Economic recession and uncertainty explains the increase of men — and students overall — enrolled in Kent State’s nursing program. High school seniors have gravitated toward nursing and the health care field because of opportunities and job security. According to the National Center for Education Statistics, the number of bachelor’s degrees in health professions and related clinical sciences increased 56 percent from 2004 to 2010 and bachelor’s degrees in business increased 15 percent from 2004 to 2010.

At the same time, bachelor’s degrees in education, a course of study not known for its economic outlook and job availability, decreased 4 percent from 2004 to 2010. This selection of course of study makes even more sense when these same high school seniors, and their parents, consider the rising cost of higher education and the pile of student-loan debt waiting at the end of a four-year education.

Students face pressures to chase the “hot” majors and minors in hopes of not joining the ranks of unemployed, college-educated 20-somethings.

During this chase, some schools and colleges benefit while others suffer. The College of Nursing is a great example of a college that benefits from economic uncertainty and a fervent obsession with job placement post-graduation. It’s a bonus that such a necessary job has the opportunity to earn enough income to live comfortably with the prospect of earning even more through specialty.

We feel that students should not allow the economic outlook of their course of study to serve as the only determining factor when faced with major selection. Rather, students should focus on their passions and interests when selecting a major as the male nurses in the College of Nursing prove passion can break down any barrier in pursuit of higher education.