By: Shelby Kinghorn | September 26, 2019

Chose a degree that will get you a good paying job right out of college.

You made it to college! You have the next 2-8 years to get a degree and decide what to do with your life. You’re taking out your student loans, buying your ramen noodles and are ready to start studying. The only problem is you don’t know what to study.

You know there are lots of degrees, but you don’t know which would be the best. You want something you’re interested in, something that will get you a job when you graduate and something that makes good money.

Check out the best 11 degrees to get if you want to be able to find a good paying job right after you graduate.

Computer science degree

TheBestSchools.org defines the computer science degree as, “developing the skills and knowledge required to design, develop, test, and produce computers and their subsystems.” You will be eligible for many jobs in computer science with only a bachelor’s degree.

*Other certifications may be required for certain jobs in this field.

Personal Characteristics: Critical thinking, problem-solving, analytical thinking, communication, science, math, technology and mobile app design

Fields to work in: financial tech, programming, video game design, electronic music engineering, mobile app design, government

Average Salary: $118,370 (U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics)

Engineering degree

Engineering is a broad category that includes 40 different degrees. Typesofengineeringdegree.org explains engineering as, “covering a wide range of applications and industries. Combing mathematics, science and technology, engineers produce creative solutions to real world problems.”

The six major branches of engineering are:

Mechanical

Chemical

Civil

Electrical

Management

Geotechnical

With many subcategories beneath each of the major branches.

*Other certifications may be required for certain jobs in this field.

Personal Characteristics: math, analytical skills, critical thinking, problem-solving, communication, business skills, science, technology

Fields to work in: aerospace, agriculture, architectural, automotive, biomedical, chemical, energy, medical, computer, environmental, geological, marine, petroleum, software, government

Average Salary: $91,010 (U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics)

Photo by Clint Bustrillos on Unsplash

Marketing degree

Allbusinessschools.com states that a marketing degree, “Prepares you to enter the creative, fast-paced business of promoting, developing and selling products to unique customer markets.” You will spend your time doing marketing research, strategy, management and campaigns. Marketing professionals are needed in almost every industry.



*Other certifications may be required for certain jobs in this field.

Personal Characteristics: communication skills, organizational skills, analytical skills, interpersonal skills, creativity, writing, math

Fields to work in: marketing agencies, in-house marketing teams, account manager or executive, public relations specialist, marketing manager, advertising, public affairs

Average Salary: $117,130 (U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics)



Photo by Aaron Sebastian on Unsplash

Nursing degree

Nurses are in demand across the world. From hospitals to family practices to traveling nurses, there are always nursing jobs available. A nursing degree will teach you about the human body, the health care system, and how to treat and take care of people. There are many different options and levels of nursing degrees. The four main levels of nursing are:

Nursing assistant (CNA)

Licensed practical nurse (LPN)

Registered nurse (RN) Associate degree in Nursing (AND) Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN)

Advanced Practice Registered Nurses (APRNs)

*Must pass the NCLEX to become a registered nurse

Personal Characteristics: leadership skills, communication, interpersonal skills, analytical skills, science, math

Fields to work in: Hospital, private practice, urgent care, schools, government, nonprofit, personal care, hospice, nursing home, public health

Average Salary: $71,730 (U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics)

Photo by Hush Naidoo on Unsplash

Accounting degree

Accounting-degree.org describes accounting as, “At its simplest, accounting is a way to communicate the financial health of a business or an organization to any and all interested parties. It is a way of assessing the assets, liabilities and cash flow, or the future of an entity for all current and future investors.”

*Must pass CPA tests to become a certified accountant

Personal Characteristics: detail-oriented, communication skills, math, analytical skills, organizational skills

Fields to work in: in-house accounting team, accounting firm, personal accountant, financial analyst/adviser, bookkeeping, auditor

Average Salary: $70,500 (U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics)

Communications degree

Thebestschools.org explains communications degrees as, “focusing on effective communication through a variety of means.” This means relating information and communicating both internally with the company and externally with the public. A communications degree teaches a variety of different methods of communication including, print, web, social media, mass media, and spoken word. This degree teaches the skills needed for journalism, marketing, production, event planning, publicity, advertising, effectively communicating.

There are four main subjects in communications:

Advertising Creative Management

Public Relations Digital advertising Press and media

News Media Newspaper Online Reporting

Communications Studies

*Other certifications may be required for certain jobs in this field.

Personal Characteristics: creative, writing, communication skills, organization, analytical skills, strategic thinking, interpersonal skills, speaking, leadership, problem-solving, technology

Fields to work in: in-house communications, agency communications, publicist, advertising, journalist, reporter, research, campaign manager, social media specialist, public affairs

Average Salary: $117,130 (U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics)

Business degree

Thebestschools.org explains that “A business degree focuses on learning and applying business concepts across industries and markets, blending economics, entrepreneurship, management, communications, marketing, and more to prepare you for a career in business.” There are nine main specialties to get business degrees in:

Accounting Entrepreneurship Finance Health care management Human resources Information systems International business Marketing Public administration



*Other certifications may be required for certain jobs in this field.

Personal Characteristics: communications skills, writing, speaking, leadership, critical thinking, problem-solving, strategic analysis, math, technology, Fields to work in: Sales, real estate, management, finance, human resources, information systems, international business, marketing, administration, government, start your own business, accounting

Average Salary: $96,180 (U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics)

Photo by SPS universal on Unsplash

Digital advertising/marketing degree

Digital marketing/advertising is a relatively new career field. Typically, this is still covered under one of the four main communications degrees mentioned above. Some schools are adding degrees and courses specifically on digital marketing/advertising. Bestcolleges.com explains that “digital marketing includes advertising campaigns, copywriting and social media strategy.”

*Other certifications may be required for certain jobs in this field.

Personal Characteristics: creative, writing, communication skills, organization, analytical skills, strategic thinking, interpersonal skills, speaking, leadership, problem-solving, technology

Fields to work in: social media management, digital advertising, website building and design, in-house digital marketing management, agency digital marketing management, digital marketing firms, government

Average Salary: $117,130 (U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics)

Finance Degree

The encyclopedia describes finance as, “a field that is concerned with the allocation of assets and liabilities over space and time, often under conditions of risk or uncertainty.” Finance degrees typically fall under a business degree.

*Other certifications may be required for certain jobs in this field.

Personal Characteristics: detail-oriented, communication skills, math, analytical skills, organizational skills

Fields to work in: commercial banking, financial planning, investment banking, money managing, insurance, real estate, government

Average Salary: $85,660 (U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics)

Economics Degree

Thebalancecareers.com explains that economics involves, “Studying industry trends, labor markets, the prospects for individual companies, and the forces that drive the economy.”

*Other certifications may be required for certain jobs in this field.

Personal Characteristics: detail-oriented, communication skills, math, analytical skills, organizational skills

Fields to work in: Market research analyst, economic consultant, compensation and benefits manager, actuary, credit analyst, financial analyst, government

Average Salary: $104,340 (U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics)

Bioinformatics Degree

Study.com states that bioinformatics is, “the use of computer science, chemistry and biology for research and development purposes.” Bioinformatics is about applying computer science to the management and manipulation of biological data.

*Other certifications may be required for certain jobs in this field.

Personal Characteristics: Critical thinking, problem-solving, analytical thinking, communication, science, math, technology

Fields to work in: bioinformatics scientist, bioinformatics engineer, bioinformatics researcher, core facilities manager, teacher, software developer, health care development, government

Average Salary: $118,370 (U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics)

Photo by Ani Kolleshi on Unsplash

Bottom Line

You are spending two, four, six, maybe even eight years to get a degree. You are taking out loans, eating cheap food, and living the stereotypical life of a poor college student. You are doing all this work and graduating without a good-paying job is ridiculous. The degrees listed above because they will help you get a good-paying job right out of college. Are you interested in learning more about digital marketing? Learn more here dmstudents.com