For international students, selecting a major that aligns with future job prospects and salary potential in the U.S. is key. Below are the 10 most popular majors for international students, with a focus on career paths, average salaries, and the industries you can enter.
1. Computer Science
- Jobs: Software Engineer, Data Scientist, Systems Analyst, Cybersecurity Specialist
- Average Salary: $90,000–$130,000 per year
- Industries: Technology, Finance, Healthcare, E-commerce, Government
- Key Employers: Google, Amazon, Microsoft, Meta
- Why it’s popular: The tech industry continues to grow with high demand for professionals skilled in AI, machine learning, cybersecurity, and cloud computing.
2. Electrical Engineering
- Jobs: Electrical Engineer, Control Systems Engineer, Power Systems Engineer
- Average Salary: $75,000–$110,000 per year
- Industries: Semiconductors, Energy, Automotive, Telecommunications, Consumer Electronics
- Key Employers: NVIDIA, AMD, Intel, Texas Instruments, General Electric
- Why it’s popular: Electrical engineers are needed across various industries, especially in semiconductors, telecommunications, and emerging fields like renewable energy and electric vehicles.
3. Data Science/Analytics
- Jobs: Data Scientist, Data Analyst, Machine Learning Engineer, Business Intelligence Analyst
- Average Salary: $85,000–$130,000 per year
- Industries: Technology, Healthcare, E-commerce, Finance
- Key Employers: Netflix, Facebook, IBM, Deloitte
- Why it’s popular: With businesses increasingly relying on data-driven decisions, data science is one of the fastest-growing fields globally.
4. Biomedical Engineering
- Jobs: Biomedical Engineer, Clinical Research Scientist, Regulatory Affairs Specialist
- Average Salary: $60,000–$100,000 per year
- Industries: Medical Devices, Healthcare, Biotechnology, Pharmaceuticals
- Key Employers: Medtronic, Johnson & Johnson, Abbott Laboratories, Stryker
- Why it’s popular: The demand for innovative medical technologies and devices is growing, making biomedical engineering a key field in healthcare.
5. Mechanical and Aerospace Engineering
- Jobs: Mechanical Engineer, Aerospace Engineer, Project Manager
- Average Salary: $70,000–$120,000 per year
- Industries: Aerospace, Automotive, Defense, Energy, Manufacturing
- Key Employers: Boeing, Lockheed Martin, Tesla, Northrop Grumman, SpaceX
- Why it’s popular: The U.S. remains a global leader in aerospace and automotive innovation, driving high demand for engineers with expertise in these areas.
6. Film and Media Studies
- Jobs: Film Director, Screenwriter, Producer, Media Analyst, Digital Content Creator
- Average Salary: $50,000–$100,000 per year
- Industries: Entertainment, Media, Advertising, Digital Platforms
- Key Employers: Disney, Warner Bros., Netflix, Universal Pictures
- Why it’s popular: The U.S. is home to the world’s largest entertainment industry, making it a prime destination for students interested in filmmaking, digital content creation, and media studies.
7. Biological Sciences
- Jobs: Biotechnologist, Research Scientist, Clinical Research Associate
- Average Salary: $55,000–$100,000 per year
- Industries: Pharmaceuticals, Biotechnology, Healthcare, Research
- Key Employers: Pfizer, Amgen, Merck, NIH
- Why it’s popular: The healthcare and pharmaceutical sectors offer numerous opportunities, especially in research and development.
8. Environmental Science
- Jobs: Environmental Scientist, Sustainability Consultant, Climate Analyst
- Average Salary: $55,000–$90,000 per year
- Industries: Energy, Government, Non-Profit, Environmental Consulting
- Key Employers: Tesla, EPA, The Nature Conservancy, Sierra Club
- Why it’s popular: With a growing emphasis on sustainability and climate change, environmental science offers meaningful careers focused on sustainability and global environmental issues.
9. Robotics and Automation Engineering
- Jobs: Robotics Engineer, Automation Engineer, AI Specialist, Control Systems Engineer
- Average Salary: $80,000–$120,000 per year
- Industries: Manufacturing, Aerospace, Automotive, Logistics
- Key Employers: Tesla, Amazon Robotics, Boston Dynamics, Fanuc
- Why it’s popular: Robotics is becoming essential in manufacturing and automation, driving innovation in industries like automotive and logistics.
10. Chemical Engineering
- Jobs: Process Engineer, Chemical Engineer, Pharmaceutical Engineer
- Average Salary: $70,000–$110,000 per year
- Industries: Pharmaceuticals, Energy, Chemicals, Manufacturing
- Key Employers: ExxonMobil, Dow, Pfizer, Merck
- Why it’s popular: Chemical engineering is a diverse field offering opportunities in industries such as energy, pharmaceuticals, and advanced materials.
Industries and Key Trends
The most popular majors for international students align with these thriving industries:
- Technology: Rapid growth in AI, data science, and cloud computing.
- Healthcare and Biomedical Devices: Driven by medical advancements and an aging population.
- Aerospace and Defense: Leading innovation and global market dominance.
- Entertainment: The U.S. remains a global hub for the film and media industry.
- Sustainability: Growing focus on renewable energy and climate change solutions.
Conclusion
Choosing a major in the U.S. is a crucial decision that affects future career prospects. The top 10 majors listed above offer international students diverse opportunities to enter high-growth industries with lucrative salaries. Whether your interest lies in technology, healthcare, or media, the U.S. offers world-class education and a path to success.
