Your time and money are precious commodities and if you're like most adults, you want to make sure that every cent and each second you spend on career education is worthwhile. Fortunately, if you're considering earning a bachelor's degree, there are plenty of programs offering high-quality training for professions that are expected to experience rapid growth in the next few years. Are you ready to go back to school? Read on to learn which degrees are the best bets for a quick and easy job search upon graduation.
1. Software Engineering or Computer Science Networking and Programming Degree:
Computers are only as smart as the individuals who program them. In a bachelor's degree program in software engineering, networking or programming you can learn how to effectively engineer, network and program the latest in computer technology.
Get This Job: Computer software engineer
Vital Statistics: The Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) anticipates 325,000 new jobs in this field through 2016. Computer software engineers pulled in median earnings of almost $90,000 in 2007.
2. Accounting Degree:
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There's a reason why so many individuals and businesses hire accountants to help them navigate complex tax codes, manage unwieldy balance sheets and stay financially organized. Get in on this valuable knowledge by earning your bachelor's degree in accounting.
Get This Job: Accountant
Vital Statistics: Over a quarter-million new accountants and auditors are expected to be hired in the next eight years and in 2007 the median salary in this field was $57,060.
3. Education Degree:
While most of us know how to read, write and do math, teaching these abilities to a group of children requires an understanding of educational psychology, child development and curriculum design. A degree in education can prepare you to lead a classroom, offering these as well as many other necessary skills.
Get This Job: Elementary school teacher
Vital Statistics: BLS projects 209,000 job openings for elementary school teachers through 2016. The median salary for this occupation was $47,330 in 2007.
4. Management Information Systems (MIS) Degree:
As a student in a MIS bachelor's degree program you could learn how information technology can be most effectively utilized in the world of business. Learn the basics of computer hardware and software technology while simultaneously mastering the art of management with a MIS degree.
Get This Job: Computer systems analyst
Vital Statistics: Our growing reliance on computers translates to a projected need for almost 150,000 new systems analysts in the next eight years. BLS reports that median earnings for computer systems analysts were $73,090 in 2007.
5. Economics Degree:
Major in economics and you could learn how to create and manipulate economic models, assess world markets and analyze risk - all the while using critical thinking and math skills which can be transferred to nearly any job opportunity.
Get This Job: Securities, commodities, financial services sales agent
Vital Statistics: Close to 80,000 new agents could be hired through 2016, and median earnings hover at nearly $70,000 annually.
6. Finance Degree:
If money makes the world go 'round, finance professionals help keep it spinning. As a student in a finance degree program you could learn the ins and outs of topics such as investment, financial management and banking, preparing you to take on this fast-paced industry.
Get This Job: Financial analyst
Vital Statistics: There may be as many as 75,000 new financial analysts joining the workforce in the next eight years. In 2007 the median earnings of these professionals were $70,400.
7. Business Degree:
Combining courses ranging from statistics and accounting to business ethics and even e-commerce, a bachelor's degree in business can prepare you for a future in a field that can always hold promise for fresh talent.
Get This Job: Personal financial advisor
Vital Statistics: BLS anticipates 72,000 new job openings for financial advisors, whose median earnings were over $67,000 in 2007.
8. Marketing Degree:
As a growing number of businesses vie for customers, the challenge in finding innovative ways to promote products in a sea of commercials grows. A bachelor's degree in marketing can help you learn how to use technology and principles of psychology to successfully hook your target audience.
Get This Job: Market research analyst
Vital Statistics: With the right education you could be one of the nearly 50,000 market research analysts hired through 2016. Median earnings in this field topped $60,000 in 2007.
A worthwhile education
We're all looking for ways to get the most bang for our buck. Do some research and you'll find that a bachelor's degree can help you significantly increase your salary, opening up career paths that were previously inaccessible. Four years may sound like a long time to spend pursuing a degree, however with earning potential and hiring statistics like those listed above, making the decision to go back to school is almost a no-brainer.
