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If you think all college students across America are studying the same things, think again. Each state has its own unique academic fingerprint, often shaped by local industries, natural resources, and economic opportunities.
The Story Behind State Majors
Back in 2018, Business Insider’s Jenny Cheng uncovered some fascinating patterns in college major preferences. Some of these might surprise you, while others make perfect sense when you think about each state’s character.
Take the coastal states, for instance. Hawaii loves oceanography – no big surprise there, with the Pacific Ocean as their backyard. The same goes for Washington and South Carolina. And if you head up to New England, you’ll find Maine, Massachusetts, and Rhode Island leading the way in naval architecture and marine engineering.
What about the states that power our nation? Texas, Louisiana, and Oklahoma show their energy industry roots with a focus on petroleum engineering. Meanwhile, states like Wyoming and West Virginia, with their rich mining heritage, see many students gravitating toward mining and mineral engineering.
Some Surprising Specialists
Some states have unexpected academic specialties that tell interesting stories about their economies:
Florida stands out with criminology as its signature major. With hundreds of law enforcement agencies across the Sunshine State and a complex urban landscape, this focus makes more sense than you might think.
California’s preference for cognitive science and biopsychology might seem unusual until you consider Silicon Valley’s influence and the state’s leadership in technology and innovation.
Vermont’s dedication to environmental science perfectly matches its reputation for natural beauty and environmental consciousness.
How Things Are Changing
The world of higher education never stands still. Since this 2018 snapshot, we’ve seen some interesting shifts:
Data science has become increasingly popular, especially in tech-heavy states like California and Washington. The National Student Clearinghouse Research Center has tracked this rising trend across the country.
Healthcare education has also evolved, particularly since 2020. More students are looking into public health programs, showing how world events can shape educational choices.
And speaking of change, environmental programs are gaining ground everywhere, reflecting growing awareness of sustainability issues.
Whether you’re a student planning your future, a parent helping guide these decisions, or just someone interested in how education shapes our communities, these patterns matter. They show us where job opportunities might be growing and how different regions are preparing their workforce for the future.
What’s the academic specialty in your state? Does it match what you see in your local job market? Share your thoughts below – we’d love to hear about your experience and observations!
