A degree in psychology is the most coveted among San Diego State University's class of 2013, the university said Friday.
What does the job market hold for new grads in light of the economic downturn of the past few years? We take a look.
San Diego State University offers bachelor's degrees in 89 areas, master's degrees in 78 areas and doctorates in 21 areas.
Here's a full list of the top 10 most popular degrees:
No. 10: B.S., Biology
Throughout their college career, these 166 students have had opportunities to participate in undergraduate research at SDSU’s Donald P. Shiley BioScience Center, the Coastal and Marine Institute and a number of other labs and facilities. Some of these graduates will continue the research they began at SDSU and become medical doctors, microbiologists, ecologists and academics. Others will go on to become physicians, dentists, pharmacists or veterinarians.
No. 9: B.A., Liberal Studies
Designed for future educators and administrators, this degree prepares its graduates to become superintendents, principals and teachers. The 168 students graduating with this major have participated in internships as well as study abroad opportunities designed specifically to enhance their degree experience. Many will enter credential programs with specializations in bilingual education and special education.
No. 8: B.S., Business Administration — Finance
As future financial managers and real estate professionals, these 168 graduates will not only become experts on the stock market, they will go on to advise corporate businesses and non-profit organizations. Using the resources of the Corky McMillin Center for Real Estate and the Center for the Study of Personal Financial Planning at SDSU, their degrees have prepared them for responsibilities in financial management, administration of funds, protection of assets, tax administration and investor relations.
No. 7: B.A., Communication (Liberal Arts)
These 174 graduates will have earned a degree from one of the top communication schools in the country, some of whom have participated in SDSU’s national award winning Speech and Debate program. These graduates may go on to get their master’s degree through SDSU’s communications program, ranked No. 6 in the nation and No. 11 in the world by EDUniversal. These degree recipients will become directors of corporate communications, crisis communications consultants, researchers and community affairs liaisons.
No. 6: B.A., Political Science
With a critical awareness of political climate, global diversity and international relations, these 176 graduates have an important and influential degree. Many will go on to get their master’s degrees or launch careers in law enforcement. Some of these graduates will head to law school, studying to be lawyers and judges, others will go into careers in government service, international organizations and issue advocacy.
No. 5: B.A., Economics
The 176 economics majors know how to analyze the costs and benefits of decisions, whether they are made by governments, businesses or individuals. These graduates will go on to a wide array of careers in government, law, business, journalism, education and non-profits. They will also be able to provide consulting, analysis and counsel in every major job sector.
No. 4: B.S., Business Administration — Accounting
Having prepared themselves through the Charles W. Lamden School of Accountancy at SDSU, these 178 graduates will choose from careers in public accounting and financial management in business or industry. They are graduating from a program with a national reputation for its innovations in accounting education and its contributions to the fields of accounting, auditing and taxation.
No. 3: B.S., Business Administration — Management
Leaders and entrepreneurs by nature, 210 business management graduates have established skills in entrepreneurship, leadership, diversity, human resource management, employee and firm performance and ethics. Several of these graduates have participated in the Faculty-Student Mentoring Program in the College of Business Administration, which supports student engagement and development through undergraduate research, scholarship and creative initiatives.
No. 2: B.S., Criminal Justice
The nature of and responses to crime are important social phenomena that affect all of our lives. These 365 graduates have prepared for careers in federal, state and local law enforcement, probation and parole, corrections and other social service agencies. SDSU’s criminal justice program provides students with an in-depth analysis of all facets of crime, delinquency and crime control.
No. 1: B.A., Psychology
A total of 500 SDSU graduates will have studied human behavior and mental processes in the psychology major. SDSU’s Department of Psychology is in the top 10 in the U.S. for National Institutes of Health awards and second in California, helping to ensure faculty-student research. Several of these students have participated in the Student Research Symposium showcasing original research, scholarship projects or creative activities. Many of these graduates will go on to pursue a Ph.D., some through SDSU's joint doctoral program in clinical psychology with the University of California, San Diego which is ranked among the top 10 in the country by the National Research Council.
