What major should you study in the US? 10+ HOTTEST majors in 2025

Choosing a major when studying in the U.S . is an important decision directly affecting your future. To make the right decision, you must carefully consider your abilities, interests, financial conditions, and especially future job opportunities.

1.1. Abilities and strengths of yourself

To choose the most suitable major, you need to take the time to explore yourself deeply. Your strengths, interests, and passions will be the determining factors for your success in the future. Advice from parents and social trends are just useful suggestions, the most important thing is still the choice that comes from yourself.

1.2. Financial capabilities and conditions

Studying in the U.S. is a big decision that requires you to be well-prepared, especially financially. The cost of living in the U.S. is quite high, including tuition, housing, food, and other incurred expenses. Therefore, before deciding to study abroad, you need to carefully consider the financial ability of your family and yourself to ensure that you can afford it during your studies in the US.

In addition, planning your spending properly and looking for financial support sources such as scholarships from the government, organizations, or the school you are going to attend will help you reduce financial pressure when studying in the United States

1.3. Career prospects and opportunities after completing school

Studying abroad is not only a journey of knowledge discovery but also an important stepping stone for you to build your future career. Carefully learning about the job market and actively participating in practical experience activities will help you be more confident in the job search process after graduation.

1.4. Strengths of American education

The United States is one of the most developed economies in the world with many universities with top-quality education, especially the Ivy League - a group of top universities in the United States. Here are 4 prominent majors that those who plan to study in the US can refer to:

• Chemistry and Pharmaceuticals: The U.S. has always been considered one of the world's leading countries in terms of research and development in the field of chemistry and pharmaceuticals. Universities in the United States offer a variety of training programs and modern teaching equipment, helping students have the best conditions for practice and research. When choosing this industry, you will have the opportunity to intern and gain experience at the world's leading corporations such as Dow Chemical, General Electric, DuPont, etc.

• Business Administration: Business Administration gives you the opportunity to practice practical problem-solving skills through case studies, thereby practicing critical thinking skills, analytical and decision-making skills

• Medicine and Healthcare: Healthcare programs in the U.S. will equip you with the knowledge and skills you need to become an expert in the field. Immediately after graduating from this major, international students have many opportunities to settle in the United States with attractive salaries ranging from 50,000 to 80,000 USD/year (about 1.2 billion - 1.9 billion VND).

• Computer Design, Communication Information: Top universities in the U.S. specializing in computer design and communication information often establish close cooperative relationships with tech giants such as Google, Intel, Apple, and Microsoft. This gives students the opportunity to intern and work at these companies right from the time they are in school.

Computer design is one of America's strong majors.

Computer design is one of America's strong majors.

1.5. Industries with high immigration opportunities

If you want to settle in the US, industries such as healthcare, chemistry, and pharmaceuticals will be wise choices. Not only do these industries meet the great demand for human resources in the market, but these industries also offer attractive salaries, help you stabilize your life and easily adapt to the high cost of living in the US.

You may be interested in: Why choose to study in the USA?

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.

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