Getting a master’s degree is a big commitment, so it’s best to get the most value out of your degree of choice. But which programs are the most practical to open up doors for better jobs?
Here are the four most versatile Masters degrees that provide a wide range of career opportunities.
- Finance
Finance graduates are extremely hirable. Businesses and wealthy individuals benefit greatly from the input of well-versed financial experts. Serving as financial analysts and advisors, those with master’s degrees in this field have the expertise to supervise large quantities of money- which means that they also make a lot of money. Upper-level financial professionals can make a $125,208 median annual salary.
A bachelor’s degree in a related field such as finance or math is required as a prerequisite.
- Statistics
The average annual income of those with a Masters of Science in Statistics is $80,000. In addition to a comfortable income, statisticians are ranked by the U.S. World and News Report as having the best job in business, the sixth-best job in their top 100 list, and the sixth-best job in STEM. There is also a projected 30.7% employment growth for statisticians that is projected to occur between 2018-2028, which gives greater assurance of job security to a person with higher education in this field.
Any field that tracks data- whether it’s sports, science, marketing, or sales- needs experts who can organize and interpret that data. Common prerequisites for this degree path are a completed bachelor’s degree as well as specialized courses in mathematics.
- Civil Engineering
Because of the residential nature of this career field, a master’s in civil engineering allows for versatility in job location. The five primary jobs that this degree can open opportunities to are civil engineering, environmental engineering, construction management, cost estimation, and urban planning. Additional higher education gives applicants a greater advantage in the hiring process and is also greatly useful for those who dream of taking on large-scale projects.
A related bachelor’s degree and relevant work experience in the field is typically required in order to be accepted into a civil engineering master’s program.
- Health Administration
Healthcare administrators have much more versatile career options than what is commonly perceived. Hospital work only accounts for 30% of job opportunities in this field. Additional employment can be found in clinics, mental health facilities, nursing homes, rehabilitation centers, and other niche practices. Those in healthcare administration also make a mean annual salary of $98,460 according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics. In order to make a higher salary, it is necessary to pursue further higher education in this field. Bachelor’s degrees in business management or health administration are common requirements as prerequisites.
