By Laurence Shatkin, Ph.D., and the Editors at JIST

The current difficult economy has created a new, more pragmatic mindset among college students: Choose a major that leads to a job with staying power so we can pay off debt and prosper in good and bad times.

This book lists 50 best college majors that connect to more than 100 secure careers. "Best majors" appear in more than 40 lists, ranked by:

• pay and growth of related occupations
  
• bachelor's and higher degree levels
  
• career cluster/interest area
  
• personality type
  
• gender
  
• part-time work
  
• self-employment

A bonus list shows the best courses to improve an otherwise risky major.

Clear descriptions of the college majors include:

• specializations in the major
  
• typical sequences of high school and college courses
  
• related secure jobs

Detailed descriptions of related secure jobs provide insightful facts on:

• beginning and annual pay
  
• growth
  
• openings
  
• job security issues
  
• skills needed
  
• education and training required
  
• work environment
  
• highest growth industries and metro areas for the occupation
  
• and more

A special part gives insight into why job security is an important issue in the choice of a major and career, plus offers tips on improving job security when looking for a job, such as aiming for a more secure industry or location.

352 pages. 7 x 9. Softcover. July 2009.

IJW

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