When investing the time, effort, and money to earn a college degree, it would be great to be able to look ahead to make sure you’re choosing your course wisely. While there are no guarantees when it comes to the future, there are some degrees that certainly seem future-proof. These best-looking college courses are in fields that are growing and projected to see continued growth well into the future.
Some degrees, like many types of engineering, have always been strong choices for students. Others, such as Internet of Things courses, are new and created to meet strong demand. All of them hold promise for the future and are great options for new students or those looking to change careers.
The 50 best college courses for the future that we have listed here are very promising for the years to come. Many of these degrees cover a wide range of employment opportunities in many industries and are highly versatile. Most of the degrees we’ve included on this list provide skills and knowledge that can be applied to many, if not most, business fields, making them stable choices for the future. Unsurprisingly, STEM degrees rank high on this list, but there are also a few surprises.
Best Degree in Information Technologies
Computer Science
A computer science degree focuses on writing code in many programming languages and developing software systems, which are big businesses in the world now and in the near future. This degree is very versatile as the software systems are used in all forms of business and companies of all sizes.
The average salary for an employee with a Bachelor of Science in Computer Science is $85,354. The average salary for a software engineer is $83,000 per year, with software developers earning an average of $69,000 per year, and senior software engineers earning an average annual salary of $115,000.
However, a graduate of a computer science degree program is qualified for a wide variety of positions with an equally wide range of average starting salaries.
Internet of things (IoT)
Currently, the only Bachelor of Science in IoT degree offered is at FIU. However, as technology rapidly advances, the demand for skilled IoT workers is growing. “Smart” devices are the new standard and the number of IoT devices will skyrocket in the coming years.
In the field of IoT, devices and networks are built, programmed, and maintained, and data is transmitted over the Internet.
The median salary for people working with the Internet of Things is $102,691 a year.
Health Information Technologies
A Health Information Technology degree is an associate’s degree that can be completed online in about two years. Since medical health records are now kept in digital files, the demand for health information technicians is increasing.
This degree prepares you to work in the field of coding and classification of medical documents and to work with different methods of reimbursement for medical care.
The average salary for a health information technician is $35,276 per year with some bonuses and profit-sharing possibilities.
Information technology
With a Bachelor of Information Technology (or an Associate in Information Technology), you can work as a software developer, cybersecurity specialist, IT consultant or business analyst, computer network architect, computer forensics analyst, and many more. plus. workers are growing.
The average salary for an Information Technology (IT) Manager is $88,424 per year plus bonuses, commissions, and profit-sharing opportunities.
Other Information Technology Degrees:
- Health Information Technology
- Information Technology
- Big Data Systems
- Artificial Intelligence (AI)
- Management Information Systems (MIS)
- Computer Science and Mathematics
Best Engineering Degrees for Students
Electrical engineering
An electrical engineering degree includes bachelor’s degrees in electrical theory, computer programming, and mechanics, and prepares students to work in the field of electrical system design and analysis.
Electrical engineers earn a median annual salary of $76,052, not including bonuses, commissions, or profit sharing.
Computer Engineering
A computer engineering degree is available at the bachelor’s, master’s, and doctoral levels. This degree is a combination of computer science and electrical engineering and includes hardware engineering and software development.
Computer engineers use their education in a variety of fields to improve digital technology through innovation and computer programming.
Those who work in the field of computer-aided engineering earn a median annual salary of $94,218.
Electrical and Computer Engineering
Earning a degree in Electrical and Computer Engineering, you will study software systems and the digital hardware systems they run, smart grids, and the Internet of Things. This degree is extremely versatile and the demand for graduates is growing as technology advances and “smarter” devices, homes and cities become the norm.
Other Engineering Degrees:
- Computer Science and Engineering
- Biomedical Engineering
- Chemical Engineering
- Civil Engineering
- Industrial Engineering
- Petroleum Engineering
- Mechanical Engineering
- Systems Engineering
- Electronics and Communication Engineering
Best Business and Finance Degrees
Finance
A finance degree provides education not only in general finance but also in private equity and venture capital schemes. Finance managers are in demand and the field is wide. Many companies and corporations need financial managers and money specialists.
According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, the median annual salary for financial managers is $91,919.
Business
A business degree offers a broad education that includes finance, advertising, marketing, economics, the art of negotiation, as well as basic business best practices. Business graduates can work in virtually any area of business or choose to start their own company. Starting salaries for graduates tend to be very competitive in large corporations.
Business managers generally earn a salary of between $39k and $109k a year. However, those with a business background are qualified for many other positions that can be more lucrative.
Economics
Economics graduates are trained to analyze the finances of businesses, agencies, or government entities. The study of economics provides students with an education on how money is managed and how to ensure that a business or organization spends and charges the correct amount for products and services.
Job opportunities for economics graduates include risk analysis and consulting, which are lucrative careers.
Other Business and Finance Degrees:
- Communications
- Finance and Economics
- Accounting
- International Business and Finance
- Business Administration
- Marketing or Advertising
- Industrial Distribution
Best Healthcare Degrees
Nursing
Nurses are superheroes in the medical field. While studying to be a nurse, students learn anatomy, biology, nutrition, microbiology, and chemistry, along with nursing theory and practice.
Graduates of baccalaureate nursing programs can work in clinics, doctor’s offices, or hospitals caring for the sick, providing emotional support, following up on patient care, keeping accurate records, assisting with paperwork, helping patients understand medication and scheduling, or diagnosis of treatment, and the list goes on and on.
Nursing is undoubtedly hard work, but it can also be very rewarding for anyone called to work in the field.
The median annual salary for registered nurses is $64,992.
Pharmacology
Pharmacology is the study of drugs and their interactions. A pharmacology career prepares you to work in pharmaceutical companies, pharmaceutical laboratories, pharmacies, or in clinics, or hospitals.
The average annual salary for a pharmacist is $114,904 plus bonuses, commissions, and profit-sharing opportunities.
Other Healthcare Degrees:
- Physical Therapy
- Medical Technology
- Industrial/Organizational Psychology
Best Environmental Degrees
Sustainability and Renewable Energies
Earning a degree in sustainability and renewable energy requires coursework related to pollution reduction, energy-saving techniques in construction and manufacturing, recycling, energy conservation, alternative energy sources, and sustainability.
With this degree, you are qualified to work as an energy engineer, turbine technician, renewable project engineer, or other clean energy professional. Graduates with this degree earn an average of $85,000 per year.
Environmental Science
Environmental scientists find ways to increase energy efficiency, reduce pollution, and use alternative sources of clean energy. They also help companies develop and implement more sustainable business practices.
With a degree in environmental science, you are qualified to work as an environmental engineer or consultant, marine biologist, water quality scientist, and other positions that require conservation and sustainability knowledge.
Environmental engineers earn a median salary of $65,814 per year.
Best Math and Science Degrees
Actuarial Science
Actuarial science uses mathematics and statistics to predict or estimate future probabilities. While no one can predict the future with absolute certainty, working in the field of actuarial science uses data and mathematical formulas that can come close. Insurance companies regularly employ actuarial analysts to measure risk in an effort to minimize losses.
Some catastrophes cannot be predicted or avoided, but actuarial scientists can help companies adapt to circumstances and provide insights that can help companies limit losses as they navigate the future.
The average salary for an actuarial analyst is $65,229, while a senior actuarial analyst earns an average of $87,137.
Applied Mathematics
Unlike high school math that you were forced to learn for no reason, applied math is practical math applied to real-life problems and situations. An applied mathematics degree can be used in many very different fields, from finding ways to reduce costs in industrial production to a career in data analysis.
The starting pay for data analysts exceeds $80,000.
Other Math and Science Degrees:
- Physics and Mathematics
- Statistics
- Physics
- Mathematics
- Biochemistry
- Biology
- Biotechnology
- Chemistry
- Anthropology
What makes a Major a good option for the future?
Choosing a major is one of a student’s first important academic and career choices. Students should choose courses that consider their talents and interests, giving them a way to make a living.
Demand is another factor. For example, there is a need for data management and analysis skills in today’s economy and many students add teaching credentials if they decide to stay in academia. But what is the best degree for the future?
The best college courses of the future will help students who want to find a job quickly. If a good livelihood is essential, consider majoring in education or social work, or similar jobs in demand. Either way, students choosing courses should focus on what the best degrees are for the next few years.
Students can also imagine how they can use the skills gained in a major to get a job. This could help narrow down the choice of races. Lack of employment is another factor. It is easier to find jobs in accounting, finance, and nursing, for example, due to the shortage of these professionals. Choosing the right course at the right time, considering all factors, makes it a good fit for you.
