Savanna Hoffman
International students can choose from a variety of majors, and it can be challenging to decide which one to pursue. Popular choices include business, computer science, economics, engineering, finance, and liberal arts. According to the SEVP report, 50% of international students chose from among the top 20 majors, with computer science being the most common primary major in 2022. Other in-demand fields include business analytics, electrical engineering, and health professions. Ultimately, the best major for international students depends on their interests, passions, and career goals.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Most common primary major for international students | Computer science |
| Second most common major | Non-English language studies |
| Percentage of international students who studied in one of the top 20 majors | 50% |
| Percentage of international students pursuing an associate degree | 6% |
| Percentage of international students pursuing a bachelor's degree | 37% |
| Percentage of international students pursuing a master's degree | 41% |
| Percentage of international students pursuing a doctoral degree | 16% |
| Number of international students studying in the U.S. in 2018 | 891,330 |
| Number of international students studying social sciences in the U.S. | 83,708 |
| Number of international students studying other fields | 88,720 |
| Number of international students studying math and computer science in the U.S. | 186,003 |
| Number of international students studying humanities in the U.S. | 17,040 |
| Number of international students studying intensive English in the U.S. | 25,845 |
| Number of international students studying health professions in the U.S. | 35,169 |
| Number of international students studying business management in the U.S. in 2022/23 | 157,281 |
| Number of international students studying math and computer science in the U.S. in 2022/23 | 240,230 |
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What You'll Learn
Computer science
There are different undergraduate degrees in computer science available to international students, such as a Bachelor of Arts, which is generally more broad and entry-level, and enables students to study anything they’d like after graduation, including computer science-specific fields. An undergraduate computer science degree can be attained at almost any institution in the US, with more strict specialization taking place at the graduate level. This ensures that international students who decide to study computer science in the US will be able to customize their college experience to fit their unique needs and preferences.
The United States is home to many of the top schools for computer science in the world, including the Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT), Carnegie Mellon University, Stanford University, and the University of California: Berkeley. A computer science degree from a US institution carries its own weight as a mark of competence, knowledge, and skill. The resources available to institutions of higher education in the US, particularly in fields like computer science, are unrivaled. This robust availability of funds amounts to better programs and a better educational experience for students.
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Business management
International business management is a popular choice for international students, offering a broad global business perspective and the skills needed to succeed in today's evolving business landscape. This major prepares graduates to work in a variety of industries and roles, from multinational corporations to entrepreneurial ventures, governmental agencies, international banks, transportation industries, and consulting firms.
International business management programs develop students' strategic thinking and decision-making capabilities, including assessing risks, analyzing market trends, and navigating cultural differences—all essential for success in the global business world. Students learn to communicate with foreign clients and business partners, gaining invaluable cultural awareness and first-hand experience working in diverse, cross-cultural contexts.
The major also provides insights into international trade laws, market trends, and emerging economies, ensuring graduates can navigate the nuances of international business and make informed decisions contributing to the success of international operations. With a focus on leadership development, students strengthen their ability to lead diverse teams and manage complex global operations, fostering adaptability and resilience in dynamic and unpredictable business environments.
International business management graduates are highly sought-after by employers, often securing competitive salaries and career advancement opportunities. Their deep understanding of global markets, diverse cultures, and international trade regulations makes them valuable assets to organizations operating across multiple cultures and countries.
Additionally, international business management programs often emphasize building global networks, connecting students with industry professionals, faculty, and peers from diverse backgrounds, further enhancing their career prospects and fostering cross-cultural understanding.
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Liberal arts
One of the key advantages of a liberal arts education is its focus on interdisciplinary learning and holistic development. Liberal arts colleges typically offer a broad range of majors and encourage students to explore different disciplines before choosing a specialization. This allows international students, who often come from educational systems that require early specialization, to broaden their horizons and combine multiple fields of study. Liberal arts colleges emphasize the development of critical thinking, problem-solving, communication, and relationship-building skills, fostering well-rounded individuals who are equipped to think independently.
The smaller and tight-knit community at liberal arts colleges also promotes cross-cultural awareness and diversity. Many colleges encourage global awareness, creating a welcoming environment for international students and enriching the overall campus experience. Additionally, liberal arts colleges often have strong alumni networks and career services centers, providing valuable resources for international students when deciding on their career paths.
While liberal arts colleges offer comprehensive education and skill development, they may have fewer research opportunities and limited academic majors and elective courses compared to larger universities. They are also typically more expensive than public universities, although financial aid may be available.
Overall, liberal arts colleges in the US provide international students with a unique educational journey, emphasizing interdisciplinary exploration, skill development, and a tight-knit community that fosters cultural diversity and global awareness.
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STEM
Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics (STEM) is a popular choice for international students due to its strong job prospects and high salaries. STEM graduates are highly sought-after by employers worldwide, leading to greater employment opportunities and competitive wages. The demand for STEM professionals is expected to continue growing, ensuring that STEM graduates have numerous lucrative career options.
International students pursuing STEM majors benefit from increased chances of gaining employer sponsorship and obtaining work visas in countries like the United States. The US, recognizing the importance of STEM, has implemented initiatives such as the STEM Education Bill to facilitate the green card process for international STEM graduates. Additionally, the Optional Practice Training (OPT) program allows international STEM students to extend their stay and gain valuable work experience in the country.
While STEM majors are generally more intensive and demanding, they offer significant advantages for international students. The higher workload is often rewarded with increased job prospects and higher wages. Additionally, language proficiency is not a primary requirement in many STEM fields, making these programs more accessible to international students who may not be fully fluent in the local language.
In conclusion, STEM is a successful and attractive option for international students due to its strong job market, high salaries, increased chances of sponsorship and visas, diverse specializations, and global recognition. The growing demand for STEM professionals ensures that graduates have numerous rewarding career opportunities worldwide.
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Economics
International economics majors specifically focus on the interdependent nature of the world economy and the influence of economics on world affairs. They analyze the role of markets, corporations, and unions in the international arena and develop a deep understanding of the importance of economics in global conflicts and stabilization.
Overall, economics is a successful major for international students as it provides a strong foundation for a wide range of career paths and the skills to understand and shape economic policies and decisions on a global scale.
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Frequently asked questions
Math and Computer Science is the most popular major for international students, with 186,003 students in 2017/18 and 240,230 in 2022/23. STEM programs are a strong draw for international students hoping to study in the US, with more than half of the top 20 most popular majors for these students being STEM-related.
Other popular majors for international students include Business Analytics, Economics, Finance, Engineering, and Liberal Arts.
The median annual salary of a liberal arts major aged 25-29 in 2017 was approximately $39,000. Entry-level jobs for liberal arts graduates include roles in marketing, research, and management.
The median annual salary of an engineering major aged 25-29 in 2017 was approximately $70,000. Entry-level jobs for engineering graduates include roles in architecture and electrical engineering.
