Story Created:
Jun 16, 2009 at 2:16 PM CST
Story Updated:
Jun 16, 2009 at 2:18 PM CST
The class of 2009 is setting out into the real world. But the real world can be a little depressing if you're looking for work. So we take a look at what majors are most likely to get a new graduate that new job.
"You are graduating into a world of anxiety and uncertainty." It's a message Bill Palka has heard before. He's part of the class of 2009, a Journalism major, graduating in a year when one newspaper after another is going under. Bill says, "It gets a little bit annoying after a while actually, hearing it from family members, friends. I just kind of wanna say 'You know, I get it. I know I'm graduating at a bad time,' you know?"
Less than 20% of 2009 graduates donned their cap and gown with a job in hand. The Princeton Review suggests those left behind think more about their major. Robert Franek with the Princeton Review says, "Number one on our list for popularity: business. Number 2: Psychology, and Number 3: Elementary Education."
More students are considering recession-proof majors. Franek says, "Accounting, always looking for new graduates to go into those areas. But I think also some very exciting areas around education."
In the next 10 years we're going to need more than 2 million teachers to replace the spike in those retiring. This year more high school students graduated than ever. Three million students are graduating from high school. Those entering college can expect more majors to choose from.
With tens of billions of stimulus dollars aimed at investing in green technology, eco-friendly majors could prove lucrative long-term. Franek says, "Environmental sustainability. There are brand new majors around these things that pair, let's say, an old engineering major with a liberal arts major."
Many schools are also expanding their course requirements as a result of the changing environment. Franek says, "Great colleges are engaging those students not only inside the classroom but outside the classroom as well through experiential learning programs, internship programs, learning communities."
As baby boomers retire, they're going to need health care, which may explain why nursing and biology majors are growing. They are currently the 4th and 5th most popular majors for 2009
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