10 High-Paying Majors You May Not Know About

At Carthage, students can choose from majors within 75+ areas of study. Some lesser-known areas of study, like criminal justice or computer science, are great majors that many students don’t know much about, but can provide fulfilling and successful careers. Check out these lesser-known majors that can lead to high-paying jobs. 

10 High-Paying Majors You Haven’t Considered Yet!

Allied Health Science Major

The allied health science major provides students with the tools to become healthcare professionals through diverse courses and professional training in patient- and family-centered care. Carthage students in this major have the opportunity to enroll in dual-degree programs, allowing them to earn a graduate degree in chiropractic, pharmacy, athletic training, public health, or occupational therapy. Common allied health science careers and their average yearly salaries include:

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Computer Science Major

Students majoring in computer science focus on creating hands-on projects and developing a sense for quality and innovation. In their courses, students spend much of their time designing and building software in teams, with the guidance of their professors. Carthage allows students to add an emphasis in game development with their computer science major, preparing them for a career in programing games. Some computer science careers and their average yearly salaries include:

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Criminal Justice Major

Criminal justice majors examine the various institutions that create the traditional criminal justice system. Students take classes in political science and sociology, in addition to their criminal justice courses to gain background knowledge for law and judiciary fields, law enforcement and administration, probation and parole, and criminology. Some criminal justice careers and their average yearly salaries include:

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Data Science Major

Data science majors learn how to analyze, interpret, and visualize data effectively while refining their ability to communicate results to non-technical audiences. Their courses focus on mathematics and computer science, in addition to statistics, business, and ethics courses. Many data science majors at Carthage pair their major with another to open more doors in the workforce. Common careers data science majors can pursue and their average yearly salaries include:

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English Major

English majors analyze and compare works of literature from different areas and eras. Through their courses, students learn both to observe the fine details of language and to ask serious questions about life, art, history, and justice. Carthage gives students the option to enhance their major by adding an emphasis in creative writing or a minor in secondary education. Students in the major have a wide variety of careers that they can pursue. Some careers and their average yearly salaries include: 

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Geographic Information Science Major

Geographic information science (GIS) majors analyze global challenges such as energy supply, environmental change, population growth, shifts in hunger and conflicts, and water resources. Students develop skills in cartographic representation, geovisualization, and spatial analysis through coursework. Many GIS majors at Carthage minor in climate justice or add a major in environmental science. Some careers for the major and their average yearly salaries include:

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Graphic Design Major

Graphic design majors gain knowledge in app design, social media, package design, and photography, employing them in projects while using industry-standard software. Classes focus on studio art, photography, and public relations so students can broaden their scope and learn how to make their work marketable. Each year, students do an exhibition of their work to showcase the skills in the major. Common graphic design careers and their annual average yearly salaries include:

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Modern Language Major

Modern language majors at Carthage include French, German, Japanese, and Spanish. Students work on their vocabulary and grammar, while exploring architecture, art, economics, everyday life, film, literature, and politics of the areas that speak the language. Modern languages are often paired with another major to enhance the opportunities within the job market. Students in this major also study abroad for one semester. Some careers and their average yearly salaries include:

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Neuroscience Major

Neuroscience majors study connections between the structure and the function of the nervous system in their classes. Students conduct their own research throughout their undergraduate studies. Many employers directly hire students after graduation. Some neuroscience careers and their average yearly salaries include:

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Public Relations Major

Public relations majors focus on understanding media releases, social media management, brand awareness, and crisis communication in their courses. Students work to build relationships with a public audience, through public speaking and social media. Carthage offers minors in film and new media and photography, both of which can be beneficial for public relations majors. Some careers for public relations majors and their average yearly salaries include: 

*All data provided regarding average annual salaries comes from the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics: Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics and the SANS Institute.

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Still unsure of what to major in?

Don’t worry! Many students enter Carthage undecided, giving them the opportunity to discover what major suits them best by taking different courses, meeting with faculty, and meeting with a career specialist. See Carthage resources for undecided students