Choosing a college major is one of the biggest decisions you’ll make—and the job market is changing fast. The best degrees for the future combine:
- strong job growth
- high salaries
- long-term demand across industries
In this guide, we break down the top 20 degrees for the future, including expected job outlook, earning potential, and schools that offer strong programs—especially online. These majors are aligned with technology, healthcare, sustainability, and data-driven careers employers are hiring for now and beyond 2026.
Featured Programs
Read on to learn which courses of the future you should take, along with the best majors for future.
Quick Take: Best Degrees for the Future (2026+)
- Highest-paying fields: AI, Engineering, Finance, Healthcare
- Fastest-growing careers: Data, Healthcare, Sustainability
- Best online-friendly majors: IT, Business Analytics, Healthcare Admin
- Most future-proof: Degrees tied to tech + healthcare + infrastructure
| Degree Field | Avg Salary | Job Growth Outlook | Degree Level Needed | Online Availability |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Artificial Intelligence | $96k–$200k | Very High | Bachelor’s+ | Limited but growing |
| Data Analytics | $75k–$130k | High | Bachelor’s | Strong |
| Nursing | $75k–$120k | Very High | Bachelor’s | Hybrid |
| Supply Chain | $80k–$130k | High | Bachelor’s | Strong |
| Healthcare Admin | $90k–$140k | High | Bachelor’s | Strong |
Related:
Technology, AI & Data
1. Artificial Intelligence
AI is a popular career choice for college students in STEM. Thousands of job openings occur each year.
In addition to passion, students go into the field of AI for the pay. AI professionals earn between $96,000 and $200,000 per year. Payscale reports an average of $137,608. But to land a top-paying job in this field, you need a degree.
Considered one of the best degrees to get for the future, AI programs offer courses like:
- Computer vision
- Ethics
- Functional programming
You also take seminars and complete research projects.
Find top AI programs at:
Indiana University- Bloomington
2. Computational Linguistics
Interested in the language computers “speak?” Want to know what makes Alexa and Siri “think?”
This program teaches you about the latest advancements in grammar checking and speech. It also teaches you how machines translate information.
You take courses that explore how computers model our natural language.
If you have a strong computer science background and enjoy math and statistics, this major is a good fit.
Once you’ve chosen your major, you can focus on a subfield like:
- AI
- Data science
- Machine learning
- Robotics
Lastly, once you graduate, you can enjoy high wages and stable job growth. In fact, workers in this field earn over $170,000 per year. However, the average pay is about $104,000 per year according to ZipRecruiter.
Find top computer programs at:
Stanford University
3. Data Science / Big Data Analytics
One of the fastest-growing fields in the world is data science. This field studies big data from:
- business
- computers
- economics
- social sciences
Students take courses with topics like:
- Cloud computing
- Databases
- High performance computing
You also take business and social science courses. Because of its strong foundation in liberal arts, you graduate ready for work in nearly every field. In fact, students go to work in business, economics, education, and healthcare.
This major is good for students who are both STEM-bent and have interests in social sciences.
Find the top big data programs at:
MIT
Carnegie Mellon University (CMU)
4. Data Analytics and Business Intelligence
Are you good at math and enjoy learning about business topics?
Do you like researching and problem solving?
This field of business combines math and statistics. It requires strong math skills and the ability to look at data and draw conclusions.
Degree programs in this subject prepare students for careers in business, marketing, and sales. You can also land a job as a data or market analyst.
Wages for market researchers and analysts are high. In fact, the top 10% in this role make more than $194k per year according to BLS.
In addition, 34% job growth is expected over the next ten years. As a result, you should see plenty of job openings after you graduate from college. But to land a job as an analyst, you need a college degree. In fact, bachelor’s degrees are required by most employers.
Find top degrees in demand for the future at:
Clarkson University
Creighton University
5. Computer Engineering / IoT Systems
High demand jobs for the future include IoT-related careers. But to land a top job in IoT, you need a degree.
This program teaches you how our devices “talk” to each other. From watches to home security systems, you learn about the language of our smart devices.
You also learn how to trouble shoot and think critically. As a result, you graduate ready for work in a high demand job.
In this program, you take courses that explore topics like:
- Cybersecurity
- Data analysis
- Intro to computer design
- Sensors for IoT
Additionally, all of what you learn in school allows you to work in different fields. For example, energy, medicine, and transportation are all fields that hire these specialists.
Find top IoT degrees of the future at:
Florida International University
University of New Mexico
6. Information Technology
For years, even decades, IT has offered job growth and security. The field also pays strong wages for college grads. In fact, six-figure salaries await students with IT degrees.
But to land a top-paying career in IT, you must hold a college degree.
IT programs are offered at nearly every college. You should, however, only pursue a degree from an accredited school.
IT programs offer courses like:
- Computer science
- Computer systems software and hardware
- Information technology
Within an IT program, you can tailor your degree to fit your interests or career goals. Popular specializations include cybersecurity, health information management, and IT management.
After you earn a degree and complete a focus area, you can land a job in just about any industry. From healthcare to business, IT jobs await those with training and skills.
Since there are different career options, IT is a popular program for college students.
Find the best degrees to get for the future at:
Western Governors University (WGU)
Engineering & Automation
7. Robotics
How do you start your dream job in robotics?
First, you must get a college degree.
Bachelor’s in robotics programs cover computers and engineering courses. They teach you how code and program robots or robotic elements.
Classes teach how to:
- design robots
- operate robots
- “think” like a robot
- troubleshoot problems
But after you graduate college, you can work as a robotics engineer. This in-demand career will last well into the future. For instance, the auto industry hires thousands of robotics engineers each year.
Lastly, this job pays well and offers a strong job outlook.
If you enjoyed math and physics in high school, consider a degree in this field.
Find some of the best degrees to get for the future at:
Lawrence Technological University
Maryville University
8. Mechatronics
This field of engineering teaches you about the design and production of automated equipment. It also teaches you how manufacturing processes work.
As you can tell from the name, mechatronics is a combination of mechanisms and electronics. But a degree in it is much more.
Some programs focus on computer-integrated manufacturing, while others look at practical physics. From fluid power to statistics, you learn about the field through lab-based projects and discussions.
Plan on taking courses in:
- Circuits
- Components
- Control techniques
With a bachelor’s degree, you can go to work at companies like GE, GM, IBM, NASA, and Tesla. You can also earn high wages.
Find the best majors for the future at:
Capitol Technology University
Kent State University
9. Chemical Engineering
In engineering, the best courses to study for the future include chemical engineering. And a chemical engineering degree promises good wages and strong job growth.
In a bachelor’s degree program, you take courses like:
- Chemical process thermodynamics
- Intro to chemical engineering
- Mixtures
- Process labs
Upon graduating, you can go to grad school and earn a master’s degree or go to work in an entry-level job.
Find the most useful degrees for the future at:
Florida Tech
North Carolina State University
10. Electrical Engineering
Electrical engineers earn strong wages. They also see good job growth in the field. In fact, a 7% job growth is expected over the next decade.
But to work in this field, you need a college degree. In fact, a bachelor’s degree from an ABET-accredited school is required by most employers.
You can earn your degree online or in-person. While in-person programs take four years to complete, some online programs take two to three years.
Electrical engineering top courses of the future you will take include:
- Circuits
- Intro to engineering
- Signals and systems
After your degree, you need job experience. To get this before you graduate, plan on completing an internship in college.
But once you’ve earned a degree and gained work experience, you’re ready for a career in this top field of the future.
Lastly, your career choices aren’t limited. In fact, you can go to work as an electrical engineer in just about any industry, from computers to healthcare.
Find top degrees of the future at:
Arizona State University
Boston University
Healthcare & Life Sciences
11. Biomedical Engineering
Biomedical engineers earn average wages of about $93,000 per year. However, the top 10% see more than $150,000 per year.
But to earn these strong wages, you must have a degree in the field.
If you have an interest in science and math and want to use your passion to solve complex problems, this major is a good fit.
In this program, you learn how to apply science to engineering principles. You also learn how the field relates to healthcare and medicine.
You take classes in:
- computers
- biomedicine
- physics
You also complete lab work and projects.
But when you’re finishing, you hold one of the best bachelor degrees for the future.
Find the best college degrees for the future at:
12. Epidemiology
In this program, you will study diseases. You will also learn what causes them and how to prevent them.
You will take science courses and complete lab work. Your courses cover topics like:
- Biostatistics
- Chronic diseases
- Community health
- Intro to public health
But to work in in labs, colleges, pharmaceutical companies, or public health agencies, you need a graduate degree.
Once you’ve earned your degree, you will enjoy a strong job growth and good pay. In fact, average wages are $83,980. However, top 10% of employees make $134,860 per year.
The job outlook according to BLS is 16%, with the average being 3% growth.
Find top degrees for the future at:
Indiana University
University of Illinois Chicago
13. Health Information Technology
Interested in health care and technology? Want to earn a degree that blends both your interests?
Consider a degree in HIT.
In this program, you learn how to analyze, process, and manage health information. You also learn how to code and store medical records.
You take classes like:
- Critical thinking
- Healthcare data management
- Health law and ethics
- Intro to computers
Students complete 120 credits for a bachelor’s degree. You also complete an internship or a field experience.
According to the BLS, strong wages and good job growth draw students to the field. Additionally, the average salary for an HIT manager is about $100,000 per year.
Top HIT programs include:
Southern New Hampshire University
University of Central Florida
14. Nursing
About 194,500 job openings for RNs will result through 2030. As a result, nursing is one of the best degrees for the future.
Not only is the job rewarding, but also ideal if you want to help people. You can also earn high wages and find employment in every city and state.
Nursing college majors take classes like:
- Community health nursing
- Evidence-based practice
- RN health assessment
Plan on taking many labs with your classes because lab work prepares you for patient care. You learn how to examine patients and provide care based on their symptoms. You also learn to work alongside doctors and other nursing staff.
Upon graduating, you can earn an MSN and specialize in a field of nursing, such as family, geriatric, or nurse education.
Currently, community health nurses are in high demand.
Find top nursing programs at:
Baker University
15. Healthcare Administration
Healthcare Administration prepares students to lead and manage healthcare organizations such as:
- hospitals
- clinics
- nursing homes
- public health agencies
- insurance firms
As the population ages, healthcare demand continues to grow across the U.S. and globally. Even beyond clinical care, administrators are needed to handle:
- operations
- finance
- technology integration
- patient experience
- workforce management
Healthcare systems are becoming larger and more complex, requiring leaders who understand both business principles and healthcare delivery. Graduates with this degree are not only employable in traditional hospital settings but also in growing sectors like telehealth, managed care, and healthcare consulting which means long-term, diversified demand.
According to BLS and industry salary surveys, healthcare administrators earn a median annual salary around $90,000–$100,000, with many senior leadership roles exceeding $120,000–$140,000 per year, especially in large systems and metropolitan areas.
Top Schools for a Bachelor’s in Healthcare Administration:
University of Southern California
16. Sustainable and Renewable Energy
If you want to be a leader of green economy, you need a top 10 degree for the future.
In this program, you’ll study how policy change affects our natural world. You’ll also increase your awareness of the world’s natural resources.
While few bachelor’s programs exist in this subject, there are related majors you can choose. From ocean science to ecology. But all programs prepare you for graduate school or a career.
Plan on taking these courses of the future:
- Earth’s dynamic weather
- Greening the economy
- Solar energy trends
You will also take classes in economics and technology. Graduates go to work as scientists and techs, but most go to graduate school.
Lastly, this STEM major offer strong job growth and good wages. But some jobs require a master’s degree.
Find top schools for best degrees for the future at:
Business, Logistics & Psychology
17. Industrial and Organizational Psychology
The Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) reports average wages of $154,380 for this career. However, top 10% of workers in this occupation earn more than $219,000 per year.
But the first step toward going to work is to earn one of the most useful degrees for the future.
First, you will need to take classes that cover topics from hiring and staffing to how people behave on the job. You will also take classes in leadership and management.
Once you enter your senior year, plan on completing a final project or thesis. Since most psychologist jobs require a master’s degree, you should go to graduate school.
However, the end result is a stable career with high wages. In fact, U.S. News and World Report ranks this job #3 in best science jobs and #26 in best STEM jobs.
Schools for top degrees in demand for the future:
Southern New Hampshire University
18. Construction Management
Construction managers make close to $106,980 per year (BLS). But more than the good wages is the strong job growth that’s expected over the next ten years. In fact, this career will see an 9% job growth.
How do you become a construction manager? School and training.
However, you won’t spend years in college. Some programs offer AA degrees that take two years, while BA degree programs take four years. But online programs often take less time to complete.
Courses prepare you for work in the field. They also teach you how to:
- manage construction sites
- plan projects
- survey
You graduate ready to go to work. However, you will need training before moving up the ranks of a company. But if you work for yourself, you can run a business with only the training you received from college. You might, however, want to start out with smaller projects before you expand to larger ones.
Construction management programs also prepare you for work as:
- building engineers
- building surveyors
- estimators
- fire risk assessors
- site managers
Find top programs at:
Everglades University
Indiana State University
19. Finance (Analytics / FinTech Focus)
A Finance degree with an analytics or FinTech emphasis blends traditional financial expertise with modern technologies like blockchain, machine learning, and digital payments. This combination positions graduates for leadership in fast-changing financial markets.
Finance remains a core business function, and analytics/FinTech specializations are among the fastest-growing niches.
Financial analysts, risk managers, and FinTech product specialists often earn six-figure salaries within a few years of graduation.
Financial services, investment firms, and technology companies all need professionals who understand risk, analytics, and digital transformation.
Top Schools for a Bachelor’s in Finance (with Analytics/FinTech):
University of Pennsylvania (Wharton)
New York University (Stern)
20. Supply Chain & Logistics Management
Supply Chain and Logistics Management sits at the heart of global commerce. Post-pandemic disruptions showed how critical efficient supply chains are to everything from food to electronics. As companies expand globally and adopt automation and AI in operations, professionals who understand logistics, operations planning, and supply networks are in high demand.
Demand for supply chain professionals is growing faster than average as businesses optimize operations and manage complex, global networks.
Mid-career logistics managers and supply chain directors often earn strong six-figure salaries, especially in manufacturing, retail, and distribution hubs.
Every industry with physical products — from healthcare to tech — needs supply chain expertise now and into the future.
Top Schools for a Bachelor’s in Supply Chain & Logistics Management:
Michigan State University
Arizona State University
FAQ
What is the best degree for the future?
There is no single “best” degree for everyone, but the strongest degrees for the future combine technology, healthcare, data, and business skills. Degrees in Artificial Intelligence, Data Science, Nursing, Cybersecurity, Healthcare Administration, and Engineering consistently offer strong job growth, high salaries, and long-term demand across industries.
Which degrees will still be in demand in 10 years?
Degrees most likely to remain in demand over the next decade include:
- Artificial Intelligence and Machine Learning
- Data Science and Analytics
- Nursing and Healthcare Administration
- Cybersecurity and Information Technology
- Engineering (Electrical, Software, Systems)
- Supply Chain and Logistics Management
These fields support essential systems—technology, healthcare, infrastructure, and global commerce—making them resilient to economic shifts.
Are online degrees worth it for future careers?
Yes. Accredited online degrees are widely accepted by employers, especially in technology, business, healthcare administration, and data fields. Online programs offer flexibility, faster completion, and lower costs while teaching in-demand skills. For future-focused careers, employers prioritize skills, experience, and accreditation, not whether the degree was earned online.
What degrees lead to six-figure salaries?
Degrees that commonly lead to six-figure salaries include:
- Artificial Intelligence
- Computer Science and Software Engineering
- Data Science and Analytics
- Cybersecurity
- Engineering
- Finance (Analytics or FinTech focus)
- Healthcare Administration (senior leadership roles)
Many professionals reach six figures within 5–10 years, especially with experience, certifications, or leadership responsibilities.
Which majors are safest from automation?
Majors least likely to be automated require human judgment, creativity, leadership, and complex problem-solving, such as:
- Healthcare (Nursing, Healthcare Administration)
- Engineering
- Artificial Intelligence and Data Science
- Cybersecurity
- Psychology and Human-Centered Business Fields
- Supply Chain and Operations Management
Jobs that combine technical expertise with human decision-making are the most future-proof.
Is AI a good major for the future?
Yes. Artificial Intelligence is one of the best majors for the future due to explosive job growth, high salaries, and widespread adoption across industries. AI skills are used in healthcare, finance, cybersecurity, logistics, and software development. Graduates with AI training are positioned for leadership roles as automation and machine learning continue to expand.
Do future-proof jobs require graduate school?
Not always. Many future-proof careers start with a bachelor’s degree, especially in IT, data analytics, nursing, business, and supply chain management. However, graduate degrees can increase earning potential and leadership opportunities in fields like AI, psychology, healthcare administration, and engineering. Certifications and real-world experience can also substitute for graduate education in many cases.
Related Resources:
- 20 Best Online Bachelor’s in Computer Science
- 20 Most Affordable Master’s in Nursing Leadership and Nursing Administration Online
- Top 30 Affordable Online Bachelor’s in Supply Chain Management
- 30 Best Bachelor’s in Engineering Online Degrees
- 30 Great Small Colleges for STEM Degrees