While no degree is “worthless” (even though there are myths that say so!), there are definitely degrees that are in demand each year. As a result, you’re more likely to find a full-time job quickly after graduation if you study in an “in demand” field compared to those that are in less demand. So we put together a list of 10 college majors and degrees that guarantee a job after graduation in 2022 (almost always) – it could just be your first job!
Here are the top 10 college degrees that guarantee a job!
1. Registered Nursing
Source: Flickr user diabetescare .
Many careers in healthcare are in high demand at the moment, but none as much as nursing. If you have a passion for helping others and like a challenge in the workplace, this may be a good major for you. Coursework generally includes
- Techniques and procedures for promoting health
- Administration of medication and other treatments
- Health maintenance
- Microbiology
- Human anatomy
- Fieldwork for clinical experience
- Critical thinking
- Time management
Registered nurses earn a median salary of $77,600 and the career field is expected to grow by 12% between 2018 and 2028.
2. Culinary Arts
Flickr user Bonnie
Many employees are leaving the food industry, so there’s definitely a need for those experienced in the Culinary Arts. Classes tend to cover
- Recipe planning
- Menu planning
- Food prep
- Cooking and various techniques
- Management of inventory, including food and kitchen resources
- Food presentation
Chefs and head cooks go on to earn just over $50,000 on average. The field is projected to grow 11% by 2028.
3. Computer Science and Information Technology
Pexels user JESHOOTS
This one has been at the top of the “in demand” list for quite some time – and it still is! Whether to program, run databases, innovate new technologies in various fields, or to fix whatever seems to be broken, computer scientists and information technology experts are the backbone of progress and technology.
Courses may include
- Computer theory
- Computing problems and their solutions
- Design of computer systems
- User interfaces and user experience
- Computational science
- Computer development
- Programming
- Computer hardware and software
- Telecommunications
Careers in the computer science field can vary quite a bit! From help desk to cybersecurity expert, there are plenty of options available to you depending on your interests.
Computer science and information technology are very similar, but classes can cover different topics. |It’s important to do your research into both to decide which is the best option for your career goals. Some colleges offer majors that are a combination of the two, but not always.
4. Engineering
Flickr user UC Davis College of Engineering
Engineering, and its many specialized offshoots, is one of the most vital fields out there. Engineers of all kinds solve problems or queries with mathematics and science in order to make leaps and bounds in technologies and processes in various areas of study. Even with a general Engineering degree, students are likely to find a job soon after they graduate.
Areas of study can range from chemical engineering to mechanical engineering and civil engineering to petroleum engineering – and the things you’ll learn in the classes will vary! Job growth statistics and salary medians can also be vastly different depending on the engineering concentration.
5. Business
It makes sense that the most common major would be near the top of this list. The Business major learns about many different aspects of running, working in, and working with businesses around the world. Concentrations can include accounting, finance, management, administration, project management, and more. Which one you pursue is entirely up to you! Many even go onto be entrepreneurs and own their own business themselves.
Check out the top schools for Business Administration Programs.
6. Hospitality Administration/Management
Flickr user Morten Rand-Hendriksen
If you love working with the public, a career in hospitality may be the right option for you. Not only do you have to help customers, but you also need to manage the facility – whether it’s an event space, a hotel, or something else – and all the people in it.
The classes in hospitality administration/management tend to go over
- Travel and tourism
- Operations of hotels, lodging, food services, and recreation facilities
- Marketing
- Management
- Franchise management
- Business management
- Accounting
- Transportation and logistics
- Industry policies and regulations
The average salary and expected job growth for hospitality managers can depend on the industry.
7. Pharmaceutical Sciences
Flickr user Army Medicine
For those interested in the medical field but don’t want to be doctors or nurses, there is always pharmaceutical sciences. Many who earn this degree will go on to be pharmacists or work in the field in a related position.
Classes cover
- Drugs and the science behind them
- Drug therapy
- Administration and sales
- Biotechnology
- Toxicology
- Dosage formulation
- Manufacturing
- Regulations
It’s important to note though, that in order to be a pharmacist, you generally need a doctor’s degree. If that’s your career goal, these programs will help prepare you for further study in the field.
8. Education
Elementary school teachers are one of the most in-demand jobs in the country, so it’s no surprise that Education Majors find themselves on this list. And it’s not just elementary school teachers that are in demand – everywhere from middle school to college, educators are incredibly needed.
Future teachers will study:
- School systems and regulations
- Curriculum design
- Instruction
- Child development
- Child psychology
If you’re preparing to teach in middle or high school, you will likely also focus on a particular subject. Elementary school teachers earn, on average, around $61,000, but this number can vary quite a bit depending on the state.
9. Architecture
Photograph via Multichrome.blogspot.com.
Architecture majors may also be able to gain a full-time job shortly after graduation. There are a number of specializations and concentrations available, including industrial, commercial, residential, and landscape.
Courses will cover:
- Architectural design
- History
- Theory
- Building structures
- Building environmental systems
- Project planning
- Site planning
- Construction
- Standards and regulations
Architectural managers make a median salary of $152,350. While a majority of managers do have their bachelor’s degree (47.1%), 30.6% do have their master’s.
10. Construction Management
Pixabay user Skitterphotos
Construction management is an undergraduate major that prepares students to manage and supervise the construction process. Focuses can include mechanical, environmental, highway, commercial, residential, and more. Students can expect to learn about:
- Facilities management
- Project planning
- Budgeting
- Logistics
- Inventory management
- Labor relations
- Site safety
- Industry regulations and requirements
- Contracting
- Construction processes
On average, construction managers make $98,890. Between 2018 and 2028, the field is expected to grow 9.8%.
Choosing a major is a tough decision! And while you definitely want to aim for something that guarantees a job after graduation, you don’t want to enter a field simply because it is high paying or in demand. You should give careful consideration to your wants, needs, and more when it comes to your major and future career. Other in demand career fields and majors at the moment include finance, accounting, physical therapy, medical assisting, and mathematics.
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Don’t see your major on here? Don’t fret! There are hundreds of majors that are available to students, and we could only name 10 of the few that lead to almost guaranteed jobs after college graduation. To learn more about majors and career fields, make sure to use our College Major and Career Finder search tools!
