Which College Degrees Offer the Strongest Job Prospects?

It’s more important than ever to hold a college degree when entering the job market. However, no two degrees are exactly the same. Some programs simply open more lucrative doors than others. If you want to put yourself in the best position for a high-paying job in a fast-growing industry, consider the following types of degrees:

• Management Information Systems: This major is all about combining computer technology with business theories to solve problems in various industries. You might become a database administrator, computer systems analyst, or information systems manager with a degree in this area. The average salary in this group of careers is over $120,000, with healthy growth projected by the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) in the years to come.
• Statistics: This is one of the fastest-growing occupational fields according to the BLS, with 34 percent growth projected from 2014-2024. Average income for statistic professions sits at about $80,000. Data analysis is a point of emphasis for companies in virtually every industry these days.
• Nursing: If you have a passion for helping people, there’s likely a role in the nursing field that fits your skills. The average registered nurse earns around $68,000 per year. You might also pursue an advanced nursing degree to become a nurse manager or take on a related administrative role.
• English: An English degree can set you up for a lot more than just teaching. You might use what you learn to become an editor, content writer, or communications manager. English majors also find their way into advertising and marketing roles. The average salary for professionals in this area is surprisingly high, sitting at right around $62,000.
• Software: This is one of the fastest-growing sectors in the economy, with the BLS projecting healthy increases in demand for software developers, computer support specialists, and systems analysts. 
• Sales: The BLS projects average growth in the coming years for sales professionals. A business degree with a marketing concentration will set you up for success as a salesperson. You’ll learn a lot about buyer psychology while you sharpen your persuasive abilities.
• Accounting: Companies will always need to know where their money goes, so you can expect a healthy job market in the accounting field for the foreseeable future. Accountants and auditors average nearly $70,000 per year. If you’re good with numbers and have a knack for communicating complex info, majoring in accounting is a good idea.

Earning a degree in any of these subjects can lead to a rewarding career. All you have to do is decide which one is the right match for your talents and interests.