Top 10 Degrees of 2018

An estimated 10,600 San Diego State University graduates are eligible to walk across the stage at Viejas Arena over the course of commencement weekend, and they will receive diplomas certifying their achievement in a wide range of fields. The university offers bachelor's degrees in 95 areas, master's degrees in 78 areas and doctorates in 22 areas.

For a second consecutive year, the top three majors among this year’s graduates remain psychology, criminal justice and business administration - finance.

The full list of the top 10 most popular degrees of 2018 include:

No. 10: B.S., Biology

As the 10th-most popular major among this year’s graduates, the biology major taught 195 students about cellular and molecular biology, ecology, evolutionary biology, marine biology and zoology. With the knowledge gained at SDSU, they can pursue a career in the medical, dental or veterinarian fields, or go on to work for a government or private agency laboratory—utilizing their skills to better understand the living world.

No. 9: B.A., Economics

For the second consecutive year, economics comes in at No. 9 on the list. These 201 graduates know how to analyze the costs and benefits of decisions made by governments, businesses and individuals, and will go on to a wide array of careers in government, law, business, journalism, education and non-profits. They will also be able to provide consulting, analysis and counsel in every major job sector.

No. 8: B.S., Business Administration - Accounting

The Charles W. Lamden School of Accountancy will graduate 258 students into the workforce. With a national reputation for innovative education in the fields of accounting, auditing and taxation, these graduates will prove to be invaluable to their respective companies and clients. The school prides itself on preparing its graduates to take the Certified Public Accountant exam, qualifying them for careers in corporate or public accounting, as well as tax, financial planning and auditing.

No. 7: B.A., Interdisciplinary Studies

These 269 graduates will leave SDSU with a custom degree they themselves designed with guidance from advisers. The degree allows students to combine classes from three different departments and is ideal for students whose career goals or academic interests are not fully addressed by an existing SDSU major or major/minor pattern.

No. 6: B.S., Mechanical Engineering

The 276 graduates in this discipline have spent their college careers questioning how things work and developing new ideas and solutions to make processes and products more efficient. They are prepared to work on diverse problems that require the integration of design and analytical skills.

No. 5: B.S., Kinesiology - Pre-Physical Therapy

These 308 graduates are prepared for jobs in a broad range of medical, commercial and educational environments. They also meet the academic requirements necessary for entry to postgraduate education for physical therapy, chiropractic, and podiatry schools, such as SDSU’s physical therapy doctorate program.

No. 4: B.S., Business Administration - Marketing

The 314 graduates in this major are leaving SDSU with an understanding of buyer and seller behavior. They know how products and services are developed, priced, promoted, distributed and sold, which prepares them for careers as brand, market or sales managers, analysts and account executives.

No. 3: B.S., Business Administration - Finance

Using the resources of the Corky McMillin Center for Real Estate, the Center for the Study of Personal Financial Planning and the Wells Fargo Financial Markets Laboratory, these 315 graduates have delved into administration of funds and loans, buyer and investor relations, financial management, protection of assets and tax administration.

No. 2: B.S., Criminal Justice

Prepared for careers in federal, state and local law enforcement, these 386 graduates may work in probation, parole, corrections and other social service agencies. Through SDSU’s Criminal Justice program, these students have gained an in-depth analysis of all facets of crime, delinquency and crime control, as well as a foundation for critical, balanced, responsible and effective administrative responses.

No. 1: B.A., Psychology

The No. 1 major among the graduating class of 2018, SDSU’s Department of Psychology is sending 437 graduates into the workforce. These students studied human behavior and mental processes and participated in hands-on field experiences, internships and undergraduate research. Psychology graduates pursue careers in a wide range of fields, including law enforcement, scientific research, government agencies and health care.

For more information on SDSU’s commencement ceremonies, visit the SDSU Commencement website.