While a student’s choice of major in college by no means guarantees that they will work in that field for the rest of their lives (or at all), it can have a significant impact on where they work. So, although choosing a major does not lock a student into a career path, it can be helpful to consider the potential job options a major offers before selecting one. 

With the recent rise of AI and advances in robotics, computer science, and digital communications, many jobs seem to be in danger of disappearing forever. As more tools — and more efficient tools — become available to professionals in all fields, the job market has narrowed, making it more difficult to find employment in certain areas.  

The good news for students looking for a field to invest in is that some jobs require skills and presence that no amount of tools can replicate. Let’s look at some of these. 

Nursing and Pre-Medical 

Medicine has advanced significantly in the past hundred years alone, but the improvements have, if anything, only increased the number of jobs available in the field. One of the oldest fields of study on the planet, medicine provides a reliable job market. In 2022, the American Association of Colleges of Nursing found that 93% of BSN students were employed in their field within six months of graduation, while sources found exceptionally high job placement for pre-medical students. In fact, according to a 2023 article published by the United States Career Institute, nurse practitioners are the least likely to lose their jobs due to AI or other technological advances., while anticipating a growth of 45.7% by 2031. 

Criminal Justice 

The days of a robot police force still appear to be far away, so criminal justice remains a stable option for college students seeking a good job market. Of course, joining the police is not the only job that criminal justice majors can easily pursue. A career in social services, prison administration or corrections, law, or private security is a highly viable option with a degree in criminal justice. All of these careers require a boots-on-the-ground approach, demanding a human being to be present in real time on-site, making it highly unlikely for replacement with AI or robots. 

Psychology 

Psychology has a focus on interpersonal communication and relationship, requiring a level of in-person work that few other fields demand. Telecommunications can expand the range of jobs and the field in which a therapist, psychologist, or social worker can operate in, but the demand for people to work in these fields shows no sign of decreasing. In fact, advances in telecommunication and AI have only increased the need for psychologically trained workers in all of these fields. 

Biblical Studies, Pre-Seminary, and Ministry  

The need for ministers of all kinds is never-ending as the church enters a new era of history. While the political, social, and technological landscape is constantly shifting, developing new needs and conflicts, the need for well-educated thinkers who are deeply rooted in the teachings of the Bible remains a constant. While AI can analyze biblical passages and produce sermons, it cannot pray over congregants, it cannot advise those who need pastoral counseling, and it cannot encourage those who need uplifting or comfort the grieving. Only human beings, made in the image of God, can do that. It’s safe to say that whatever occurs in the future, the role of shepherding the flock of God will only become more important. 

As students enter college, their future often seems uncertain. The world is a rapidly changing place and never more so than now, but some fields of study will likely remain stable no matter what the future holds. Students at Geneva can rest assured, knowing that they have ready access to a variety of majors that can lead them to reliable careers.