For colleges and universities on the cusp of digital transformation, choosing the right programs to offer online can be a critical factor in determining the initiative’s success. While the “right programs” are different for every institution, job market data is one very helpful piece of information when deciding which programs are best for long-term success and growth online.

Smartasset.com recently compiled a list of the United States’ most in-demand jobs for people with bachelor’s degrees. The rankings were determined by analyzing data for “104 occupations that the the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) classified as typically requiring a bachelor’s degree for entry,” based on four factors:

  1. Job growth 2016 – 2017
  2. Average income growth 2016 – 2017
  3. Projected employment change 2016 – 2026
  4. Projected change in employment growth 2016 – 2026

Generally, the research found jobs in STEM fields (science, technology, engineering and math) “tend to be high-paying and, according to our data, will be very popular in the future.” In contrast, jobs in creative fields are much less in demand. “If you want to become an editor, writer, author, composer or graphic designer,” it says, “you should probably do it for love rather than money or job security.” 

These rankings can help guide or reaffirm your choices for taking bachelor’s degree programs online. Here are the top ten most in-demand jobs for bachelor’s degree holders in 2019, and typical degrees that prepare students for them:

1. Information Security Analyst

  • Employment growth 2016-2017: 8.7%
  • Average income growth 2016-2017: 3.8%
  • Projected total employment growth 2016-2026: 28,400
  • Projected percentage employment growth 2016-2026: 28.4%
  • Degree programs: Information technology or other computer-related degree

2. Software Developers (Applications)

  • Employment growth 2016-2017: 7.0%
  • Average income growth 2016-2017: 2.3%
  • Projected total employment growth 2016-2026: 253,400
  • Projected percentage employment growth 2016-2026: 30.5%Degree programs: Computer science, software engineering or related degree

3. Financial Managers

  • Employment growth 2016-2017: 4.8%
  • Average income growth 2016-2017: 2.7%
  • Projected total employment growth 2016-2026: 108,400
  • Projected percentage employment growth 2016-2026: 18.7%
  • Degree programs: Finance, accounting, economics or business administration

4. Fundraisers

  • Employment growth 2016-2017: 5.8%
  • Average income growth 2016-2017: 2.5%
  • Projected total employment growth 2016-2026: 13,200
  • Projected percentage employment growth 2016-2026: 14.6%
  • Degree programs: Public relations, journalism, communications or business

5. Medical & Health Services Managers

  • Employment growth 2016-2017: 4.5%
  • Average income growth 2016-2017: 2.1%
  • Projected total employment growth 2016-2026: 69,800
  • Projected percentage employment growth 2016-2026: 19.8%
  • Degree programs: Health administration, health management, telehealth, nursing, public health administration, or business administration

6. Market Research Analysts & Marketing Specialists (Tied)

  • Employment growth 2016-2017: 6.8%
  • Average income growth 2016-2017: 1.2%
  • Projected total employment growth 2016-2026: 136,000
  • Projected percentage employment growth 2016-2026: 22.8%
  • Degree programs: Statistics, math or computer science for market research analysts

7. Coaches & Scouts

  • Employment growth 2016-2017: 1.9%
  • Average income growth 2016-2017: 3.8%
  • Projected total employment growth 2016-2026: 35,100
  • Projected percentage employment growth 2016-2026: 12.7%
  • Degree programs: Exercise and sports science, physiology, kinesiology, nutrition and fitness, physical education, or sports medicine

8. Computer & Information Systems Managers

  • Employment growth 2016-2017: 3.7%
  • Average income growth 2016-2017: 2.7%
  • Projected total employment growth 2016-2026: 43,800
  • Projected percentage employment growth 2016-2026: 11.9%
  • Degree programs: Computer programming, software development or mathematics

9. Computer Occupations (All Other)

  • Employment growth 2016-2017: 20.9%
  • Average income growth 2016-2017: 2.5%
  • Projected total employment growth 2016-2026: 25,900
  • Projected percentage employment growth 2016-2026: 9.0%
  • Degree programs: Computer science, information technology or related degree

10. Training & Development Specialists

  • Employment growth 2016-2017: 3.9%
  • Average income growth 2016-2017: 2.1%
  • Projected total employment growth 2016-2026: 32,500
  • Projected percentage employment growth 2016-2026: 11.5%
  • Degree programs: Training and development, human resources, education, or instructional design

To learn more about the data and methodology SmartAsset used to rank these occupations, and to see the full list of its 25 most in-demand jobs for people with bachelor’s degrees, check out the article on SmartAsset.com.

To learn more about the ways Archer can help you make customized decisions for your institution’s long-term growth as well as your students’ success, contact us today.

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