Reviewed by: Melissa Anderson, MS.Ed. / First covered: January 2021 / Updates: 3
Key Takeaways:
- Artificial Intelligence and Big Data are top choices for future degrees based on job demand and favorable job outlook.
- Both fields offer diverse career opportunities with high demand in sectors like finance, healthcare, and technology industries.
- Programs in Artificial Intelligence and Big Data emphasize advanced skills in areas like machine learning, robotics, and data analysis.
Are you asking yourself, “What’s the best degree to get in college?” In this article, we profile the 20 best degrees and college majors for the future.
Many college students want to study something they’re passionate about. In fact, a 2024 Pew Research Center study showed 32% of four-year college graduates say going to college is worth the cost even it means students need to take out loans!
While you may want to pursue your interests, there are certain college majors and degrees that offer a more stable guarantee for the future. Also, your interests may align with some of the top degrees to pursue for the future.
Below are 20 top degrees for the future that offer a favorable job outlook, solid return-on-investment, and above-average employment rates, as listed by the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS).
These degree offerings might help you decide which career path you want to take, as you think about the best majors in college to get a job.
1. Artificial Intelligence
Average Annual Salary: $109,147
Expected Job Growth 2023-33: 36.6 percent
Artificial Intelligence is at the top of our list of best college degrees for the future. There are thousands of jobs available in the artificial intelligence field. That makes it a top college major right now. AI students learn basic skills in computer science. They will get an in-depth understanding of:
- artificial intelligence
- machine learning
- robotics
For this college major, students take courses such as:
- foundations of artificial intelligence
- fundamentals of information retrieval and web searching
- principles of robotic theory
- machine learning
Students should have strong mathematical and technical skills. The Bureau of Labor Statistics expects artificial intelligence jobs to grow at an above-average rate, making it one of the best majors in college to get a job.
Top Programs:
2. Big Data
Average Annual Salary: $94,525
Expected Job Growth 2023-33: 36 percent
Big data continues to be one of the best college degrees for the future because of its high demand. Many organizations, including those in the finance sector, seek professionals who can analyze and construct data that informs decisions. Students must gain graduate-level advanced skills and knowledge in data science and statistical analysis. They learn to design scalable systems to interpret data that needs to be processed. Core areas for this college major can include:
- cloud computing
- data mining
- data visualization
- machine learning
Students will take courses in information science and statistics. Most college majors in big data require a background in computer science or a related field.
Top programs:
3. Biotechnology
Average Annual Salary: $96,260
Expected Job Growth 2023-33: 7 percent
Biotechnology combines the study of biology and technology to create a top college major. This in-demand field of study can improve individual lives and communities. It uses the power of the cellular process to make improvements in:
- healthcare
- sustainability
- farming
- manufacturing
Biotechnologists have the skills to face threats like viruses and climate change. This degree is offered at both the undergraduate and graduate levels. Students often specialize in one industry that fits their personal and career interests. Courses may include subject matter such as:
- bioinformatics
- biotechnology applications
- genome analysis
- laboratory management and safety
- vaccine development
Top programs:
4. Nursing
Average Annual Salary: $86,070
Expected Job Growth 2023-33: 6 percent
Nurses are one of the most important employees in the healthcare system. The Covid outbreak made this clear to the public. They support patients with hands-on care in nearly every healthcare setting. The demand for nurses is growing as the population continues to age and new health threats arise. That makes it one of the top college majors right now for career opportunities, including top job positions in the field. Nursing majors can earn an online nursing credential at any level from a certificate to a doctor of nursing practice degree. Most people don’t realize how much the nursing field has developed. Nurse midwives, nurse practitioners, and nurse anesthetists take on many of the same responsibilities as doctors. If you’re interested in advancing your nursing career to fill one of these roles you might want to consider one of these affordable DNP degrees you can earn online. Courses for this college major include:
- anatomy and physiology
- biology
- chemistry
- nutrition
Graduates work in places like:
- clinics
- hospitals
- doctor’s offices
- rehabilitation facilities
- educational institutions
Those with a bachelor’s degree or higher should have excellent job opportunities. Plus, many financial aid opportunities exist for prospective nurses. That makes nursing a top choice for one of the best degrees for the future.
Top programs:
5. Sustainability
Average Annual Salary: $84,060
Expected Job Growth 2023-33: 7 percent
In terms of the future’s best college majors, jobs in sustainability continue to grow in importance. Industries are moving away from using fossil fuels as the threat of climate change grows. This major is most prevalent at the associate or bachelor’s levels. It can be completed entirely online. Graduates work in fields like:
- renewable energy engineering
- turbine technology
- sustainability engineering
Graduates with this degree earn a median salary of $84,060 per year. Students take coursework in:
- economics of sustainability
- sustainable ecosystems
- sustainable farms and food systems
- sustainable urban settings
If these topics interest you, rest assured this is one of the best degrees to go back to school for.
Top programs:
6. Health Information Technology
Average Annual Salary: $95,658
Expected Job Growth 2023-33: 16 percent
If you’re still wondering, “Is college the best option?“, you should know that health info tech ranks #6 on our list of best degrees to get for the future. It is typically available at the associate and bachelor levels. Health information technologists organize and maintain healthcare records as they relate to:
- billing
- facility planning
- marketing
- quality control
- research
Hospital data uses codes and various industry standards to track information. Most programs are offered at community colleges. This means admission is open-door and only requires a high school diploma or GED. Degrees should be accredited by the Commission on Accreditation for Health Informatics and Information Management Education.
Top programs:
7. Medical Technology
Average Annual Salary: $80,331
Expected Job Growth 2023-33: 5 percent
Med lab techs are some of the most important healthcare professionals. They are often overlooked because they work behind the scenes. Techs work with doctors and nurses to perform a wide variety of medical tests. The tests diagnose and track various illnesses and diseases. Make sure the National Accrediting Agency for Clinical Laboratory Sciences accredits the program you choose. Graduates with this college major must prepare to take a certification exam.
Top programs:
8. Construction Management
Average Annual Salary: $112,790
Expected Job Growth 2023-33: 9 percent
Construction management comes in at #8 on our list of best degrees to get for the future. The need for construction managers increases as the country’s roads and buildings age. Construction managers oversee the many parts of the process. They are responsible for areas like:
- budget oversight
- contractor management
- client relations
The construction manager is the person that brings a construction project together. Courses cover a wide range of topics including:
- project management
- business acumen
- architectural graphics
- construction budgets
- construction materials and methods
- construction safety
Top programs:
9. Mechanical Engineering
Average Annual Salary: $99,510
Expected Job Growth 2023-33: 11 percent
Mechanical engineering has always been one of the best college majors for the future. It teaches students to solve complex problems and create solutions using innovation across nearly every industry. If you’re wondering what degrees do for mechanical engineers, they teach them how to:
- research
- design
- develop
- implement devices and machines ranging from car engines to medical equipment
It is a very broad branch of engineering. This allows the graduate to follow several distinct career paths and work in a variety of industries. There are several different types of mechanical engineers, including:
- automobile engineers
- HVAC engineer
- robotics engineers
Mechanical engineering degrees are typically offered at the bachelor’s degree level.
Top programs:
10. Computer Science
Average Annual Salary: $145,080
Expected Job Growth 2023-33: 26 percent
A computer science degree has been a popular choice for a long time. It continues to be a great degree for the future. Technology continues to advance and become more a part of daily living. Those with high-level information technology skills combined with critical thinking skills will continue to be in demand. The computer science degree is diverse and allows graduates to work in a variety of careers such as:
- database analysts
- software developers
- business application programmers
- mobile app developers
There are plenty of online computer science degree programs at the bachelor’s degree and master’s degree levels. Courses cover concepts such as:
- business information systems
- database development
- mobile platforms
- web enterprise technology
Top programs:
11. Information Technology
Average Annual Salary: $104,420
Expected Job Growth 2023-33: 26 percent
In terms of college degree ideas, information technology is a great choice for current and future job opportunities. The increasing importance of IT affects every part of modern society. IT degrees offer many different sub-specialties such as:
- cyber security
- data analytics
- project management
- software development
Having industry certifications and internship options are an important part of any degree program. Most IT-related jobs are expected to grow at twice the rate of other occupations over the next decade. The Bureau of Labor Statistics expects security analyst jobs to grow by a staggering 33%. Computer science majors can also benefit from this boon.
Top programs:
12. Civil Engineering
Average Annual Salary: $101,160
Expected Job Growth 2023-33: 6 percent
Civil engineering ranks 12th on our list of best degrees to get in college. Civil engineering professionals make a huge impact in their communities. They improve, design, and install current and new infrastructure such as:
- roads
- bridges
- buildings
- other physical structures
They maintain the things that impact human mobility and transportation. Students can choose to specialize in:
- academics
- construction
- civil infrastructure
- public utilities
- water resource management
Civil engineering students learn other important parts of the job such as:
- communication
- environmental science
- personnel management
- project management
Degrees are available on-campus and online.
Top programs:
13. Communication
Average Annual Salary: $72,826
Expected Job Growth 2023-33: 6 percent
