Six Degrees That Could Pay You Back
Degree 1 - Computer Science:Is solving computer glitches a piece a cake for you? If so, chances are a bachelor's degree in computer science could reward you in more ways than one. But how does this degree pay you back? In marketability, it seems. "It's one of the biggest areas right now."It's not even just for computers, but mobile phones, tablet devices - all those things are taking off," he adds. "Computer science is much more valuable now because there is so much more demand for it, and it's hard to find that talent." With a bachelor's degree in computer science, you could be prepped to pursue a career as a software developer, as the U.S. Department of Labor reports that this is one degree these professionals typically have. The Department of Labor notes that programming skills are also important.
The best part? Software developers earn decent salaries. The Department reports a median annual salary of $90,060 for software developers who specialize in applications, with workers in the 10th percentile at $55,190 and those in the 90th at $138,880.*
Degree 2 - Business Administration:Is a leader born or made? No matter which way you feel about it, if you like the idea of being in charge, why not consider a degree in business administration? You can sharpen your natural talents, while earning a degree that could pay for itself.
The College Board says students who study business administration will prepare "to plan, organize, direct and control an organization's activities." Major courses might include operations management, financial management, management information systems, and accounting.
A bachelor's degree is usually required for financial analyst positions, notes the U.S. Department of Labor. Fields of study that qualify include business administration, accounting, finance, and others. The Department of Labor also reports that employers often want candidates with a master's degree in business administration (MBA) or in finance.
And get this: Financial analysts report good salaries. The Department shows a median annual salary in the field of $76,950, with workers in the 10th percentile at $47,130 and those in the 90th at $148,430.*
Degree 3 - Health Care Administration: Are you interested in helping people and enacting real change in health care? A bachelor's degree in health care administration could be a great fit for you."Obamacare will have a major impact on the health care industry, so if you work in it and hold a health care administration degree, there will be more opportunities for you to find work and advance. According to the College Board, students in a health services administration program might take health care courses such as health care law and health care ethics, plus classes like accounting, anatomy and physiology, and statistics.
Additionally, medical and health services manager can be a money-making career. The Department of Labor reports a median annual salary in the field of $88,580, with workers in the 10th percentile at $53,940 and those in the 90th at $150,560.*
Degree 4 - Civil Engineering:"Repair of the infrastructure can't be put off much longer, and rising sea levels will require large public and private works to prevent property damage."
According to the U.S. Department of Labor, a civil engineering bachelor's degree or a degree in one of its specialties, approved by the Accreditation Board for Engineering and Technology, is needed to pursue a career as a civil engineer.
And this career could pave the way to decent earnings. The Department of Labor reports a median annual salary in the field of $79,340, with workers in the 10th percentile at $51,280, and those in the 90th at $122,020.*
Degree 5 - Accounting:The College Board says an accounting program teaches students how to interpret how an institution is performing financially. Classes for this degree might include multiple levels of accounting courses, as well as business law and auditing.
With a bachelor's degree in accounting, you could be equipped to pursue a career as an accountant or an auditor, as the U.S. Department of Labor reports that most of these professionals typically have a bachelor's in accounting or a related field.
And let's not fail to mention the attractive salaries. The Department of Labor reports a median annual salary for accountants and auditors of $63,550, with workers in the 10th percentile at $39,930, and those in the 90th at $111,510.*
Degree 6 - Nursing:A student pursuing a nursing degree could take courses in anatomy and physiology, chemistry, and psychology, in addition to nursing courses like adult or mental-health nursing, says the College Board. As for salary potential, the Department reports a median annual salary of $65,470, with workers in the 10th percentile at $45,040, and those in the 90th at $94,720.*