Nothing in life is certain, least of all the economy. By choosing a versatile college degree, however, you can prepare yourself for whatever job market you encounter. Career training in "evergreen" skills such as business, communication, quantitative analysis and design will serve you well in any economy.
Sharpening your competitive edge
According to the National Association of Colleges and Employers (NACE), class of 2009 graduates encountered "one of the toughest job markets in years." The most recent NACE survey found that employers are planning to hire 6.9 percent fewer graduates in the coming year than in 2009. In this competitive job market, graduates with a broad, flexible skill set will have an edge.
Five online degrees to succeed in any job market
Improve the odds of success in your favor by pursuing one of the following versatile college degrees:
1. Associate or bachelor's degree in nursing
The associate (ADN) and bachelor's (BSN) degrees in nursing offer a springboard to one of the fastest growing occupations in the U.S. According to the U.S. Department of Labor, registered nursing will add more jobs than any other profession. With an estimated 587,000 new positions expected between 2006 and 2016, you're sure to encounter success on this career path.
Choose between a two-year associate and a four-year bachelor's degree. For the broadest career opportunity, opt for the BSN, which can lead to careers in clinical care, nursing specialties or administrative case management.
Salary: Nurses earned $65,130 in 2008.
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2. Bachelor's degree in engineering
A four-year degree in engineering opens doors to a range of technical design careers. According to a recent CNBC report, opportunities are strongest in electrical, mechanical and computer engineering. These fields offer some of the most versatile career training, with industry applications in construction, manufacturing, energy research, high tech development and more. The hottest engineering specialties should be environmental and biomedical engineering, according to U.S. Department of Labor projections for the 2006 to 2016 period.
A bachelor's degree in engineering trains you to apply basic principles of math and science to applied engineering problems. To accelerate your route into the job market, start with an online associate degree in engineering technology. You can continue on to the four-year bachelor's degree while you work, building knowledge and real-world experience simultaneously.
Salary: Electrical engineers earned $85,350 in 2008; Mechanical engineers, $78,200.
3. Bachelor's or master's degree in business administration
The Master of Business Administration (M.B.A.) has gained a reputation as an instant ticket to career advancement. The Graduate Management Admission Council (GMAC) reports stunning statistics to support the M.B.A.'s cachet: According to the 2008 M.B.A. Alumni Perspectives Survey, 54 percent of alumni received at least one promotion within five years of graduating. In addition, "salary increases reported six months after graduation were 50 percent and a 10 percent increase each additional year after graduation."
The M.B.A. may be completed in as little as 18 months through an online degree program. If you don't have an undergraduate degree, start with the bachelor's degree in business administration. You'll learn business fundamentals as well as core communication and analytical skills. Marketing and finance offer some of the best career opportunities, according to the NACE survey.
Salary: Marketing managers earned an average salary of $118,160 in 2008.
4. Bachelor's degree in computer science
Computer science is one of the most versatile majors around. High tech career are just the beginning: You'll find opportunity in nearly any industry. Computer information systems serve as critical infrastructure in health care, manufacturing, design, defense, financial services -- nearly any line of work you can think of. According to CNBC and NACE, management information systems and computer science are among the top ten most in-demand majors among today's employers.
A four-year bachelor's degree in computer science offers training in computer programming, database administration, network management and other key information systems skills.
Salary: Network systems and data communications analysts earned an average salary $73,830 in 2008. Computer research scientists brought home average earnings of $100,900.
5. Bachelor's degree in education
Teaching topped the National Association of Colleges and Employers' list of jobs for the graduating class of 2009. Education jobs are plentiful even in a down economy. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, special education teachers at the elementary school level will experience the greatest demand in coming years, with an estimated 2006 to 2016 job growth of 20 percent.
A bachelor's degree in education and a teacher training program can launch your career in teaching. To become a licensed special education teacher, pursue a five-year bachelor's degree in special education or a post-baccalaureate training program. For the best career opportunities, continue on to a master's degree in education (M.Ed.). This two-year graduate degree is widely available online to accommodate working educators.
Salary: Secondary school teachers earned an average salary of $54,390 in 2008; elementary school special education teachers earned $52,970.
These five degrees are just a selection of the most versatile college degrees on today's job market. Other options include an associate degree in graphic design, a bachelor's degree in accounting and an associate degree in applied science.
The formula for a versatile degree
The formula for a versatile degree is simple: Look for a program that combines essential transferable skills with applied career training. Communication, analytical thinking, problem-solving and quantitative skills are critical to success in nearly any career path. These core skills are also the focus of any college bachelor's degree curriculum. Combine this foundation with applied career training in a high-demand field such as design, health care or information systems, and you have a foolproof strategy for success in any job market.
