California Colleges and Universities: Popular Degree Programs

Published: November, 2010

With a civilian labor force of 18.1 million, California is home to one of the largest employed workforces in the nation. California's unemployment rate, however, is slightly higher than the national average. For many industries, this can mean a higher level of competitiveness for employment, and job applicants in these industries should consider career training to increase their marketability and overall skill.

The sheer number of Fortune 500 companies located in California makes it a veritable "who's who" list within the retail, telecommunications, high tech, entertainment, and healthcare industries. Among the biggest players are:

Petroleum giant Chevron
Tech firms Hewlett-Packard, Apple, and Google
Retail companies Gap, Safeway, and Ross.

Google plays a special role in California's employment picture. Recently ranked as the top place to work in the U.S. by Fortune magazine, Google's office culture, gourmet cafeteria, and financial benefits make it one of the most popular employers in the nation.

Career training can pay off in Los Angeles, where Salary.com reports that entry-level software engineers earn $59,000 on average. In Los Angeles' thriving marketing industry, database marketing analysts earn $60,700, while salaries for market research analysts start at $48,600. The healthcare industry is expected to grow in California, where massage therapists earn an average of $50,100. While no career training program can guarantee a particular job, getting your college degree is a good idea, particularly within more competitive fields.

Growing industries in California include professional and business services, educational and health services, and the leisure and hospitality industry. Students should look to these careers for potential growth opportunities.

Sources:

Related Information
Online Schools in California

Heald College

Get the real-world education you need to succeed at Heald College.

Campus Locations:

Rancho Cordova
Roseville
Salida
Stockton
San Francisco
Fresno
Milpitas
Hayward
Concord
Salinas

Programs:

Cisco Systems
Office Skills

University of Phoenix

At University of Phoenix, we believe everyone deserves access to higher education.

Campus Locations:

Beale AFB
Bakersfield
Lancaster
Visalia
Elk Grove
Chula Vista
San Jose
Salida
San Bernardino
Los Angeles
Culver City
Murrieta
Lathrop
Roseville
Fairfield
Ontario
Costa Mesa
San Francisco
Livermore
Oakland
Woodland Hills
San Marcos
Online
El Centro
Gardena
San Diego
Pasadena
Rancho Cordova
Sacramento
Palm Desert
Fresno
Diamond Bar

Programs:

MS in Nursing - Nursing/Health Care Education
MS in Administration of Justice and Security

Career Colleges of America

Get your career started with Career Colleges of America.

Campus Locations:

Gardena
South Gate
San Bernardino
Los Angeles

Programs:

Dental Assistant
Surgical Technology

Allied Health Institute

Allied Health Institute is a post-secondary vocational school offering a variety of Diploma and Associate Degree programs in the field of Allied Health. By utilizing online learning, students have the flexibility to continue their education from the convenience of their own home. Our virtual classrooms will enable students to attend classes and communicate with instructors and classmates. Students can complete some programs without leaving their current employment or sacrificing family time.

Campus Locations:

Online

Programs:

Medical Assisting
Medical Assistant

American Career College

American Career College (ACC) offers hands-on training that will prepare students for careers in the healthcare industry at three campuses in Los Angeles, Ontario, and Orange County, California.

Campus Locations: