In 2025, working for a big tech company is one of the most sought-after goals for American students. Companies like Google, Apple, Microsoft, Amazon, and Meta offer high salaries, strong benefits, and long-term career growth. However, breaking into these companies requires more than ambition—it starts with choosing the right college major.

Many students graduate with degrees that don’t align with the needs of major tech employers. This mismatch can make it hard to land a role in software development, data analysis, or cybersecurity. By selecting the right majors, students can build skills that are in high demand and position themselves for a successful career in the U.S. tech industry.

This guide explores the majors in the USA that lead to jobs in big tech companies, detailing the most promising fields, career paths, and strategies for getting hired in 2025.

Why Choosing the Right Major Matters for Big Tech Careers

Big tech companies hire talent from a wide range of disciplines, but certain majors give students a significant advantage. These majors provide technical expertise, problem-solving skills, and real-world experience that tech recruiters highly value.

In 2025, U.S. tech companies are looking for employees who can adapt to new technologies, work on complex projects, and contribute to innovative solutions. A degree aligned with industry needs not only makes your resume stand out but also prepares you for interviews, technical assessments, and leadership opportunities.

Key benefits of choosing the right major for big tech careers:

• Access to higher starting salaries and competitive benefits

• Skills that match current industry trends and technologies

• Greater opportunities for remote work and flexible schedules

• Pathways to leadership, innovation, and career growth

Choosing the right major early can save time, reduce student debt, and maximize job opportunities in competitive tech markets.

Top Majors in the USA for Big Tech Careers

Below is a detailed look at the most relevant majors that lead to jobs at top U.S. tech companies, with explanations, career options, and average salaries.

1. Computer Science

Computer Science is the most traditional and recognized path to a career in big tech. It covers programming, algorithms, software design, and system architecture.

Why Computer Science Leads to Big Tech Jobs

• Most tech roles require coding and software development skills.

• Companies like Google, Amazon, and Microsoft hire thousands of computer science graduates annually.

• Students gain hands-on experience through internships, hackathons, and coding projects.

Career Opportunities

• Software engineer

• Systems architect

• AI/machine learning engineer

• Backend/frontend developer

Average Salary

$80,000 – $150,000

2. Information Technology (IT)

Information Technology majors focus on managing computer systems, networks, and infrastructure.

Why IT Degrees Are Valuable

• Tech companies rely on IT professionals to maintain secure and efficient systems.

• IT majors gain knowledge of databases, cloud computing, and cybersecurity.

• Many IT graduates transition into roles in operations, cloud services, or network engineering.

Career Opportunities

• IT support specialist

• Network administrator

• Cloud solutions engineer

• Systems analyst

Average Salary

$65,000 – $120,000

3. Software Engineering

Software Engineering is closely related to computer science but emphasizes software lifecycle, testing, and application development.

Why Software Engineering Fits Big Tech

• Tech companies prioritize developers who understand the full software development process.

• Students learn project management, coding best practices, and collaborative tools like GitHub.

• Software engineering majors often secure internships that lead directly to full-time roles.

Career Opportunities

• Full-stack developer

• Mobile app developer

• DevOps engineer

• Software quality assurance (QA) engineer

Average Salary

$75,000 – $140,000

4. Data Science and Analytics

Data is the backbone of decision-making in tech companies. Data science majors learn to analyze, interpret, and visualize large datasets.

Why Data Science Leads to Tech Careers

• Companies rely on data scientists to guide business and product decisions.

• Skills in Python, R, SQL, and machine learning are highly sought after.

• Graduates can work in AI, business intelligence, or cloud analytics teams.

Career Opportunities

• Data analyst

• Machine learning engineer

• Business intelligence specialist

• AI research scientist

Average Salary

$70,000 – $140,000

5. Cybersecurity

Cybersecurity majors learn to protect computer systems, networks, and sensitive data from threats.

Why Cybersecurity Is a Growing Field

• Cyber threats are increasing, making security roles critical in tech companies.

• Companies like Apple and Microsoft need experts to safeguard infrastructure and products.

• Cybersecurity professionals are in short supply, leading to high job security.

Career Opportunities

• Security analyst

• Ethical hacker/penetration tester

• Security consultant

• Information security manager

Average Salary

$75,000 – $135,000

6. Artificial Intelligence and Machine Learning

AI and machine learning majors focus on building algorithms that allow computers to learn and make decisions.

Why AI Majors Are in Demand

• Big tech companies invest heavily in AI for products like virtual assistants, recommendation engines, and autonomous systems.

• AI specialists can apply skills in robotics, natural language processing, and predictive analytics.

• Graduates often work on cutting-edge projects that shape industry innovation.

Career Opportunities

• AI engineer

• Machine learning researcher

• Robotics engineer

• NLP (Natural Language Processing) developer

Average Salary

$85,000 – $160,000

7. Computer Engineering

Computer Engineering combines electrical engineering and computer science to design hardware and software systems.

Why Computer Engineering Fits Big Tech

• Companies like Intel, Apple, and Nvidia hire engineers to design processors, circuits, and devices.

• Graduates gain expertise in hardware-software integration, embedded systems, and IoT devices.

• This major prepares students for roles that require both coding and engineering knowledge.

Career Opportunities

• Embedded systems engineer

• Hardware design engineer

• Firmware developer

• IoT solutions architect

Average Salary

$75,000 – $140,000

8. Human-Computer Interaction (HCI) / UX Design

HCI and UX design majors focus on creating user-friendly software and digital experiences.

Why UX Majors Are Valuable

• Tech products need intuitive and engaging interfaces to succeed.

• Companies like Google and Meta hire UX designers to improve usability.

• Graduates combine design thinking, psychology, and technical skills to solve real problems.

Career Opportunities

• UX designer

• Product designer

• Interaction designer

• Usability analyst

Average Salary

$65,000 – $120,000

9. Mathematics and Statistics

Mathematics and Statistics majors provide foundational analytical skills needed for tech roles in algorithms, data science, and finance tech.

Why Math and Stats Lead to Tech Jobs

• Many AI, data science, and financial technology roles rely on mathematical modeling and statistical analysis.

• Graduates can quickly adapt to programming and analytics positions.

• These majors develop logical thinking and problem-solving skills valued in all tech areas.

Career Opportunities

• Quantitative analyst

• Data scientist

• Algorithm engineer

• Operations research analyst

Average Salary

$70,000 – $130,000

10. Business Analytics / Management Information Systems (MIS)

Business Analytics and MIS majors combine business knowledge with technical skills.

Why They Lead to Big Tech Jobs

• Graduates understand how technology drives business decisions.

• Companies like Amazon and Microsoft hire MIS specialists for project management, data analysis, and system optimization.

• The major balances technology skills with business strategy.

Career Opportunities

• Business analyst

• Project manager

• IT consultant

• Product manager

Average Salary

$65,000 – $125,000

Summary Table: Majors in the USA That Lead to Jobs in Big Tech Companies

Final Thoughts

Choosing the right major is crucial for American students who want to work in big tech companies in 2025. Fields like computer science, software engineering, AI, and cybersecurity provide the skills, experience, and credentials needed to secure competitive roles in top tech firms.

By selecting a major aligned with industry demands, students can maximize job opportunities, earn high salaries, and work on innovative projects that shape the future of technology in the United States. Planning ahead and focusing on high-demand skills ensures a smoother transition from college to a career at a big tech company.