The Watercooler

Most Marketable College Degrees

A college degree gives you more career options. Choose one of the most in-demand and marketable college degrees to make yourself more employable, boost your earning potential, and increase the potential for a career that is rewarding both professionally and financially for the long term 

What are the best college degrees in 2021? 

If you examine the most marketable degrees from year to year, you’ll see the top choices change, but they often evolve over time. For example, computer science has probably been among the most popular degrees for more than thirty years, but the material you must learn, how it’s applied, and the types of jobs you can work are very different now than in 1990. 

Consider these factors when choosing your major and career:  

  • The world of work is rapidly evolving. Technology, a global economy, and changing workforce demographics make the degrees most attractive to employers a bit of a moving target. Increasing remote work is a part of how many businesses operate. Positions that facilitate this model will continue to grow. That can mean leveraging your physical therapy degree in the field of ergonomics, optimizing remote learning through instructional design, or attaining any number of technology-based degrees to develop applications, provide cybersecurity expertise or manage information. 
  • Watch for talent gaps that are revealed. While we all hope that the COVID-19 pandemic is soon a distant memory, it did reveal how woefully understaffed the medical field is. From entry-level jobs to the highest levels of surgical specialties and healthcare administration, an aging population means demands for majors like nursing, medical, allied health, and pharmaceutical sciences. 
  • You’ll be happier and more successful in a field you love. Money is undeniably important, but working in a role that is fulfilling and complements your natural abilities will improve your chance of long-term success. Take advice on high-paying careers into consideration, but only you know the kind of job you can see yourself in for the long haul. 
  • How much class time are you willing to log? Some people thrive in an educational setting, while others are eager to put the classroom time behind them and get to hands-on work. Be honest about whether you are willing to study for 4-6-8 years or more when considering your career options.

What are the most marketable college degrees in 2021? 

We reviewed several sources to compile this list, but all of these majors can lead you to careers with high growth potential, according to the US Bureau of Labor Statistics. Here are a few to consider: 

  • Medical and Health Programs. Pre-med, med school, and health-related programs can lead to rewarding careers. Areas of study include medical degrees, allied health, dentistry, nursing, and pharmacy. Healthcare occupations are expected to grow by 14% through 2028. Health-related sciences such as epidemiology, immunology, and genetics are a few examples of these growing fields.  
  • Pharmaceutical Sciences. This major’s focus includes biology, chemistry, and a variety of other sciences that are instrumental in the study of disease and the development of medicines. Careers for pharmaceutical science majors include pharmaceutical scientists and clinical researchers. This career is projected to grow by 8% by 2028. 
  • Nursing. This high-demand and growing field can be a smart field of study. Nurses can work in hospitals, physicians’ offices, and nursing care facilities. It’s a flexible career with a variety of shifts available. Travel nursing is a lucrative and rewarding career that allows you to visit a variety of areas, from rural to urban, resort areas to trauma centers. It’s up to you! According to the United States Bureau of Labor Statistics, jobs for registered nurses are projected to grow by 12% by 2028. 
  • Physical Therapy. Physical therapists can be a godsend for an aging population, particularly those who reject their physical limitations and continue to be weekend athletes. They also help people recover from long illnesses, which may be required by COVID-10 patients. They can work in stand-alone practices and sports medicine centers as well as hospitals and nursing homes. There are even opportunities with professional athletic teams. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, physical therapy jobs are growing at a rate of 22% by 208 due to increased demand. 
  • Instructional Design. This major can set you up for success in a field that is growing in demand and complexity. They create training materials, coursework, and educational paths in a variety of settings, such as educational institutions, government agencies, and corporations. Growth is anticipated in the private sector as many businesses are baffled as to how to maintain training and development programs in a remote or hybrid work environment. By 2028, jobs in this specialty are projected to grow by 9%, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics.  
  • Accounting. What can you do with a bachelor’s degree in accounting? Common careers include staff accountant, accounting manager, tax examiner, and junior auditor. Jobs for accounting majors have a projected 6% growth rate from 2018 to 2028. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, the primary reason for this growth is globalization and growing economies. 
  • Systems Engineering. Majors in this fieldwork mostly in administrative offices, manufacturing, and a variety of government agencies. Job opportunities are projected to grow by 5% by 2028 to keep up with the global supply chain and logistics.  
  • Biomedical Engineering. This degree can prepare you for opportunities in a variety of fields, including manufacturing, medical device development, and research and development. Biomedical engineers design and develop technology to solve problems in the healthcare field.  
  • Computer Science. Earning your degree in computer science? Consider seeking employment as a computer software or hardware engineer, a computer application developer, or a computer programmer. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, jobs for computer science majors are projected to grow by 21% by 2028. It’s easy to see why computer science is one of the best college degrees in 2021. 
  • Management Information Systems. If you have a bachelor’s degree in information technology management, you can find opportunities as an application analyst, cybersecurity analyst, information systems manager, IT project manager, IT consultant, or network systems administrator. Job opportunities for information systems managers are projected to grow 10% by 2028.

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