The Ultimate Non-Stem Majors List

There are so many majors in college within the non-stem majors list apart from the traditional stem ones!

So many non-stem majors still lead to amazing graduate schools and career paths that honestly might be more fulfilling for students than the traditional science, math, and engineering majors.

Let’s dive into this ultimate non-stem majors list!

Business Administration

Business Administration is one of the popular non-stem majors. It teaches students the fundamentals of business management and administration.

In this major, course topics include marketing, finance, accounting, human resources, and operations management.

With a Business Administration degree, graduates can pursue various careers such as financial analyst, human resource manager, marketing manager, operations manager, and business consultant.

Moreover, this major equips students with transferable skills such as communication, problem-solving, and project management that could be applied to other fields as well.

Here are the top 5 colleges in the US that offer a Business Administration major:

1. University of Texas at Austin
2. University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign
3. Brigham Young University Provo
4. University of Pennsylvania
5. Massachusetts Institute of Technology

Economics

Another one on the non-stem majors list is Economics. It focuses on the study of how individuals, businesses, and governments make decisions regarding the allocation of resources.

The major involves the analysis of various economic theories, principles, and models to understand and predict economic behavior. Students in this major study topics such as microeconomics, macroeconomics, econometrics, and economic policy.

Graduates can pursue careers in finance, consulting, market research, economic analysis, and government policy.

They can work in various sectors, such as banking, financial services, consulting firms, government agencies, nonprofit organizations, and research institutions.

Jobs in these fields may involve roles such as financial analyst, economic consultant, data analyst, market researcher, policy analyst, and economic researcher.

The analytical and problem-solving skills acquired through an Economics major are highly valued in the job market.

Additionally, the ability to understand and interpret economic trends and data is crucial for businesses and governments in decision-making processes.

The top 5 colleges for Economics in the US are:

1. Harvard University
2. Princeton University
3. Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT)
4. Stanford University
5. University of Chicago

Journalism

If one of the non-stem majors you want to pursue is Journalism, then know it focuses on producing, analyzing, and disseminating news and information to the public.

Students in this field learn the principles of journalistic writing, interviewing techniques, media ethics, investigative journalism, and multimedia storytelling. This major helps develop strong communication skills, critical thinking abilities, and the ability to research and report on various topics.

Graduates can pursue careers in print journalism, broadcast journalism, digital journalism, public relations, content creation, and media management.

They can work for newspapers, magazines, TV and radio stations, news websites, online platforms, public relations agencies, and non-profit organizations.

Possible job roles include reporter, news anchor, editor, producer, social media manager, content writer, and communications specialist.

The skills gained through a Journalism major, like effective storytelling, interviewing skills, and critical analysis, are highly transferable.

Graduates can also find employment in fields such as marketing, advertising, and corporate communications. With the constantly changing media landscape, journalism majors have the opportunity to build successful careers in both traditional and emerging media platforms.

The top 5 colleges for Journalism are:

1. Northwestern University
2. University of Southern California (USC) – Annenberg School for Communication and Journalism
3. University of Missouri
4. University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill (UNC)
5. Syracuse University

Marketing

Marketing is another one of the popular non-stem majors that focuses on the business aspect of promoting and selling products or services.

This major typically includes courses on customer behavior, market research, advertising, digital marketing, branding, and sales management. It can prepare graduates for a diverse range of careers in marketing management, brand management, public relations, research analysis, and advertising, among others.

Marketing majors can become marketing managers who lead promotional campaigns, establish online and offline marketing strategies, and communicate with clients and stakeholders. Brand managers can also draw on the knowledge of consumer behavior to establish a brand for companies and products.

Additionally, advertising executives plan and create advertisements that reach a target audience and generate interest. While some graduates can also specialize in other areas like e-commerce, retail marketing, consumer insights, market research or digital health.

Marketing graduates can find job opportunities in a wide range of industries, including retail, consumer goods industries, entertainment, banking, healthcare, tech, and nonprofit organizations.

They can work in-house for a company or brand, agency that caters to diverse clients, or start their businesses. Marketing as a field is trendy due to job availability and growth, potential for creativity, and opportunities for change within an organizational structure.

Some of the top colleges for Marketing are:

1. University of Pennsylvania
2. University of Michigan Ann Arbor – Stephen M. Ross School of Business
3. University of Texas Austin – McCombs School of Business
4. New York University – Leonard N. Stern School of Business
5. Emory University – Goizueta Business School

Graphic Design

Majoring in Graphic Design involves the creation of visual content to communicate information or ideas through various mediums such as print, digital, or multimedia.

Students learn essential design elements and principles of typography, composition, and color theory, as well as software tools such as Photoshop, Illustrator, and InDesign.

Through the program, students develop their creative skills, knowledge in design aesthetics, and critical thinking abilities to create designs that have visual impact and meet client requirements.

A degree in Graphic Design can prepare students for various careers, including but not limited to, Graphic Designer, Art Director, Web Designer, UX designer, or Motion Graphics Designer.

Graduates can work in various fields such as advertising, publishing, website development, film and television, or for in-house design departments of companies.

The top 5 schools for Graphic Design are:

1. Yale University – School of Art
2. Art Center College of Design
3. California College of the Arts
4. Rhode Island School of Design (RISD)
5. Savannah College of Art and Design (SCAD)

Communications

Majoring in Communications involves the study of how people exchange information through various mediums such as social media, traditional media, and interpersonal communication.

Students learn about the principles and practices of effective communication, as well as journalistic writing skills, public speaking, and media ethics. Additionally, students may take courses related to communication research, organizational communication, and digital media/effects.

A degree in Communications can prepare students for a wide range of careers, including Public Relations, Media Planning/Buying, Marketing, Journalism, or Corporate Communications.

Graduates can work in various fields in both the government and private sectors, such as advertising agencies, news organizations, consulting firms, or non-profit organizations.

Here are the top 5 schools for Communications:

1. Northwestern University
2. Brown University
3. Villanova University
4. University of Southern California (USC) – Annenberg School for Communication and Journalism
5. University of Pennsylvania

Photography

One of the more unique non-stem majors is Photography. It involves the study of capturing visual images through the use of a camera and creative techniques. Students learn about the technical aspects of photography, including exposure, lighting, composition, and editing.

They also explore various genres and styles, such as portrait, landscape, documentary, and fine art photography. In addition to technical skills, students develop a strong understanding of visual storytelling and the ability to communicate emotions and messages through their photographs.

A degree in Photography can lead to a variety of careers in the field of visual arts. Graduates can work as professional photographers, either as freelancers or in studios, specializing in areas such as fashion, wedding, commercial, or fine art photography.

Other career paths include photojournalism, working for magazines or newspapers, advertising and marketing agencies, museums and galleries, or pursuing freelance opportunities in travel and documentary photography.

With the rise of social media and online platforms, there are also opportunities for digital content creators and influencers who specialize in photography.

For Photography, the top 5 schools are:

1. Parsons School of Design – The New School
2. Rhode Island School of Design (RISD)
3. California Institute of the Arts (CalArts)
4. School of the Art Institute of Chicago (SAIC)
5. Yale University School of Art

Public Relations

A Public Relations major is another one of the non-stem majors on this list. It involves the study of developing and nurturing relationships between an organization and its stakeholders, including clients, media, and the general public.

Students learn about the principles of effective communication, crisis management, media relations, brand reputation, and audience research. Majors in Public Relations also explore emerging digital technologies, such as social media and content creation, which are becoming increasingly essential in modern PR practices.

A degree in Public Relations can lead to a variety of careers, including working for PR agencies, event marketing, social media management, brand strategy and advertising, corporate communication, government affairs, and non-profit organizations.

Graduates may also choose to work within internal communication in firms as well. Many PR majors work as PR specialists, PR managers, event planners, and communication consultants.

Some notable industries for Public Relations majors are healthcare, technology, finance, and entertainment.

The top 5 schools for Photography are:

1. Princeton University
2. University of Southern California
3. Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT)
4. New York University (NYU)
5. University of Texas at Austin

History

Taking history as a major dives into the exploration and analysis of past events and civilizations. As a field, history encompasses the examination of primary and secondary sources, critical thinking, and research skills.

Students in a history major learn to interpret historical context, analyze evidence, and develop historical narratives.

A history major can lead to a variety of career paths. Many graduates pursue careers in academia as history professors or researchers, contributing to the field through teaching, publishing, and conducting historical studies.

Other career opportunities include archivists, museum curators, and librarians, where the focus is on preserving and organizing historical records and artifacts.

Additionally, history majors often thrive in professions that require critical thinking and analytical skills, such as law, journalism, public policy, or government roles.

Graduates can enter various industries, such as research, writing, communication, and problem-solving. These skills can be applied to roles in business, consulting, non-profit organizations, or even entrepreneurship.

When going for a major in history, here are the top 5 colleges:

1. University of California – Berkeley
2. Harvard University
3. Princeton University
4. Stanford University
5. University of Chicago

Criminal Justice

A major in criminal justice is an interdisciplinary field of study that emphasizes both theoretical and applied aspects of the criminal justice system.

Students in this field explore topics such as criminal law, criminology, law enforcement, corrections, and forensics, among others. Through coursework, research, and hands-on training, criminal justice majors develop a deep understanding of how the justice system operates, the social and economic factors that contribute to crime, and the various methods employed to prevent and solve crimes.

Graduates with a bachelor’s degree in criminal justice can pursue a variety of career paths, including law enforcement, social services, and legal services. Specific job titles may include lawyer (law school route), forensic science technician, paralegal, and legal assistant.

Students with a criminal justice degree may also choose to enter roles in policy analysis, research, advocacy, and education. Depending on the career path chosen, some students may need to pursue additional education or certifications beyond the bachelor’s degree in order to qualify for certain positions or to advance in their careers.

The major is designed to provide students with a comprehensive understanding of the criminal justice system, preparing them for a wide range of careers in government, nonprofit organizations, or in the private sector.

For Criminal Justice, the top 5 colleges are:

1. University of Albany
2. University of Maryland
3. University of Cincinnati
4. John Jay College of Criminal Justice
5. Pennsylvania State University

Philosophy

A major in philosophy involves the study of fundamental questions about existence, knowledge, morality, and reality, among others.

Philosophy majors learn to analyze arguments and ideas logically and systematically. Through coursework, research, and discussion, they develop a deep understanding of philosophical theories, methods, and concepts. Students in this major are trained in critical thinking and ethical reasoning, which are valuable skills relevant in different spheres of life.

A degree in philosophy can prepare students for a wide range of careers in law, education, business, non-profit organizations, and government.

Philosophy majors have developed strong writing, research, and analytical skills that can be applied in various contexts. Some students in this field go on to pursue graduate studies in philosophy, which can lead to a career in academia. However, philosophy graduates may also find roles in industries such as consulting, management, publishing, and politics, among others.

Studying philosophy fosters a capacity to reflect on important ethical questions and a deeper sense of intellectual curiosity and inquiry.

A philosophy degree can be an excellent preparation to navigate complex intellectual and ethical challenges in all aspects of professional and personal life.

The top 5 colleges for philosophy are:

1. Harvard University
2. Yale University
3. University of Pittsburgh
4. Rutgers University
5. University of California, Berkeley

International Relations

One of the last non-stem majors on this list is International Relations. It involves the study of political, economic, and social interactions between countries and global actors.

Students in this major explore various aspects of international affairs such as diplomatic relations, global security issues, international law, political ideologies, and economic systems.

International Relations majors develop a deep understanding of the complexities of the global system, including the motivations and strategies of states and international organizations.

A degree in International Relations can lead to a wide range of careers in fields such as diplomacy, foreign policy analysis, international development, global business, non-profit organizations, journalism, and research.

Graduates often pursue roles in government agencies, international organizations, think tanks, consulting firms, and multinational corporations.

With an International Relations degree, students gain an understanding of global issues and acquire skills for addressing complex challenges in a global context.

To go for a major in International relations: these are the top 5 schools:

1. Georgetown University
2. Tufts University
3. University of California- San Diego
4. Princeton University
5. University of Chicago

With so many non-stem majors to pursue, know that you don’t always need to do something within stem during college!