Choosing your major

A

Hồ Lê Việt Hưng
(Atonix)

Ban quản lý diễn đàn
Now that most of you have received the (hopefully fat) envelope from your college, it is time to think about your major (for those who are accepted by LACs, you still have to 2 years to go ;) ). This topic is from the book "Quick guide to college majors" in our library, I hope it would help you. Have fun in college!!!

Part I
What Majors and Careers Might Suit You?

Before you can figure out where you’re going, it helps to understand who you are. This section will help you do that. With the help of some quick and easy exercises, you’ll take a look at yourself and what matters most to you.
You’ll examine your priorities from several different angles:
+ Your interests
+ Your skills
+ Your favorite high school courses
+ Your work-related values
Each time you draw conclusions about your priorities, you’ll get immediate
feedback in terms of college majors and work groups (families of careers) that
you should consider.
 
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Part 2
Fact about college majors

Accounting

Career Snapshot:
Accountants maintain the financial records of an organization and supervise the recording of transactions. They provide information about the fiscal condition and trends of the organization, and figures for tax forms and financial reports. They advise management and therefore need good communication skills. A bachelor’s degree is sufficient preparation for many entry-level jobs, but some employers prefer a master’s degree. Accountants with diverse skills may advance to management after a few years. The job outlook is generally good.

Related Specialties and Careers:
Accounting computer systems, auditing, cost accounting, financial reporting,
forensic accounting, taxation.

Related Job Titles, Projected Growth, and Earnings:
Job Title/ Projected Growth/ Average Earnings
Accountants Average $37,860
Auditors Average $37,860
Budget Analysts Average $44,950
Tax Examiners, Collectors Little or none $39,540

Recommended College Courses:
Auditing; business finance; business writing; calculus for business and social sciences; cost accounting; English composition; introduction to accounting; introduction to management information systems; introduction to marketing; introduction to psychology; legal environment of business; operations management; principles of macroeconomics; principles of management and organization; principles of microeconomics; statistics for business and social sciences; strategic management; taxation of corporations, partnerships and estates; taxation of individuals.

Some Suggested High School Courses:
Algebra, computer science, English, foreign language, geometry, science,
trigonometry.

Essential Knowledge and Skills :
Problem identification, information gathering, mathematics, judgment and
decision-making, reading comprehension, critical thinking, solution appraisal, systems evaluation, information organization. Values/Work Environment: Good working conditions, sitting.
 
Chỉnh sửa lần cuối:
Advertising

Career Snapshot:
Advertising is a combination of writing, art, and business. Graduates with a
bachelor’s degree in advertising often go on to jobs in advertising agencies, mostly in large cities. Competition can be keen because the industry is considered glamorous. A knowledge of how to advertise on the Internet can be an advantage.

Related Specialties and Careers:
Creative process, management.

Related Job Titles, Projected Growth, and Earnings:
Job Title/ Projected Growth/ Average Earnings
Advertising and Promotions Managers Faster than average $57,300
Sales Managers Faster than average $57,300
Art Directors Faster than average $31,690
Copy Writers Faster than average $34,570
Advertising Sales Agents Average $31,850

Recommended College Courses
Advertising account planning and research, advertising campaign management, advertising copy and layout, advertising media, advertising message strategy, communication ethics, communications theory, English composition, introduction to advertising, introduction to communication research, introduction to marketing, mass communication law, oral communication, statistics for business and social sciences.

Some Suggested High School Courses:
Algebra, art, English, foreign language, home economics, literature, public speaking, social science.

Essential Knowledge and Skills:
Reading comprehension. Values/Work Environment: Creativity, working indoors, sitting.
 
Chỉnh sửa lần cuối:
Agricultural Engineering

Career Snapshot
Agricultural engineers use scientific knowledge to solve problems of growing food and fiber crops, building and maintaining agricultural equipment and structures, and processing agricultural products. A bachelor’s degree is usually sufficient preparation to enter this field. Often an engineering job can be a springboard for a managerial position. Job outlook is much better than for most other engineering fields, especially in specializations related to biological engineering and environmental protection.

Related Specialties and Careers
Agricultural machinery, agricultural structures, environmental engineering, food
and fiber processing, irrigation.

Related Job Titles, Projected Growth, and Earnings
Job Title Projected Growth Average Earnings
Agricultural Engineers Faster than average $52,510
Engineering Teachers, Postsecondary Faster than average (No salary data available)
Sales Engineers Average $54,600

Recommended College Courses
Agricultural power and machines, biological materials processing, calculus, differential equations, dynamics, engineering properties of biological materials, English composition, fluid mechanics, general biology, general chemistry, general physics, introduction to agricultural engineering, introduction to computer science, introduction to electric circuits, materials engineering, microcomputer applications, numerical analysis, senior design project, soil and water engineering, statics, technical writing, thermodynamics.

Some Suggested High School Courses
Algebra, biology, calculus, chemistry, computer science, English, geometry, precalculus, trigonometry.

Essential Knowledge and Skills
Mathematics, active learning, reading comprehension, critical thinking, speaking, operations analysis, technology design, science, solution appraisal, idea generation.
Values/Work Environment: Ability utilization; working indoors; sitting; standing; using hands on objects, tools, or controls.
 
Chỉnh sửa lần cuối:
Anthropology

Career Snapshot
Some anthropologists study the social and cultural behavior of people. They investigate communities throughout the world, focusing on their arts, religions, and economic and social institutions. A graduate degree is usually needed to do research or college teaching in this field, but some graduates with bachelor’s degrees find their skills useful in business, such as in marketing research. Other anthropologists specialize in human physical characteristics and may study human remains to understand history or evolution, or to provide evidence in criminal investigations. A graduate degree is usually required for this specialization.

Related Specialties and Careers
Archeology, biological/forensic anthropology, cultural anthropology.

Related Job Titles, Projected Growth, and Earnings
Job Title Projected Growth Average Earnings
Sociologists Average $38,990
Anthropologists Average $38,990
Archeologists Average $38,990
Anthropology and Archeology Teachers, Faster than average (No salary data available)
Area, Ethnic, and Cultural Studies Faster than average (No salary data available)

Recommended College Courses
Archeology, cultural anthropology, current issues in anthropology, English composition, foreign language, general biology, history of anthropological theory, human growth and development, introduction to sociology, language and culture, physical anthropology, research methods in anthropology, statistics for business and social sciences.

Some Suggested High School Courses
Algebra, biology, chemistry, English, foreign language, history, public speaking,
social science.

Essential Knowledge and SkillsReading comprehension, active learning, writing, information gathering, critical thinking, information organization, speaking. Values/Work Environment: Achievement, autonomy, ability utilization, responsibility, working indoors, sitting, standing.
 
Architecture

Career Snapshot
Architects design buildings and the spaces between them. They must have a combination of artistic, technical, and business skills. In order to be licensed, they must obtain a professional degree in architecture (sometimes a five-year bachelor’s degree, sometimes a master’s degree after a bachelor’s in another field), get some on-the-job training, and pass a licensing exam. About one-third are self-employed, and most architectural firms are quite small. Computer skills can be a big advantage for new graduates.

Related Specialties and Careers
Architectural engineering, design, history, theory and criticism, urban studies.

Related Job Titles, Projected Growth, and Earnings
Job Title Projected Growth Average Earnings
Architects, Except Landscape and Naval Average $47,710

Typical College Courses
Architectural computer graphics, architectural design, architectural graphics, art history: Renaissance to modern, basic drawing, building science, calculus, English composition, general physics, history of architecture, introduction to computer science, introduction to urban planning, site analysis, structures, visual analysis of architecture.

Some Suggested High School Courses
Algebra, art, calculus, computer science, English, geometry, physics, pre-calculus, trigonometry.

Essential Knowledge and Skills
Coordination, reading comprehension. Values/Work Environment: Ability utilization; creativity; recognition; achievement; social status; working indoors; sitting; using hands on objects, tools, or controls.
 
Art

Career Snapshot
Only a few highly talented and motivated artists are able to support themselves by producing and selling their artworks. But many other graduates of art programs find work in education—as private instructors, school teachers, and university instructors of art and art history. Some apply their artistic skills to crafts or to commercial applications such as illustration or cartooning.

Related Specialties and Careers
Art conservation, art education, art history, ceramics, painting, screen printing, sculpture, studio art.

Related Job Titles, Projected Growth, and Earnings
Job Title Projected Growth Average Earnings
Art, Drama, and Music Teachers, Faster than average (No salary data available)
Art Directors Faster than average $31,690
Art, Drama, and Music Teachers, Faster than average $41,870
Cartoonists Faster than average $31,690
Painters and Illustrators Faster than average $31,690
Sculptors Faster than average $31,690
Sketch Artists Faster than average $31,690

Typical College Courses
A medium (such as painting, sculpture, or ceramics), art and culture, art history: prehistoric to Renaissance, art history: Renaissance to modern, art practicum, basic drawing, color and design, English composition, figure drawing, foreign language, three-dimensional design, two-dimensional design.

Some Suggested High School Courses
Art, English, foreign language, history, literature.

Essential Knowledge and Skills
Reading comprehension, instructing, active learning, speaking, active listening,
learning strategies, writing, critical thinking, information gathering, idea generation. Values/Work Environment: Achievement, ability utilization, authority, autonomy, responsibility, creativity, social service, social status, working conditions, working indoors, sitting, standing.
 
Biochemistry

Career Snapshot
Biochemistry studies the fundamental chemical processes that support life. The recent growth of the pharmaceutical industry and of genetic engineering technology has fueled the demand for biochemistry majors, especially at the graduate level. Those with bachelor’s degrees may find work in non-research jobs such as clinical laboratory testing.

Related Specialties and Careers
Forensic chemistry, pharmacological chemistry, recombinant DNA, research.

Related Job Titles, Projected Growth, and Earnings
Job Title Projected Growth Average Earnings
Biochemists Faster than average $46,140
Biophysicists Faster than average $46,140
Microbiologists Faster than average $46,140
Epidemiologists Faster than average $50,410
Medical Scientists, Except Faster than average $50,410
Agricultural Sciences Teachers, Faster than average (No salary data available)
Biological Science Teachers, Faster than average (No salary data available)
Forestry and Conservation Science Faster than average (No salary data available)

Typical College Courses
Analytical chemistry, calculus, cell biology, English composition, general biology, general chemistry, general microbiology, general physics, genetics, introduction to biochemistry, introduction to computer science, molecular biology, organic chemistry, physical chemistry.

Some Suggested High School Courses
Algebra, biology, calculus, chemistry, computer science, English, geometry, physics, pre-calculus, trigonometry.

Essential Knowledge and Skills
Reading comprehension, science, writing, active learning, information gathering, critical thinking, mathematics, problem identification, idea evaluation. Values/Work Environment: Ability utilization; autonomy; achievement; responsibility; working indoors; sitting; using hands on objects, tools, or controls.
 
Economics

Career Snapshot
Economics is most basically the study of human needs and how they are satisfied. Therefore, it looks at how goods and services are produced, distributed, and con-sumed; how markets for these goods and services are created and behave; and how the actions of individuals, businesses, and governments affect these markets. Graduates of economics programs may work for business, government, or universi-ties. The best job opportunities should be in the private sector for those with graduate degrees.

Related Specialties and Careers
Applied economics, econometrics, economic theory.

Related Job Titles, Projected Growth, and Earnings
Job Title Projected Growth Average Earnings
Government Service Executives Average $55,030
Statisticians Little or none $48,540
Economists Average $48,330
Market Research Analysts Average $48,330
Economics Teachers, Postsecondary Faster than average (No salary data available)
(O*NET code 25-1063.00)

Typical College Courses
American government, calculus, econometrics, English composition, foreign lan-guage, introduction to computer science, introduction to economics, introduction to psychology, introduction to sociology, macroeconomic theory, mathematical methods in economics, microeconomic theory, statistics, statistics for business and social sciences.

Some Suggested High School Courses
Algebra, English, foreign language, pre-calculus, social science, trigonometry.


Essential Knowledge and Skills
Reading comprehension, information gathering, active learning, writing, speaking, critical thinking, active listening, idea generation, solution appraisal, learning strat-egies. Values/Work Environment: Ability utilization, autonomy, achievement, working indoors, sitting, standing.
------------
Giúp anh Hưng post 1 số majors được ưa chuộng.
 
Chỉnh sửa lần cuối:
Mathematics

Career Snapshot
Mathematics is a science in its own right, in which researchers with graduate de-grees continue to discover new laws. It is also a tool for understanding and organiz-ing many aspects of our world. Many mathematics majors apply their knowledge by getting additional education or training, either in a master’s program or on the job. For example, an insurance company might train them in actuarial science; a computer consulting company might train them in the latest computer language;
they might get an economics, engineering, or accounting degree. Employment op-portunities are very good for people who apply mathematical knowledge to other fields.

Related Specialties and Careers
Applied mathematics, mathematical statistics, mathematics education, theoretical mathematics.

Related Job Titles, Projected Growth, and Earnings
Job Title Projected Growth Average Earnings
Mathematicians Declining $51,829
Statisticians Little or none $48,540
Mathematical Science Teachers, Faster than average (No salary data available)
Postsecondary
Actuaries Little or none $65,560

Typical College Courses
Calculus, differential equations, introduction to abstract mathematics, introduction to computer science, linear algebra, programming in a language (for example, C++ or Java), statistics.

Some Suggested High School Courses
Algebra, calculus, computer science, geometry, physics, pre-calculus, trigonometry.

Essential Knowledge and Skills
Mathematics, active learning, information gathering, reading comprehension, criti-cal thinking, learning strategies, idea generation, information organization, solu-tion appraisal, writing. Values/Work Environment: Ability utilization, autonomy, good working conditions, working indoors, sitting.
 
Chỉnh sửa lần cuối:
Computer Engineering

Career Snapshot
Computer engineers use their knowledge of scientific principles to design comput-ers, networks of computers, and systems (such as telecommunications) that include computers. They need to understand both hardware and software, and they may build prototypes of new systems. The usual entry route is via a bachelor’s degree. Opportunities for employment are excellent, as there seems to be no end to the boom in computer use. Some engineers go into management, and the computer in-dustry
provides many opportunities for creative and motivated engineers to become
entrepreneurs.

Related Specialties and Careers
Hardware design, software/systems design, systems analysis.

Related Job Titles, Projected Growth, and Earnings
Job Title Projected Growth Average Earnings
Computer Software Engineers, Much faster than $61,910
Applications average
Computer Software Engineers, Systems Much faster than $62,093
Software average
Computer Hardware Engineers Much faster than $62,093
Electronics Engineers, Except Computer Faster than average $62,260
Engineering Teachers, Postsecondary Faster than average (No salary data available)

Typical College Courses
Algorithms and data structures, calculus, computer architecture, differential equa-tions, digital system design, electrical networks, electronics, engineering circuit analysis, English composition, senior design project, general chemistry, general physics, introduction to computer science, introduction to electric circuits, intro-duction to engineering, microcomputer systems, numerical analysis, operating sys-tems, software engineering, technical writing.

Some Suggested High School Courses
Algebra, calculus, chemistry, computer science, English, geometry, physics,
pre-calculus, trigonometry.

Essential Knowledge and Skills
Mathematics, active learning, reading comprehension, science, critical thinking, operations analysis, information gathering, information organization, writing, judgment and decision-making. Values/Work Environment: Ability utilization; good working conditions; responsibility; creativity; working indoors; sitting; using hands on objects, tools, or controls.
 
Chỉnh sửa lần cuối:
Computer Science

Career Snapshot
Computer science is among the hottest fields now, especially with the explosion of Internet sites, and it is likely to continue to offer many job openings. The major teaches you not only specific languages, but the principles by which languages are created, the structures used to store data, and the logical structures by which pro-grams solve problems. You may want to concentrate more on business or scientific programming needs and procedures.

Related Specialties and Careers
Business programming, database programming, programming for the Internet, sci-entific programming, security and disaster recovery, systems programming.

Related Job Titles, Projected Growth, and Earnings
Job Title Projected Growth Average Earnings
Computer Support Specialists Much faster than $37,120
Computer Science Teachers, Faster than average (No salary data available)
Postsecondary


Typical College Courses
Algorithms and data structures, artificial intelligence, calculus, computer architec-ture, database systems, English composition, introduction to computer science, in-troduction to economics, operating systems, programming in a language (such as C++ or Java), software engineering, statistics for business and social sciences, theory of computer languages.

Some Suggested High School Courses
Algebra, calculus, chemistry, computer science, English, geometry, physics,
pre-calculus, trigonometry.

Essential Knowledge and Skills
Testing, reading comprehension, writing, active learning, information gathering, programming, instructing, information organization, learning strategies, critical thinking. Values/Work Environment: Autonomy; working indoors; sitting; using hands on objects, tools, or controls.
 
Law

Career Snapshot
Although most lawyers work in private practice, many work for government agen-cies, businesses, and non-profits. They enter the field by completing four years of college, three years of law school, and then passing the bar exam. The undergradu-ate major may be almost anything that contributes to skills in writing and critical thinking. Often it helps open doors to the kinds of careers that will be options after law school—for example, a bachelor’s degree in a business field may help prepare for a career in tax law, labor relations law, or antitrust law.

Related Specialties and Careers
Environmental law, family law, intellectual property, international and comparative law, litigation.

Related Job Titles, Projected Growth, and Earnings
Job Title Projected Growth Average Earnings
Lawyers Average $78,170
Administrative Law Judges, Adjudicators, Little or none $33,870
and Hearing Officers
Arbitrators, Mediators, and Conciliators Little or none $33,870
Judges, Magistrate Judges, and Little or none $66,900
Magistrates

Typical College Courses
American history, civil procedure, constitutional law, contracts, criminal law, crimi-nal procedure, English composition, evidence, foreign language, introduction to philosophy, introduction to political science, legal communication, legal research, legal writing, oral communication, professional responsibility, property, torts, trusts and estates.

Some Suggested High School Courses
Algebra, English, foreign language, geometry, history, public speaking, social
science.

Essential Knowledge and Skills
Critical thinking, reading comprehension, active listening, judgment and decision making, information gathering, writing, speaking, active learning, synthesis/reorganization, information organization. Values/Work Environment: Autonomy, responsibility, security, good working conditions, working indoors, sitting.
 
Sorry to interrupt, but I think the information here could be misleading. Since not everyone going abroad is going to stay and work here in the US (well maybe for an internship or two), relying on these data may result in disatisfaction or unexpected circumstances in the future--when you go back to Vietnam. So think of what you plan to do when you come back there.
 
Trần Anh Dũng đã viết:
Sorry to interrupt, but I think the information here could be misleading. Since not everyone going abroad is going to stay and work here in the US (well maybe for an internship or two), relying on these data may result in disatisfaction or unexpected circumstances in the future--when you go back to Vietnam. So think of what you plan to do when you come back there.
Nhấn để mở rộng...

That's really true. Thật ra những thông tin này (cũng như nhiều thông tin theo kiểu dữ liệu) mang tính chất tham khảo thôi. Còn khi mình yêu thích 1 lĩnh vực nào đó, đạt đến đỉnh cao của lĩnh vực đó thì cũng đều là sự thành công lớn cả.
 
Does any Vietnamese student not major in Economics? What do those people major then?
Is it a good idea to major in econ and do a minor in Environmental studies?
Thanks, :)
 
Hmmm đúng là sao dân VN toàn thấy major Econ thế nhỉ, nếu không Econ thì lại ComSci. Thế này thì đến khi ra làm việc lại đánh nhau gãy cổ tranh việc làm thôi.
 
Căn bản mấy cái đấy nó hot thôi.
Nhiều nhất là Biz, CompSci, Econs...

Nhiều người chọn theo đam mê, nhưng phần lớn tính về output, và khá nhiều do bố mẹ "bảo"
 
Có cháu ko phải Econs, Biz, hay CS major gì cả. Đâu phải ai sang bên này cũng học mấy cái ngành đó đâu. Điển hình là trường cháu 6 nhân mạng thì có 5 major ko nằm trong số đó. :)
 
Bạn phải đăng nhập hoặc đăng ký để phản hồi tại đây.
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