15 College Degrees for the New Economy

The economy is poised for a rebound, with job growth in health care, science R&D, and information technology leading the way. With the right career training, you can tap into some of the fastest-growing occupations in the U.S. These fifteen associate, bachelor’s degrees, and master’s degrees can set you up for opportunity in the decade ahead.

15 College Degrees Most Likely to Succeed

  1. Master of Business Administration (MBA). The MBA is the gold standard for business administration and management education. Advance into a leadership role with this master’s degree, which covers accounting, finance, management, marketing, and other business fundamentals.
  2. Bachelor of Science in Environmental Engineering. Environmental engineering ingenuity holds promise for solving the pressing environmental problems of the 21st century. Use your bachelor’s degree to reverse the effects of global warming and pollution, or develop alternative energy sources.
  3. Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN). An aging population and new medical treatments are driving demand for nurses. Learn how to help patients on the frontlines of medical care by earning a bachelor’s degree in nursing.
  4. Bachelor of Science in Management Information Systems (MIS). Information technology systems are the backbone of our economy. Businesses, public agencies, and other organizations rely on trained MIS graduates to maintain a secure and reliable information network.
  5. Associate’s Degree in Medical Assisting. Medical assistants are usually among the fastest-growing occupational groups. A two-year associate degree program can prepare you to keep a doctor’s office or medical clinic running smoothly.
  6. Bachelor of Science in Accounting. The 2008 financial crisis sowed new career opportunity for forensic accountants and other financial professionals charged with enforcing federal regulations and reporting requirements. Tap into this career trend with a B.S. in accounting.
  7. Master of Science in Veterinary Medicine. Veterinarians often rank among the fastest-growing occupations, as well as veterinary technicians. Start with an associate’s degree for the technician job, and work toward the M.S. in veterinary medicine to boost your earning power.
  8. Bachelor of Science in Software Engineering. Software engineers are leading innovation in both computer applications and systems software development.
  9. Associate Degree in Dental Hygiene. A two-year associate degree in dental hygiene can lead to a career with generous benefits, a flexible schedule, and a robust economic outlook as well.
  10. Bachelor of Science in Computer Science. Earning a B.S. in computer science can provide you with a versatile degree for a variety of high-growth careers. Computer systems analysts, database administrators, network analysts, and software engineers are among the common career paths open to computer science graduates.
  11. Master of Public Administration (MPA). Government agencies are likely to continue to add trained program directors and administrators, as stimulus spending and a new administration boost investment in public services. The graduate MPA features training in policy and public management.
  12. Bachelor of Science in Information Assurance. Information has never flowed more freely, nor been so valuable to businesses and individuals. Information assurance bachelor’s degrees are designed to train IT professionals to secure data and networks, in an effort to keep confidential information private yet accessible.
  13. Associate Degree in Clinical Laboratory Science. Training in lab science can put you in line for several careers and industries, such as forensic science technicians and environmental science technicians.The medical diagnostic testing and biomedical research sectors are also likely to fuel demand for lab scientists.
  14. Associate Degree in Visual Communications. This versatile applied arts degree focuses on the technical skills and principles of communicating with images. A visual communications degree can lead to jobs in web development, internet advertising, entertainment, and online media journalism.
  15. Associate or Master’s Degree in Physical Therapy. With more and more older adults in need of adaptive and therapeutic physical training, physical therapists can expect to experience rising demand. The associate degree can get you started as an assistant, and the master’s degree qualifies you for certification as a therapist.

Whether you choose a technical associate degree or a health care master’s program, you’re likely to find a market for your skills in the new economy.

 

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