Hot Majors: Here Today, But Not Yesterday

Rapidly changing technology demands that higher education keep pace and train future professionals in emerging fields. Following are 10 college majors that would have raised eyebrows just a decade ago, but
are part of the curriculum today, according to FastWeb.com.

1. New Media
Online, digital and video design are the newest ways of getting the message across. Black and white newspaper faces some serious competition.

2. Biotechnology
Biotechnology combines biology and technology to solve agricultural, food science and medical issues.

3. Organic agriculture
The first organic agriculture program in the United States began at Washington State University in 2006. Demand
for those knowledgeable in organic agriculture is growing.

4. Homeland security
Homeland security majors study everything from psychology and disaster relief to hazardous material disposal.

5. E-business/e-marketing
This field focuses on buying, selling and marketing items on the Internet, and the demand for employees in this field is expected to grow faster than the national average.

6. Computer game design
Nearly nonexistent a decade ago, computer game design programs today are offered at more than 150 colleges.

7. Forensic accounting
Forensic accountants are like money detectives — they investigate suspected financial mishandling and assist in legal matters. Forensic accountants must have a broad understanding of business practices beyond standard accounting skills.

8. Human computer interaction
HCI investigates the impact of technology on individuals and organizations.

9. Society and the environment
The study of the interactions between society and the environment applying social science theories to environmental issues.