What IQ may say about students' future careers
THURSDAY, FEBRUARY 12, 2015 10:45 AM

A person's IQ score outlines his or her cognitive abilities compared to the rest of the population of people his or her age. It does not predict future success - someone with a high IQ can still have learning disabilities, like dyslexia, and kids with an average IQ can go on to do amazing things. However, we can still see what many people major in during college based on their IQ. According to data released by Educational Testing Services, on average, people with very high intelligence tend to study math, physics and philosophy, while students with average intelligence often study teaching and psychology.

IQ and college
Understanding the complexities of the universe through the study of astrophysics certainly requires a high level of mental computing - you have to work with extreme figures and hypotheticals. ETS estimated that people studying physics and astronomy have an IQ of 133, which is considered extremely intelligent. Engineers also have to make precise calculations and predictions using numbers, and the data showed many students studying the field have an IQ of 128. Any career in math and science generally requires your math and problem-solving abilities to be high. IQ tests, in part, measure a person's math reasoning skills, so people who earn a high score in that section may be predisposed to do well in math classes. 

IQ tests also measure language skills, so individuals who score high on this section could do well in a career that uses language. In fact, ETS estimated that college students who study English language and literature have an IQ of 120 and those who study foreign language and literature have an IQ of 119, both of which are considered very intelligent. 

Predisposition vs. prescription
Being naturally talented in one area or another merely means that you'll have an easier time understanding information and developing skills in that subject. For instance, if your child earned a good language skill score, he or she may have an easy time in English class. However, that does not mean your child must become an English major. 

Many people naturally gravitate toward the things they are good at, as succeeding easily or earning praise can be motivating. Additionally, people with an overall high IQ may have an easier time picking up any skill - studies have shown that gifted individuals are good at academics, music and sports. 

Your child's IQ score may lead him or her toward a certain career, but ultimately, his or her future is wide open.