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Top 10 Degrees in Demand for the Future

17/08/202118 minute read
Top 10 Degrees in Demand for the Future

Choosing a major is challenging, but choosing one that stands the test of time seems almost impossible. Although you probably have an idea of what you want to do, will your dream career be around 30, 20, or even 10 years from now? It’s impossible to know for sure, but there are many timeless university degrees and even newer degrees with promising futures.

Why should you get a college degree?

While you may be able to have a fulfilling career without a college degree, you will not regret getting one. Even if a degree is optional for your chosen career, consider getting one anyway. Here are just a few reasons you should get a college degree.

  1. Your career path requires a college degree
  2. It helps you stand out in a competitive job market
  3. Increases job opportunities
  4. Prepares you for a specialized field
  5. Higher earning potential
  6. Endless networking opportunities
  7. Improves job satisfaction
  8. Builds self-confidence

Crimson Education is the world’s leading admissions consulting company. We understand the top degree trends and which universities and degrees will propel you into a successful career. Our qualified admissions counselors are here to help you. Contact us today for a free consultation to learn about our Admissions Support Program.


Here are the top ten degrees in demand for the future.

1. Human Resources

Human Resource will be an in demand degree for the future

Human resource departments (People Teams) have existed for more than a century, and some would argue even longer than that. In the last few decades, technology has steadily changed the way companies manage their employees. Thankfully, the “human” side of the experience is still strong. There is also a widely accepted “work from anywhere” emphasis. Human resource departments will need to learn remote work management, chatbot technology, data analytics, and HR software to improve efficiency and productivity. There will be a greater focus on the overall employee experience, emphasizing modern benefits like parental leave, mental health, and financial security.

Top 5 Schools to Study Human Resources Management

  • Cornell University
  • Michigan State University
  • Rutgers University
  • University of Michigan, Ann Arbor
  • University of Richmond (VA)

Top 5 Careers for Human Resources Graduates

  • HR Officer
  • Human Resources Manager
  • HR Consultant
  • Executive Recruiter
  • Compensation and Benefits Manager

Find a university that best suits you! Use our free college admissions calculator to find recommended universities based on your profile.

2. Nursing

Nursing will become a top indemand degree for the future

People are living longer thanks to modern medicine. As a result, more nurses will need to care for the aging population. Preventative care is also increasing as well as an increase in chronic conditions like diabetes and obesity. According to the US Bureau of Labor Statistics, jobs as registered nurses should see a seven percent growth in the next 7-10 years.

Top 5 Nursing Schools

Top 5 Careers for Nursing Graduates

  • Registered Nurse (RN)
  • Certified Registered Nurse Anesthetist (CRNA)
  • Cardiac Nurse
  • Critical Care Nurse
  • ER Nurse
  • Family Nurse Practitioner (FNP)

Find a university that best suits you! Use our free college admissions calculator to find recommended universities based on your profile.

3. Engineering

engineering is a top degree for the future

Engineering is a versatile and lucrative major that encompasses several professional opportunities in many industries. Students in this in-demand STEM major often choose careers in the electrical, computer, biomedical, chemical, civil, industrial, and mechanical fields. Thankfully, the future job market for engineers is looking solid. Engineers should find success in most industries for many years to come.

Check out our blog on how STEM students can set themselves apart!

Top 5 Schools for Engineering Majors

Top 5 Careers for Engineering Graduates

  • Biomedical Engineer
  • Civil Engineers
  • Electrical Engineers
  • Environmental Engineer
  • Software Engineer

Top 5 Engineering Schools in the U.S.


Find a university that best suits you! Use our free college admissions calculator to find recommended universities based on your profile.

4. Business

Business is a top degree choice for the future

Business degree majors can take many different career paths, many of which should be around for years to come. Students who want to pursue business can take classes in finance, marketing, economics, and more! They can work in any field or even start their own company. If a business major has the creativity to think outside the box, their future career possibilities are endless.

Top 5 Business Schools

Top 5 Careers for Business Graduates

  • Accountant
  • Management Consultant
  • Financial Analyst
  • Actuary
  • Corporate Attorney (also requires a law degree)

A Day in the Life: Harvard Business School


Find a university that best suits you! Use our free college admissions calculator to find recommended universities based on your profile.

5. Advertising and Marketing

marketing and advertising will be a top degree in demand for the future

While marketing and advertising jobs have changed over the years, they’ve never gone away. Today, a large portion of advertising has migrated online. According to Content Marketing Institute, when examining B2B advertising, “social media advertising was used by 83% of marketers and ranked second in success (29%) behind search engine marketing (33%).”

Statista Research Department reported, “In 2021, 91.9 percent of US marketers in companies larger than 100 employees were expected to use social media for marketing purposes. In 2013, the share stood at 86.2 percent.”

Marketing and advertising aren’t going anywhere, and a degree from a top university is an excellent way to start a career in this field.

Top 5 US Universities for Business Marketing Degrees

  • University of Pennsylvania
  • Washington University in St. Louis
  • University of Notre Dame
  • Carnegie Mellon University
  • Georgetown University

Top 5 Careers for Business Marketing Graduates

  • Marketing Manager
  • SEO Manager
  • Fundraising Manager
  • Event Planner
  • Social Media Manager

Top 8 Communication & Media Schools In The World


Find a university that best suits you! Use our free college admissions calculator to find recommended universities based on your profile.

6. Pharmacology

pharmacology a top degree for the future

The future of pharmacology is constantly changing, evolving, and emerging. While the traditional role might disappear due to automation, pharmacists will take on new roles. Pharmacists find employment at hospitals, universities, research organizations, pharmaceutical and biotech industries, and government agencies. Pharmacists in the future might work in ambulatory care, administration, insurance, and specialty pharmacy. Additionally, the baby-boomer generation will increase the demand for medication management. Today, pharmacists earn a median salary of $105,000, depending on their degree and experience.

Top 5 Pharmacology Schools in the World

Top 5 Careers for Pharmacology Graduates

  • Pharmacist
  • Pharmacologist
  • Pharmaceutical Sales Representative
  • Pharmaceutical Marketing Manager
  • Medical Writer

Find a university that best suits you! Use our free college admissions calculator to find recommended universities based on your profile.

7. Cybersecurity

cybersecurity a top degree for the futureAs our world becomes more dependent on technology, the need for cybersecurity experts will continue to rise. If you have a computer science background and keep up with the latest developments in cybersecurity, information technology, coding, and software development, you should have no trouble finding a job in the future. People with a cybersecurity background often work for a business or government agency. Thanks to its versatility, it’s also a great career path for those who want to go into software and application development or another technology-related job.

Top 5 Schools to Study Computer Science for Cybersecurity

Top 5 Careers for Cybersecurity Graduates

  • Cybersecurity Analyst
  • Cybersecurity Consultant
  • Cyber Security Manager/Administrator
  • Software Developer/Engineer
  • Systems Engineer

Find a university that best suits you! Use our free college admissions calculator to find recommended universities based on your profile.

8. Economics

economics is a top degree for the future

Economics is a versatile major with a variety of job options in several different industries. This field integrates well into the growing world of technology, unlike other professions still evolving in this area. There will always be a need for people with robust data analysis and critical problem-solving skills. These skills pair well with jobs in public policy, healthcare reform, urban planning, and real estate.

Top 5 Schools to Study Economics

Top 5 Careers for Economics Graduates

  • Economist
  • Financial risk analyst
  • Data analyst
  • Financial planner
  • Accountant

Find a university that best suits you! Use our free college admissions calculator to find recommended universities based on your profile.

9. Data Science

data science a top degree for the future

Data science careers are consistently at the top of “top jobs of the future” lists. People hoping to break into this career typically have a passion for computers, math, and data analysis. The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics says the demand for knowledgeable data science skills will increase employment in this field by 27.9 percent through 2026. Nearly every industry uses data science to analyze big data, improve their business, and better serve their customers. While data gathering may become automated in the next few years, there’s still a need for experts who understand the data, can find a data-driven solution and put that solution into action. The demand for data scientists is on the rise and a top degree for our technology-driven society.

Top 5 Schools to Study Data Science

Top 5 Careers for Data Scientists

  • Data Scientist
  • Machine Learning Engineer
  • Machine Learning Scientist
  • Applications Architect
  • Enterprise Architect

Find a university that best suits you! Use our free college admissions calculator to find recommended universities based on your profile.

10. Construction Management

construction management is a top degree for the future

As the economy grows, so does the need for building and renovating businesses, homes, hospitals, and schools. Large construction projects need construction managers to get work permits, hire contractors, schedule walkthroughs, handle emergencies, and inform clients about timelines and progress. Between 2019-2029, the US Bureau of Labor Statistics estimates an employment growth of 8.5% for construction managers. That’s up to 40,400 new construction management jobs!

Top 5 Schools to Study Construction Management

  • California State University-Sacramento
  • Arizona State University-Tempe
  • Purdue University
  • Central Connecticut State University
  • New York University

Top 5 Careers for Construction Management Graduates

  • Construction Manager
  • Project Engineer
  • Estimator
  • Construction Inspector
  • Civil Engineer

Find a university that best suits you! Use our free college admissions calculator to find recommended universities based on your profile.

Honorable Mention: Game Design

game designer a degree for the future

If you love video games, you should consider a degree in game design. While this is a newer college major, its future looks bright thanks to technology. As the demand for video game developers rises, so will the job opportunities. Careers in this field include everything from creating a video game or application to graphic and art design. Beyond games, knowledge of coding, software development can lead to app development or other IT and technology-related jobs.

Top 5 Schools to Study Game Design

  • University of Southern California
  • Becker College
  • New York University
  • Rochester Institute of Technology
  • DigiPen Institute of Technology

Top 5 Careers for Game Design Graduates

  • Multimedia Artists and Animators
  • Software Developers
  • Art Directors
  • Graphic Designers
  • Web Developers

Final Thoughts

Choosing a college degree is challenging. Choosing one that will stay relevant throughout your career is even more difficult. Crimson Education understands the top degree trends and which universities and degrees will propel you into a successful career. Our qualified admissions counselors are here to help you. Contact us today for a free consultation.

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