Nowadays, earning a college degree that will actually be valuable down the road is important. Majors that incorporate mathematics and science into the everyday business world have the biggest earning potential.

Ten most profitable majors that turn into the highest paying college degrees:

1. Engineering. This includes (in order of highest first year salaries) aerospace engineering, chemical engineering, computer engineering, electrical engineering, mechanical engineering, industrial engineering, environmental engineering, and civil engineering.

   Average first year salary: $59,000. Average mid-career salary: $101,000.

2. Economics. Economics majors do a lot of statistics and math, and also study a wide range of topics including social science, psychology, political science and history. There are plenty of humanitarian efforts you can make in this line of work, as economists are needed to create public policy — domestically and internationally.

   Average first year salary: $50,200. Average mid-career salary: $101,000.

3. Physics. Physics majors can lead to a broad range of science, engineering, and education careers. With a BS in physics, students can pursue careers as a high school science teachers, laboratory technicians, computer programmers, and meteorologists, among others.

   Average starting salary: $51,100. Average mid-career salary: $98,800.

4. Computer Science. Majoring in computer science will allow you to navigate through the algorithmic processes that create, describe, and transform information. Other than going into Information Technology, there are plenty of career options for computer science majors, such as software designers, start-up company partners, and freelance computer programmers.

   Average starting salary: $56,400. Average mid-career salary: $97,400.

5. Statistics. As a statistics major, you observe patterns and useful information for everything from business applications to political strategies. Often statisticians collect and interpret data for marketing purposes.

   Average career salary: $48,600. Average mid-career salary: $94,500.

6. Biochemistry. Biochemistry majors can find work as lab technicians, analytical chemists, and researcher assistants. This major also opens the door to advanced or medical degrees.

   Average starting salary: $41,700. Average mid-career salary: $94, 200.

7. Mathematics. Majoring in mathematics can lead to a wide range of fields, such as banking and finance, computing services, insurance, industry, or education.

   Average career salary: $47,000. Average mid-career salary: $93, 600.

8. Construction Management. A construction manager’s job is to plan, oversee, and organize construction projects.

   Average starting salary: $53,400. Average mid-career salary: $89,600.

9. Information Systems. Every business uses information systems to keep track of their products and payroll. You can major in management information systems or computing and information systems.

   Average starting salary: $51,400. Average mid-career salary: $87,000.

10. Geology. Geology majors are knowledgeable of physical and chemical processes of the earth’s atmospheric, oceanic and land systems.

    Average starting salary: $45,000. Average mid-career salary: $84,200.

Source: WalletPop.com