What Are the Top 10 Degrees for the Class of 2020?

This month, San Diego State University congratulates 10,395 graduates on their achievements and triumphs as they become proud alumni of the university.

As announced in March, due to continued COVID-19 concerns, commencement ceremonies for the Class of 2020 has been postponed until December 2020.

The university will host the Virtual Commencement Celebration that provides an opportunity for graduates to celebrate their accomplishments with loved ones and the entire SDSU community.

The Virtual Commencement Celebration will be shown at noon PDT on Saturday, May 16, via livestream at the SDSU homepage, the commencement website and SDSU's official Facebook page. Graduates simply need to tune in, and no registration is required in advance.

Top 10 Degrees Listed

For a fourth consecutive year, the top two majors among this year’s graduates are psychology and criminal justice.
The top 10 most popular degrees of 2020 are:

No. 10: B.S., Business Administration - Management

These 211 graduates have an understanding of a wide variety of organizational topics, including entrepreneurship, innovation, leadership and strategic management. They will be able to provide consulting, analysis and counsel in any major job sector they choose.

No. 9: B.A., Economics

These 215 graduates can analyze the costs and benefits of decisions made by individuals, businesses and governments. They will go on to pursue a broad array of careers in government, law, business, journalism, education and nonprofits. 

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

The Charles W. Lamden School of Accountancy will graduate 251 students into the workforce. Graduates are qualified for careers in corporate or public accounting, as well as tax preparation, financial planning and auditing.

No. 7: B.S., Mechanical Engineering

The 263 graduates in this discipline have spent their college careers finding solutions to make processes and products more efficient. They are prepared to address a vast variety of problems requiring the integration of design and analytical skills.

No. 6: B.S., Kinesiology - Pre-Physical Therapy

These 291 graduates are prepared for jobs in a full 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.

No. 5: B.S., Business Administration - Finance

These 296 graduates are prepared for career opportunities with business and nonprofit organizations, financial management, protection of assets, financial and estate planning along with wealth management and real estate.

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

The 302 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.A., Interdisciplinary Studies 

These 341 graduates will leave SDSU with a custom degree individually designed with guidance from educational advisers. This 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 major or major/minor pattern at SDSU.

No. 2: B.S., Criminal Justice

Prepared for careers in federal, state and local law enforcement, these 342 graduates have gained an in-depth knowledge 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

These 390 SDSU graduates studied human behavior and mental processes and participated in hands-on field experiences, internships and undergraduate research. They can pursue careers in a wide range of fields, including law enforcement, scientific research, government agencies and healthcare.