Over the years, one thing has been proven conclusively: those who prepare for the future, master the future. Nowhere can this be seen more readily than in trending degrees for future careers. Our article below covers five top degrees that you probably never thought of getting. They are listed with their salary ranges and everything it takes to get started in one of these trending careers.
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International Business
Starting off with a general associate’s degree with majors in management principles, technology, or information systems is an asset. A course study on social and communication skills will also help toward getting one’s Bachelor of Science in International Business (BSIB), Master in International Management (MIM), or Master in Business Administration (MBA) degrees. With these degrees you are poised to become an international accountant, an importer or exporter specialist, or a management analyst for companies all over the world. You might be surprised to find that the government needs many of these positions filled every year.
The salary range for those with international business degrees is: $31,062 to $91,525 annually.
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Public Policy
Public policy covers a broad field with a variety of specializations. The best opportunities to find careers with a public policy degree are in economic, national, local, urban, foreign, political, educational, and international trade positions. is a great place to start. With a bachelor’s degree, entry level jobs include working at a law center, a citizenship center, or even at non-profits that offer help to refugees and immigrants. Earning your master’s degree in public policy will earn you a better position with a higher salary.
The salary range for a those holding a bachelor’s degree in public policy is $43,000 to $73,000 depending on the specialization.
Health Care
Opportunities in health care are growing with the expansion of the health care industry, and not just for doctors and nurses. Currently, courses leading to associate’s, bachelor’s, and master’s degrees, as well as certification in specialized areas of health care administration, are being offered both online and on campus. Health care positions include medical assistants, consultants, informatics, and health education .
The salary range for a someone with a bachelor’s degree in health care administration, by way of example, is $45,000 to $100,000.
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Environmental Engineering
Green is the wave of the future for many people looking for new career opportunities. A solid course study in advanced mathematics, science, and public policy is a requirement for environmental engineers. For hopes of employment, a bachelor’s degree in civil (BSCE) and environmental engineering (BSEVE) is a prerequisite. Some jobs may require a bachelor’s degree in environmental health (BSE).
Many government economists expect the field of environmenal engineering to grow at a faster rate than other careers–clear through the year 2020. The projected expectations include jobs that deal with repairing environmental damage, tracking new regulatory measures with their respective public policies, and how to clean contaminated waterways. Jobs in the field of environmental engineering include wastewater engineer, private sector consultant, or even an entry-level engineer who can work more locally.
The median salary for a bachelor’s of science degree holder in environmental engineering is $61,126 annually depending on educational and geographic factors.
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Emergency and Disaster Management
With the unfortunate rise in emergencies and disasters at many schools, job sites, and other public gathering sites, there’s been a focus on hiring emergency/disaster management specialists. Usually employed by governmental agencies, career opportunities for emergency management professionals have been opened in the private sector as well.
Currently, there are associate’s degree, bachelor’s degree, master’s degree, and certificate programs available for Fire Science/Firefighting as well as degrees offered for public safety, homeland security, law enforcement and related protective services as well. You can become a coordinator for a city, an emergency response specialist for a business, or even a disaster recovery analyst where you collect information and statistics.
The salary range for one with a bachelor’s degree in these areas is $31,062 to $91,525 annually, including bonuses and health packages. Generally, a masters degree will bring in $10,000 to $40,000 more in salary than would a bachelor’s degree. That said, depending on degree requirements and geographical location and specialties, the career outlook is promising and destined for growth during the next 10 to 20 years.
Brooke Chaplan is a freelance writer and blogger. She lives and works out of her home in Los Lunas, New Mexico. She loves the outdoors and spends most her time hiking, biking and gardening. For more information contact Brooke via Twitter @BrookeChaplan.