Which Program to Choose: Business, IT, or a Traditional University? Education Trends 2026

Choosing a career path isn’t just about what you like — it’s about finding where your interests meet the realities of the job market. Pick a field that’s losing relevance, and you risk wasting time, money, and effort — only to end up on the sidelines.

We’ve put together a rundown of the most sought-after study areas for 2026 — from traditional academic programs to fast-evolving, tech-driven domains like AI, Data Science, and Digital Marketing.

Contents:

• Business Majors
• IT Majors
• Classic Fields
• How to Choose in 2026

Business Majors

1. Business Analytics (in the age of AI)

Business analysts have always been in demand. Companies collect tons of data, and it’s up to analysts to make sense of it — spotting risks, identifying opportunities, and guiding business strategy.

Now, with artificial intelligence in the mix, analytics has entered a new era. AI doesn’t just crunch numbers — it predicts trends, models different scenarios, and uncovers patterns that humans might miss. That’s why professionals who can combine business insights with AI skills are becoming the rockstars of the corporate world.

Hot career options:

• Business Strategy Analyst / Strategy Consultant (AI-focused)
• Chief AI Officer (CAIO)
• Digital Transformation Manager (leading digital change projects)
• Business Intelligence Manager
• Data-Driven Strategy Lead

Average annual salaries*:

* Source: Glassdoor. Data reflects average annual salaries for professionals with up to one year of experience in the U.S. job market.

2. Digital Marketing & Branding

Over the past few years, marketing has become way more tech-driven. Today, brands rely on analytics and AI to understand audience behavior and create personalized communication for every single customer.

Modern marketers don’t just run ads — they shape a company’s digital identity, reputation, and user experience. The new-generation marketer is a strategist, analyst, and creator all in one — someone who knows how to use the latest tools to build powerful connections between brands and people.

Hot career options:

• Digital Marketing Manager
• Brand Manager
• E-commerce Manager (online sales management)
• Marketing & Growth Hacker
• Performance Marketing Specialist
• Social Media Strategist

Average annual salaries:

3. Finance & FinTech

The FinTech world — from digital payments to blockchain — is growing fast, transforming the entire financial industry. Companies are looking for people who understand how to use AI, blockchain, and data analytics to manage money and investments more effectively.

Business programs are also catching up, offering more and more specializations focused on FinTech and digital finance.

Hot career options:

• FinTech Product Manager
• Digital Finance Manager
• Financial / Investment Analyst
• Blockchain Consultant
• Crypto Regulatory Specialist
• Risk & Compliance Manager

Average annual salaries:

4. Entrepreneurship & Startup Management

Many young professionals today don’t dream of joining a corporation — they want to build one. If you’re the kind of person who’s already sketching startup ideas in your notes app, business programs with a focus on entrepreneurship might be your thing.

These programs help you develop key skills for the future: leadership, innovation, flexibility, creativity, and the ability to attract investors and grow a business from scratch.

Hot career options:

• Startup Founder / Co-founder
• Innovation Manager
• Corporate Entrepreneurship Lead
• Venture Capital Analyst
• Startup Investment Associate
• Incubator / Accelerator Manager

Average annual salaries:

5. Supply Chain Management & Global Logistics

Today’s supply chain experts manage complex international systems — from sourcing materials and managing inventory to forecasting risks and analyzing performance data.

Sustainability and transparency are now top priorities: companies want supply chains that are both efficient and eco-conscious. That’s why professionals in this field are highly sought after across industries.

Hot career options:

• Supply Chain Manager / Global Logistics Manager
• Operations Strategy Consultant
• Procurement & Sourcing Manager
• Sustainability Operations Manager

Average annual salaries:

6. Human Resources & Organizational Development

Even as technology takes center stage, people skills remain just as crucial. Companies need HR professionals who can combine data analytics with emotional intelligence — understanding what employees need for productivity, balance, and long-term growth.

Organizational development helps businesses stay adaptable and helps people unlock their potential. That’s why demand for skilled HR and talent development specialists will only keep rising in the coming years.

Hot career options:

• HR Business Partner
• Talent Management Manager
• Organizational Development Consultant
• Learning & Development Manager (digital learning programs)
• Change Management Consultant

Average annual salaries:

IT Majors

1. Artificial Intelligence & Machine Learning (AI / ML)

This field covers programs that dive into algorithms, neural networks, natural language processing (NLP), generative AI, and how these technologies are applied in real business and research tasks.

By 2026, the demand for AI and ML specialists will keep skyrocketing — companies everywhere are using artificial intelligence to automate workflows, make predictions, and personalize user experiences. Students who understand how algorithms, data, and AI ethics work will be among the most valuable professionals in the market.

Hot career options:

• AI Engineer / Machine Learning Engineer
• Generative AI Specialist
• NLP Engineer (Natural Language Processing)
• Data Scientist (AI-focused)
• AI Researcher / Applied AI Specialist

Average annual salaries:

2. Cloud Technologies & DevOps

Cloud and DevOps programs teach students how modern online services actually work — from data storage and app deployment to system reliability and automation. You’ll learn to work with top cloud platforms like AWS, Azure, and Google Cloud, set up servers, automate workflows, and ensure that everything runs fast, securely, and without downtime.

As more and more companies move to “the cloud,” specialists who can build and maintain reliable cloud systems are in massive demand.

Hot career options:

• Cloud Architect / Cloud Solutions Engineer
• DevOps Engineer
• Site Reliability Engineer (SRE)
• Platform Engineer (Cloud Systems)
• Infrastructure Automation Engineer

Average annual salaries:

3. Cybersecurity & Data Protection

Modern cybersecurity programs focus on protecting networks, apps, and data — along with managing risks, AI ethics, and securing machine learning models.

In 2026, this area will be critical: nearly every company stores data online, which means they need professionals who can prevent attacks, detect vulnerabilities, and respond to incidents fast. Cybersecurity is one of the most stable, future-proof IT careers out there — and it’s only getting more important.

Hot career options:

• Cybersecurity Analyst / Security Engineer
• Information Security Manager
• Incident Response Specialist
• Ethical Hacker / Penetration Tester
• AI Security Specialist

Average annual salaries:

4. Big Data Analytics & Data Engineering

These programs teach you how to work with massive amounts of data — collecting, storing, processing, and turning it into insights that drive real decisions in business, science, and tech.

In today’s world, data is the new fuel: companies rely on it to understand customers, forecast demand, optimize processes, and innovate. Experts in data analytics and engineering are essential — without them, AI wouldn’t function effectively, and businesses couldn’t make data-driven decisions.

Hot career options:

• Data Engineer / Big Data Engineer
• Data Analyst / Business Intelligence Analyst
• Analytics Engineer
• Data Platform Architect
• Machine Learning Data Engineer

Average annual salaries:

5. Software Architecture & Development

This is one of the core IT fields — where students learn how to design and build the apps, web services, and digital systems we use every day. Programs cover programming languages, interface design, testing, and system architecture — essentially, how all the parts of a program work together.

In 2026, software developers will remain among the most in-demand professionals — they’re the ones who turn ideas into real, working products, from mobile apps and online platforms to AI-powered systems.

Hot career options:

• Software Developer / Software Engineer
• Full-Stack Developer
• Solution Architect / Software Architect
• Mobile App Developer
• Edge Computing Engineer / Platform Developer

Average annual salaries:

Classic Fields

1. Psychology

Psychology remains one of the most in-demand humanities majors. The world is facing a mental health crisis, and the need for qualified professionals is rising — both among individuals and within corporations. Modern programs now focus not only on clinical practice but also on consumer psychology, neuropsychology, and even the psychology of artificial intelligence. Graduates work in clinics, schools, IT companies, and consulting firms.

Hot career options:

• Clinical Psychologist / Counseling Psychologist
• Organizational Psychologist
• Behavioral Data Analyst
• Educational Psychologist
• Mental Health Specialist

Average annual salaries:

2. Medicine & Healthcare

The medical field is evolving faster than ever — technology, genetics, and telemedicine are reshaping how we diagnose, treat, and prevent diseases. According to the WHO, by 2030 the world will face a shortage of more than 10 million healthcare professionals. That’s why programs in medicine, nursing, pharmacy, and public health remain among the most promising and future-proof.

Hot career options:

• General Practitioner / Family Doctor
• Biomedical Scientist
• Public Health Specialist
• Nurse Practitioner
• Telehealth Coordinator

Average annual salaries:

3. International Relations & Global Communication

In a world shaped by geopolitical shifts, migration, and cross-border business, the demand for professionals who understand the global context is only increasing. These programs combine political science, economics, culture, and international law — preparing graduates to work as foreign policy experts, diplomats, analysts, or intercultural communication specialists.

Hot career options:

• International Relations Analyst
• Foreign Policy Advisor
• Diplomatic Officer
• Global Communications Specialist
• NGO Project Manager

Average annual salaries:

4. Law & Legal Studies

Law remains the backbone of modern society — but it’s also undergoing a digital revolution. Students now study not only traditional disciplines like civil, criminal, and international law, but also emerging areas such as data privacy, cybersecurity, AI regulation, and sustainability. While the legal profession is evolving rapidly, its relevance and influence are stronger than ever.

Hot career options:

• Corporate Lawyer / Legal Consultant
• Data Protection Specialist
• Compliance Officer
• Intellectual Property Lawyer
• Legal Tech Advisor

Average annual salaries:

What to Choose in 2026

A career of the future isn’t a fixed roadmap where every step is pre-written — it’s a flexible journey that rewards adaptability. The world is moving toward blended professions: psychologists work with data, lawyers dive into AI, and programmers explore the human side of technology.

So when choosing your program, don’t just focus on what’s popular right now — look at what skills for the future it helps you develop: critical thinking, digital literacy, data analysis, and the ability to work in an international environment.

Ideally, choose a field that gives you the tools to grow and reinvent yourself continuously. According to the World Economic Forum, by 2030 around 40% of the skills considered “in demand” today will have changed — which means the real winners will be those who know how to keep learning for life.

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