Students should pursue math, chemistry

In reply to a recent letter to the editor, I offer the following: Is it possible that the chance of a student obtaining a living wage with a major in business, liberal arts or even physical education degree is not very good? If I were a student in higher education, I would pursue possibly a math, chemistry, physics or special education teaching or some type of medical job certificate just to fall back on, besides chosen major area, just in case a good-paying business, liberal arts or physical education job does not materialize.

There may be jobs, but they may not provide a good living wage. Sports-type jobs for graduate athletes are almost nonexistent. The starting salary for a certified mathematics, chemistry, physics or special ed teacher in the Chicago Public Schools and elsewhere is about $50,000 a year, with almost immediate employment. Also, a registered nurse starts out at about $50,000 a year. I know that bright students such as those graduating today do not know the real jobs scene in America today.

I have seen many recent B.A.'s working as cashiers or baristas at Starbucks or MacDonalds for $10 an hour, I have found a number of B.A.'s with business majors such as marketing and general business and even psychology doing that.

By getting a math, chemistry or physics state teaching certificate or a medical-type specialty since every undergraduate must take elective courses, a student may save about $25,000 in student loans it will take to retrain to get a teaching certificate or medical-type training after graduation.

A math teaching certificate is probably the easiest to obtain and provides almost immediate well-paying employment everywhere in America today.

Stewart E Brekke

Downers Grove