The current financial crisis caught the world off guard, reminding us that nothing is certain -- least of all the economy. In a volatile economy, flexibility is worth more than fortune telling. Instead of trying to predict the next big thing, prepare for your future with career training that never goes out of style.
A versatile college degree lets you take advantage of any opportunity that comes your way. The following degrees open doors to a broad range of careers. By building transferable skills applicable in many career sectors, you can make sure your career profile is always in demand. Salaries are from the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics unless specified otherwise.
1. Business administration
Count on your college business administration department to prepare you for today's dynamic economy. The bachelor's degree develops the skills fundamental to succeeding in a business career: communication, analytic reasoning and quantitative analysis. The degree also features applied career training in accounting, finance, marketing, management and other business administration functions. The M.B.A. degree offers advanced training plus an opportunity to specialize in a particular field of business administration, such as international business or financial planning.
Careers:
- Accountant ($65,840)
- Advertising manager ($94,720)
- Entrepreneur (varies)
- Financial analyst ($84,780)
- Management consultant ($82,920)
- Marketing manager ($118,160)
2. Engineering
Engineers lead research and development in a range of industry sectors such as energy, public administration, biotech, computer technology, agriculture, pharmaceuticals, manufacturing, construction, mining and medicine. A bachelor's degree helps you develop the applied math and science skills you need to design, test and implement technical products or processes. You can apply your engineering training in any industry that relies on quantitative analysis and technical design. Or you can pursue a business career as an engineering manager, technical sales representative or management consultant.
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Careers:
- Engineer ($72,850 (agricultural) to $119,140 (petroleum)
- Engineering Manager ($120,580)
- Management Consultant ($82,920)
- Sales Representatives, Technical Products ($79,260 plus commissions)
- Systems Analyst ($78,830)
3. Computer science
With the digital information age well underway, computer science career training remains in demand across the economy. High tech firms rely on computer programmers and developers for product design. Telecom and hardware companies rely on computer scientists for testing, maintenance and implementation. The entertainment industry relies on computer scientists for advanced graphics and special effects. And businesses in all sectors rely on information technology experts to keep their digital infrastructure up to speed.
The bachelor's degree in computer science offers a solid foundation in applied science and mathematics. You'll also learn skills relevant to computer software and hardware development, such as programming, graphic design, logic and systems analysis.
Careers:
- Computer security manager (salary.com: $102,383)
- Software developer ($87,900)
- Network analyst ($73,830)
- Video game animator ($62,380)
4. English or humanities
Nearly any job relies on a handful of transferable skills: oral and written communication, analytical reasoning, research, and problem solving ability. English and other humanities degrees focus on developing these skills. In the course of building your cultural literacy, you'll learn to analyze ideas, develop arguments and write papers defending a viewpoint. To make your English degree even more versatile, supplement your liberal arts curriculum with courses in quantitative fields such as math, statistics or business.
Careers:
- Editor ($57,180)
- Journalist ($44,030)
- Public relations specialist ($58,960)
- Technical writer ($64,210)
5. Psychology
The study of the mind and human behavior has broad applications in management, marketing, education, health care, sales and even criminal justice. A psychology bachelor's degree offers career training in quantitative research and statistics, communications, analysis and counseling. For more advanced professional roles such as psychologist or counselor, you'll need a master's degree or Ph.D. in psychology.
Careers:
- Marketing research analyst ($67,340)
- School counselor ($53,540)
- Psychologist ($90,460)
6. Graphic design
A graphic design degree puts you at the intersection of design and technology. The course curriculum covers everything from fundamental visual arts concepts to technical training in multimedia design technology. A graphic design background can lead you directly into media careers as diverse as advertising and magazine publishing. Or forge a career in high tech product design, architectural drafting, fashion design, ecommerce -- anywhere visual communications plays a role.
Careers:
- Animator ($62,380)
- Creative director ($88,510)
- Graphic designer ($46,750)
- Product developer ($61,580)
- Web designer (Robert Half International: $47,000 to $71,500)
7. Education
An education degree can lead you into the classroom -- or into the corporate office, local government or a nonprofit organization. A bachelor's degree in education offers versatile career training for teaching, administration and social science research roles. For opportunities in K-12 education administration or higher education, continue on to a master's degree in education. Both degrees are widely available online.
Careers:
- Corporate trainer ($54,830)
- Curriculum designer ($59,780)
- Education administrator ($86,060)
- Special education teacher ($55,050)
8. Criminal justice
Criminal justice offers a sweeping introduction to law enforcement, the judicial system and corrections. The discipline incorporates elements of law, psychology, sociology, science and public administration. An associate or bachelor's degree in criminal justice also offers applied career training in skills such as forensic investigation and legal procedure.
Careers:
- Correctional officer ($41,340)
- Detective ($63,840)
- Paralegal ($48,790)
- Police officer ($52,810)
9. Statistics or mathematics
Quantitative skills are the foundation for financial, research, scientific, medical and business management careers. A bachelor's degree in mathematics or statistics offers comprehensive training in how to analyze and develop conclusion from numerical data. Courses include calculus, experiment design, probability theory and more.
Careers:
- Actuary ($95,980)
- Financial analyst ($84,780)
- Management consultant ($82,920)
- Market researcher ($67,340)
- Statistician ($74,790)
10. Nursing
The health care sector is growing faster than any other industry, according to the U.S. Department of Labor. Nursing is one of the most versatile qualifications in the medical field. A registered nurse career path features a range of specializations, from labor and delivery to the ER. In addition, nurses can find their calling as researchers, legal consultants, educators or administrators. There are three paths to a nursing degree: the associate degree in nursing (ADN), the bachelor of science in nursing (BSN) and the registered nursing diploma. Of the three, the bachelor's degree offers the broadest career opportunity.
Careers:
- Nutritionist ($51,470)
- Nurse midwife (salary.com: $89,870)
- Public health educator (varies)
- Registered nurse ($65,130)
In uncertain times, it pays to be flexible. Focus on transferable skills and essential career training, and you'll have a resume that never goes out of style. These versatile degrees will help you land on your feet no matter where the job market heads.
