Which undergrad degree is the most versatile?

Question

My college offers the following degree programs:

Biology / Biotechnology
Business Administration and Economics
Chemistry
Communication Sciences and Disorders
Communication
Computer Science
Criminal Justice
Education
Health Science
History & Political Science
Languages & Literature
Mathematics
Nursing
Occupational Therapy
Philosophy
Physical and Earth Sciences
Psychology
Sociology
Urban Studies
Visual and Performing Arts
Women's Studies

Of these, which area of study would be the most flexible and allow me a large window of career opportunities? I am not a math or science person so please don't pick any of the sciences, nursing, or math. I think I would like to work with the elderly in some way, possible as an Activities Director/Coordinator or an Events Planner. Thanks for your help.

Answer 1

As a college instructor with 4 University degrees I can tell you ANY degree is versatile. Otherwise they would say "Math for Airline Pilots", "Biology for Plant lovers", etc...

It is all what you make of your education. Can you see yourself down the line.

When chosing a college degree some people choose ones that make the most money. Sounds great in theory but would it make you happy in life. What if I told you Disecting Humans would make you the most money. Would you do it? Could you see yourself being happy seeing babies come in that you have to disect. The point of this being is that you need to be happy. There are Librarians who have lots of college education who don't make much money but they are HAPPY! They love their work.

You need to do one of the following.
1) Go to the University and take a wife variety of classes for the 1st 2 years. Then decide which classes you like best. I would strongly suggest you skip the normal "English, Math (since you don't like it), etc" and go for the "major" classes and see which ones peek your interest. Then choose a major.
2) Research online all the types of jobs you can get with each major - pick a few you like. Then study those in School and then narrow them down by the time you become a Junior. :)

Good luck!

Answer 2

Don't listen to the jerk who said psychology majors are worthless. No major is worthless--if you graduate, then you've got a degree, which is important in finding a job. And if you get good grades and do volunteer work, so much the better. It doesn't matter if you don't get a job directly related to your major; the point is that you're building a good foundation for your thoughts and ideas and future, no matter what your career path is.

I think any liberal arts or social science major would be something you should look into: english, history, psychology, sociology, women's studies, communication, even business or philosophy might be good choices. Health sciences might be a good pick, too, and might be less "sciencey" than your typical bio major. It's a good idea to enter college as an undeclared major and take any classes that both look interesting and fulfill graduation requirements. Filling requirements can often lead to a major or a minor in a subject, and even if you didn't end up liking the subject, at least you got a requirement out of the way.

Whatever you major in, it would probably be a good idea to get involved in some volunteer work or community service. Your college might already have a group that volunteers in nursing homes or assisted living communities--that would be the perfect thing to join! During your time in school, you can take on more responsibility in the group, and that kind of leadership role will look really good when you're looking for a job. If there isn't an already-existing group, start one! That will also look great on your resume, whether you decide to stick with elder care or not.

Answer 3

I worked at a veterans nursing home for quite a while and each nursing home is required to have onsite social workers and occupational therapists. I would go with Sociology or Occupational Therapy. We did have an Activities department (which seems to be more what you are interested in) but there is NO college degree required for that, just have a bubbly personality and set up events. Most of the activities people actually got their initial job at the home working in another department then transferred into the Activities department once a spot opened up.

The nursing home I worked at had 150 patients and none of the activities people needed a college degree. Maybe at homes with more patients a college degree may be helpful but don't try to go social worker or occupational therapist and then switch to activities. Social workers work for the state and OT's are too hard to come by to just let run off to activities and play games.

Point being, work experience in this case is more important than any degree you are going to get!! Their are really no college degree's that are required to set up birthday parties and daytrips, or play Yahtzee.

Answer 4

Versatile Degrees

Answer 5

Psychology or History would offer a very wide range of career opportunities in the work world.

Answer 6

I'd look at Communication, Psychology, or Sociology.

Answer 7

i think you should go for Nursing and occupaccional therapy since you are interesting in working with the elderly in the future.
good look and follow your dreams

Answer 8

Have you considered Social Work as a major?

Answer 9

Maths

Answer 10

Please. EVERYBODY does a psych degree and its worthless.

Do something in healthcare. Nursing is good.

But why you would wnat to work with the elderly is beyond me... They have one foot in the grave and nobody cares about them.

DR ROCKSO