EDUCATION
SPECIAL SECTION:
9. Engineering
This category encompasses a myriad of focus areas
ranging from chemical and biomedical, to civil,
industrial, and aerospace—just to name a few.
Engineering majors are in high demand and related
jobs rank among the highest paying in the U.S. Applying science
to real-life problems makes this an appealing career area.
10. Biology
Studying biology means studying the world
around us. From plants to animals to humans,
and the environments in which they live, biology
majors can find themselves in the genetics or
biotechnology industry, going on to medical school, or becoming
an environmentalist, to name a few.
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KIDS ARE BORN
5. Economics
If the quote “There’s no such thing as a free
lunch” resonates, a major in economics might be
a good option. It is heavily focused on
a combination of critical thinking and math and
lays the groundwork for graduate studies in law, public policy, or
international studies. Positions include actuary, lawyer, financial
analyst and international business consultant.
6. Construction Management
Buildings are constantly being constructed
everywhere you look. A construction management
professional ensures that projects are completed
on time and on budget, and jobs can vary
from commercial to residential buildings. A major in this field
requires studying engineering and architecture, followed by
hands-on construction experience.
7. Psychology
A psychology major can expect to focus on human
behavior, learning, emotion, mental disorders and
personality. This degree can help graduates land jobs as
therapists, counselors, or even teachers or lawyers, with
continued education.
8. Nursing
Nurses are in high demand since it takes a special
person to do what nurses do. Nursing majors typically
take science and liberal arts courses, then are required
to work directly at a hospital for clinical rotations. They
can choose a focus area in pediatrics, geriatrics, oncology,
and others.
There is no time better to start saving for college than when
your child is born, or even earlier! There are many options
available for parents who want to get a jump-start on saving for
college, and some plans even allow for savings to be used at the
child’s discretion (for education or something else) when they
reach a certain age.
Parents wishing to save specifically for education purposes
can open a 529 college savings plan. The name comes from
Section 529 of the IRS tax code, which encourages saving for
future educational purposes through a tax-advantaged plan.
In Pennsylvania, there are two options available: the PA 529
Guaranteed Savings Plan (GSP) or the PA 529 Investment
Plan (IP). Each plan requires a certain amount of money down
(as little as $15) and both plans can be used at most post-
secondary schools, including colleges, universities, technical and
professional schools, or even elementary or secondary public,
private, or religious schools. Another benefit is that neither of
these plans is limited to in-state tuition.
The biggest difference between the two plans is the way your
money is invested and how it’s managed. The GSP allows you to
choose the type of school or tuition level to save toward, then the
PA Treasury manages your investments from there. The benefit
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