Most Employable Degrees in United States

Most Employable Degrees in USA

The benefits of earning an undergraduate or postgraduate degree in the US are endless. Aside from the many programs offered in American universities, the possibilities of landing your dream job after graduation make it all the more appealing for international students. The United States has a high employment rate for graduates and candidates with an American degree have a higher chance of getting employed.  

When looking at the advantages of a certain degree you want to pursue, chances of employment after graduation is one of the key factors to consider. Getting assured that you will be able to find a job as soon as you graduate is the first sign to continue your studies in the program of your choice. The competition of the United States job market is known to be quite intense, therefore it is important to choose a degree that will guarantee you financial stability after graduation. 

Here are some of the most employable degrees in the US:

Pharmacology

Among the many fields of study where helping people is the main goal, pharmacology is considered as the most popular of the degrees. To work in this profession, the minimum requirement needed is completing a Bachelor’s degree, however the higher the degree the higher the salary after employment. With a degree in Pharmacology in the US, the average salary can range from $71,000 to $214,000 per year. 

To find a job in the field of Pharmacology, students need to complete medical school and go through a residency program after graduating. The option of residency is offered to those without a Ph.D. or a Pharm.D who must gain some years of practical experience in the medical field. After finishing the residency, you are required to get a fellowship which takes about two to three years to complete. 

If you are wondering about other career options you can pursue with a Pharmacology degree, check the list below: 

Job PositionDegree Duration
Director of Pharmacist10 Years
Regulatory Affairs Director12 Years
Medical Manager6 Years
Forensic Toxicologist5 Years
Clinical Research Director11 Years
Clinical Research Scientist7 Years
Toxicologist6 Years
Study Director 7 Years
Scientific Director 12 Years
Pharmacist Consultant8 Years
Perfusionist7 Years

Computer Science 

Considering computer science’s importance in many industries in the US, this field of study is continuously growing throughout the years along with the students who want a degree in computer science. Many start-ups can accept students with only an associate’s degree and with prior work experience in the area. 

The most successful specialization in the computer science field is considered the management information system, which requires students to own a bachelor’s degree at the least in order to get employed in the industry. According to research done by the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, the field of computer science will experience a growth in employment by 13% between the years 2016 and 2026. These statistics show that the employment rate for the computer science field is higher than any other job occupation.

With a degree in computer science you can get any of the following job titles:  

  • Data scientist
  • Software tester
  • Web developer
  • Systems analyst
  • Business analyst
  • Product manager
  • Network architect
  • Software engineer
  • Software developer
  • Full-stack developer
  • Engineering manager

Health Science

Considering medical care is a field that requires continuous growth in staff and medical workers committed to helping people in need, getting employed in Healthcare is a rewarding process. Graduates of Health Science have the opportunity to work in various job environments including hospitals, private practices, doctor’s offices, rehab clinics, and more of the same. 

The majority of public and private universities in the United States offer a degree in public health, including community colleges that offer an associate degree. The associate degree involves teaching subjects in sociology, psychology, health, etc. The most common reason that students tend to enroll in a health science program is to advance their previously gained knowledge further. Others may enroll to change careers or prepare for specialization programs. 

There are plenty of job opportunities for Health Science majors, however, we have listed some of the highest paying jobs in the industry: 

Jobs you can pursue with a BA in Health Science and the average annual salary:

  • Community Health Worker – $26,000 
  • Healthcare Policy – $55,000
  • Healthcare Management – $102,000 

With additional clinical training:

  • Registered Nurse – $69,000
  • Nurse Practitioner – $95,000
  • Physician Assistant –  $92,000
  • Medical Doctor – $197,000
  • Dentist – $196,000
  • Veterinarian – $82,000

Information Technology

The Information Technology field resembles the aforementioned Computer Science degree in terms of their popularity as promising industries. In comparison to computer science, IT majors focus on the process behind computer systems, hardware, and software and the implementation of information technology through data and secured tools. The Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) states that students tend to find high-paying jobs with only a bachelor’s degree in Information Technology. 

Pursuing a career as an IT you will be able to work remotely while still earning a high salary which ranges between $80,000 to $100,000 or more per year. The job opportunities for IT specialists are expected to grow by 12% until the year 2026.

Here are the potential IT jobs you can pursue with a bachelor’s degree: 

  • Computer and Information Systems Manager
  • Network and Computer Systems Administrator
  • Database Administrator
  • Software Developers
  • Computer Systems Analyst

Engineering 

The field of engineering includes many areas of study such as chemical engineering, civil engineering, electrical engineering, industrial engineering, and mechanical engineering. In any of these realms of engineering, you are guaranteed to find a high-paying job up to six figures as the average US annual salary. With a degree in engineering, you will be introduced to a broader knowledge of mathematics, science, and technology. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), through 2026 about 130,000 new jobs will be added to the field of engineering.

After graduating with an undergraduate degree in engineering you can enroll in a master’s or doctoral program depending on your interests and career goals. The master’s program is usually designed to deepen the knowledge gained at the undergraduate level and it takes two years to complete with a full-time curriculum. Whereas doctoral programs typically take about five to seven years to complete and their focus is on research and education in the field of engineering.  

Here are some of the best engineering jobs in the US:

  • Mechanical Engineer
  • Cartographer 
  • Petroleum Engineer
  • Civil Engineer
  • Biomedical Engineer
  • Architect
  • Environmental Engineer
  • Environmental Engineering Technician

Business Administration 

The business administration degree is very popular among students in the United States, because of the opportunities it offers after graduation. The business administration job options are endless and you are prepared to work in several different positions. With a degree in business administration, you can work as a manager, analyst, business owner, CEO, etc. An associate degree can be enough if you decide to work at the entry-level and while working you can later enroll in a bachelor’s and master’s degree program.

Jobs in business administration require graduates who can prove their leadership skills in a professional setting along with the financial and analytical abilities which are a must in the world of business. Most business administration careers require students to have a bachelor’s degree in a business-related field. During those four years of study, it is expected for them to learn about the fundamentals in business and how to implement that knowledge in their future jobs. 

Here are the business administration jobs you can pursue with any of the degree levels: 

With an Associate’s degree in Business:

  • Sales Manager – $132,290
  • Bookkeeping, Accounting, or Auditing Clerk –  $42,410
  • Administrative Assistant – $40,990

With a Bachelor’s Degree in Business: 

  • Loan Officer – $63,960
  • Market Research Analyst –  $65,810 
  • Human Resources Specialist – $63,490

With a Master’s Degree in Business: 

  • Adjunct Assistant Professor – $2,000 to $7,000 per course
  • Financial Manager – $134,180
  • Senior Business Analyst/Management Analyst – $87,660

With a Doctoral Degree in Business: 

  • Management Consultant – $109,760
  • Postsecondary Professor – $80,790