As the job market changes each year, finding a degree path that will stand the test of time is important for everyone, and particularly so if you are just now going into college and need to declare your major. Future proof degrees ensure high job security as they lead to careers that will always be needed in society. These degrees will remain useful as the workforce changes, especially as AI projects make their way into our job market. Essentially, future proof degrees guarantee future proof jobs that will provide security, stability, and growth as you work in those related fields. 
Top 10 Future Proof Degrees
#1. Bachelor’s Degree in Computer Science
A future proof degree in computer science opens up the door to an abundance of jobs with highly transferable skills. With a computer science degree, you can get a job as a software developer which has a 22% projected growth rate within the next 10 years – almost three times the average growth rate for jobs! The median pay for a software developer is $110,140 and requires a bachelor’s degree for entry-level positions.
#2. Bachelor’s Degree in Finance
It’s no secret that money talks, so a future proof degree in finance will give you job security despite the highs and lows in the market. A degree in finance could land you multiple types of jobs such as a financial manager or analyst who oversees financial reports and trends for companies. The projected growth for a financial manager is 17% with almost 120,000 open jobs within the next 10 years. The median pay for a financial manager is $134,180 per year.
#3. Bachelor’s Degree in Nursing
Healthcare workers will always be needed which is why a bachelor’s degree in nursing is sure to be a future proof college degree. Though the projected position availability as a registered nurse is at 9%, there are plenty of additional opportunities for growth such as becoming a nurse practitioner. Nurse practitioners have a projected growth rate of 45% but this position does require a master’s degree.
#4. Bachelor’s Degree in Cybersecurity
The tech-world is growing exponentially alongside online security threats. A degree in cybersecurity is exactly what you need to get a job as an informational security analyst. All companies, especially the big ones, have security threats. As a cybersecurity expert, you will be the person who is well-versed in computer systems from a security standpoint can help with all sorts of threats. They have a 33% projected growth rate and require a bachelor’s degree.
#5. Bachelor’s Degree in Business
The business world is booming. In January 2022, there were 430, 411 U.S business applications so getting a future proof degree in business is a great way to be part of this rapid growth. With a business degree, you can get a job as a management analyst which is projected to grow 14% in the next 10 years. Business degrees are highly transferable and great for multiple jobs, not just management roles.
#6. Master’s Degree in Physician Assistant Studies
Getting a future proof college degree in biology, biochemistry, or biomedical sciences are a great prerequisite to get into a physician assistant school’s master’s degree program. A higher-level degree is a future proof way to obtain job security — particularly within the healthcare field, the need for a physician assistant is projected to grow a whopping 41%. The median salary for a physician assistant is $115,390 per year. This is a great alternative if you don’t want to get a doctorate.
#7. Bachelor’s Degree in Logistics
In today’s economy, the supply chain is a hot topic so a future proof university degree in logistics is the perfect way to get your foot in the door for a job as a logistician. These analysts study the supply chain for all industries and can work for a variety of companies. They have a projected growth rate of 30% over the next 10 years with a median salary of $76,270.
#8. Master’s Degree in Speech-Language Pathology
Common degrees like psychology and education may not seem future proof to some, but when paired with a master’s degree in speech-language pathology you can land a job with a 29% growth rate. Speech-language pathologists can work in both healthcare and schools — you can choose which setting works best for you. This is a great choice if you are already pursuing a degree and seeking higher education opportunities.
#9. Bachelor’s Degree in Health Administration
Healthcare workers are super important including those who are behind the scenes doing the administrative work. A degree in health administration is great if you want to work in the healthcare field but prefer not to do patient care. Medical and health services managers have a projected growth rate of 32% with almost 140,000 jobs opening up within the next 10 years.
#10. Bachelor’s Degree in Marketing
The world of marketing is taking off, especially with the recent growth in social media over the last five years. Whether your interests are in digital, social media, or advertising, a degree in marketing is the perfect opportunity to get started in that world. Market research analysts have a projected growth rate of 22% and you can develop skills that are highly transferable for other marketing jobs.
Future Proof Degree Advice for High School Students
Preparation for the future is sure to prevent panic when it comes to finding a job after you graduate college. Your current interests are great indicators as to which types of jobs you can be successful in.
Take a look at our list for the best future proof degrees and read about what day-to-day life is like for that job. Make note of which degrees and jobs stand out to you and align with your personal goals. Meet with your high school advisor to see how you can connect with people in these careers. They can even help you come up with useful questions to gain further knowledge as you begin networking. Attend community career days at your local school or county. Come with your prepared questions and ask about opportunities for high schoolers in their related fields. If your school doesn’t host in-person career days, you can find local mentorships in your community to network and build your resume. Talking with real people who have these future proof jobs makes it feel more attainable and will also differentiate you from other future college students.
Future Proof Degree Advice for College Students
If you’re already in college, you’re surrounded by endless resources to guide you in the right direction. But it can be easy to get paralyzed by the abundance of information as you try to sift through it all. The first step is to meet with your college advisor and see which of the future proof degrees go best with what you have already completed – this is a huge step.
Then, find out when the next career fair is at your college. Come prepared with questions, professional attire, and a smiling face. These people were once in your shoes so don’t be too intimidated by them, especially since they are there to help! What’s great about college fair days is that some of the companies will be actively seeking college interns, making it a great opportunity for you to get your foot in the door. Connect on LinkedIn with the professionals you meet so you can keep in touch and build a bigger network. Ask them about which degree they earned. And if they had to get further education, the growth opportunities in their career, and how work-life balance is for them.
All these questions will help you decide which path is better for you personally, financially, and educationally.
Future Proof Degree Advice for Parents
As a parent, it’s important to give your child the freedom to choose their career path. If you still want to be present in their college decisions, ask them which degrees and careers they are interested in and cross-reference that with the experience of people in your life who followed the same route. Have a trusted voice. Speaking both with encouragement and honesty will be equally important for you and your child.
Tips to Earn a Future Proof Degree
- Create or update your current resume with an online resume builder so it’s ready to go when applying for internships, mentorships, and jobs. Your school should have resources at career fairs that provide feedback so you stand out from other applicants.
- Your LinkedIn profile is a convenient way to connect with so many people from different career paths. You can search people by the degrees they graduated with and build a connection with them. By building a network on LinkedIn, you can find career opportunities and see real growth within your desired future proof degree. You can personally message people on LinkedIn. Though not all will reply, you’re sure to find a few that are willing to answer questions you may have.
- Shadow different jobs that you’re interested in. This can give you a feel for what the day-to-day life of that career path looks like. You may think you want a certain degree or job but once you truly work in that environment, you may quickly change your mind. A future proof degree is only useful if you earn it and actually use it!
The future is bright and full of job potential. Getting a future proof degree means you’ll have more job opportunities, even when the market fluctuates. These degrees often have skills that can be used for multiple job positions to ensure job security for students. No matter where you are on your education journey, equipping yourself with the right information will guide your transition from a future proof degree to a future proof career.
Let College Raptor help you find your perfect career that you will be happy with for many years to come!
