General studies is top major chosen by Tori Durst The Ranger Editor

General studies is the top major at the college, totaling 2,188 of the 9,299 students.

"Many students are university-bound and we don't offer the major here, so students choose general studies," said Brad Johnson, director of enrollment management.

"General studies is a major that includes students who are going in many different directions, and some students are just taking their basics here, so they choose general studies as their major."

Another reason general studies is so popular is that a student applying for a Pell grant or scholarship is required to declare a major.

Cheri Clifton, head of advising and counseling, said one reason general studies is chosen is that "it gives students electives and classes that will transfer to their senior institutions."

Students and faculty said they are not surprised that general studies is the top major. "It is a community college, so most people just come here to get their basics," said Amber Macias, a mass communication major.

Alix Christian, a graphic design instructor, said, "We are undecided, and I think you should be when you are 20."

"Students don't know what they want to do in community colleges and universities," said Beverly Vinson, coordinator of the real estate program.

The second most chosen major is business. AC offers six degrees in the Business Division, and more students choose business management, according to a report provided by Johnson.

"Business management has always been a popular major because of the demand," said Anne Nail, chairman of business management. "The neatest thing is that what you learn in business is also valuable in everyday life."

"I think business would be the No. 1 career because there are so many job opportunities," Christian said.

Science and engineering came in only 61 students behind business as the third most chosen division major.

"The engineering field is really being sought after by all the industries in the United States," said Art Schneider, chairman of the division of science and engineering.

"There are lots of different ways to go into the engineering field, whether chemical, petroleum, electrical or civil engineering."

Schneider said mathematics also falls under science and engineering. "Students are also sought after in teaching in the areas of math and science," he said.

The next most chosen division major is nursing, followed by allied health. Dolores Thompson, coordinator of vocational nursing, said, "In the health care field, there is a shortage right now for nurses."

Carol Salazar, a radio-TV major, said she thought nursing would be the top major. "It is a smart choice, because it is always in demand," Salazar said.

Eleven degrees are offered in the Allied Health Division. The field is especially important in this region, because Amarillo is a health care center, said Bill Crawford, Allied Health Division chairman.

"The nature of the job is health, and in general it is important to everyone," he said. Crawford and Schneider both said their divisions offer students modern equipment, well-trained faculty and facilities for lab activities.