If you’re just starting the process of choosing a major for studying abroad, please refer to Aralia’s guide on choosing a major before reading the content below!
1. Human-Computer Interaction
With the rapid development of the digital world, alongside familiar majors like Computer Science or Data Science, there are also quite popular fields that study the relationship between computers and humans. If you are interested in technology, design, and psychology, and are curious about how humans and computers interact, you might want to consider exploring Human-Computer Interaction (HCI).
HCI focuses on how people interact with computers, how technology affects our daily lives, and how user experience is optimized through product and interface design.
Students in HCI will gain a strong foundation in Computer Science (programming, algorithms, systems, and applied mathematics), while also focusing on specialized courses in interaction design. Here are some typical courses that this major offers at US universities:
- Artificial Intelligence
- Cognitive Science
- Communication Design
- Information Science
- Organizational & Social Psychology
HCI prepares students to design creative services, systems, and applications for various technologies: web, mobile, virtual reality (VR), sensors, smart devices, and more.
Career Opportunities:
With a foundation in combining technology, design, and psychology, HCI graduates can work in many attractive job positions, such as:
- User Experience (UX)/User Interface (UI) Designer
- User Experience Specialist
- Usability Researcher
- Product Manager at technology companies
Top Programs:
- Carnegie Mellon University – The university with the world’s most renowned HCI program
- Georgia Institute of Technology – Emphasizes applied research and multi-platform interactions
- Stanford University – Integrates HCI with creative design and technology entrepreneurship
2. Sustainability
Sustainability is a good fit for students who care about the environment, climate change, and solutions that balance economic development with ecosystem conservation.
At times when many global issues like resource depletion and environmental pollution are becoming increasingly serious, this field plays an important role in finding sustainable and long-term effective solutions to these problems.
Students will explore the interdependent relationship between three goals: (1) protecting the environment, (2) promoting economic development, and (3) advancing social equity. From there, they discover how to balance and pursue these three goals simultaneously to achieve sustainable development at local, national, and international levels.
Typical courses that involve sustainability include:
- Environmental Science
- Renewable Energy Systems
- Sustainable Urban Planning
- Environmental Economics
- Climate Change Policy
Additionally, students can participate in community projects and internships at nonprofit organizations or businesses to apply their knowledge to real-world settings.
Career Opportunities:
- Sustainability Consultant
- Environmental Project Manager
- Energy Policy Analyst
- Climate or Environmental Science Researcher
Top Programs:
- Arizona State University – The first university to establish a School of Sustainability
- University of California, Berkeley – Strong in Environmental Research and Policy
- Yale University – Notable for the Yale School of the Environment
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3. Game Design
If you’re passionate about gaming, programming, and creating virtual worlds, Game Design might be a major for you to consider.
Along with the strong development of Computer Science, Game Design and Programming has also received significant attention. With programming as the core foundation, students will learn how to build storylines, design characters, and integrate visual and sound effects to create complete video games. Additionally, students will study the theoretical knowledge and conceptual thinking behind game design, including critical thinking, analytical, and self-evaluation skills, to improve their products.
Typical Game Design courses include:
- Game Programming
- Game Art & Animation
- Interactive Storytelling
- Sound Design for Games
Beyond two-dimensional (2D) games, students will also learn about virtual reality (VR) technology to design interactive games that provide unique playing experiences.
During their studies, students often participate in real game development studios or receive opportunities to attend hackathons where they can create complete games or software products even before graduation.
While Game Design programs exist in some countries, this major is still not widely available in many educational systems and is typically only offered at specialized institutions or international universities.
Career Opportunities:
- Game Designer
- Game Developer
- Sound or Graphics Design Specialist for games
- Producer or Project Manager at game development companies
Top Programs:
- University of Southern California (USC) – Ranked #1 for Game Design in the US
- Rochester Institute of Technology (RIT) – Combines art, design, and technology
- New York University (NYU Tisch) – Notable for game design training based on creative arts
4. Astrophysics
Have you ever wondered about the formation of the universe and the Earth, or constantly searched for answers about the existence of galaxies beyond our solar system? If you want to know the answers to these questions, Astrophysics might help you find them.
Astrophysics is for students who are fascinated by the sky and want to explore the mysteries of the universe. This field studies how the universe works by applying physics methods and principles. As the foundation of modern astronomy, Astrophysicists study the formation, structure, and evolution of celestial objects, from planets and stars to galaxies and black holes.
Here are some notable Astrophysics courses:
- Classical Mechanics & Quantum Physics
- Stellar and Galactic Astronomy
- Cosmology
- Computational Physics
Students often participate in research at observatories and laboratories or collaborate with international space projects, including prestigious organizations like the National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA).
Career Opportunities:
- Researchers at NASA, the European Space Agency (ESA), or astronomical observatories
- Professors and Scientists at research institutes
- Engineers developing space technology
Top Programs:
- California Institute of Technology (Caltech) – Rated by US News as the best place in the world to study space sciences
- University of California, Berkeley – Known for high-quality laboratories and interdisciplinary internship opportunities
- Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT) – A leading technology institute with prestigious physics programs and strong research capabilities
5. Earth Science
Alongside Sustainability, Earth Science has also developed rapidly in recent years, contributing to solutions for environmental and climate problems worldwide. This is also one of the majors with the lowest unemployment rates in the US.
Earth Science studies the structure, composition, and processes of planet Earth, including geology, seismology, oceanography, meteorology, and climate change. Through this research, Earth Scientists can discover new methods for predicting natural disasters and new weather models to reduce the impact of climate change and natural disasters on humans.
Its key courses include:
- Geology
- Meteorology
- Oceanography
- Geophysics
During their studies, students practice in the field, collect samples, and analyze data to understand natural development processes.
Career Opportunities:
- Geologists and Meteorologists
- Specialists in disaster prediction and climate change
- Environmental or Mining Consultants
Top Programs:
- California Institute of Technology – Top-ranked Earth Science program in the US according to US News
- Columbia University – Owns the Lamont-Doherty Earth Observatory
- University of Arizona – Known for leading field programs and close relationships with the mining and economic geology industry
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6. Instructional Design
In an era of rapidly developing online learning programs, Instructional Design is rated by Indeed (one of the leading job search websites in the US) as one of the majors with strong growth potential in the coming years.
Instructional Design focuses on the design, development, and evaluation of effective training programs, especially those in online learning environments. Students will learn how to apply learning theory, educational technology, and communication techniques to build optimal courses and teaching materials.
Typical courses include:
- Learning Theories & Educational Psychology
- Instructional Technology & E-Learning
- Curriculum Design
- Assessment & Evaluation
Career Opportunities:
- Instructional Designer
- E-learning Developer
- Corporate Human Resources and Training Specialist
- Educational Instructor or Consultant
Top Programs:
- Columbia University – A leading university for teaching and curriculum development in the US, with College Teachers specializing in education programs
- Florida State University – Notable for e-learning research and effective training program development
- Purdue University – Strong in online learning design and corporate applications
7. Sports Science
The US Bureau of Labor Statistics reports that from 2023 to 2033, employment for exercise physiologists may increase by 10% due to the growing demand for health and fitness programs in businesses. Sports Science is the major that trains these exercise physiology specialists.
Sports Science studies exercise physiology, psychology, nutrition, and training methods to improve athletic performance. Here, students learn how to analyze performance, optimize training, and prevent injuries.
Previously, professionals in this field typically consulted for athletes and researched training methods to maximize athlete capabilities. However, now that health issues receive more attention and investment, many companies also seek support from movement specialists to care for their corporate physical health.
Typical courses include:
- Exercise Physiology
- Biomechanics
- Sports Nutrition
- Sports Psychology
Career Opportunities:
- Athletic Coach
- Sports Rehabilitation Specialist
- Sports Performance Scientist
- Health & Fitness Consultant
Top Programs:
- University of Florida – Notable for comprehensive programs in exercise physiology, training, and sports research
- University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill – Strong in exercise science and sports psychology
- Pennsylvania State University – Has a comprehensive sports research program, from rehabilitation to performance
The US is known not just for traditional majors but also for many unique programs, from science and technology to sports. These majors create career and research opportunities that are less common in other countries. Choosing a major that aligns with your passion and personal interests helps you not only to enjoy your learning journey but also to prepare well for your future career. We hope this Aralia article has helped you better understand these unique majors in the US and make the right decision when choosing a major in the future.
Preparing Your US University Application with Aralia
Whether you’re planning to apply for popular or unique majors in the US, a polished and impressive application is essential. Beyond a high GPA or impressive extracurricular activities, participating in international competitions, conducting scientific research in high school, achieving excellent AP/IB scores, or writing a remarkable personal statement will be the key to standing out to admissions committees at these universities.
Aralia offers a range of courses for international competition preparation, scientific research, and personal statement writing, with top instructors from US universities and high schools. Thousands of Aralia students have successfully won prestigious awards from international competitions and received scholarships from top universities worldwide with their impressive essays and applications.
