10 degrees that guarantee high-paying progressive careers, and 5 that don’t

In today’s rapidly changing world, pursuing a degree that leads to a progressive career is becoming increasingly important.

Choosing this path leads to continuous growth, opportunities for advancement, and the ability to adapt to evolving industry trends and technologies.

The first step to achieving this is to choose a degree that aligns with such a career. This will give a solid foundation that could lead to a successful future.

A degree equips you with diverse skills, fosters creativity and innovation, and emphasises lifelong learning. It opens doors to many industries and offers various pathways for career development.

There are a number of degrees across various fields that will lead to this. From business administration to computer science, nursing, digital marketing, economics, engineering and many more, you will gain the knowledge, expertise, and practical skills necessary to excel in the workforce.

The best part is that not only will these degrees ensure a successful career, but you will also secure a high-paying job.

I don’t think some degrees are useless. I do think that some degrees require you to be a LOT more strategic if you want to use them to make money though.

— Kierra | Data Conversationalist (@iamKierraD) August 30, 2024

5 degrees that don’t lead to progressive careers

While there is no such thing as a “useless degree,” there are definitely some with less promising career outlooks and progressions than others.

A study conducted by the higher education research group Degreechoices used numbers for 2022 from the New York Fed to discover underemployment rates (the share of graduates working in jobs that typically do not require a college degree) for recent college graduates, as well as unemployment rates.

Median wages for each college degree for early-career graduates (those aged 22 to 27) and mid-career graduates (graduates aged 35 to 45) were taken into account too.

1. Criminal Justice

Criminal justice graduates face the highest levels of underemployment at 71.5%  and an unemployment rate of 2.8%. People in their early careers can anticipate a median wage of US$41,000, and those in their mid-careers can look forward to a median wage of US$70,000.

A Redditor shares, “As someone who has family in the police force, even they say criminal justice is useless as a degree because you don’t need it to be a cop/dispatch/any police or emergency service/first responder-type job, and it kinda pigeonholes you so you can’t really use it for anything else either other than the jobs that just look for ‘any degree’.”

2. Performing Arts

Performing arts graduates face an underemployment rate of 65.9%. Early careers here make US$38,000, while mid-careers make US$64,000.

It’s a grim outlook for those with a flair for anything performance-related. In New York, despite the arts contributing to 7.4% of the economy, a Creatives Rebuild New York survey reveals that 57.3% of respondents said that they made under US$25,000 in 2023, and 85.7% earned less than $50,000.

On top of that, 45.5% said that they depended on gig work and temporary jobs, while 63% revealed that if they were suddenly required to pay an unexpected US$400 in cash or a cash equivalent today, they would be unable to do so without using credit.

3. Art History

Art history graduates face an underemployment rate of 62.3% and the highest levels of unemployment at 8%. Early-career graduates can expect a median wage of US$41,000, while mid-career graduates can look forward to a median wage of US$72,000.

One Redditor with a BA in Art History shares, “I won’t lie to you, it’s A LOT of work for minimal pay off in school. For me, I was writing something like 30k a semester in assessments which was detrimental to my physical and mental health, even though I adore my industry.”

The commenter also emphasises that your family’s financial background plays a crucial role in your overall experience in the career.

“I am from a pretty poor family and live away from my small hometown, so I didn’t have the luxury of connections, free rent, money to travel to ‘important’ fairs, exhibitions, etc,” they say. “It may not seem like a big deal — if I’m good at my job, what does it matter? — but at least where I’m from, there’s a distinct divide between the rich and poor within the art world, and you WILL feel the difference if you aren’t rich.”

4. Leisure and Hospitality

Leisure and hospitality graduates face an underemployment rate of 57.6% and an unemployment rate of 4.1%. Early-career graduates earn a median wage of US$39,700 and a mid-career median wage of US$67,000.

In Australia, figures from CreditorWatch’s June Business Risk Index predicted that one in 11 hospitality operations are set to fail in the year. Over in Canada, operators in hospitality and transportation were among the most pessimistic about the year ahead (2025).

5. Liberal Arts

Liberal Arts graduates face an underemployment rate of 56.7% and an unemployment rate of 7.9%. The median salary for early-career graduates is US$38,000, and the median salary for mid-career graduates is US$65,000.

Now, this subject puts many in the same box — whether you’ve studied history, literature, writing, philosophy, sociology, psychology, creative arts and more, you’re under the broad umbrella of the liberal arts.

One Redditor who has a bachelor’s in history of science and a minor in philosophy is now in their mid-career/third job as a technical programme manager. They share, “I would say it’s not about the degree but about what you say you are doing when getting the degree. Be able to translate your experiences and skills into value propositions for organisations.”

10 degrees that lead to progressive careers

1. Bachelor of Engineering

Engineering is a field that is in high demand across various industries. It offers a wide range of career paths and specialisations, such as civil engineering, mechanical engineering, electrical engineering, chemical engineering, computer engineering, and more. 

In 2023, 12 of the highest-paying engineering jobs had average annual salaries in excess of US$100,000, reports Forbes. For comparison, the average annual wage for all occupations in the US was US$58,260 per year. The other six highest-paying engineering jobs had average annual salaries of over US$87,000, proving the positive career progression that engineers can expect.

If you are considering an engineering degree, here are the top universities in the US, UK and Australia:

• Massachusetts Institute of Technology, US
• University of Cambridge, UK
• Monash University, Australia

2. Bachelor of Marketing

Marketing is a popular choice for students who have a passion for advertising, social media, and graphic design. It is a versatile degree that opens the door to many career opportunities as nearly every business, organisation, and nonprofit worldwide needs a marketing team.

Those with a marketing degree can explore various job roles, including social media manager, marketing executive, sales representative, and marketing research analyst. A marketing manager is one of the highest paying jobs in this field, with an annual salary reaching up to US$135,030.

If you are considering a marketing degree, here are the top universities in the US, UK and Australia:

• University of Pennsylvania, US
• Lancaster University, UK
• University of Melbourne, Australia

3. Bachelor of Data Science

Speculations about the potential replacement of data analysts by AI systems like Bard or ChatGPT have been circulating since November 2022.

While generative AI may be able to replicate tasks such as data cleaning and preprocessing, companies will still require human expertise in areas like data analysis, model development and interpretation, and decision-making.

With numerous job opportunities in the field, pursuing a degree in data science is highly advantageous. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), employment growth for data scientists is projected to increase by 35.8% by 2031, resulting in 40,500 job openings. Data scientists are some of the highest paid in the US, with an average annual salary of US$129,753.

If you are considering a degree in data science, here are some top universities to consider.

• University of Warwick, UK
• University of Melbourne, Australia
• University of California, US

4. Bachelor of Computer Science

A degree in this field provides sought-after technical skills and knowledge in programming, software development, and problem-solving. This leads to many career paths in fields such as software engineering, data analysis, cybersecurity, and artificial intelligence, all of which are thriving in the digital era.

Graduates with this qualification are highly sought after, as nearly every company relies on computers to run their operations. Businesses require computer specialists who can troubleshoot and resolve tech-related issues.

In the US, the 2021 median salary for a data scientist is US$100,910. Meanwhile, the employment of computer science professionals is expected to experience rapid growth of 15% by 2031, reports the US Bureau of Labor Statistics.

Consider pursuing your computer science education at one of these universities:

• University of Cambridge, UK
• University of Technology Sydney, Australia
• Massachusetts Institute of Technology, US

5. Bachelor of Nursing

The healthcare industry is consistently in high demand, and a nursing career offers numerous opportunities for professional growth and a healthy income. Nursing is considered one of the highest-paid professions globally, with an average annual salary of around US$93,632.

With a nursing degree, you will qualify for various roles such as a clinical nurse specialist, community nurse, child care specialist, private nurse, or social worker.

Plus, job security is generally not a concern in this field. The career outlook for registered nurses is highly promising, with the demand projected to grow by 46% in the US. 

If you are considering pursuing a nursing education, here are some of the affordable universities to check out, and the top universities in the world for this field are as follows:

• University of Pennsylvania, US
• King’s College London, UK
• Monash University Clayton, Australia

6. Bachelor of Information Technology

According to the BLS, employment in the information technology sector is projected to grow by 15% by 2031, resulting in approximately 682,800 job openings.

A degree in information technology equips you with the skills necessary for roles such as software developer, cybersecurity expert, IT consultant, business analyst, and many other highly sought-after positions in the field. Those working as information technology specialists in the US can earn up to US$45,760 annually.

Embark on your career in this field by enrolling in renowned universities known for their exceptional information technology programmes.

• University of Cambridge, US
• Monash University Clayton, Australia
• Carnegie Mellon University, US

7. Bachelor of Finance

Graduates with a degree in finance will not only know how to make money but also have an insight into how to grow it and make it work for them. This degree opens doors to careers in investment banking, corporate finance, financial planning, or consulting — traditionally known for offering graduates some of the highest salaries.

On average, you will earn up to US$74,159 annually as a financial analyst in the US.

The best part? BLS predicts that jobs in the sector are projected to grow 9% from 2021 to 2031.As a graduate in this field, you will be able to find employment in many sectors, especially the banking and insurance industry. 

Get a degree in finance from some of the top universities in the world to secure a successful career. Here are the top universities for a degree in economics and finance:

• London School of Economics, UK
• The University of Sydney, Australia
• Harvard University, US

8. Bachelor of Economics

If you have an interest in statistics, accounting, and understanding the processes of producing, distributing, and consuming goods, economics is a suitable field for you. This is a versatile field that provides you with a deep understanding of how markets, industries, and economies function. 

This knowledge is highly valued in various sectors, including finance, consulting, government, research, and academia. Here, you’ll develop analytical and critical thinking abilities, learn to analyse complex data, evaluate economic trends, and make informed decisions based on quantitative and qualitative analysis — all highly transferable and sought after by employers in many industries.

Those who follow this path and become financial managers can anticipate a median base salary of approximately US$131,710.

Consider these top universities to pursue a degree in economics:

• Harvard University, US
• Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT), US
• Stanford University, US

9. Bachelor in Digital Marketing

The demand for digital marketing professionals has soared, making it one of the top ten most sought-after job roles, with over 860,000 job openings.

The digital marketing industry is experiencing rapid growth and is expected to continue expanding in the coming years. As more businesses recognise the importance of digital marketing in reaching their target audiences, there is a high demand for skilled professionals in this field.

Pursuing a degree in digital marketing can equip you with a comprehensive skill set that includes graphic design, content development, and social media strategy to assist businesses. In the US, working in the digital marketing sector can earn you an annual salary of up to US$60,251.

If you’re interested, consider exploring these esteemed universities worldwide that offer exceptional digital marketing programs:

• University of Southampton, UK
• La Trobe University, Australia
• Arizona State University, US

10. Bachelor of Business

Opting for a business degree is a popular choice among students, given its potential to pave the way for a progressive career. This versatile degree offers a comprehensive education covering various disciplines such as finance, advertising, marketing, economics and the art of negotiation.

Better yet, the job market for business graduates is promising, as it is projected to witness the creation of approximately 56,500 new positions by 2031. Professionals in this field earn an average annual salary of US$82,805.

To embark on your journey towards a successful business career, consider pursuing a degree at these reputable universities that offer comprehensive business programmes:

• University of Oxford, UK 
• University of Melbourne, Australia
• Harvard University, US

Disclaimer: This article was last updated on September 5, 2024.