Choosing a major isn’t always about launching a high-income career, but job prospects are an integral part of the degree decision for many students. While there are hundreds of programs in dozens of academic fields that can lead to a rewarding career, there are a few particularly promising paths that degree seekers should consider.
Accounting
Accounting has been a go-to degree for many career-minded college students over the last few decades and it’s still a strong choice. There is unparalleled opportunity for specialization and advancement without a high barrier to entry. A bachelor’s degree is sufficient for many entry-level positions, while a master’s degree and industry experience can qualify accountants for more advanced certifications. There is a high demand for accountants of all skill levels in both government and private sector positions. According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, “The median annual wage for bookkeeping, accounting, and auditing clerks was $40,240 in May 2018.” A Certified Public Accountant would earn more. Typical Entry-Level Education is Some college, no degree required to become a bookkeeper but is preferred for a career in Accounting.
Information Systems and Technology
Computer science is another strong degree choice for students who want to get a job right out of college. Programming and software design are core skills for almost any profession in the industry, but there are also plenty of opportunities to branch out into other areas. Information systems administration and database management are both useful skills for landing jobs, as is cybersecurity and mobile application development. The following table from the Bureau of Labor Statistics lists a variety of Computer related jobs and their median salaries.
The median annual wage for computer and information technology occupations was $86,320 in May 2018, which was higher than the median annual wage for all occupations of $38,640.
| OCCUPATION | JOB SUMMARY | ENTRY-LEVEL EDUCATION  |
2018 MEDIAN PAY |
|---|---|---|---|
Computer and Information Research Scientists |
Computer and information research scientists invent and design new approaches to computing technology and find innovative uses for existing technology. They study and solve complex problems in computing for business, medicine, science, and other fields. | Master’s degree | $118,370 |
Computer Network Architects |
Computer network architects design and build data communication networks, including local area networks (LANs), wide area networks (WANs), and Intranets. These networks range from small connections between two offices to next-generation networking capabilities such as a cloud infrastructure that serves multiple customers. | Bachelor’s degree | $109,020 |
Computer Programmers |
Computer programmers write and test code that allows computer applications and software programs to function properly. They turn the program designs created by software developers and engineers into instructions that a computer can follow. | Bachelor’s degree | $84,280 |
Computer Support Specialists |
Computer support specialists provide help and advice to computer users and organizations. These specialists either support computer networks or they provide technical assistance directly to computer users. | See How to Become One | $53,470 |
Computer Systems Analysts |
Computer systems analysts, sometimes called systems architects, study an organization’s current computer systems and procedures, and design solutions to help the organization operate more efficiently and effectively. They bring business and information technology (IT) together by understanding the needs and limitations of both. | Bachelor’s degree | $88,740 |
Database Administrators |
Database administrators (DBAs) use specialized software to store and organize data, such as financial information and customer shipping records. They make sure that data are available to users and secure from unauthorized access. | Bachelor’s degree | $90,070 |
Information Security Analysts |
Information security analysts plan and carry out security measures to protect an organization’s computer networks and systems. Their responsibilities are continually expanding as the number of cyberattacks increases. | Bachelor’s degree | $98,350 |
Network and Computer Systems Administrators |
Computer networks are critical parts of almost every organization. Network and computer systems administrators are responsible for the day-to-day operation of these networks. | Bachelor’s degree | $82,050 |
Software Developers |
Software developers are the creative minds behind computer programs. Some develop the applications that allow people to do specific tasks on a computer or another device. Others develop the underlying systems that run the devices or that control networks. | Bachelor’s degree | $105,590 |
Web Developers |
Web developers design and create websites. They are responsible for the look of the site. They are also responsible for the site’s technical aspects, such as its performance and capacity, which are measures of a website’s speed and how much traffic the site can handle. In addition, web developers may create content for the site. | Associate’s degree | $69,430 |
Nursing and Healthcare
The healthcare industry is one of the biggest in the country, encompassing a wide range of services, institutions and professions. Since the demand for qualified healthcare professionals is expected to grow in the years ahead, participants in nursing and medical assistant programs can look forward to a favorable job market following graduation. There are also an increasing number of opportunities for professionals who are qualified to provide care for aging patients living in their own homes or communal environments. Healthcare is a very diverse field with a variety of different options with education requirements ranging from an associates degree to Doctoral or professional degrees. The following table lists a few of the Healthcare positions available.
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| OCCUPATION | JOB SUMMARY | ENTRY-LEVEL EDUCATION |
2018 MEDIAN PAY |
|---|---|---|---|
Athletic Trainers |
Athletic trainers specialize in preventing, diagnosing, and treating muscle and bone injuries and illnesses. | Bachelor’s degree | $47,510 |
Audiologists |
Audiologists diagnose, manage, and treat a patient’s hearing, balance, or ear problems. | Doctoral or professional degree | $75,920 |
Chiropractors |
Chiropractors treat patients with health problems of the neuromusculoskeletal system, which includes nerves, bones, muscles, ligaments, and tendons. They use spinal adjustments and manipulation, as well as other clinical interventions, to manage patients’ health concerns, such as back and neck pain. | Doctoral or professional degree | $71,410 |
Dental Assistants |
Dental assistants perform many tasks, ranging from providing patient care and taking x rays to recordkeeping and scheduling appointments. Their duties vary by state and by the dentists’ offices where they work. | Postsecondary nondegree award | $38,660 |
Dental Hygienists |
Dental hygienists clean teeth, examine patients for signs of oral diseases such as gingivitis and provide other preventive dental care. They also educate patients on ways to improve and maintain good oral health. | Associate’s degree | $74,820 |
Dentists |
Dentists diagnose and treat problems with patients’ teeth, gums, and related parts of the mouth. They provide advice and instruction on taking care of the teeth and gums and on diet choices that affect oral health. | Doctoral or professional degree | $156,240 |
Diagnostic Medical Sonographers and Cardiovascular Technologists and Technicians, Including Vascular Technologists |
Diagnostic medical sonographers and cardiovascular technologists and technicians, including vascular technologists, also called diagnostic imaging workers, operate special imaging equipment to create images or to conduct tests. The images and test results help physicians assess and diagnose medical conditions. | Associate’s degree | $67,080 |
Dietitians and Nutritionists |
Dietitians and nutritionists are experts in the use of food and nutrition to promote health and manage disease. They advise people on what to eat in order to lead a healthy lifestyle or achieve a specific health-related goal. | Bachelor’s degree | $60,370 |
EMTs and Paramedics |
Emergency medical technicians (EMTs) and paramedics care for the sick or injured in emergency medical settings. People’s lives often depend on the quick reaction and competent care provided by these workers. EMTs and paramedics respond to emergency calls, performing medical services and transporting patients to medical facilities. | Postsecondary nondegree award | $34,320 |
Exercise Physiologists |
Exercise physiologists develop fitness and exercise programs that help patients recover from chronic diseases and improve cardiovascular function, body composition, and flexibility. | Bachelor’s degree | $49,270 |
Genetic Counselors |
Genetic counselors assess individual or family risk for a variety of inherited conditions, such as genetic disorders and birth defects. They provide information and support to other healthcare providers, or to individuals and families concerned with the risk of inherited conditions. | Master’s degree | $80,370 |
Home Health Aides and Personal Care Aides |
Home health aides and personal care aides help people with disabilities, chronic illnesses, or cognitive impairment by assisting in their daily living activities. They often help older adults who need assistance. In some states, home health aides may be able to give a client medication or check the client’s vital signs under the direction of a nurse or other healthcare practitioner. | High school diploma or equivalent | $24,060 |
Licensed Practical and Licensed Vocational Nurses |
Licensed practical nurses (LPNs) and licensed vocational nurses (LVNs) provide basic nursing care. They work under the direction of registered nurses and doctors. | Postsecondary nondegree award | $46,240 |
Massage Therapists |
Massage therapists treat clients by using touch to manipulate the muscles and other soft tissues of the body. With their touch, therapists relieve pain, help heal injuries, improve circulation, relieve stress, increase relaxation, and aid in the general wellness of clients. | Postsecondary nondegree award | $41,420 |
Medical and Clinical Laboratory Technologists and Technicians |
Medical laboratory technologists (commonly known as medical laboratory scientists) and medical laboratory technicians collect samples and perform tests to analyze body fluids, tissue, and other substances. | See How to Become One | $52,330 |
Medical Assistants |
Medical assistants complete administrative and clinical tasks in the offices of physicians, hospitals, and other healthcare facilities. Their duties vary with the location, specialty, and size of the practice. | Postsecondary nondegree award | $33,610 |
Medical Records and Health Information Technicians |
Medical records and health information technicians, commonly referred to as health information technicians, organize and manage health information data. They ensure that the information maintains its quality, accuracy, accessibility, and security in both paper files and electronic systems. They use various classification systems to code and categorize patient information for insurance reimbursement purposes, for databases and registries, and to maintain patients’ medical and treatment histories. | Postsecondary nondegree award | $40,350 |
Medical Transcriptionists |
Medical transcriptionists, sometimes referred to as healthcare documentation specialists, listen to voice recordings that physicians and other healthcare workers make and convert them into written reports. They also may review and edit medical documents created using speech recognition technology. Transcriptionists interpret medical terminology and abbreviations in preparing patients’ medical histories, discharge summaries, and other documents. | Postsecondary nondegree award | $34,770 |
Nuclear Medicine Technologists |
Nuclear medicine technologists prepare radioactive drugs and administer them to patients for imaging or therapeutic purposes. | Associate’s degree | $76,820 |
Nurse Anesthetists, Nurse Midwives, and Nurse Practitioners |
Nurse anesthetists, nurse midwives, and nurse practitioners, also referred to as advanced practice registered nurses (APRNs), coordinate patient care and may provide primary and specialty healthcare. The scope of practice varies from state to state. | Master’s degree | $113,930 |
Nursing Assistants and Orderlies |
Nursing assistants, sometimes called nursing aides, help provide basic care for patients in hospitals and residents of long-term care facilities, such as nursing homes. Orderlies transport patients and clean treatment areas. | See How to Become One | $28,530 |
Occupational Health and Safety Specialists and Technicians |
Occupational health and safety specialists and technicians collect data on and analyze many types of work environments and work procedures. Specialists inspect workplaces for adherence to regulations on safety, health, and the environment. Technicians work with specialists in conducting tests and measuring hazards to help prevent harm to workers, property, the environment, and the general public. | See How to Become One | $69,370 |
Occupational Therapists |
Occupational therapists treat injured, ill, or disabled patients through the therapeutic use of everyday activities. They help these patients develop, recover, improve, as well as maintain the skills needed for daily living and working. | Master’s degree | $84,270 |
Occupational Therapy Assistants and Aides |
Occupational therapy assistants and aides help patients develop, recover, improve, as well as maintain the skills needed for daily living and working. Occupational therapy assistants are directly involved in providing therapy to patients; occupational therapy aides typically perform support activities. Both assistants and aides work under the direction of occupational therapists. | See How to Become One | $57,620 |
Opticians |
Opticians help fit eyeglasses and contact lenses, following prescriptions from ophthalmologists and optometrists. They also help customers decide which eyeglass frames or contact lenses to buy. | High school diploma or equivalent | $37,010 |
Optometrists |
Optometrists examine the eyes and other parts of the visual system. They also diagnose and treat visual problems and manage diseases, injuries, and other disorders of the eyes. They prescribe eyeglasses or contact lenses as needed. | Doctoral or professional degree | $111,790 |
Orthotists and Prosthetists |
Orthotists and prosthetists design and fabricate medical supportive devices and measure and fit patients for them. These devices include artificial limbs (arms, hands, legs, and feet), braces, and other medical or surgical devices. | Master’s degree | $69,120 |
Pharmacists |
Pharmacists dispense prescription medications to patients and offer expertise in the safe use of prescriptions. They also may conduct health and wellness screenings, provide immunizations, oversee the medications given to patients, and provide advice on healthy lifestyles. | Doctoral or professional degree | $126,120 |
Pharmacy Technicians |
Pharmacy technicians help pharmacists dispense prescription medication to customers or health professionals. | High school diploma or equivalent | $32,700 |
Phlebotomists |
Phlebotomists draw blood for tests, transfusions, research, or blood donations. Some explain their work to patients and provide assistance when patients have adverse reactions after their blood is drawn. | Postsecondary nondegree award | $34,480 |
Physical Therapist Assistants and Aides |
Physical therapist assistants, sometimes called PTAs, and physical therapist aides work under the direction and supervision of physical therapists. They help patients who are recovering from injuries and illnesses regain movement and manage pain. | See How to Become One | $48,090 |
Physical Therapists |
Physical therapists, sometimes called PTs, help injured or ill people improve their movement and manage their pain. These therapists are often an important part of the rehabilitation, treatment, and prevention of patients with chronic conditions, illnesses, or injuries. | Doctoral or professional degree | $87,930 |
Physician Assistants |
Physician assistants, also known as PAs, practice medicine on teams with physicians, surgeons, and other healthcare workers. They examine, diagnose, and treat patients. | Master’s degree | $108,610 |
Physicians and Surgeons |
Physicians and surgeons diagnose and treat injuries or illnesses. Physicians examine patients; take medical histories; prescribe medications; and order, perform, and interpret diagnostic tests. They counsel patients on diet, hygiene, and preventive healthcare. Surgeons operate on patients to treat injuries, such as broken bones; diseases, such as cancerous tumors; and deformities, such as cleft palates. | Doctoral or professional degree | This wage is equal to or greater than $208,000 per year. |
Podiatrists |
Podiatrists provide medical and surgical care for people with foot, ankle, and lower leg problems. They diagnose illnesses, treat injuries, and perform surgery involving the lower extremities. | Doctoral or professional degree | $129,550 |
Psychiatric Technicians and Aides |
Psychiatric technicians and aides care for people who have mental illness and developmental disabilities. Technicians typically provide therapeutic care and monitor their patients’ conditions. Aides help patients in their daily activities and ensure a safe, clean environment. | See How to Become One | $30,860 |
Radiation Therapists |
Radiation therapists treat cancer and other diseases in patients by administering radiation treatments. | Associate’s degree | $82,330 |
Radiologic and MRI Technologists |
Radiologic technologists, also known as radiographers, perform diagnostic imaging examinations, such as x rays, on patients. MRI technologists operate magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) scanners to create diagnostic images. | Associate’s degree | $61,240 |
Recreational Therapists |
Recreational therapists plan, direct, and coordinate recreation-based treatment programs for people with disabilities, injuries, or illnesses. These therapists use a variety of modalities, including arts and crafts; drama, music, and dance; sports and games; aquatics; and community outings to help maintain or improve a patient’s physical, social, and emotional well-being. | Bachelor’s degree | $47,860 |
Registered Nurses |
Registered nurses (RNs) provide and coordinate patient care, educate patients and the public about various health conditions, and provide advice and emotional support to patients and their family members. | Bachelor’s degree | $71,730 |
Respiratory Therapists |
Respiratory therapists care for patients who have trouble breathing—for example, from a chronic respiratory disease, such as asthma or emphysema. Their patients range from premature infants with undeveloped lungs to elderly patients who have diseased lungs. They also provide emergency care to patients suffering from heart attacks, drowning, or shock. | Associate’s degree | $60,280 |
Speech-Language Pathologists |
Speech-language pathologists (sometimes called speech therapists) assess, diagnose, treat, and help to prevent communication and swallowing disorders in children and adults. Speech, language, and swallowing disorders result from a variety of causes, such as a stroke, brain injury, hearing loss, developmental delay, Parkinson’s disease, a cleft palate, or autism. | Master’s degree | $77,510 |
Surgical Technologists |
Surgical technologists, also called operating room technicians, assist in surgical operations. They prepare operating rooms, arrange equipment, and help doctors during surgeries. | Postsecondary nondegree award | $47,300 |
Veterinarians |
Veterinarians care for the health of animals and work to protect public health. They diagnose, treat, and research medical conditions and diseases of pets, livestock, and other animals. | Doctoral or professional degree | $93,830 |
Veterinary Assistants and Laboratory Animal Caretakers |
Veterinary assistants and laboratory animal caretakers handle routine animal care and help scientists, veterinarians, and veterinary technologists and technicians with their daily tasks. | High school diploma or equivalent | $27,540 |
Veterinary Technologists and Technicians |
Veterinary technologists and technicians, supervised by licensed veterinarians, do medical tests that help diagnose animals’ injuries and illnesses. | Associate’s degree | $34,420 |
Data Science
Data science is a relatively new and emerging field, but it has quickly become one of the strongest degree choices for job seekers. It is a highly technical field that relies on an intimate knowledge of programming and computer systems as well as statistical analysis. Data scientists help businesses and other organizations curate and analyze data so decision-makers can implement solutions based on accurate, current information. Data science has applications in virtually every industry and has become an integral component for marketing, finance and research professions.
Your choice in a college degree helps shape your career trajectory, but it’s certainly not a binding arrangement. Many fields have plenty of opportunities to expand or transition into other roles, so students should take the time to complete internships and explore a range of coursework as they pursue their degree.
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