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.
Featured Programs
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
The ability to communicate is a crucial skill. Look at any job description and you’ll see that one of the most sought-after skills is communication. The ability to convey ideas and also listen is an integral part of success, both on and off the job. Strong communication skills are more important than ever in a world with so many voices. For students considering this degree at the bachelor’s degree or master’s degree level, it is helpful to choose a concentration within the field. Specializations include:
- conflict resolution
- corporate communications
- journalism
- marketing
- public relations
The degree offers a high level of utility and can be applied to virtually any occupation.
Top programs:
14. Economics
Average Annual Salary: $115,730
Expected Job Growth 2023-33: 5 percent
Economics majors come in at #14 on our list of best college majors to get for the future. Economics training provides students with excellent preparation for a career in:
- economics
- finance
- public policy
- law
- government
- business
It is also excellent preparation for graduate school. Students learn a variety of integral skills such as:
- what drives consumer behavior
- what factors dictate the growth and detraction of markets
- how to forecast economic conditions
Courses may include:
- calculus for the social sciences
- introduction to macroeconomics
- introduction to microeconomics
- public policy analysis
Possible careers include:
- business analyst
- economist
- financial advisor
- loan officer
- market research analyst
- digital marketing
- business management
Top programs:
15. Anthropology
Average Annual Salary: $63,800
Expected Job Growth 2023-33: 8 percent
Anthropology is the study of human behavior from biological and social scientific perspectives. Anthropology is one of the best college majors for the future and can be applied to several industries including:
- academia
- the arts
- business
- education
- criminal justice
Students choosing this college major should consider a specialty track such as:
- archaeology
- biological anthropology and linguistics
- cultural anthropology
Anthropology graduates have several career options including:
- anthropologist
- archaeologist
- archivist
- conservationist
- curator
- public policy analyst
- urban planner
Courses may include:
- archaeology of culture and resource management
- anthropology and research
- evolution of primate behavior
- human ecology
The degree is available on-campus and online.
Top programs:
16. Healthcare Administration
Average Annual Salary: $110,680
Expected Job Growth 2023-33: 29 percent
Healthcare needs continue to increase in this country. The system needs individuals with sound business administration and leadership skills. A degree in healthcare administration offers the skills necessary to lead healthcare organizations, including human resources, management information systems, and risk management. The Bureau of Labor Statistics expects healthcare administration jobs to increase 29% from 2023 – 2033. This rate of growth is more than six times the rate of growth for all other occupations tracked by the Bureau. The degree is available at both the bachelor’s degree and master’s degree levels. There are several excellent online options to choose from, all of which can lead to lucrative career paths.
Top programs:
17. Environmental Science
Average Annual Salary: $78,980
Expected Job Growth 2023-33: 7 percent
The climate change crisis continues to affect the earth. Trained scientists work to fight this global crisis. A degree in environmental science gives a foundation in natural and physical sciences. Students learn the skills needed to fight environmental dangers. Many programs allow students to choose a focus within the field such as:
- applied ecology
- environmental agriculture
- environmental policy
- water conservation
A concentration allows the student to study specific coursework. It increases the chance of finding a job after graduation.
Top programs:
Average Annual Salary: $58,380
Expected Job Growth 2023-33: 7 percent
The Bureau of Labor Statistics expects job growth for social work positions to increase 7% from 2023– 2033. The need for social workers rises as mental health and family service needs increase. Online social work programs are available at the bachelor and graduate degree levels. Strong programs generally offer specialty tracks. These may include:
- child and family social work
- health care social work
- mental health and substance abuse social work
- school social work
Top programs:
19. Sociology
Average Annual Salary: $101,770
Expected Job Growth 2023-33: 7 percent
Like psychology majors, sociology majors study human behavior. Sociology, however, is the study of human behavior in the context of community. The discipline has come into focus in recent years as organizations try to understand what drives societal behavior. A degree in sociology has several career paths due to its broad utility and usefulness. Graduates go on to successful careers in:
- education
- social science research
- law enforcement
- marketing
- graduate school
Some programs offer specialties such as:
- community development
- cultural anthropology
- sociology of race
- sociology of the aging
- women’s and gender studies
Completely online degrees are available at both the bachelor’s degree and master’s degree levels.
Top programs:
20. Advertising
Average Annual Salary: $131,870
Expected Job Growth 2023-33: 8 percent
As consumer competition increases, the need for advertising professionals rises. It is also true for businesses that are not sales-related. Message creation and public relations are just as important there. Because of this, advertising comes in at #20 on our list of best college majors for the future. Programs are available online at the undergraduate and graduate levels. Advertising students learn to create messages designed to influence target audiences. It doesn’t matter if they are external customers or internal employees. An advertising degree will teach students to craft full campaigns. They learn to use different styles and strategies. They apply the latest in advertising technology and social media to reach as many people as possible.
Top programs:
Let’s take a closer look at the top majors for landing excellent jobs:
| Major | Average Annual Salary | Expected Job Growth (2023-33) | Top Schools |
| Artificial Intelligence | $109,147 | 36.6% | – Colorado State University Global – University of Colorado |
| Big Data | $94,525 | 36% | – Arizona State University – University of Illinois |
| Biotechnology | $96,260 | 7% | – Johns Hopkins University – University of Maryland Global Campus |
| Nursing | $86,070 | 6% | – Eastern University – Western Governors University |
| Sustainability | $84,060 | 7% | – Arizona State University – University of Wisconsin |
| Health Information Technology | $95,658 | 16% | – Central Piedmont Community College – Idaho State University |
| Medical Technology | $80,331 | 5% | – Louisiana State University – Old Dominion University |
| Construction Management | $112,790 | 9% | – Indiana State University – Louisiana State University |
| Mechanical Engineering | $99,510 | 11% | – University of Alabama – University of Massachusetts Lowell |
| Computer Science | $145,080 | 26% | – Arizona State University – Southern New Hampshire University |
| Information Technology | $104,420 | 26% | – Southern New Hampshire University – Western Governors University |
| Civil Engineering | $101,160 | 6% | – San Diego State University – University of North Dakota |
| Communication | $72,826 | 6% | – Appalachian State University – University of Central Florida |
| Economics | $115,730 | 5% | – North Carolina A&T – Oregon State University |
| Anthropology | $63,800 | 8% | – Colorado State University – University of Florida |
| Healthcare Administration | $110,680 | 29% | – Eastern Washington University – University of Minnesota Crookston |
| Environmental Science | $78,980 | 7% | – Oregon State University – Southern New Hampshire University |
| Social Work | $58,380 | 7% | – Eastern Kentucky University – Wayne State University |
| Sociology | $101,770 | 7% | – California State University Bakersfield – Fort Hays State University |
| Advertising | $131,870 | 8% | – University of Florida – University of Montana Billings |
Other Jobs and College Majors to Consider
- Human Resource Management
- Electrical Engineering
- Computer Network Architects
- Financial Managers
- Computer Engineering
- Project Managers
- Computer Systems Analyst
- Market Research Analysts
- Operations Research Analyst
- Accounting Majors
- Supply Chain Management
- Political Science
- Finance Majors
- Best Online Colleges
- Affordable Colleges for a STEM Degree
- Best Accredited Online Colleges
- Best College Majors
Sources
- Bureau of Labor Statistics: Occupational Outlook Handbook
- PayScale.com
This concludes our list of top 20 best degrees to get for the future.