and old learners.
New media is also among the newest college majors offered by colleges and universities today partly because of its pervasive presence and influence in our lives.
Degree programs offering new media as a college major feature curriculum that combine journalism, media, and design as well as business management courses.
Students then prepare for a wide variety of careers in corporations, nonprofit organizations and government agencies with a digital presence. Graduates can pursue careers as sound engineers, photojournalists, media buyers, and even web programmers with additional training.
Students in both on-campus and online programs use the latest in digital technologies and techniques to master the basics of new media. Aside from hands-on learning experiences, the theoretical framework covers courses in:
Occupation | Median Salary (Annually) | Job Growth (2021-2031) |
Public relations specialists for the new media | $62,800 | 8% |
Writers and authors for the new media | $69,510 | 4% |
University of Tampa’s faculty and alumni have been influential in:
The University of Tampa’s Bachelor of Fine Arts in New Media program trains students in the production of interactive games, virtual film and music production, and intelligent environments, among others. Students complete a creative thesis project for public presentation and archival in the university’s library.
University of Tampa’s faculty and alumni have been influential in:
Students in the New Media major at the University of Tampa are trained in both the technical and transferable skills vital for success in the competitive new media industry. The courses cover the Internet and Internet of Things, wearable and handheld devices, and social software, among other cutting-edge technologies.
Online Availability: Yes
Degree Levels: Associate, bachelor’s degree, and master’s degrees; undergraduate certificates
With increased awareness about health, food, and the environment, more colleges and universities are offering organic agriculture as a new college major. In many cases, the organic agriculture academic unit was borne out of an existing program, usually agriculture or horticulture, resulting in complementary academic units.
Organic agriculture or organic farming refers to the eco-friendly food production system that uses biodiversity, natural cycles, and ecological processes. In comparison with conventional agriculture, organic farming has less impact on the environment due to the use of fewer artificial fertilizers and pesticides, a decrease in nitrate leaching, and reduced soil erosion. Organic agriculture, however, combines the best of conventional agriculture with science and technology and innovations.
As an emerging discipline in academia, organic agriculture is offered in all levels—undergraduate and graduate degrees as well as undergraduate, graduate, and professional certificate programs, both on-campus and online with hands-on learning experiences.
Coursework includes an introduction to local and global food systems, organic agricultural systems, and organic cropping systems, as well as soil management, weed and insect management, and disease management.
Graduates demonstrate the ability to create, develop, and maintain organic farming systems in rural and urban settings. Many have even assumed leadership roles in academia and, thus, pass on their knowledge and skills.
Occupation | Median Salary (Annually) | Job Growth (2021-2031) |
Agricultural and food scientists | $74,160 | 8% |
Farmers, ranchers, and agricultural managers | $73,060 | 7% |
Washington State University’s faculty and alumni have been influential in:
The four-year Organic and Sustainable Agriculture program at Washington State University trains students in the design and development of organic agriculture systems involved in eco-friendly food production. Students learn the basics through a combination of rigorous didactic coursework, field work, and hands-on laboratory sessions, as well as in-person internships.
There are plenty of opportunities to customize this college major, too, thanks to the choices in concentration, namely:
WSU has a 10-acre farm where students can practice their skills and learn from the experts.
Wenatchee Valley College’s faculty and alumni have been influential in:
The Associate in Applied Science in Sustainable and Organic Agriculture program at Wenatchee Valley College prepares students for successful careers in organic horticulture, agriculture, and livestock production. Students choose from several pathways, including General Agriculture, Sustainable and Organic Agriculture, Horticulture/Tree Fruit Production, and Agriculture Technology.
All students must complete core coursework that covers introductory courses in agriculture, plant science, and soils. The advanced coursework includes Integrated Pest Management, Organic Plant Nutrition and Agricultural Production, and Crop Production Management.
Online Availability: Yes
Degree Levels: Bachelor’s degree and master’s degree
College majors that tackle popular culture studies are among the most dynamic because popular culture is constantly changing and evolving. Popular culture, after all, refers to contemporary peoples and their culture, including those that might not have as much visibility as others. Popular culture studies then span ideologies, beliefs, and practices as well as fashion, architecture and technology, and even political science, among others.
Because of the broad coverage of popular culture studies, students must be prepared for surprising insights into their own everyday actions and decisions! Most of the popular culture studies college majors have an interdisciplinary approach since pop culture itself has a wide-ranging span. Students cover the basics of anthropology, sociology, and communication, and even literature and American studies.
Coursework includes:
Students develop strong transferable skills including critical analysis, analytical thinking, and problem-solving skills that enable them to be useful in many fields.
Occupation | Median Salary (Annually) | Job Growth (2021-2031) |
Cultural meeting, convention, and events planners | $49,470 | 18% |
Archivists, curators, and museum workers | $50,120 | 12% |
Texas A&M University–Commerce’s faculty and alumni have been influential in:
Students of Popular Culture Studies at Texas A&M University Commerce study the complex relationships between individuals and the mass culture and media that they are exposed to, as well as their influence on the students’ daily lives.
This interdisciplinary college major examines the ways we define, carry out, and enjoy work and leisure, and our roles as consumers. Students learn to take a critical look at the aspects of popular culture not just in light of their individual experiences but in light of its social, cultural, and political perspectives.
Bowling Green State University’s faculty and alumni have been influential in:
The only university in the United States with a dedicated Department of Popular Culture, Bowling Green State University offers among the best popular culture college major at the undergraduate and graduate degree levels. BGSU also offers undergraduate courses in pop culture including folklore, literature, and film that can accumulate into a minor.
Students learn under the guidance of professors with doctorate degrees in Asian studies, American culture, and anthropology, among other related fields.
Online Availability: Yes
Degree Levels: Bachelor’s degree, master’s and doctorate degrees
Robots are increasingly becoming part of our modern society, from the manufacture of automobiles and food products to the performance of services in the transportation and hospitality industries. Students pursuing a college major in robotics engineering are prepared for entry-level and mid-level managerial roles in the robotics industry. Students’ skills upon graduation include building, controlling, and interacting with robots.
Students must possess strong critical and analytical thinking, problem-solving, logic, and mathematical skills to thrive in robotics engineering degree programs. These skills are vital in tackling the rigorous courses in computer science, mathematics, electrical, mechanical and computer engineering, computer science, and robotics-specific engineering. Students also tackle courses in ethics, entrepreneurship, and laws regarding robots and the robotics industry.
A strong theoretical foundation is a must to understand the hands-on learning exercises that pursuing a robotics engineering degree demands. Students learn effective processes in using robots to solve real-world problems through laboratory sessions, in addition to courses in robotics systems, industrial robotics, and integrated robotics systems engineering.
If you’re looking for a deep-dive into the field of engineering, our Student Guide to Engineering will give you a look into multiple engineering fields including:
Occupation | Median Salary (Annually) | Job Growth (2021-2031) |
Robotic engineers | $95,300 | 2% |
Bioengineers and biomedical engineers | $97,410 | 10% |
University of Michigan–Dearborn’s faculty and alumni have been influential in:
Building smaller, smarter, and cheaper robots are what drives the Bachelor of Science in Engineering in Robotics Engineering program at the University of Michigan Dearborn. Students find innovative ways to build next-generation robots with useful applications in medicine, manufacturing, and the military, among other industries. The ABET-accredited, 125-credit program features courses in engineering and engineering design, engineering probability and statistics, and discrete math.
Worcester Polytechnic Institute’s faculty and alumni have been influential in:
The Bachelor of Science in Robotics Engineering at Worcester Polytechnic Institute provides students with plenty of opportunities to build their own robots! Students benefit from the immersive courses and hands-on laboratory sessions that result in prototype robots.
Online Availability: Yes
Degree Levels: Associate, bachelor’s degree, and master’s degrees
Facebook, Instagram, and Twitter are household words in the 21st century so it makes sense that undergraduate and graduate degree programs in social media are among the most recent college majors to emerge. Students of social media programs are in high demand among for-profit corporations, nonprofit organizations, and government agencies. In fact, any company or individual with aspirations for social media fame will also benefit from social media experts!
Students gain knowledge and skills in the design, development, and management of social media, online communities, and other forms of digital media. There’s an emphasis on the development of expertise in the principles, practices, and strategies vital for success in social media, whether in the individual or organizational aspects.
Courses include social media communities, data analytics, and reputation management, as well as multimedia journalism, advertising copywriting, and production methods including photography and video production.
Occupation | Median Salary (Annually) | Job Growth (2021-2031) |
Internet Marketing Director | $165,401 | 8% |
Social media specialists | $62,800 | 8% |
Grand Canyon University’s faculty and alumni have been influential in:
The Bachelor of Arts in Social Media program at Grand Canyon University attracts motivated individuals who want to master the fundamentals of social media and its influence on individuals, business, and society. Students are encouraged to develop practical skills in the production and management of social media content with a business perspective.
Columbia College Chicago’s faculty and alumni have been influential in:
The Bachelor of Arts in Social Media and Digital Strategy program at Columbia College Chicago features courses drawn from the fields of business and entrepreneurship, marketing and advertising, and interactive arts and media. The interdisciplinary program also features courses in public relations and journalism. Students develop their portfolio that can be used for employment or entrepreneurial purposes.
If you’re looking to future-proof your career path, we take a look at in-demand college majors that will withstand the rise of automation and artificial intelligence.
Is majoring in one of the highest paying fields is important to you, check out our ranking of the highest paying bachelor’s degrees.