What should I get a degree in?

I want to get a degree, and I'm at the stage of deciding what kind of career I want. I know this will take more thought than just a forum thread, but I thought I'd ask for some input anyway, lol.

I like working with a group of people to work on solving problems. The type of problem doesn't seem to really matter. I enjoy the collaborative brainstorming process. I enjoy the process of finding creative solutions to problems in a group setting.

I do not like repetitive work that involves no mental stimulation. I would lose my mind in a "rinse, lather, repeat" career.

I think psychology is interesting, but I don't think I would want to be a psychologist because peoples' self-defeating behaviors would frustrate me to no end.

I'm currently looking at either web programming, or marketing.

https://www.phoenix.edu/programs/degree-programs/technology/bachelors/bsit-wd/v006.html

https://www.phoenix.edu/programs/degree-programs/arts-and-sciences/bachelors/bs-com-ms/v002.html

So what do you think of the two possibilities I'm looking at? Do you think they would be a good fit for what I'm looking for in a career? Any other suggestions are also welcome if you think they fit what I described above. Thanks!

Why not both?

-Agreed- Both would be cool. But I just suggest doing something you know can make you happy and isn't entirely hard to find a career in. :P

I have recruited for awhile, and I can tell you rarely do people land jobs in the field of study unless they do something very specific like a doctor or lawyer. Most employers just want to see that someone has a four year degree as that shows tenacity and commitment to task, and it shows they can 'think' well enough to get the degree (not that people w/out one can't, obviously since many many smart people do not have one, the degree is just proof for them on paper as they vet thru 100s of resumes).

That said, if you really don't know what you want to do yet specifically, yes a degree in marketing would be great. You can do a lot with a degree like that. If you are IT oriented, then web programmer is another good one, and its always in demand.

I Love psychology as well, and often I wish that I went for that vs my degree in business, but the degree in business has served me well enough. If you truly want to become a psychologist, however, then obviously you have to get the degree in that field. But it doesn't sound like that is your interest at this time.

Good luck no matter what you choose!!!!!

Teaching is a possibility. It is definitely not boring and monotonous, you are working with a group of people, coming up with ideas etc.

If you get on well with kiddies, teaching can be a fantastic job...

I could probably eventually do both, and they could actually work well together for having my own online business or something, though I don't think you really need degrees in either of those things to do that necessarily. But that is a possibility.

For the time being though I think I'll start with one thing, I don't want to get overwhelmed.

Each has pro's and con's.

Web development:
Pros:
+ I can use this either as an employee or for my own personal pursuits, like if I wanted to write apps or software to sell directly myself for instance.
+ It's something I can do either on my own or in a group, though I'm not sure how common web programming in a group is, does anyone know?
+ I already have a website that I run, I'm comfortable with the idea and practice of it.
+ -Big one- I can do web programming from anywhere in the world with internet access, which gives me a lot of personal freedom.

Cons:
- Web programmers are a dime a dozen, with a lot of them being in foreign countries that charge less than a living wage by US standards.


Marketing:
Pros:
+ Deals with psychology which I find interesting.
+ ALL businesses have to deal with marketing, so job security is good.
+ Very likely to be in a collaborative setting.
+ Can be applied to any business I may start up for myself in the future.

Cons:
- Not likely to have the ability to work outside of the office a lot. (I could be wrong about this, correct me if I am)

I have all the patience in the world for my own kids. Not so much with other people's kids though.

If you want to have your own at home business, you don't need a degree. I do that and although I have a degree, it is in psychology and I'm pursuing my masters in speech-language pathology.. so its not really related. Most of the people who are with my company are stay at home moms who had no prior experience. My company provides training and support for all their consultants so that they can be successful.

Another benefit of the marketing communication degree is that it also focuses on general communication skills and behavioral psychology, which is not only useful in a career, but personally as well.

I agree.

I think the marketing degree will be very useful in many ways.

As the one poster above you said, sure many many jobs won't require a degree, I just got the feeling you wanted one for yourself personally as well as professionally. I think marketing is a good choice Lily.

I'd have to say the marketing. If you want the degree mostly for your career, web development isn't such a great meal ticket in the states anymore (as you've already pointed out.) Sure, marketing would be mostly office work, but I'm sure it wouldn't be the same thing every day, you'd have enough variety in your work to get past that. But I it sounds like you have this pretty well thought out and I think you already have the answer.

It might be interesting to be a marketing consultant for small businesses. Like meet with them, evaluate their store layout, goals, etc, and come up with a plan.

Going to a school that offers both web programming and marketing as majors, I can tell you that ALL careers involve being able to work in a group and creative solving skills. My career requires that most of all. Both career choices require a bit of psychology, since they are both trying to sell. Going by appearances, you look like you'd do well as a marketing major.

And you're in the east bay, so you'll have a client when I'm ready to start my business

It does seem like I'm leaning in the direction of marketing. That actually sort of surprises me, because I started off thinking I'd probably end up leaning toward web development. But web developers are exceedingly common and cheap. I think the marketing degree would give me the best shot at a well-paid career, as well as personal development.