About the top 10 most useful degrees...

[Julie in CA]

So, if you're not into engineering of any type, not math/science minded, what degrees *are* a good choice? :confused: If you know of a specific degree you think is a good one, and can list jobs that would go with the degree, that would be helpful.

Thanks!

[Parrothead]

We are always going to need law enforcement and fire service. A 4-year Criminal Justice will go a long way to making better money in a LE career. Most fire depts. will in-house train, but those with a degree in fire science will make better starting out. And in both fields many federal agencies will require the higher education.

[happygrrl]

Someone "in the know" told me that anything in Public Heath would take you far. He works overseas, and sees that as a major need with employers both in the public and private sector. I was questioning him about resuming my medical degree but disliking where the medical system is headed here.

[shastanarnia]

A friend of mine says there's lots of jobs in Physical Therapy or perhaps going for a Physician's Assistant!!

[Carol in Cal.]

then you'll look for knowledge jobs that can be done anywhere, if you want to live in a cheap location where any pay is basically enough, or knowledge jobs that are completely unique, in which case you can write your own ticket, or hands on jobs.

 

My view is that the hands on jobs are going to be the bread and butter ones. No matter what, we will need nurses, doctors, police officers, fire fighters, gardeners, plumbers, construction people, innkeepers, hospitality jobs, psychologists, cleaners. These are not all prestigious jobs, but they are going to be jobs that last.

 

I believe, however, that education is valuable in and of itself. I think that if someone ends up being in a career that does not occupy their minds completely, it's great for them to have other things already in there to think about.

[Annie]

How do you define "math minded?" Some business degrees are pretty sought after. I graduated with a degree in distribution/manufacturing operations and supply chain management three years ago, and there wasn't anyone in my program that didn't have a job before graduation. The average starting salary of the people graduating was enough to comfortably support a little family. The market is obviously more difficult now than it was three years ago, but logistics/supply chain management is an area of business that saves companies money, so I think it will rebound faster than others. A good logistics person can sometimes save a company a couple hundred times their salary a year, so there's no real reason not to hire them if there's work to be done.

 

However, not all business majors are created equal. I wouldn't recommend a general management degree (unless the person already had a job and their company is requesting/paying for it) or a marketing degree (unless they were planning to continue to graduate school).

 

I did have to take calculus, and I certainly worked with a lot of numbers, but we're not talking high level, abstract, math major kind of math.

 

Accounting could be a good thought... You think of accounting as a lot of math, but it's mostly just basic math operations. The difficulty comes in understanding and applying all of the rules. Companies and individuals will always have to pay taxes. :)

[LizzyBee]

So, if you're not into engineering of any type, not math/science minded, what degrees *are* a good choice? :confused: If you know of a specific degree you think is a good one, and can list jobs that would go with the degree, that would be helpful.

Thanks!

 

Accounting uses mostly basic arithmetic, not complex math. Jobs are available in a wide variety of environments, and some accounting jobs offer tons of flexibility. There's a shortage of CPAs, so lots of opportunity there.

[MaMa2005]

I would think anything in the health related field. Our population is just getting older and thus, more care is going to be needed.

 

On the other hand, with the new health care policies, who knows????

[Daisy]

These still seem like all math/science related fields? No? :confused:

[Carol in Cal.]

Through high school my view is that kids need to be able to pivot in any direction. (I depart slightly, but very respectfully, from SWB a bit on that point.) It's certainly true that there are many children who know from an early age where they want to specialize, but I believe that even at the high school level there is a certain reasonable lack of direction. I would want a broad exposure with some focus areas in several directions through middle school and high school.

 

So, for instance, looking back on middle school, Dd has taken some pretty high level writing classes. We have attended a lot of plays and discussed plays and novels at a fairly sophisticated level. She has participated in serious vocal performances--even been in the children's chorus of a professional opera. She has also done very intensive outdoor education, and also been a key programmer as well as a research project leader on a robotics team. She has organized charitable work as well. This is a well-rounded kid!

 

Over the next few years I will be watching for opportunities for her to hone ALL of her interests, and to be exposed to new potential ones. But in addition, I will be looking to her to continue with math and science consistently, even at levels that are usually for specialists, because otherwise those major fields will be ruled out for her. Who knows what she will want to do in college?

 

Having said all that, I studied chemical engineering in college. No way could I have gotten a liberal arts degree and then jumped into engineering at the graduate level. At the college level, a choice must be made. It's too bad, but it's true, and it's driven by the intensity and sheer number of classes that engineering and technology majors require. Ultimately I think that I'm far more well-rounded with that major behind me than I would have been if I had studied my first love, history. Also, frankly, because I made more money in tech and saved it during my early career days, I was able to purchase a modest but ridiculously expensive home here in CA AND stay home when DD was young--something that is not easy to pull off around here. Still, though, I remember those nuclear engineers all figuring on a similar career trajectory and not having one. I also know that if I had not quit my job when I did, I would have faced some very difficult choices with regards to foreign assignments/foreign travel during DD's early childhood. There are no guaranteed jobs, really.

 

Here's what I know: my background and experience were helpful in areas that I would not have expected. I have used them more broadly than you might think. But more than those, my resiliance and faith and varied interests have buffered the tremendous changes during just my own lifetime! Those are things that a broad education (college, family, or self-taught) and strong family and church relationships bring about, and they are crucial.

 

So, bottom line, at the college level specialization is pretty much a requirement, unless you double major in tech and liberal arts, say, over a 6 year period, or something like that.

[Jean in Newcastle]

I would think anything in the health related field. Our population is just getting older and thus, more care is going to be needed.

 

On the other hand, with the new health care policies, who knows????

 

Nurses and MDs require math and science at least initially. Nurses are needed but there is a huge backlog at nursing schools because there is a shortage of nursing instructors (who are generally not paid as well as other nursing jobs). Much of the work that will be needed for the elderly will be of the practical nursing kind which does not pay as well.

[Impish]

Nursing attendants do NOT require much science. Its usually a 16 wk course, if that.

[mysticamethyst]

I have one son that will get a degree in English but will end up a linguist. He wants to speak at least 4 to 5 languages. I'm sure this will take him overseas but he would like to join the Air Force as well so who knows with that one. There is also the the option of getting a degree in art, one of mine is following this path then wants to go into advertising or graphic art some how. My other 2 probably will end up in the engineering field they love math; totally get that from their dad.

[Julie in CA]

A friend of mine says there's lots of jobs in Physical Therapy or perhaps going for a Physician's Assistant!!

I personally think my ds would make a *great* physical therapist. He's strong, friendly, kind, is a good listener, and loves to help people. He's also very interested, but he's worried about the math & science component.

[Reesegirl]

Just a thought on physical therapy....My dd just finished her freshman year majoring in pre-physical therapy. She is getting excellent grades and is very motivated. Physical therapist now need a 3 year phd degree post bachelor. We live in the Pacific northwest and there are just 3 universities with phd programs in the area. One of her profs told her it was harder to get into a physical therapy program than med school. It is a good and rewarding career but very hard to obtain.

[m0mmaBuck]

Just a thought on physical therapy....My dd just finished her freshman year majoring in pre-physical therapy. She is getting excellent grades and is very motivated. Physical therapist now need a 3 year phd degree post bachelor. We live in the Pacific northwest and there are just 3 universities with phd programs in the area. One of her profs told her it was harder to get into a physical therapy program than med school. It is a good and rewarding career but very hard to obtain.

 

I got my degree in 1995. The program at that time was a 3 yr Masters post B.S. It's a lot of hard school (and a lot of math and science pre-reqs followed by a lot of science and statistics within the program) for a career with a relatively low 'glass ceiling' as far as pay is concerned. I was topped out for salary (managing a clinic) within 4 yrs of obtaining my degree. The only way I can command a higher 'salary' is to own my own clinic, and then you run the risk/reward scenario of owning a small business that is also medically-related. Those are not good odds at this time.

 

However, all of that aside, it is a rewarding career. You just have to find a population you enjoy working with.

[MIch elle]

I personally think my ds would make a *great* physical therapist. He's strong, friendly, kind, is a good listener, and loves to help people. He's also very interested, but he's worried about the math & science component.

 

RT only requires an associates degree. Take a look at the schools in your area for that career. They make good money too!

[Renee in NC]

Nursing attendants do NOT require much science. Its usually a 16 wk course, if that.

 

That is true, but they don't make much over minimum wage here - maybe $9 an hour if they have the more advanced certifications.

[Haiku]

Advertising

 

Tara

[KidsHappen]

The computer industry is still thriving and growing. You pretty much need a Bachelor's degree to get your foot in the door unless you already have extensive experience. The pay is pretty high as is the demand. If you are consultant you can live where ever you want because you fligh to most assignment anyhow so you can have the a living in a low COL place and making a lot of money.

[laughing lioness]

The world is flat, but also spikey - have you read Richard Florida's books (What's Your City, etc)? Being "able" to do anything, anywhere, doesn't mean it will be profitable if you don't have the critical mass of people to do it with, unless you work soley on-line.

Being fluent in other languages is always marketable. TEASL is a good master's degree, esp if willing to work in another country. Being able to translate, esp difficult languages is very marketable.

My bil is in the diplomatic corp wit a Master's in Poli-sci. He didn't go in till mid-40's but is doing very well, traveling the world, his kids iwll be tri-lingual (you have to be fluent in a second language and pass a rigorous test be accepted).

Master's level counseling is a good degree, though more of a "technician" degree, but you can still make far more than minimum wage and, in some cases make really great money.

Alternative ed programs- I'd get a good background in computers and admis for that, but they are growing like crazy on every level.

Food service- people are always gonna eat.

[Guest jacobsusan]

I think a degree in healthcare would be pretty valuable in the current job market. The sector has been registering robust growth and degrees like healthcare administration or respiratory therapist programs are a good option for individuals interested in stable and promising careers. Of course, any degree in healthcare will involve some amount of coursework in science whether or not it leads to careers involving direct patient care.

[Pippen]

When I left teaching, the special education department was one of the smallest in the district but today it's one of the largest.

[creekland]

So, if you're not into engineering of any type, not math/science minded, what degrees *are* a good choice? :confused: If you know of a specific degree you think is a good one, and can list jobs that would go with the degree, that would be helpful.

Thanks!

 

What does this student like? I'm of the belief that one has to choose the niche someone fits into - not make someone fit into a niche.

 

There are people doing all sorts of jobs and there always will be. 'Tis far better to be at a job where one is happy than to try to fit into a job due to its pay (or whatever).

[bettyandbob]

Some health related post BA programs require the same prerequisites as medical school. typically, 2 semesters of calc, 2 semesters of bio, 2 to 4 semesters chem, 2 semesters physics, English (not sure how much) , possibly undergrad anatomy and physiology. All sciences would need to include labs. I know this is true of PT--dd and I have been researching it. I suspect this also applies to PA programs.

 

I do not know the requirements of OT or speech therapy.

 

A pp said accounting only required basic math. My sister is a CPA. She took advanced calculus in her program. this probably depends on the school.

[Mama Geek]

Designers are making almost as much as engineers particularly in the oil and gas field, but also nuclear and defense. These are the areas where I am familiar with what the pay is, but there are many industries that use designers. There is no where near as much math and science to do this. You have to figure out how things fit together and how to run software like AutoCad. I think you can get through a drafting program in 2 years, but also some places have apprentice schools where you work part of the time and go to school part of the time. I know if you have some oil and gas experience and are willing to work contract you can make $55-$75/hour plus time and a half for overtime.

[gardenmom5]

We are always going to need law enforcement and fire service. A 4-year Criminal Justice will go a long way to making better money in a LE career. Most fire depts. will in-house train, but those with a degree in fire science will make better starting out. And in both fields many federal agencies will require the higher education.

Those with a degree in fire science will also have better promotion opportunties. My nephew chose to go that route. He's a paramedic (again, much more training).

[RoughCollie]

When I left teaching, the special education department was one of the smallest in the district but today it's one of the largest.

 

I was going to suggest that. DS2 wants to be a SPED teacher. He is not math or science minded at all.

[Haiku]

Physical therapist now need a 3 year phd degree post bachelor.

 

My dd17 plans to become a physical therapist. According to the website of the American Physical Therapy Association,

 

Today's physical therapist is required to complete a graduate degree - either a masters or clinical doctorate - from an accredited education program.

 

Many programs now offer a PhD, but it is a misconception that one is now required ... a misconception I have heard several times, btw. It almost discouraged dd from pursuing physical therapy.

 

Tara

[tntgoodwin]

http://www.forbes.com/sites/moneywisewomen/2012/01/23/highest-paying-2-year-degree-jobs-in-the-us/

 

Mentions paralegel, police officer

 

http://www.focus.com/fyi/best-paying-college-degrees/

 

Mostly math/science type degrees, but also has Construction Management.

 

A business type degree (especially an MBA or something) is another option.

 

 

But what is your goal? Money? Job security? Job satisfaction?

And what are the interests and talents of the individual considering a degree?

[Starr]

I personally think my ds would make a *great* physical therapist. He's strong, friendly, kind, is a good listener, and loves to help people. He's also very interested, but he's worried about the math & science component.

 

You can learn math and science even if you don't love it. Most of my RN class was not interested in their math or science courses. Sometimes we were even surprised and liked them. Unless he is really incapable of learning the material I wouldn't let it stop him. My dd is acting like she'll die if she takes another college math class and I think she's silly. If it's a means to an end one can get through them and do well in them. Take undergrad where there is a PT school.

Edited May 14, 2012 by Starr

[Miss Marple]

'Tis far better to be at a job where one is happy than to try to fit into a job due to its pay (or whatever).

 

Totally agree with this. Most jobs, especially the higher wage jobs, require more than 40 hours per week. If the majority of your waking hours are taken up by a career, you need to have some satisfaction (other than salary) with the work. When my boys are looking at careers, the first question is: What do you enjoy?

 

That question is followed by:

1. What do you do well?

2. Do you have any requirements for where you want to live (some degrees are worthless in certain areas)

3. How do you see your future family lifestyle?

4. What kind of income do you need in order to have the lifestyle you want (this will be different depending on where one lives).

5. How much schooling can you endure? Companion question: How much debt are you willing to carry?

6. Can you turn the answer to the first question (what do you enjoy) into a lucrative career? (define lucrative in your own way)

 

After this, the boys spend a little time looking around on http://www.salary.com to see if their ideas are relevant and what the reality is for salaries.

 

My oldest just graduated with a petroleum engineering degree. He will be making a great salary for his first year out with just a 4 year degree. One of my other sons has decided he needs to pursue the same degree because it makes a good wage and is not overly long in schooling and there are a lot of scholarships available. But I believe that this would be the wrong path for ds - he would not be happy with that kind of work. So we're analyzing a lot of other options right now :)

[butterflymommy]

I know of someone who got a law degree (not a top tier school) and a MS in taxation-- they are making close to 200k/ year right off the bat.

 

We have a relative with an MS speech pathology/ therapy making 120k less than 5 years out of school.

 

Occupational therapy is another good one... when DD was receiving services her therapist was turning down full time offers, and this was when the economy was even worse than it is now.

 

A degree in education might be worth it if you're passionate about teaching, especially if you're in a specialized field like special ed, administration, or literacy. But there is a glut of ed degrees out there right now.

 

A degree in social work... a knew a lady who worked both for a hospital and met with private patients, she had a MSW which took her two years out of undergrad.

 

That's all I can think of at the moment!

[Mrs Mungo]

I have one son that will get a degree in English but will end up a linguist. He wants to speak at least 4 to 5 languages. I'm sure this will take him overseas but he would like to join the Air Force as well so who knows with that one.

 

Why would he major in English if he wanted to be a linguist? Has he taken a language profiency test? I would think he would be better off double majoring with a couple of languages or actually majoring in linguistics.

 

Military linguists are enlisted jobs, he doesn't need a BA to enlist. The military will give him the language training. If he wants to be an officer; then he would be looking at intelligence jobs. Officers wear many hats, it is sort if like the difference between being an engineer in a company versus being on the management track.

[Mrs Mungo]

You can learn math and science even if you don't love it.

 

:iagree:

 

I know of someone who got a law degree (not a top tier school) and a MS in taxation-- they are making close to 200k/ year right off the bat.

 

Honestly, all of the top earners that we know (making 200k+ per year)? Have more than one degree. Most are people who have engineering degrees *and* a specialty degree. Engineering + their MBA (they work in the oil biz in management), engineering + a law degree (patent lawyer), engineering + computer science (one works for the weather service, one works in Internet security).