Are you trying to find your college major? Maybe you’re hoping to find something that lets you give back to humanity in a meaningful way. There are a number of majors you can choose from to fulfill this desire. Though they might not be obvious at first, here are seven college majors that have a more humanitarian approach and make the world a better place.
Social Worker
People who want to directly help others can get a degree in Social Work. Social workers offer others life advice and help them find work. They might provide a bit of counseling, and teach others how to navigate life better. Social Work degrees take about four years to earn.
Counseling
Counseling focuses on improving people’s mental or emotional state. Counselors may be able to work one-on-one with their clients to provide tools to better their lives. A good counselor can bring someone from the brink of sorrow and despair to a place where they become a happy and functional human being. While there are many challenges a counselor will face, it can be greatly rewarding when a client makes progress and turns their life around for the better. A Bachelor’s in counseling can be earned in four years, but counselors can go on to get a Master’s degree or Ph.D.
Sociology
Sociologists study social organization, human behavior, and how human behavior affects culture. All of this helps them understand people as a whole much better. Sociology degrees take four years, and you can get a Ph.D. in as little as eight years.
Nursing
Nursing is one of the first majors many people consider when they want to help people. Is there a better image of care and kindness than that of a nurse? People who wish to earn their nursing degree can do it in as little as four years while attending a university or college. Those who already have an associate’s degree can get it in two to three years. Some of the benefits of being a nurse are directly helping people feel better and cared for and about. Seeing a smile on a patient’s face and knowing you helping inspire that is one of the best gifts ever.
History
What could be more human than learning about human history? History majors get their Bachelor’s degrees within four years but often continue on to get a Master’s degree or Ph.D. They usually end up teaching, passing along the past’s mistakes and successes to future generations.
Physical Therapy
Much like a nurse, physical therapists work with their patients to make their physical life better. Physical therapists can work with clients one-on-one or in groups. A degree takes around seven years to complete, so it’s about three years longer than most Bachelor’s degrees. The reason for this is that on top of a Bachelor’s degree in a related health field, physical therapists must also complete a Doctoral program. They must also pass a state licensure exam.
Performing Arts
Performing arts is one of the most humanistic fields in existence. Performing artists evoke emotions in people and sometimes get very involved, emotionally, in the work they’re doing too. A performing arts degree can take up to four years depending on which performing art you choose.
Wrap Up
If you want to work in a field dedicated to humanity that’s also rewarding, any of the above college majors would fit your needs. If no particular one stands out to you, take a few classes in various fields to see if you like one area more than another. College is about discovering yourself just as much as it’s about learning for your career. Find who you are and do what you love.
Sources
http://www.apta.org/For_Prospective_Students/PT_Education/Physical_Therapist_(PT)_Education_Overview.aspx
http://www.huffingtonpost.com/daniel-little/college-sociology-major_b_1641546.html
https://www.wgu.edu/online_health_professions_degrees/bachelor_science_nursing
https://www.socialworkguide.org/