The top 10 majors at Washburn have stayed consistent for the last four to five years. According to the latest data from the Institutional Research, nursing ranks at number one on the list with 753 declared majors.

Students have been very successful in obtaining entry-level jobs in nursing after graduation. Obstetrics, pediatrics and medical/surgical are the top specialties chosen by students in the nursing field. The idea of helping others motivates students that choose careers in the social field like psychology, criminal justice and nursing.

Criminal Justice comes in second at 299, Education is at number three at 224, Accounting is number four with 205 and Psychology is at number five with 195. At number six on the list is Kinesiology with 190, number seven is Biology with 156, number eight is Social Work with 151, Mass Media is number nine with 146, and rounding off the top ten is Radiologic Technology with 114.

Out of the top 10 majors, there are two on the list that have the highest starting salaries based on the latest survey taken by recent graduates in 2013. Nursing starts out at between $45,000 to $50,000 a year. They can also make an additional $10,000 depending on differential pay due to odd hours or multiple shifts. Accounting starts from $44,000 to $45,000 a year.

For students that haven’t decided on a major, Washburn’s Career Services looks at the students’ interests and helps them choose a major or career path to pursue that is right for them. Money isn’t always the primary motivator, but the knowledge of the work world and how they interact with each other.

Focus 2 is a free online assessment that anyone can take and provides suggestions on career fields based on their results. Following the assessment they can make an appointment in the Career Services office, which is located in Morgan Hall, room 123. They can access the Focus 2 website at washburn.edu/services/career.

There are four areas of self-knowledge that students are assessed in when looking for their major: 1) Interests 2) Values 3) Personality 4) Skills.

What students are first interested in may not always be the right route to take.

“College is a time for exploration as well,” said Kent McAnally, director of Career Services. “That’s part of what we’re here for.”

Throughout the year, there are many opportunities to get assistance with building a résumé, or to meet with future employers. On Sept. 9 the Résumé Roadshow will be held from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. in the Memorial Union. McAnally says students are welcome to stop by with any questions or concerns.

The Career Fair is scheduled from 10 a.m. until 2 p.m., Sept. 11 in Lee Arena. Professional attire is requested for this event.