What Are the Best Majors for Job Prospects in 2017?

Featured article by Calvin Paige, Independent Technology Author

It’s still surprising how many new students pick majors out of pure guesswork and preference. While there’s nothing wrong with choosing a major based on interest, the bottom line is that you’ll want to get a major that will give you a chance to get a high paying job. While some majors were very popular not too long ago, some sectors have become saturated leaving graduates with limited options. In this article, we’re going to cover some of the best degrees to pursue in 2017.

Actuarial Mathematics:

Most people have never considered, or even heard of actuarial mathematics when it comes to choosing a major. However, Actuaries are some of the most well paid students out of college and can command a salary up to $119,000 mid career.

Actuaries are usually asked to work in finance and insurance companies to evaluate risks and uncertainty through precise mathematical models. Due to the recent implementation of the Affordable Healthcare Act, tons of new job opportunities have been opened for those holding a bachelor’s or master’s degree in actuarial mathematics. And the supply of fresh students is still fairly low, which makes it a prime choice for anybody looking for a job straight out of college.

Masters in Engineering

Those holding an online masters in engineering will be asked to supervise different engineering projects and work on things like quality control and other aspects of engineering as well. Depending on the concentration, job prospects are very high and offer very good pay. Petroleum engineers, for instance, can make up to $74,240 a year straight out of the gate with salaries hitting up to $132,320 mid career.

Information Security

With the recent advent of the IOT (internet of things) and various advancements in technology, there is a growing demand for information security analysts. Many government agencies and private ones hire information security professionals to look after the integrity of their networks and prevent the ever increasing occurrence of cyber attacks. The salaries for jobs in this sector start in the $57,100 a year range up to $86,600 mid career and the demand is always growing, making it a great major for the technically inclined.

Nursing

With the increasingly aging population, and the increasing number of people covered by health insurance under the Affordable Healthcare Act, jobs in the healthcare industry are still in high demand. While PHDs can be demanding, there are still plenty of job opportunities for qualified nurses. And the pay isn’t bad either: $56,600 a year at the entry level and $73,600 mid career. And the numbers and job prospects are even better for nurse practitioners, who can stand to make up to $97,397 a year on average.

These are just some of the majors to look for in 2017. So next time you go to orientation, don’t be afraid to ask about these programs and see if they are really the fit for your needs, aptitudes and expectations.