Finding the Next Best Promising Career Paths
People often say that the best college major should suit the person’s interests. However, mere fondness for a particular field of study may not sustain the individual in the future. There are college majors that provide a more stable guarantee for the students’ future careers. These best 10 college majors for the future hold promising career paths for students of today.
Frequently Asked Questions About Future College Majors
What degree is in high demand?
STEM (science, technology, engineering, and mathematics) careers are expected to grow greatly over the next eight years. BLS predicts a 10.5% increase in STEM occupations, compared with a 7.5% increase in non-STEM occupations.
What is the best degree in the world?
The best degree can vary by student. Many students may find a subject or field they are passionate about immediately. For students who are undecided, taking a variety of courses and meeting with a counselor could be a good option.
Which degrees will be most in demand in the future?
BLS predicts an increase in STEM degrees in the next eight years. Students can explore degrees in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics. Many of these degrees offer specializations that may interest students.
What Degrees Have the Most Job Opportunities?
Degrees that are in-demand can vary depending on economic trends and needs within certain industries. The Bureau of Labor Statistics list the percentage a job is expected to grow within a 10-year span for each job on their site. Many fields are seeing a lot of growth at this time. STEM fields are growing at the fastest pace, but other careers are also seeing high growth. Nursing, foro example, is expected to grow 9% from 2020 to 2030. Other notably in-demand degrees include physical therapists with a 21% increase in the next decade, medical assistants with an 18% increase, and aircraft and avionics technicians, as well as construction managers both with an 11% increase.
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10. Computer Information Systems
Computer majors are gaining in popularity and employment potential as well. However, not all computer majors get the same recognition. Among the most in-demand jobs are offered for graduates of management information systems degrees. There are universities and colleges that offer bachelor’s degree in computer information systems. Academic studies are usually completed in three years but can take four years including internships.
- Employment Opportunities
People who graduate with this major commonly work in IT for large corporations. The current unemployment rate is 5 to 7 percent. Their average annual income is around $60,000, and the expected growth in employment in 2020 is 18 percent.
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9. Chemical Engineering
The field of engineering is in the limelight at present. One college major that promises a bright future for students is chemical engineering. This is offered as a bachelor’s degree at a number of colleges and universities. The degree program mostly deals with biology, chemistry and physics.
- Employment Opportunities
Chemical engineers are hired at major companies that include pharmaceutical companies and laboratories. Their average unemployment rate is 4 to 7 percent. They earn high five-figure salaries with a median income of $75,000. Their projected employment growth by 2020 is 6 percent.
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8. Medical Assistance
More hospitals and other healthcare providers are hiring medical assistants each year. The job offers sustainability and growth with degree programs that can lead to higher positions. This major is offered at many colleges and universities throughout the country. The major leads to an associate degree and is usually completed in two years. It opens the door to acquiring jobs in the healthcare field.
- Employment Opportunities
Medical assistants are mostly responsible for carrying out a doctor’s orders. They commonly work in hospitals and take on tasks that require clinical and administration skills. Their current unemployment rate is around 3 to 5 percent throughout the country. A medical assistant’s annual compensation is usually around $50,000, and their projected employment growth by 2020 is 13 percent.
7. Medical Technology
Medical technologist employment rates are increasing. This is another career in the healthcare field with a promising future for current students. Medical technology is offered through a bachelor’s degree program at many universities and colleges. Studies include biology, chemistry and clinical laboratories.
- Employment Opportunity
Graduates often find jobs in hospitals and laboratories. Their current unemployment rate falls at a low 2 to 4 percent. Medical technologist median salaries are around $50,000 with an expected growth of 13 percent by 2020.
6. Electrical Engineering
Electrical engineering may not be an easy college major, but it comes with high potential compensation and employment opportunities. This is a bachelor’s degree that is completed in four years. There are also master’s and doctorate degrees offered at universities.
- Employment opportunities
Electrical engineers find careers in many large corporations throughout the country. They are in demand at power plants, large manufacturing facilities and other major companies. Their unemployment rate is between 5 to 7 percent with a median salary of around $60,000. The expected growth in employment for electrical engineers by 2020 is 6 percent.
5. Construction Management
Construction management is another college degree with increasing demand in employment. This is a degree that is offered at many colleges and universities throughout the country. Construction management programs can either be a bachelor’s, master’s or doctorate degree. The bachelor’s degree program is usually completed in three to four years.
- Employment Opportunities
Construction managers are the ones who control building operations. Their unemployment rate only falls at about 5 percent, and their annual salary is around $50,000. Projected employment growth by 2020 is 17 percent.
4. Nursing
Nurses have had a steady employment rate in the past years. However, the fast-growing population of newborns and elderly people also creates the demand for more nurses. This career requires an associate or bachelor’s degree in order for a person to work as a licensed nurse. The associate degree can be finished in two to three years while the bachelor’s degree needs four years for completion.
- Employment Opportunities
Nurses have a low unemployment rate of 4 percent and earn a median salary of $60,000. They are mostly in demand in hospitals and other healthcare facilities. The projected growth for their employment rate is 26 percent by 2020.
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3. Physical Therapy
Obtaining a degree in physical therapy can be difficult. However, the end result is quite rewarding for physical therapists. Physical therapy degrees include the bachelor’s, master’s and doctorate. The most basic is the bachelor’s degree that can be completed in four years. This degree program mostly deals with biology, anatomy and other health sciences.
- Employment Opportunities
Physical therapists can find a lot of openings in hospitals and rehabilitation centers. They have a low average unemployment of 2 to 5 percent. Their medial salary is around $60,000 with a projected increase in employment of 33 percent by 2020.
2. Aeronautics and Aviation Technology
Aeronautics and aviation technology is another area that poses major difficulties for many students when it comes to academics. However, graduates in this field of study earn a good salary. There are also excellent growth opportunities for people who work in this area.
Many universities around the country offer degrees in aeronautics and aviation technology. Some degree programs prepare students to become pilots while others focus more on the engineering side. Different degree programs deal with aerodynamics and mechanics.
- Employment Opportunities
People who work for airlines and airplane manufacturers make a median salary of $60,000 and above. Their unemployment rate is only 4 percent with an expected growth of 5 percent by 2020.
1. Pharmacology
Among the highest current high earners are people with degrees in pharmacology. This requires a bachelor’s degree at minimum, and salary ranges improve once the person acquires higher degrees. The bachelor’s degree is offered at many colleges and universities and mostly deals with drugs and their interactions.
- Employment Opportunities
Pharmacists are often in demand in pharmaceutical laboratories, pharmacies and hospitals. They earn a median salary of $105,000 depending on their degree level and experience. Their unemployment rate falls at a low 3 percent with projected growth of 25 percent in employment by 2020.