Most useful degrees in 2025 are those that combine strong pay, above-average job growth, and real skill transferability across industries — not just a short-term hiring fad. To identify the degrees students should prioritise now, we considered median earnings, official employment projections, and real-world versatility (ability to move between roles and industries). The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) remains our primary benchmark for pay and growth figures, since its Occupational Outlook Handbook reports both median wages and projected employment change for dozens of careers.
This article highlights 21 useful degrees that you should know about today. For each degree, we show growth projections, salaries, and career prospects so you can weigh salary vs. future demand. Use this as an evidence-based guide — and read the “How We Ranked” box below to understand the exact criteria used.
What Makes the Most Useful Degrees?
Now, let’s get into the nitty-gritty of these top degrees. Understanding the details of each field will give you a heads-up on what to expect as you start your educational journey and career.
Here’s what you should know:
- Degrees in Computer Science and Healthcare Administration lead to high-demand careers like software development and medical health services management.
- STEM (science, technology, engineering, and math) degrees are frequently ranked among the top majors for prospective high-paying employment.
- The value of a college degree goes beyond the first year earnings; it also includes long-term wage growth throughout a career.
- A Computer Science degree can get you a median salary of $90,000 a year. That’s the financial benefit of pursuing high-demand majors.
- Online programs for these majors give you the flexibility and accessibility to balance your studies with personal commitments while preparing for high-paying careers.
- Some bachelor’s degrees in Humanities and Social Sciences may not result in a high starting salary, but they can be a good starting point to pursue graduate degrees and higher-paying careers.
Top Degrees in Demand for the Future - An Overview
As we look to the future, it is critical to determine which degrees will provide the most opportunities in an evolving job market. In this section, we provide an overview of the most in demand degrees, focusing on fields that offer career growth and financial stability. This will give us a foundation for a deeper dive into the majors that will be ahead.
| No. | Majors | Average Salary | Growth Projection |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1. | Management Information Systems | $164,070 | 15% |
| 2. | Physics | $139,220 | 5% |
| 3. | Marketing | $138,730 | 6% |
| 4. | Computer Science | $136,620 | 23% |
| 5. | Computer Engineering | $132,360 | 5% |
| 6. | Chemical Engineering | $122,910 | 10% |
| 7. | Economics | $113,940 | 6% |
| 8. | Electronics Engineering | $104,610 | 5% |
| 9. | Information Technology | $100,530 | 13% |
| 10. | Mathematics | $99,960 | 30% |
| 11. | Statistics | $99,960 | 30% |
| 12. | Biomedical Engineering | $99,550 | 5% |
| 13. | Industrial Engineering | $96,350 | 12% |
| 14. | Mechanical Engineering | $96,310 | 10% |
| 15. | Finance | $96,220 | 8% |
| 16. | Civil Engineering | $89,940 | 5% |
| 17. | Nursing | $81,220 | 6% |
| 18. | Accounting | $78,000 | 4% |
| 19. | Business Administration | $76,000 | 8% |
| 20. | Social Science | $74,330 | 8% |
| 21. | Human Resources | $64,240 | 6% |
21 Most Useful Degrees for the Future
Now let’s get to the best college majors that will be leading the way. Here we’ll break down the most useful degrees to go for, and the fields that offer good job opportunities, high salaries and strong growth.
Management Information Systems
| Projected Growth by 2032 | 15% |
|---|---|
| Median Salary | $164,070 |
| Career Opportunities | · Software Developer · Computer Systems Analysts · IT Consultants · Database Administrator · Application Developers · Computer Systems Analyst · Computer Programmer |
Management Information Systems (MIS) is one of the most practical degrees for students who want to blend business strategy with technology. MIS graduates learn how to analyze data, streamline operations, manage digital systems, and support decision-making inside organizations. Because nearly every company depends on IT infrastructure, MIS majors are consistently in demand across industries like finance, healthcare, logistics, and consulting. Common Careers: Business analyst, systems analyst, IT project manager, database administrator, technology consultant.
Physics
| Projected Growth by 2032 | 5% |
|---|---|
| Median Salary | $139,220 |
| Career Opportunities | · Medical Physicists · Biophysicists · Optical Engineers · Astronomer · Physicist · Environmental Scientists · Mechanical Engineer · Aerospace Engineers |
Computer Engineering combines the core of electrical engineering with advanced computer science, preparing students to design both hardware systems and embedded software. As everything becomes more computerized — from medical devices to electric vehicles — the degree remains one of the top choices for students seeking future-proof careers. Common Careers: Hardware engineer, embedded systems engineer, robotics engineer, firmware developer.
Marketing
| Projected Growth by 2032 | 6% |
|---|---|
| Median Salary | $138,730 |
| Career Opportunities | · Product Managers · Market Research Analysts · Marketing Analysts · Advertising Managers |
Marketing degrees remain useful due to the demand for digital analytics, content strategy, and performance marketing. Market research and analytics roles align well with data skills; many marketing-adjacent roles are in high demand as businesses shift to digital channels. The curriculum includes topics such as customer behaviour, marketing strategy, market research, and communication techniques. A marketing course can help you become a more valuable asset to a company and equip you with the skills necessary for professional growth.
Computer Science
| Projected Growth by 2032 | 23% |
|---|---|
| Median Salary | $133,080 |
| Career Opportunities | · Security Analysts · Computer Hardware Engineers · Database Administrators · Software Administrators · Network Architects · Systems Analysts · Cybersecurity Specialists · Data Scientists · Web Developers |
A Computer Science degree is considered a top choice among the most employable degrees. Students in this field build problem-solving abilities through courses in computer ethics, databases, and computing theory. They also gain experience in areas such as digital storytelling, broadening their understanding of technology’s role across different industries. Median pay for software developers was $133,080, and employment for software developers & related roles is projected to grow ~15% from 2024–34, much faster than average — strong pay + strong demand. Typical careers: software engineer, AI engineer, backend/frontend dev, SRE.
Computer Engineering
| Projected Growth by 2032 | 5% |
|---|---|
| Median Salary | $132,360 |
| Career Opportunities | · Hardware Engineer · Big Data Engineers · Computer Network Architects · Blockchain Developers · Front-End Developer · Back-End Developer · Machine Learning Engineers |
Computer Engineering combines the core of electrical engineering with advanced computer science, preparing students to design both hardware systems and embedded software. As everything becomes more computerized, from medical devices to electric vehicles, the degree remains one of the top choices for students seeking future-proof careers. Common Careers: Hardware engineer, embedded systems engineer, robotics engineer, firmware developer.
Chemical Engineering
| Projected Growth by 2032 | 10% |
|---|---|
| Median Salary | $112,100 |
| Career Opportunities | · Materials Scientist · Manufacturing Production Technician · Materials Engineer · Chemical Plant Operator · Food Engineer · Pharmaceutical Manufacturer · Chemist |
Chemical Engineering is one of the most versatile and well-paid engineering majors. Students learn applied chemistry, thermodynamics, materials science, and process design, enabling them to work in industries like energy, pharmaceuticals, manufacturing, food science, and environmental technology. Common Careers: Process engineer, chemical engineer, materials engineer, environmental engineer, product development specialist.
Economics
| Projected Growth by 2032 | 6% |
|---|---|
| Median Salary | $113,940 |
| Career Opportunities | · Financial Analyst · Data Analysts · Actuary · Compensation and Benefits Managers · Market Research Analyst · Market Research Analysts · Financial Risk Analysts |
Economics is one of the most versatile social science degrees. It offers training in analytical thinking, data literacy, and understanding how markets function—skills that prepare graduates for a wide range of business and policy careers. Economics majors develop broad skills in statistics, modeling, and decision-making. This versatility opens pathways into finance, government, tech, business strategy, and consulting.
Electronics Engineering
| Projected Growth by 2032 | 5% |
|---|---|
| Median Salary | $104,610 |
| Career Opportunities | · Machine Learning Engineers · Clinical Technologists · Innovators |
Electrical engineering is one of the most foundational and future-proof engineering degrees, covering energy systems, electronics, telecommunications, and embedded systems. As renewable energy, electric vehicles, automation, and smart devices expand, electrical engineers are increasingly valuable across manufacturing, tech, and infrastructure sectors.
Information Technology
| Projected Growth by 2032 | 13% |
|---|---|
| Median Salary | $100,530 |
| Career Opportunities | · Network Administrator · Systems Analyst · Computer Network Architect · Computer Network Support Specialist · Application Developer · Database Administrator (DBA) |
Information Technology (IT) is one of the most valuable university degrees, focusing on the use of computers, networking, and other devices to create, store, process, exchange, and secure electronic data. IT students gain skills in developing interactive programs, creating custom database solutions, and using query languages like SQL and QBE to manipulate data within software applications. This field prepares graduates for the growing demand for tech professionals in a data-driven world. IT roles (network/cloud support, security analysts) show solid pay (e.g., network support specialists median $100,530) and rapidly growing demand for security specialists. With cloud & security skills, an IT degree becomes highly employable and adaptable.
Mathematics
| Projected Growth by 2032 | 30% |
|---|---|
| Median Salary | $99,960 |
| Career Opportunities | · Mathematician · Data Scientists · Actuaries · Statistician · Market Research Analysts |
A Mathematics degree offers strong career flexibility since quantitative skills are among the most valued in today’s job market. Math majors are highly sought after in tech, finance, economics, data science, education, and research roles. The degree is beneficial for students interested in analytical or computational careers. Common Careers: Data analyst, statistician, actuary, financial analyst, software engineer.
Statistics
| Projected Growth by 2032 | 30% |
|---|---|
| Median Salary | $99,960 |
| Career Opportunities | · Business Analysts · Economists · Data Analyst · Statistician · Business Consultant · Financial Analysts |
A Statistics major focuses on data analysis and mathematics. Statistics students can specialize in one of five areas: computational statistics, applied statistics, data science, general statistics, or machine learning. This range of specializations allows them to focus their studies on their area of interest and career goals within the broad field of data analysis. Data scientists had a median pay of $112,590 and are among the fastest-growing occupations — projected to grow ~34% (2024–34) — making this a top “future-proof” degree when paired with programming and domain experience—typical careers: data scientist, ML engineer, analyst.
Biomedical Engineering
| Projected Growth by 2032 | 5% |
|---|---|
| Median Salary | $99,550 |
| Career Opportunities | · Medical Device Developer · Genetic Engineers · Rehabilitation Engineers · Biomedical Engineering Manager · Biomedical Research Engineers · Biomechanical Engineers · Bioengineering Associate |
Biomedical Engineering (BME) blends engineering with biology to create medical devices, diagnostics, and healthcare technologies. As the healthcare sector continues to expand and adopt tech-driven innovations, BME graduates benefit from stable demand and meaningful impact. Common Careers: Biomedical engineer, clinical engineer, medical device designer, R&D engineer.
Industrial Engineering
| Projected Growth by 2032 | 12% |
|---|---|
| Median Salary | $96,350 |
| Career Opportunities | · Process Engineers · Cost Estimator · Industrial Mechanic · Management Analysts · Manufacturing Technician · Supply Chain Analysts · Process Engineer · Energy Efficiency Engineer |
Industrial Engineering is among the best majors for jobs that optimize production processes and systems by minimizing waste and increasing efficiency. Industrial engineering students learn to integrate engineering, science, and math principles to improve complex systems and operations. Throughout their studies, they get hands-on experience that prepares them to tackle real-world problems in the field.
Mechanical Engineering
| Projected Growth by 2032 | 10% |
|---|---|
| Median Salary | $96,310 |
| Career Opportunities | · Industrial Engineer · Mechanical Engineer · Aerospace Engineer |
Mechanical Engineers design, develop, and maintain machinery and mechanical systems in industries such as manufacturing, automotive, and aerospace. Students are required to follow a rigorous curriculum focused on quantitative principles. They study topics that include mechatronics, computational simulation, solid & fluid dynamics, and biomechanical engineering, which help them develop a broad skill set applicable to various fields. Consequently, ME graduates are well-equipped to tackle diverse engineering challenges. Mechanical engineers show a median wage of $102,320 and projected employment growth of around 9% (2024–34) — this degree is broadly applicable (manufacturing, energy, robotics, automotive). Typical careers: design engineer, manufacturing engineer, R&D.
Finance
| Projected Growth by 2032 | 8% |
|---|---|
| Median Salary | $96,220 |
| Career Opportunities | · Financial Managers · Budget Analysts · Actuaries · Credit Analysts · Financial Analyst · Accounting Manager · Operations Controller |
Finance degrees are among the most beneficial; the curriculum covers financial analysis, economics, portfolio management, and statistics, so students develop a broad skill set. With a strong emphasis on analytical and problem-solving skills, finance majors are well-positioned for high-level positions and can expect above-average salaries. Financial and investment analysts report median pay around $101,350 and modest but steady projected growth (~6%), making finance a high-value pathway for corporate, fintech, and investment careers. Typical careers: financial analyst, corporate finance, FP&A, investment banking (with experience/qualifications).
Civil Engineering
| Projected Growth by 2032 | 5% |
|---|---|
| Median Salary | $89,940 |
| Career Opportunities | · Structural Engineers · CAD Technician · Construction Managers · Building Engineer · Environmental Engineers · Urban Planners · Surveyor |
Civil engineering is a valuable STEM degree for students who want to contribute to infrastructure projects such as roads, bridges, water systems, and sustainable development initiatives. Infrastructure needs continue to grow globally. Civil engineers will remain in demand as cities modernize and governments invest in transportation, housing, and sustainability projects.
Nursing
| Projected Growth by 2032 | 6% |
|---|---|
| Median Salary | $81,220 |
| Career Opportunities | · Emergency Room Nurse · Nurse Practitioners or Educators · Pediatric Nurse · Cardiology Nurse |
Nursing is a growing career due to increased demand for healthcare. At the heart of a nursing major is patient care, where students learn the knowledge and skills to care for patients of all ages and all stages of health and illness. Once they graduate, nursing students must pass state licensure examinations to become registered nurses and then enter this amazing profession. Registered nurses had a median annual wage of $93,600 (May 2024), and RN employment is projected to grow around 5% (2024–34) with large annual replacement demand — nursing remains a stable, in-demand healthcare pathway. Typical careers: RN, nurse manager, NP (with advanced degree).
Accounting
| Projected Growth by 2032 | 6% |
|---|---|
| Median Salary | $79,880 |
| Career Opportunities | · Accounting Clerk · Financial Planner · Financial Adviser · Financial Modeler · Accounting Assistant · Business Analyst · Account Manager · Accountant · Actuary · Investment Adviser |
Accounting remains one of the most useful degrees for students seeking stable, well-paying careers across almost every industry. With businesses continuously needing financial reporting, audits, tax planning, and compliance guidance, accounting majors enjoy predictable demand and clear career pathways. Accounting is efficient, recession-resistant, and offers stable, long-term employment. It also provides a strong foundation for future roles in finance, consulting, or business management.
Business Administration
| Projected Growth by 2032 | 8% |
|---|---|
| Median Salary | $122,090 |
| Career Opportunities | · Operations Managers · Business Operations Specialists · Management Analysts · General Managers · Administrative Supervisor · Business Manager · Financial Managers · Human Resource Managers |
One of the most promising degrees is business administration. This versatile major offers students skills in project management, research methodologies, strategy development, accurate forecasting, entrepreneurship, and organizational behavior. If you have a talent for leadership, organization, and strategic thinking, a Business Administration degree could be an ideal choice for your career path. Management and business occupations have a high median group wage (median for management occupations was $122,090) — the degree is highly versatile and practical for leadership/operations roles across industries. Typical careers: operations manager, product manager, business analyst.
Social Science
| Projected Growth by 2032 | 8% |
|---|---|
| Median Salary | $74,330 |
| Career Opportunities | · Economists And Sociologists · Management Analysts · Public Relations Specialists · Fundraisers · Sociologists · Psychologists · Lawyers · Data Analysts · Social Work Professionals and Counselors · Market Research Analyst |
Social Science degrees, such as sociology, psychology and anthropology, develop strong skills in communication, research, human behavior, and critical thinking. Social Science majors develop a broad skill set that is highly marketable to employers, including strong oral and written communication, critical thinking, teamwork, and interpersonal skills. While some careers require further study, the degree remains useful for students pursuing roles that involve people, policy, or community impact.
Human Resources
| Projected Growth by 2032 | 6% |
|---|---|
| Median Salary | $64,240 |
| Career Opportunities | · HR Generalists · Employee Relations Manager · Benefits Specialists · Recruitment Specialist |
HR professionals are responsible for meeting the needs related to hiring, training, and retaining talent on board. HR degree holders are well-prepared for careers in employee relations and talent management. The curriculum includes organizational development, human resource management, labor practices, and principles of recruitment and selection strategies. As organizations increasingly prioritize talent management and employee experience, HR professionals play a central role in helping businesses grow and retain staff.
Where to Live While You Study
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Final Thoughts: How to Choose the Most Useful Degree
In conclusion, choosing the most useful degrees that meet industry demand and also your personal interests is key to future success. The degrees mentioned in this article have job security, career advancement, and financial stability. Here is actionable guidance for your reference:
Personality & interests
Job goals
Strengths
Industry growth
Skills you want to develop
You can also As you embark on this exciting academic journey, it’s important to make sure your living environment supports your learning experience. To help create a comfortable, conducive atmosphere for your studies, consider exploring university accommodation options on uhomes.com. With the right major and living environment, you’ll be set for a bright future.
Read more about the most useless degrees that you should avoid, maximizing the return on investment!
FAQs about Most Beneficial Degrees
What is the most useful degree?
It depends on your definition of “useful.” If you mean highest pay + demand, fields like computer science (software engineering), data science, and advanced healthcare (nursing, nurse practitioners) score highly. For transferability across industries, business and computer science are strong picks.
Are the most useful degrees the same as the highest-paying degrees?
No, not always. Highest pay can come from specialized roles (e.g., some physician specialties), but “useful” also weighs job stability, versatility, and demand. We balance salary with employment projections in this guide.
Should I always choose a STEM degree to be future-proof?
STEM degrees often lead to strong demand and pay (tech, healthcare, engineering), but non-STEM degrees (business, marketing, psychology) can be highly useful when paired with in-demand skills like data literacy, digital marketing, or project management.
Why are STEM majors seen as the best degrees for the future?
STEM degrees provide students with analytical, critical thinking, and technical abilities that are in high demand across a wide range of businesses. That’s why STEM degrees are regarded as the greatest for the future.
What is the most lucrative college major?
Engineering is the most lucrative college major, with graduates earning salaries ranging from $65,000 to $80,000 immediately after completing their degrees.
Can I switch my major if I find it isn't a good fit?
Yes, many students change their major when they realize their initial major isn’t the best fit for them. We recommend talking to your academic advisor or career counselor who can help you navigate the process of finding a major that aligns with your interests and long term goals.
How much do projected job growth figures matter when choosing a major?
They matter because high projected growth often signals more job openings and faster hiring — but also consider geography, industry fit, and whether the degree builds transferable skills. Use both pay and growth to evaluate career resilience.
Can certificates or bootcamps be as useful as a degree?
For some tech roles (e.g., certain devops, cloud, or focused data roles), certificates can accelerate hiring — but degrees still matter for many employers and for roles that require deep theoretical knowledge or professional licensure (e.g., nursing, psychology, engineering). Combining short-form credentials with a degree often yields the best outcomes.
