Top 10 majors at Ohio University: See the most in-demand programs

Here’s a look at the 10 programs with the highest enrollment among first-year students from our entering 2024 class on our Athens campus. 

This list does not include the popular choice of simply “undecided.” Ohio University welcomes and encourages first-year students still exploring all the possibilities ahead of them. We have support resources ready to help them learn more about our more than 200 undergraduate programs and match their talent and interests with future career opportunities.

10. Mechanical Engineering

Students who enroll in Ohio University’s Mechanical Engineering program work to  combine innovation with problem-solving . From designing cutting-edge technology to improving everyday products, this major opens doors to careers in numerous engineering fields. OHIO’s undergraduate degree in mechanical engineering aims to teach both the technology of mechanical engineering and an analytical approach to solving real-world problems. This major in the Russ College of Engineering and Technology is a hands-on ticket to designing the tech of tomorrow, and with industries like aerospace and automotive on the lookout for fresh talent, the future looks bright .

9. Media Arts and Studies

Hands-on experience and access to an unparalleled professional network is just one reason the School of Media Arts and Studies is ranked as one of the  top 50 media programs in the U.S . by the Broadcast Education Association (BEA). You’ll learn how to turn your passion for media into a career. Whether you’re into film, broadcasting, or the latest tech, the Media Arts and Studies program at the Scripps College of Communications has you covered with projects, state-of-the-art facilities, and exciting experiences that connect you to industry pros.

8.  Finance

Show me the money – the Finance major in the College of Business teaches you the skills needed to thrive in the financial sector, with a focus on  experiential learning , analytical thinking and strategic decision-making. Although the study of money is fascinating on its own, at its core, finance is about people – after all, finance drives decisions and behavior more than almost anything else! The financial industry is a lucrative and influential field. Professionals typically earn competitive salaries, especially in high-paying sectors like investment banking or hedge funds.

7.  Early Childhood Education

Ohio University’s Early Childhood Education program in the Patton College of Education is where future educators learn to turn playtime into prime time for young minds. Partnering with local schools and our Child Development Center , you’ll dive into the world of early learning, guiding kids from their first steps through the wonders of reading, counting, and beyond. The ECEE major equips you to be a leader in shaping the next generation, focusing on children’s development from birth through age 8.

6.  Exercise Physiology

Dive into the science of human performance with a degree in Exercise Physiology. This program in the College of Health Sciences and Professions blends foundational knowledge in anatomy and physiology with hands-on experience in fitness centers and cutting-edge research. Maybe you’re passionate about improving athletic performance, combating childhood obesity, or working in cardiac rehabilitation—at OHIO, you’ll gain the skills you need to help other people . Join successful fellow Bobcats in careers in healthcare, fitness, and rehabilitation and be part of the future of health. 

5.  Marketing

Think you’ve got the next big idea that’ll make people click “Add to Cart”? Ohio University’s Marketing program is where creativity meets hustle. If you’re bursting with creativity and love the thrill of a big idea, Marketing’s where you can turn that spark into something real, with a wide range of career opportunities , from advertising and public relations to brand management and market research. You’ll learn how to turn  bright ideas into big bucks , whether you’re dreaming of running viral ad campaigns or creating the next brand everyone’s talking about. See how Marketing at the College of Business could turn your brainstorms into brand storms.

4.  Business (Undecided)

At Ohio University’s College of Business , you don’t have to choose your business path right away. You’ll get a foundation in everything from finance to entrepreneurship, while gaining the real-world experience employers love. Do you want to start your own company? Climb the corporate ladder? The business major opens doors across industries, giving you the skills to adapt, lead, and make an impact wherever you go.  

3.  Psychology

Whether you want to help people through counseling or figure out why we all love cat videos , this major opens doors to understanding what really makes people tick. Ohio University's  highly ranked Psychology program in the College of Arts & Sciences offers more than just an education—it's a deep dive into understanding what makes us human. Thanks to hands-on experiences, research opportunities, and guidance from world-class faculty, you'll be well-equipped to tackle careers from counseling to cutting-edge psychological research. And with mental health awareness on the rise, the demand for psychologists is skyrocketing . Whether you're fascinated by human behavior or want to help others through therapy, Psychology offers countless opportunities in a field that's more in-demand than ever.

2.  Nursing

Ohio University’s Nursing program in the College of Health Sciences and Professions trains you to be the calm in the storm, whether you're dealing with a hectic ER shift or just getting your patient through a tough day. Nursing is more than just a job—it’s a front-row seat to the human experience. Plus, the need for skilled nurses is higher than ever before . Learn more about what makes OHIO’s nursing program #1 the state among public schools . 

1.  Biological Sciences

Obsessed with nature’s secrets or just curious why mosquitoes seem to love you? Biological Sciences is like a backstage pass to life itself. From  studying how species evolve to  saving the planet , you’ll dive deep into the mysteries of living things and maybe even find your way to a future in medicine, research, or eco-hero status.  From curing diseases to saving ecosystems, the College of Arts & Sciences ' Biological Sciences major puts you at the front lines of life itself. Whether you’re researching a cure or protecting the planet , you’ll be making discoveries that matter.

At Ohio University, there's a major for everyone. To explore all nine  undergraduate colleges and 250+ programs, visit ohio.edu/majors .