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More than 13,600 degree candidates comprise the Â鶹´«Ã½Ó³»­ Class of ‘26 as a full weekend of commencement ceremonies get underway at Â鶹´«Ã½Ó³»­ and Â鶹´«Ã½Ó³»­ Imperial Valley, beginning today. They all have things they’re proud of; they all have things to do.

Each year Â鶹´«Ã½Ó³»­ NewsCenter compiles a list of the most popular degrees among the newest cohort of Aztecs alumni that joins a community of more than 500,000 Â鶹´«Ã½Ó³»­ graduates spread across the region, nation and world. Here are the top 10 for 2026. Each includes the number of degree candidates and the Â鶹´«Ã½Ó³»­ college in which it resides:

1, Business Administration (2,560): Â鶹´«Ã½Ó³»­ offers multiple areas of study within this degree. The most popular is general business, providing an overview and fundamental working knowledge of the varied aspects of business. Others include marketing, finance and management. Fowler College of Business.

2. Psychology (908): The scientific discipline that studies human behavior and mental processes: how human beings develop, learn, think and feel. Students who graduate with a B.A. in psychology enter the job market and find employment in a broad range of settings, including business, state and local government agencies, and health care services. College of Sciences.

3. Kinesiology (513): The study of human movement, covered by courses that explore movement as it affects and is affected by physiological, psychological, developmental, sociocultural and mechanical parameters. Emphases in exercise science generalist, fitness specialist, and pre-physical therapy are offered as students learn the processes through which individuals obtain optimal health, physical skill and fitness. College of Health and Human Services.

4. Criminal Justice (468): Thoughtful exploration of the ways that criminal justice systems provide justice, or fail to do so. In addition to traditional criminal justice issues, the program also studies criminal justice from a social justice perspective, allowing for the examination of policy issues as diverse as genocide, institutionalized racism, organized crime and environmental destruction. College of Professional Studies and Fine Arts.

5. Computer Science (421): Students learn essential skills including how to store and retrieve information and how to use and design programming languages. A variety of specialized electives include artificial intelligence, autonomous systems, robotics, graphics, systems programming, simulation and computer networks. College of Sciences.

6. Art (405): This degree program is enhanced by diverse and award-winning faculty, comprehensive facilities and equipment, exhibition opportunities on and off campus, and the chance to meet cutting-edge visiting and in-residence professionals. Students can declare an emphasis in applied design, art history, studio arts, graphic design, interior architecture, multimedia, painting and printmaking or sculpture. College of Professional Studies and Fine Arts.

7. Communication (340): Students learn how effective communication enhances well-being and relationships, promotes civic engagement, and allows for effective participation in a global community. Courses focus on organizing principles and patterns of social life through observation, analysis, and criticism of human interactions, communication behavior, mediated systems and technological innovations. College of Professional Studies and Fine Arts.

8. Biology (318): The general biology degree is for students wanting flexibility in their area of study. Students in the general biology major can study all branches and sub-disciplines within biology, including ecology, zoology and evolutionary biology. College of Sciences. 

9. Liberal Studies (281): An interdisciplinary major offering a broad undergraduate experience in language arts, natural sciences, mathematics, humanities, visual and performing arts and social sciences. The program emphasizes three important themes: collaboration, innovation and inclusion. College of Education.

10. Political Science (238) Students learn the nature and structures of political power globally and in diverse societies, analyze the various and complex ways in which politics serves the pursuit of justice or injustice, and develop and refine their own political voices by engaging a diversity of political worldviews. College of Arts and Letters.