In today’s fast-evolving job market, choosing the right degree can be your ticket to a rewarding career. With employers seeking specialized skills and industries growing at unprecedented rates, certain degrees stand out as pathways to immediate employment. If you’re looking for degrees that get you hired, you’re in the right place. This article highlights the top 10 degrees that get you hired; degrees that align with high-demand industries, offering strong job prospects, competitive salaries, and long-term career growth. Whether you’re a recent high school graduate, a working professional, or a career changer, these programs—many available through flexible online platforms like smarterdegree.com—can set you up for success.
Why Choose Degrees That Get You Hired?
The job market in 2025 is shaped by technological advancements, healthcare demands, and a focus on sustainability. According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), employment in fields like healthcare, technology, and business is projected to grow significantly through 2030. Degrees that teach in-demand skills, such as data analysis, patient care, or software development, are highly valued by employers. These programs not only lead to jobs but also offer competitive salaries and opportunities for advancement.
By choosing a degree that aligns with market needs, you can:
- Secure Employment Quickly: High-demand fields often have more job openings than qualified candidates.
- Earn a Competitive Salary: Many of these degrees lead to roles with above-average earnings.
- Future-Proof Your Career: Skills in growing industries ensure long-term job stability.
Let’s dive into the top 10 degrees that get you hired in 2025, complete with job outlook, salary data, and why each program is a smart choice. Here is our list of top degrees that get you hired:
1. Computer Science
Why It’s In Demand: The tech industry continues to dominate, with roles like software developers and data scientists in high demand. The BLS projects a 22% job growth for software developers from 2020 to 2030, far above the national average.
Career Paths: Software engineer, data analyst, cybersecurity specialist
Average Salary: $120,730 (software developers, BLS 2023)
Why Choose It: A computer science degree equips you with skills in programming, AI, and data analysis—skills employers across industries crave. Online programs from smarterdegree.com make it accessible for working adults.
Pro Tip: Look for programs offering hands-on projects or certifications in Python, Java, or cloud computing to boost your resume.
2. Nursing
Why It’s In Demand: Aging populations and healthcare advancements drive demand for registered nurses (RNs). The BLS forecasts a 9% job growth for RNs through 2030, with 194,500 openings annually.
Career Paths: Registered nurse, nurse practitioner, clinical nurse specialist
Average Salary: $81,220 (RNs, BLS 2023)
Why Choose It: Nursing degrees, especially accelerated online RN-to-BSN programs, prepare you for stable, well-paying roles in hospitals, clinics, and telehealth. SmarterDegree can work with other partners to enable this pathway.
Pro Tip: Consider programs with clinical placement support to meet licensing requirements.
3. Business Administration
Why It’s In Demand: Versatile and evergreen, business degrees open doors to diverse roles. The BLS reports a 10% growth for management occupations through 2030.
Career Paths: Marketing manager, financial analyst, operations manager
Average Salary: $135,900 (marketing managers, BLS 2023)
Why Choose It: A business administration degree teaches leadership, finance, and strategy, making it ideal for corporate or entrepreneurial careers. Online MBAs or bachelor’s degrees from smarterdegree.com fit busy schedules.
Pro Tip: Specialize in areas like digital marketing or supply chain management for added employability.
4. Data Science
Why It’s In Demand: Companies rely on data to drive decisions, fueling demand for data scientists. The BLS projects a 36% growth for data scientists through 2030.
Career Paths: Data scientist, machine learning engineer, business intelligence analyst
Average Salary: $103,500 (data scientists, BLS 2023)
Why Choose It: Data science degrees teach statistical analysis and machine learning, skills critical for tech, finance, and healthcare. Online programs make this field accessible without a tech background.
Pro Tip: Look for degrees with real-world data projects or certifications in tools like SQL or Tableau.
5. Cybersecurity
Why It’s In Demand: Rising cyber threats make cybersecurity experts essential. The BLS projects a 33% job growth for information security analysts through 2030.
Career Paths: Cybersecurity analyst, ethical hacker, security consultant
Average Salary: $112,000 (information security analysts, BLS 2023)
Why Choose It: A cybersecurity degree prepares you to protect organizations from data breaches.
Pro Tip: Earn certifications like CompTIA Security+ alongside your degree for a competitive edge.
6. Healthcare Administration
Why It’s In Demand: Managing healthcare facilities requires skilled administrators. The BLS forecasts a 32% growth for medical and health services managers through 2030.
Career Paths: Hospital administrator, health policy analyst, clinic manager
Average Salary: $104,830 (medical and health services managers, BLS 2023)
Why Choose It: This degree blends healthcare knowledge with management skills, ideal for non-clinical roles. Online options allow working professionals to advance quickly.
Pro Tip: Choose programs with internships to gain practical experience.
7. Engineering (Software or Mechanical)
Why It’s In Demand: Engineering roles remain critical in tech and manufacturing. The BLS projects steady growth for software and mechanical engineers.
Career Paths: Software engineer, mechanical engineer, systems engineer
Average Salary: $95,300 (mechanical engineers, BLS 2023)
Why Choose It: Engineering degrees offer technical skills for innovative industries. Online programs on smarterdegree.com cater to those balancing work and study.
Pro Tip: Focus on specializations like robotics or cloud computing for higher demand.
8. Accounting
Why It’s In Demand: Businesses need accountants to manage finances and ensure compliance. The BLS projects a 7% growth for accountants through 2030.
Career Paths: CPA, financial controller, tax consultant
Average Salary: $78,000 (accountants, BLS 2023)
Why Choose It: Accounting degrees lead to stable, well-paying roles across industries. Online programs that SmarterDegree partners with make CPA preparation accessible.
Pro Tip: Pair your degree with CPA exam prep for maximum employability.
9. Education
Why It’s In Demand: Teachers are needed in K-12 and higher education, with a 10% growth projected for high school teachers through 2030 (BLS).
Career Paths: Teacher, education administrator, instructional coordinator
Average Salary: $62,360 (high school teachers, BLS 2023)
Why Choose It: Education degrees prepare you for impactful roles shaping future generations. Online teaching degrees offer flexibility for career changers.
Pro Tip: Look for programs with licensure tracks to meet state requirements.
10. Environmental Science
Why It’s In Demand: Sustainability drives demand for environmental professionals. The BLS projects an 8% growth for environmental scientists through 2030.
Career Paths: Environmental consultant, sustainability analyst, conservation scientist
Average Salary: $76,480 (environmental scientists, BLS 2023)
Why Choose It: This degree aligns with global sustainability goals, offering roles in government, NGOs, and private sectors. Online programs make it accessible.
Pro Tip: Combine with certifications in GIS or sustainability for better job prospects.
Ultimately, there are a wide variety of degrees that get you hired and ready to launch an interesting, stable career. Schedule a complimentary call with an advisor to learn more about what your path can look like.
