Choosing a major in higher education can be challenging. You must consider how your investment of time, energy, and resources into achieving your qualification will set you up for future success.
Consequently, picking a degree that will help you secure a good job and a comfortable salary in the future is crucial.
While the future can never be predicted with absolute certainty, some degrees appear to be more secure than others. The BLS has compiled a list of high-growth occupations projected to expand fast through 2031. The industries hiring in these areas are increasing and are expected to keep expanding over the next decade.
Why is technology always at the forefront?
For technology to serve a wide range of purposes, it requires the services of individuals skilled in construction, repair, maintenance, and programming. So, future college majors will need to provide options for students who hire an with varying levels of technical aptitude.
Programming requires a logical, systematic mind, while user experience (UX) design is a good fit for creative types that enjoy working with technology. Those with a technical background who aren’t interested in programming still have a place in the computer industry. Being an IT administrator or working at a cloud computing facility is a promising and lucrative profession.
Here is a compilation of seven of the most lucrative degree programs to help you plan for your future success.
Data Science
Median income: $129,753
The demand for data scientists is growing due to the worldwide spread of both technology and business. A data scientist’s job is to analyze data to improve a business’s operations. There has never been a better moment to earn a degree in data science than now, thanks to the growing number of available positions.
There will be an additional 40,500 data scientist jobs available by 2031, a growth of 35.8 percent, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics. With an average yearly pay of $129,753, data scientists are among the top-paid professionals in the United States.
Computer Science
Median income: $102,000
Computers are essential to the smooth operation of nearly every business today, and this trend shows no signs of switching up anytime soon. Because of this, businesses of all sizes, from small retail shops to international conglomerates, require the services of IT professionals who can quickly resolve any technical issues and build attractive, functional websites to meet the needs of their target audiences.
Unsurprisingly, CS classes are some of the highest attended in universities around the US. Students majoring in computer science are typically exposed to both the inner workings of computer hardware and the fundamentals of programming languages like C++ and Java, as well as more advanced languages like Scheme.
And the job market for people with the necessary know-how is vastly expanded for those with a bachelor’s degree in computer studies, with positions ranging from computer systems analyst to web developer.
Digital Marketing
Median income: $60,000
The widespread adoption of portable electronic devices like smartphones and tablets over the past decade has contributed to the meteoric ascent of digital media. These gadgets have also revolutionized the entertainment industry. That has led to an increase in opportunities within the field of digital marketing.
There are now more than 860,000 opportunities for , making this position one of the top 10 in demand. As a field, digital advertising is always developing. A degree in digital marketing will provide you with the knowledge and skills necessary to compete successfully in today’s economy.
Graphic design, content creation, and social media strategy are just some of the many useful skills you’ll pick up in this course.
Information Security Analyst
Median income: $102,600
Information security analysts stop hackers and malware from wreaking havoc on a company’s computers and networks. Tasks in their day-to-day may include;
- Planning and implementing cybersecurity measures.
- Monitoring networks for breaches.
- Investigating and reporting breaches.
- Doing penetration testing.
- Maintaining cybersecurity defenses.
There is a need for both general security experts and specialists in certain areas, such as network security.
Software Developer
Median income: $109,020
Engineers in the field of software development create systems, applications, networks, and operating systems. Software developers spend most of their time coding but also perform in-depth analyses of user needs, plan technical feature requirements, write documentation, and run tests.
Jobs in software development may emphasize user interfaces, server processing, or back-end coding.
Artificial Intelligence
Median income: $149,833
Learning advanced mathematics, engineering, and computer science is all part of getting a degree in artificial intelligence. Earning a bachelor’s degree in this field prepares you to design autonomous robots and systems. The average salary for someone working in AI is $149,833 annually in the United States.
The projects that employment in the tech security industry will increase by 31% by 2029, higher than the average growth rate across all occupations.
DevOps Engineer
Median income: $119,058.
DevOps engineers are operations specialists who find and fix bugs in software development at any stage of its lifecycle. DevOps engineers collaborate with both developers and IT staff to manage code releases.
Because of their expertise in both coding and engineering, they are able to develop new software and enhance old programs to boost efficiency and output. Lastly, they specialize in digital pipeline automation techniques like CI/CD (continuous integration and delivery).
Should you prioritize job security when choosing a degree?
Choosing a major that will lead to a stable career is essential. Job security and career flexibility are two factors that facilitate strategic planning. The best way to develop a successful career and pay off student loans is to get an undergraduate degree in a field with high employment stability.
Jobs for those with expertise in these seven tech majors will be in high demand for the foreseeable future.