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Top 10 Degrees in Demand for the Future

2023-07-24•14 minute read

Choosing a major is challenging, but choosing one that stands the test of time seems almost impossible. Although you probably have an idea of what you want to do, will your dream career be around 30, 20, or even 10 years from now? It’s impossible to know for sure, but there are many timeless university degrees and even newer degrees with promising futures.

Why should you get a college degree?

While you may be able to have a fulfilling career without a college degree, you will not regret getting one. Even if a degree is optional for your chosen career, consider getting one anyway. Here are just a few reasons you should get a college degree.

Your career path requires a college degree
It helps you stand out in a competitive job market
Increases job opportunities
Prepares you for a specialized field
Higher earning potential
Endless networking opportunities
Improves job satisfaction
Builds self-confidence

Here are the top ten degrees in demand for the future

1. Nursing

People are living longer thanks to modern medicine. As a result, more nurses will need to care for the aging population. Preventative care is also increasing as well as an increase in chronic conditions like diabetes and obesity. According to the US Bureau of Labor Statistics, the demand for registered nurses is expected to grow by 46% by the year 2031.

Top 5 Nursing Schools

University of Pennsylvania
Johns Hopkins University
Duke University
Emory University
University of Rochester

Top 5 Careers for Nursing Graduates

Registered Nurse (RN)
Certified Registered Nurse Anesthetist (CRNA)
Cardiac Nurse
Critical Care Nurse
ER Nurse

2. Electrical Engineering

Engineering is a versatile and lucrative major that encompasses several professional opportunities in many industries. Students in this in-demand STEM major often choose careers in the electrical, computer, biomedical, chemical, civil, industrial, and mechanical fields. Thankfully, the future job market for engineers is looking solid. Engineers should find success in most industries for many years to come.

Top 5 Schools for Engineering Majors

MIT
Stanford
University of California, Berkeley
California Institute of Technology
Carnegie Mellon University

Top 5 Careers for Engineering Graduates

Biomedical Engineer
Civil Engineers
Electrical Engineers
Environmental Engineer
Software Engineer

Top 5 Engineering Schools in the U.S.

3. Culinary Arts

The employment of chefs and head cooks is predicted to increase by 15% by 2031, with over 24,300 jobs expected to open in this field.

Many universities around the world offer a degree in culinary arts that will ensure you are career-ready. Here are some of the best:

Le Cordon Bleu London, UK
Le Cordon Bleu, Australia
The Culinary Institute of America, US

As a chef in the US, you can expect to earn around USD51,995 annually or higher for those with more experience in the field.

4. Data Science

Data science careers are consistently at the top of “top jobs of the future” lists. People hoping to break into this career typically have a passion for computers, math, and data analysis. According to BLS, it is predicted that the employment growth for a data scientist is expected to increase by 35.8% by 2031, with 40,500 job openings. Nearly every industry uses data science to analyze big data, improve their business, and better serve their customers. While data gathering may become automated in the next few years, there’s still a need for experts who understand the data, can find a data-driven solution and put that solution into action. The demand for data scientists is on the rise and a top degree for our technology-driven society.

Top 5 Schools to Study Data Science

University of California, Berkeley
Massachusetts Institute of Technology
Carnegie Mellon University
Stanford University
University of Michigan, Ann Arbor

Top 5 Careers for Data Scientists

Data Scientist
Machine Learning Engineer
Machine Learning Scientist
Applications Architect
Enterprise Architect

5. Information Technology

According to BLS, the employment for jobs in information technology is predicted to grow by 15 per cent by 2031, which will result in about 682,800 job openings. Those working as an information technology specialist in the US can earn up to USD44,450 annually.

Top 5 Information Technology Schools

Carnegie Mellon University
Cornell University
University of Michigan, Ann Arbor
Penn State
Hallmark University

Top 5 Careers for IT Graduates

Software Engineer
Systems Analyst
Business Analyst
Technical Support
Network Engineer

6. Computer Science

As our world becomes more dependent on technology, the need for computer science experts will continue to rise. If you have a computer science background and keep up with the latest developments in cybersecurity, information technology, coding, and software development, you should have no trouble finding a job in the future. People with a cybersecurity background often work for a business or government agency. Thanks to its versatility, it’s also a great career path for those who want to go into software and application development or another technology-related job.

According to the US BLS, it is predicted that the employment of computer science will see a rapid growth of 15% by 2031.

Top 5 Schools to Study Computer Science

Carnegie Mellon University
Georgia Institute of Technology
University of California, Berkeley
Massachusetts Institute of Technology
University of Illinois, Urbana-Champaign

Top 5 Careers for Computer Science Graduates

Software Developer/Engineer
Systems Engineer
IT Project Manager
Web Developer
Cybersecurity Specialist

7. Economics

Economics is a versatile major with a variety of job options in several different industries. This field integrates well into the growing world of technology, unlike other professions still evolving in this area. There will always be a need for people with robust data analysis and critical problem-solving skills. These skills pair well with jobs in public policy, healthcare reform, urban planning, and real estate.

Top 5 Schools to Study Economics

Top 5 Careers for Economics Graduates

Economist
Financial risk analyst
Data analyst
Financial planner
Accountant

8. Business

Business degree majors can take many different career paths, many of which should be around for years to come. Students who want to pursue business can take classes in finance, marketing, economics, and more! They can work in any field or even start their own company. If a business major has the creativity to think outside the box, their future career possibilities are endless.

Top 5 Business Schools

Top 5 Careers for Business Graduates

Accountant
Management Consultant
Financial Analyst
Actuary
Corporate Attorney (also requires a law degree)

9. Artificial Intelligence

A degree in AI (Artificial Intelligence) typically covers a wide range of topics related to the theory, design, development, and application of artificial intelligence systems.

BLS predicts that the investigation and security services sector will grow 6.5 per cent by 2029, faster than the average of 3.7 per cent for all workers in all industries. Those employed in the field of artificial intelligence earn an average annual salary of USD 149,833.

Top 5 AI Schools

Tsinghua University, China
Nanyang Technological Institute, Singapore
Chinese University of Hong Kong
University of Technology, Sydney
National University of Singapore

Top 5 Careers for AI Graduates

Machine Learning Engineer
Business Intelligence Developer
Research Scientist
Big Data Architect
Data Scientist

10. Advertising and Marketing

While marketing and advertising jobs have changed over the years, they’ve never gone away. Today, a large portion of advertising has migrated online. According to Content Marketing Institute, when examining B2B advertising, “social media advertising was used by 83% of marketers and ranked second in success (29%) behind search engine marketing (33%).”

Statista Research Department reported, “In 2021, 91.9 percent of US marketers in companies larger than 100 employees were expected to use social media for marketing purposes. In 2013, the share stood at 86.2 percent.”

Marketing and advertising aren’t going anywhere, and a degree from a top university is an excellent way to start a career in this field.

Top 5 US Universities for Business Marketing Degrees

University of Pennsylvania
Washington University in St. Louis
University of Notre Dame
Carnegie Mellon University
Georgetown University

Top 5 Careers for Business Marketing Graduates

Marketing Manager
SEO Manager
Fundraising Manager
Event Planner
Social Media Manager

Top 8 Communication & Media Schools In The World

Honorable Mention:

Pharmacology

The future of pharmacology is constantly changing, evolving, and emerging. While the traditional role might disappear due to automation, pharmacists will take on new roles. Pharmacists find employment at hospitals, universities, research organizations, pharmaceutical and biotech industries, and government agencies. Pharmacists in the future might work in ambulatory care, administration, insurance, and specialty pharmacy. Additionally, the baby-boomer generation will increase the demand for medication management. Today, pharmacists earn a median salary of $105,000, depending on their degree and experience.

Top 5 Pharmacology Schools in the World

Harvard University
University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill
University of California, San Diego
Monash University, Australia
Johns Hopkins University

Top 5 Careers for Pharmacology Graduates

Pharmacist
Pharmacologist
Pharmaceutical Sales Representative
Pharmaceutical Marketing Manager
Medical Writer

What Makes Crimson Different

Final Thoughts

Choosing a college degree is challenging. Choosing one that will stay relevant throughout your career is even more difficult. Crimson Education understands the top degree trends and which universities and degrees will propel you into a successful career. Our qualified admissions counselors are here to help you. Contact us today for a free consultation.

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