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Learn which degrees will benefit you most in today's job market!

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Choosing the right degree can set the stage for your future success, but with so many options, deciding which path to take can be overwhelming. 

Choosing the right degree can set the stage for your future success, but with so many options, deciding which path to take can be overwhelming. The job market is constantly changing, and certain degrees are becoming more promising.

Whether you're a high school senior, a college student reconsidering your major, or a professional looking for a change, this guide will help you explore the 12 best degrees to pursue in 2024.

We've chosen the degrees by evaluating the following factors:

  • Average annual salary
  • Projected employment growth
  • Versatility in career opportunities

Sources: US BLS, NACE, Paycsale

Accounting and finance

  • A stable career path with high demand
  • Essential role in business and financial management
  • Global career opportunities with high salaries

Accounting and finance degrees are essential in any business, providing critical skills in financial management, analysis, and strategic planning. These professionals ensure the financial health of organizations, making them crucial across all sectors. Graduates can expect to find opportunities in various industries, from corporate finance to investment banking.

Prospective careers:

  • Financial manager: Financial managers oversee the financial side of an organization, guiding investment activities, managing risk, and ensuring accurate financial reporting.
    • Average salary: $134,000/year
    • Projected growth: 16% (69,900 openings each year)
  • Investment banker: Investment bankers help companies raise capital, advise on mergers and acquisitions, and manage complex financial transactions.
    • Average salary: $118,000/year
    • Projected growth: 7% (40,100 openings each year)
  • Certified public accountant (CPA): CPAs handle tax preparation, auditing, and financial reporting, ensuring businesses comply with financial regulations.
    • Average salary: $78,000/year
    • Projected growth: 4% (67,400 openings each year)

Computer Science

  • High demand across industries
  • High earning potential with average starting salaries over $70,000
  • Diverse career paths in tech, healthcare, finance, and more

A computer science degree emphasizes programming, systems analysis, and cybersecurity, equipping students with the skills and knowledge needed to excel in advanced technology roles. The demand for computer science professionals continues to grow, especially as businesses increasingly rely on technology.

Prospective careers:

  • Information security analyst: Protects an organization's digital information by implementing security measures and responding to cyber threats.
    • Average salary: $100,000/year
    • Projected growth: 32% (16,800 openings each year)
  • Computer and information systems manager: Oversees IT departments, ensuring technology meets organizational goals.
    • Average salary: $140,000/year
    • Projected growth: 15% (46,900 openings each year)
  • Database architect: Designs and manages databases, ensuring they are secure, scalable, and efficient.
    • Average salary: $135,000/year
    • Projected growth: 8% (10,200 openings each year)
  • Video game designer: Creates engaging video games, from concept to finished product, focusing on gameplay, story, and user experience.
    • Average salary: $88,000/year
    • Projected growth: 6% (4,000 openings each year)
  • Software developer: Develops applications and systems that solve problems or provide entertainment using various programming languages.
    • Average salary: $132,000/year
    • Projected growth: 25% (153,900 openings each year)

Nursing

  • High demand with strong job security
  • Direct impact on patient care and health outcomes
  • Needed for one of the highest-growing occupations

Nurses play a critical role in patient care, often serving as the primary point of contact between patients and the healthcare system. With the aging population and increasing healthcare needs, the demand for nursing professionals is at an all-time high.

Prospective careers:

  • Registered nurse (RN): Provides direct patient care, administers medications, and educates patients about health conditions.
    • Average salary: $86,000/year
    • Projected growth: 6% (193,100 openings each year)
  • Nurse practitioner (NP): A more advanced role than RN, NPs diagnose and treat illnesses, prescribe medications, and often work independently.
    • Average salary: $120,000/year
    • Projected growth: 38% (29,200 openings each year)

Psychology

  • High demand for mental health and counseling
  • Diverse career opportunities in healthcare, education, and business
  • Foundational degree for advanced studies in psychology and related fields

A degree in psychology offers insights into human nature and equips graduates with skills applicable in various fields, from counseling and therapy to human resources and organizational development.

Prospective careers:

  • Human resources specialist: Manages recruitment, employee relations, and benefits, helping to shape company culture.
    • Average salary: $68,000/year
    • Projected growth: 6% (78,700 openings each year)
  • Clinical psychologist: Assesses and treats mental health disorders, providing therapy and interventions.
    • Average salary: $96,000/year
    • Projected growth: 11% (7,700 openings each year)
  • Counselor: Offers guidance and support to individuals dealing with personal, social, or psychological challenges.
    • Average salary: $134,180/year
    • Projected growth: 16% (69,900 openings each year)

Business administration

  • Versatile degree applicable in any industry
  • High earning potential, especially with an MBA
  • Opportunities for leadership and entrepreneurship

Business administration is a versatile degree that prepares students for management roles across various industries. Whether in marketing, finance, operations, or human resources, business graduates have the skills to lead and innovate within organizations.

Prospective careers:

  • Industrial production manager: Oversees manufacturing processes, ensuring efficient production and quality control.
    • Average salary: $116,000/year
    • Projected growth: 2% (15,300 openings each year)
  • Chief executive: Leads organizations, setting strategies and making high-level decisions to drive business success.
    • Average salary: $100,000/year
    • Projected growth: 3% (311,600 openings each year)
  • Compensation and benefits manager: Designs and manages employee compensation packages, ensuring competitive and equitable pay structures.
    • Average salary: $136,000/year
    • Projected growth: 2% (1,100 openings each year)
  • Mediator: Facilitates negotiation and conflict resolution between parties, often in legal or corporate settings.
    • Average salary: $72,000/year
    • Projected growth: 5% (400 openings each year)

Engineering (various specializations)

  • High earning potential across specializations
  • Versatile skills applicable in numerous industries
  • Innovation-driven career paths

Engineering is a broad field that offers a variety of specializations, from mechanical and electrical engineering to aerospace and computer hardware engineering. Engineers play a crucial role in developing new technologies and improving existing systems.

Prospective careers:

  • Industrial engineer: Optimizes production processes, ensuring efficient use of resources.
    • Average salary: $100,000/year
    • Projected growth: 12% (622,800 openings each year)
  • Aerospace engineer: Designs aircraft, spacecraft, satellites, and missiles, contributing to advancements in aviation and space exploration.
    • Average salary: $130,000/year
    • Projected growth: 6% (3,800 openings each year)
  • Pilot: Operates aircraft, ensuring safe transport of passengers or cargo.
    • Average salary: $113,000/year
    • Projected growth: 4% (16,600 openings each year)
  • Computer hardware engineer: Develops and tests computer components, such as processors, circuit boards, and memory devices.
    • Average salary: $138,000/year
    • Projected growth: 5% (4,600 openings each year)
  • Robotics engineer: Designs, builds, and tests robotic systems used in manufacturing, healthcare, and other industries.
    • Average salary: $100,000/year
    • Projected growth: 10% (19,200 openings each year)

Marketing

  • Versatile career options in various industries
  • Opportunities in digital and traditional marketing
  • High growth and earning potential

Marketing degrees focus on understanding consumer behavior and developing strategies to promote products and services. As businesses continue to compete for consumer attention, skilled marketing professionals are in high demand, especially in digital marketing.

Prospective careers:

  • Advertising and promotions manager: Develops and oversees advertising campaigns, aiming to attract and engage customers.
    • Average salary: $131,000/year
    • Projected growth: 6% (34,000 openings each year)
  • Brand strategist: Crafts and manages brand identity, ensuring alignment with business goals and consumer expectations.
    • Average salary: $90,000/year
    • Projected growth: 8% (3,400 openings each year)
  • Market research analyst: Analyzes market conditions to identify opportunities and inform business strategies.
    • Average salary: $75,000/year
    • Projected growth: 13% (94,600 openings each year)
  • Digital marketing specialist: Focuses on online marketing efforts, including SEO, social media, and content marketing, to drive brand awareness and sales.
    • Average salary: $132,000/year
    • Projected growth: 10% (3,500 openings each year)

Biology

  • Career options in science and healthcare
  • Foundation for advanced studies in medicine or research
  • Contributes to critical advancements in science

A biology degree equips graduates with a deep understanding of the natural world and its processes for a career in research, environmental conservation, or medical fields.

Prospective careers:

  • Agricultural engineer: Solves problems related to agriculture, focusing on improving farming practices and sustainability.
    • Average salary: $89,000/year
    • Projected growth: 6% (100 openings each year)
  • Animal scientist: Studies animal biology, focusing on breeding, nutrition, and genetics to improve livestock production.
    • Average salary: $70,000/year
    • Projected growth: 6% (200 openings each year)
  • Research scientist: Conducts experiments and analyzes data to advance knowledge in biological sciences.
    • Average salary: $111,000/year
    • Projected growth: 10% (11,600 openings each year)

Architecture

  • Combines creativity with technical expertise
  • Growing demand for sustainable and innovative design
  • Impactful career shaping the built environment

Architecture is both an art and a science, involving the design of buildings and other structures. With a focus on sustainability and innovation, architects play a crucial role in shaping the physical spaces where we live, work, and have fun.

Prospective careers:

  • Architectural manager: Oversees architectural projects, ensuring they meet design, budget, and timeline requirements.
    • Average salary: $160,000/year
    • Projected growth: 4% (8,200 openings each year)
  • Architect: Designs buildings and other structures, considering aesthetics, functionality, and safety.
    • Average salary: $93,000/year
    • Projected growth: 5% (8,200 openings each year)
  • Urban planner: Develops plans for land use in urban areas, balancing growth with sustainability.
    • Average salary: $82,000/year
    • Projected growth: 4% (1,700 openings each year)

Mathematics and statistics

  • High demand across finance, technology, and research
  • Can be a base for many different careers
  • Strong earning potential, especially in specialized roles

Mathematics and statistics are essential in today's data-driven world. These degrees provide the analytical and problem-solving skills needed in a variety of industries, including finance, technology, and research.

Prospective careers:

  • Actuary: Analyzes financial risks using mathematics, often working in insurance and pension industries.
    • Average salary: $120,000/year
    • Projected growth: 23% (2,300 openings each year)
  • Data analyst: Interprets complex data to help organizations make informed decisions.
    • Average salary: $108,000/year
    • Projected growth: 35% (59,400 openings each year)
  • Statistician: Uses statistical methods to collect, analyze, and interpret data, aiding decision-making in various fields.
    • Average salary: $105,000/year
    • Projected growth: 30% (3,500 openings each year)

Chemistry

  • Applications in healthcare, research, and industry
  • Involvement in cutting-edge scientific advancements
  • Foundation for advanced studies and specialized careers

A chemistry degree provides opportunities in pharmaceuticals, environmental science, and research, making it a versatile choice for those interested in scientific innovation.

Prospective careers:

  • Chemical engineer: Develops processes for large-scale manufacturing of chemicals, ensuring efficiency and safety.
    • Average salary: $112,000/year
    • Projected growth: 8% (1,300 openings each year)
  • Pharmacist: Dispenses medications and advises patients on their proper use, ensuring safety and efficacy.
    • Average salary: $136,000/year
    • Projected growth: 3% (13,400 openings each year)
  • Environmental scientist: Works to protect the environment by analyzing pollutants and developing conservation strategies.
    • Average salary: $79,000/year
    • Projected growth: 6% (6,900 openings each year)
  • Forensic scientist: Analyzes evidence from crime scenes to assist in criminal investigations.
    • Average salary: $65,000/year
    • Projected growth: 13% (2,600 openings each year)

Law

  • High earning potential, especially in specialized areas
  • Diverse career paths in government, business, and non-profits
  • Critical role in advocating for justice and legal rights

A law degree is a gateway to a variety of careers in the legal field, from practicing as an attorney to working in public policy or corporate law. Law professionals play a crucial role in upholding justice and guiding legal frameworks in society.

Prospective careers:

  • Attorney: Represents clients in legal matters, providing advice and courtroom advocacy.
    • Average salary: $145,000/year
    • Projected growth: 8% (62,400 openings each year)
  • Policy advisor: Analyzes and develops public policies, advising government or organizations on their implementation.
    • Average salary: $78,000/year
    • Projected growth: 10% (10,900 openings each year)


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