Finding a well-paying job after graduating college or university is not a sure thing anymore.
Many more people have a degree than used to, so competition for jobs can be strong. Simply earning a degree may no longer be enough.
A post-secondary education can come with a big price tag, so it is important to know that you will get out of it what you are putting in.
Therefore, choosing a course of study that will put you on a good career path is essential.
This article will discuss the most employable kopetnews degrees to major in, as understanding the most useful degrees in demand can assist you in making an informed decision about the best fit for your educational path.
Why Is It Important to Choose the Right Degree?
There are several reasons that you should ensure you are choosing the right field of study.
Not all degrees will result in the same outcome.
You are committing to focusing a large part of your life in this study area/career, so you want to ensure it is worth it overall.
Think carefully about the money you are putting into your degree and whether you will make that money back after graduation. Not every degree will offer the same monetary gains.
Anyone pursuing a degree hopes for a job or career at the end of their studies.
However, simply obtaining a degree now does not always guarantee employment.
You need a degree that is in demand and that reflects the current economy and job vacancies.
While some people may go back to school later in life and some can afford to do multiple degrees, most people can and will only do one.
Therefore, it is importan to choose well the first time.
A good salary is one of the top reasons to earn a degree, but there are other reasons to consider too.
You want to consider a degree that will offer both employability and stability because its subject is in-demand and the degree teaches you the practical skills to begin work or further training in that area.
It is also important to find satisfaction in your career.
If you end up with a great degree that is in demand but causes you to dread going to work each day, it may not be the right fit for you.
Try to find a good balance in something you enjoy but is also a marketable degree.
The STEM subjects (Science, Technology, Engineering, Math) are typically thought to be the most useful studies to pursue. They are still highly in demand, but other areas should not be discounted.
While as standalone degrees studies in the humanities may not lead to a high paying job, the information you learn and the skills you acquire can be beneficial in further education and through helping you develop transferable skills.
To help in your choice, this article will go in to the top 15 degrees most likely to land you a well-paying job – in other words, the top 15 most useful degrees.
What Are the 5 Most Useful Degrees?
There are so many areas of study it can be difficult to know where you will have career and monetary success. Here are 5 subject areas that are hot right now.
1. Computer Science
What you need: A strong understanding of math and logic, alongside a great appreciation of computers and interestd in how they work.
What it pays: A 2020 median income of $127,000 (US Bureau of Labor Statistics)
Future outlook: Growth of 15% by 2029.
For many, a computer science degree is desirable because there are so many careers in which your degree can be used.
Computer science can cover many different areas from programming to design, gaming to website creation or even artificial intelligence. It even covers cyber security, mobile applications, and data science.
With most of the world relying on computers to run, the field has increased in popularity with those seeking a degree.
The field of computer science offers a lot of room for growth. Technology is always evolving so there is always something new to learn and add to your resume.
2. Nursing
What you need: A good understanding of math and life science. You should also have effective communication skills as well as being empathetic and quick on your feet, with strong attention to detail.
What it pays: A 2020 median income of $75,000 (US Bureau of Labor Statistics)
Future Outlook: 7% increase by 2029.
Now, more than ever, the field of health care is in high demand.
While doctors top the list, nurses can also bring home a good salary with less schooling and debt.
Registered nurses provide a wide variety of patient care. They maintain patient health records, liaise with the patient, monitor and record patients’ issues and administer medication to a degree.
Nursing also offers other paths.
You could be a nurse at a hospital, a retirement home, school or large corporation. You may want to branch out into research or take more of a business side and investigate management roles.
Nursing is also a job that can allow for a lot of movement. Nurses are needed anywhere, so the chance to move or travel is always there.
3. Law
What you need: A bachelor’s degree is necessary to get your JD, and a JD is needed for higher level degrees.
What is pays: A 2020 median income of $127,000 (US Bureau of Labor Statistics).
Future outlook: A growth of 4% by 2029.
Studying the law can be an illustrious career move for both introverts and extroverts.
There plenty of behind-the-scenes work for those who prefer to work alone, and trial opportunities for those who like to be seen.
Being a practicing lawyer is something that cannot be replaced by technology. While technology can help in a big way, the legal system still needs real people to prosecute and defend.
There are a series of law degrees you can earn to progress your law career and related degrees for those who do not want to be lawyers:
- Juris Doctor – Most practicing lawyers in the US have a JD degree. It is the first law degree, accredited by The American Bar Association, and the most offered one through law schools. You must hold a bachelor’s degree and have passed the Law School Admission Test (LSAT).
- Master of Laws – The Master of Laws (LLM) degree is done over one or two years and is for students who already have a law degree and want to specialize into various kinds of law.
- Doctor of Judicial Science – This degree (the SJD) is considered the highest level of a law degree and is for those who have already earned the JD or LLM. The program consists of seminars and one-on-one research with law professors.
- Master of Legal Studies – The MLS is for those who want to know and understand the law but do not want to be a lawyer. Graduates from this program tend to work in law enforcement, business and human resources.
- Master of Dispute Resolution – The MDR degree allows you to work in providing resolution, mediation and negotiation skills.
Those with a law degree can choose from many diverse types of law to practice. If choosing not to practice law, opportunities are also available in business, government, education and many other fields.
4. Pharmaceutical Science (Pharmacy)
What you need: A strong understanding of sciences including biology and chemistry, as well as math.
What is pays: A 2020 median average of $129,000 (US Bureau of Labor Statistics).
Future outlook: A small 3% decline until 2029 but still a stable career choice.
A degree in pharmacy is a strong bet.
Many schools offer a bachelor’s degree in pharmaceutical studies and others offer a Doctor of Pharmacy.
Graduates can choose to work as clinical researchers, at cosmetic companies or in government organizations that monitor drugs and cosmetics.
Those who pass the North American Pharmacist Licensure Exam and state pharmacy licensure exam, as well as earning a doctorate in pharmacy, can work as pharmacists.
This can be in drug stores, hospitals and other health care facilities. You will fill prescriptions and advise patients on proper medication use. You can also choose to work for government agencies such as Medicaid.
5. Education
What you need: A bachelor’s degree and accreditation from a recognized teaching college or university.
What is pays: A 2020 median income of $64,000 for high school teachers (US Bureau of Labor Statistics).
Future outlook: An increase of 4% by 2029.
The world will always need more teachers; education remains a fundamental part of society.
Many graduates secure employment soon after graduating, although some pursue further education.
Depending on your focus of your degree, there are many different jobs you can find. You can teach elementary, secondary, preschool or even be a professor.
Teachers have excellent job rewards, with holidays, time off during the school year and summers off when kids are out of school.
Your education degree can also be used outside of schools in publishing or the government.
