Degrees in Demand:
Top 10 List of In Demand
College Degrees
Below is a list of the top 10 degrees in demand. The data shown is extrapolated from the Bureau of Labor Statistic's website on their study of "in demand careers to the year 2014".
A few degrees you may be surprised to see on this list. However, it is important to note that employment can be found outside the traditional career path of any degree. Some college majors provide expertise in areas others cannot.
The rankings of this list were made by finding the largest amount of current job openings to new college graduates and presenting their perspective degree. Here is the top 10 list of Degrees in Demand:
1.) Education
Common Professions:
There is an estimated total of 2,140,000 openings for educational graduates. This degree holds the #1 position for degrees in demand, which may come as a surprise to some because there are many teachers out of work in some areas. However, the data is misinterpreted because of a large number of teacher openings in 'undesirable' areas.
Other than school teachers, there are many openings in vocational schools as well as a growing number of permanent and adjunct postsecondary instructors as well.
2.) Nursing
Common Professions:
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Nurse Practitioner
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Surgical Nurse
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Staff Nurse
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Home Healthcare Nurse
The nursing profession continues to see high growth and a large number of openings throughout the U.S. As with education, some inner city hospitals and rural areas are in greater need of qualified nurses than other areas of the country.
According to the BLS, nursing positions will thrive for the next 20 years, at least. Specializing further in nursing will provide you with even great possibilities.
3.) Accounting
Common Professions:
Accounting is an excellent degree to pursue in the current job market, mostly because of such a wide area of jobs that an accounting graduate qualifies for.
Becoming a CPA (Certified Public Accountant) allows an accounting major to step into another tier of careers that are quite lucrative and in demand.
4.) Computer Science
Common Professions:
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Software Engineer
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Computer Programmer
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Systems Analyst
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Animator
Job growth in computer science has been on the rise for some time now, and many companies are seeking qualified and talented programmers, software engineers, and analysts to fill their ranks - which they usually pay remarkably well for, making it one of the best degrees in demand.
Employees in the industry have been worried lately that many programming jobs have been outsourced overseas, yet employment data still proves there are plenty of jobs available.
5.) M.D. or D.O.
Common Professions:
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General Surgeon
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Anesthesiologist
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Pediatrician
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Family Practitioner
People will always get sick, making careers in healthcare a great industry to work in. Many degrees in demand belong to specialized physicians, such as the ones listed above.
For those that are willing to put in 8 years of school along with residency requirements, becoming a MD (Doctor of Medicine) or DO (Doctor of Osteopathic Medicine) almost certainly guarantees you a job in most US cities.
6.) Juris Doctor (Law)
Common Professions:
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Private Practice Lawyer
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Patent Lawyer
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Criminal Trial Lawyer
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Bankruptcy Lawyer
Surprised? Me too! I remember reading a few articles claiming that there weren't enough jobs in law to cover the amount of graduating students. However, the Bureau of Labor Statistics estimates that there are 205,000 openings for current college graduates.
Even on the main 'lawyer' page of BLS, it states that lawyers are expected to have keen competition - but there are many employers that seek temporary lawyers, and turn to temporary agencies for new graduate hires. There are also many other positions that require law expertise, but may not actually require the practice law of any kind.
7.) Business Management
Common Professions:
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General Manager
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Regional Sales Manager
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Materials Manager
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Purchasing Manager
Majoring in business management makes you a very versatile employee. All industries seek qualified managers, and the employment data proves that many businesses are currently hiring.
A management degree isn't for everyone though...not everyone enjoys being a leader and responsible for others. For those who pursue business management, experience in a particular industry will likely be needed before being offered a management position.
8.) Finance
Common Professions:
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Financial Advisor
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Securities Broker
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Financial Analyst
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Budget Analyst
A degree in finance doesn't just lead to a desk job at a bank, there are many possible career choices graduates can take. Sales and finance management are two of the most highest paid professions in the US, and there are plenty of job opening for qualified applicants.
While new graduates might not qualify for executive level, six figure salary positions, many entry level jobs are open to finance degree holders.
9.) Pharm. D. (Pharmacy)
Common Professions:
A Pharm. D. is the only Doctorates level degree one can obtain without first earning their Bachelors degree. There are many articulated programs where students with only 2 years of college can enter the school of pharmacy. When students graduate this program, BLS estimates plenty of entry level positions open for them.
10.) Computer Information Systems
Common Professions:
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Database Administrator
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Network Administrator
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Network Engineer
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Help Desk Analyst
The age of the Internet is upon us, and with all businesses 'plugged-in', they currently need IT professionals to design, implement, and administer their technical infrastructure.
Computer information systems is one of the only degrees in demand that doesn't require at least a Bachelors degree. Many working professionals only have an Associates degree in a technology related area.
Top of Degrees in Demand
