What Are the Most Useful Degrees?

Most Useful Degrees

Choosing the best college majors for the future is one of the most important decisions you’ll make in your education journey. The most useful college degrees combine employability, flexibility, and long-term value, preparing students for steady and rewarding careers. Especially with today’s turbulent job market and rapidly advancing technology, it can feel overwhelming to determine the most useful degrees.

In this guide, we will explore what makes a degree useful, the most in demand majors, and why these majors stand out. We’ll also cover the majors with the best return on investment, and the best degrees to get in today’s job market. By the end of this article, we hope you’ll be able to answer questions like “what is the best degree to get?” Keep reading to learn more about the most useful college degrees.

What Makes a Degree Useful?

The “most useful degrees” can mean different things to different people. For some students, the most useful bachelor degrees provide versatility and transferable skills like problem-solving, critical thinking, and communication. For others, the most useful degrees offer employability and job stability, leading to steady, in-demand careers.

The most useful degrees can also prepare students for roles in industries shaped by technology, innovation, and global change. The most useful college degrees help address labor shortages or societal needs and fill essential roles in healthcare, education, or infrastructure. For many, the best degrees to get are those that help others or make a positive impact. 

Ultimately, the definition of the “most useful degrees” is multidimensional. In this article, we’ll define the most useful college degrees as those that deliver real-world skills, strong employability, and long-term value. All the majors we cover here help graduates thrive no matter how the job market evolves.

Why Choose a Useful Degree?

Choosing the most useful degrees is about more than securing a job after graduation; your choice may open doors to multiple career paths. The best degrees to get focus on practical skills, making it easy to pivot into different industries as your goals evolve. For example, someone with a bachelor’s degree in business or computer science can easily transition into new roles without starting over.

The most useful degrees also provide greater job security in an economy shaped by automation and rapid technological change. A bachelor’s degree in healthcare administration or data analytics combines technical expertise with problem-solving and leadership skills that are hard to replace. When considering what is the best degree to get, think about which fields combine long-term growth, personal satisfaction, and stability.

Importantly, choosing the most useful degrees does not mean abandoning your passion. Instead, it means aligning your interests with real-world opportunities. When your degree reflects both what you love and what employers need, you’re setting yourself up for a fulfilling, long-term career. 

Popular Degrees vs. Useful Degrees

Not all popular degrees guarantee strong career outcomes. Some majors attract large numbers of students, but they may not lead directly to specific job opportunities. For example, degrees in sociology or history build analytical and writing skills but often require additional education.

In contrast, the most useful degrees such as engineering, accounting, and healthcare offer clear career paths and immediate employability. These programs offer hands-on experience and allow graduates to step directly into roles that are in high demand. These “best degrees to get” help graduates build practical skills that translate into reliable career growth.

It is also important to recognize that trade and associate programs can be just as valuable as four-year degrees. Skilled trades like HVAC, construction management, and electrical work prepare students for essential, high-demand careers that offer strong pay and job stability. Moreover, depending on your trade program, you may be able to undertake an apprenticeship and get paid as you learn.

Ultimately, the “most useful degrees“ are not defined by popularity but by the practical skills, workforce readiness, and versatility they provide. The most useful bachelor degrees equip students with the confidence and capabilities to adapt in a changing job market.

What Are the Most In-Demand Majors?

Some of the best college majors for the future are experiencing surging demand. This is not because they are inherently better, but because they align with economic, societal, and technological shifts. As industries evolve, employers increasingly seek graduates from the most in demand majors with the skills to address new challenges.

Several key trends drive this demand. For instance, AI adoption is creating opportunities for computer science, data analytics, and cybersecurity experts. Globalization is expanding the need for professionals in business, finance, and supply chain management. Aging and growing populations are fueling demand for healthcare and education professionals. Finally, public health needs drive the increasing importance of nursing, health sciences, and community health degrees.

Trades are also in strong demand, driven by labor shortages and infrastructure development. Electricians, HVAC technicians, welders, and construction managers are vital to sustaining modern industries. These are among the most in demand majors because they combine practical skills with reliable employment opportunities.

However, high demand does not always guarantee easy employment. Some sectors become oversaturated as more students pursue the same degree. To choose the most useful degrees for you, balance current demand, long-term growth potential, and personal interests when choosing a major.

Top 10 Most Useful Degrees

When evaluating the most useful degrees, the best bachelor degrees combine adaptability, employability, and skill diversity. The best bachelor degrees prepare graduates for steady, high-demand, well paying careers while offering the flexibility to pivot as industries change. Many of the most useful degrees represent broad categories, like STEM or the skilled trades, with multiple specializations, each with strong career prospects.

10 Most Useful Degrees

1. Nursing

Nursing consistently ranks among the most useful degrees. Nurses play essential roles in patient care, leadership, and public health. Possible career paths with a nursing degree include registered nurse, nurse practitioner, and clinical nurse specialist. The median salary for those with nursing degrees is approximately $86,000/year. Nursing is one of the most useful college degrees due to high job security and meaningful work across healthcare settings.

2. Engineering (Mechanical, Electrical, Civil, etc.)

Engineering degrees teach critical problem-solving and design skills, placing them among the best bachelor degrees for long-term employability. Possible career paths with an engineering degree include civil, mechanical, and electrical engineering. The median salary for engineers is approximately $94,000/year. STEM degrees are some of the most valuable and most useful degrees because of the potential for the best job prospects. In general, STEM degrees like engineering are among the highest paying degrees.

3. Computer Science

Computer science degrees offer unmatched versatility and high earning potential. Possible career paths with a computer science degree include software engineer, cybersecurity analyst, and data scientist. The median salary for this field is approximately $109,000/year. Computer science degrees are one of the most useful college degrees because of expanding career opportunities in nearly every sector. With growth on the horizon, it remains one of the best college majors for the future.

4. Information Technology (IT)

Information Technology is one of the most useful degrees for students seeking a mix of technical and managerial skills. Possible career paths with an IT degree include network administrator, IT Manager, and systems analyst. The median salary for IT majors is approximately $100,000/year. IT is one of the most useful bachelor degrees because of its critical role in business operations.

5. Accounting

Accounting remains one of the best degrees to get for business-minded students. Possible career paths for those with a degree in accounting include accountant, auditor, and financial analyst. The median salary for accounting majors is approximately $78,000/year. A degree in accounting is useful because it provides clear professional pathways and essential business expertise.

6. Education

An education degree offers both purpose and practicality. Teachers, administrators, and educational consultants are always needed to support learning at all levels. Possible career paths with an education degree include teacher, curriculum developer, and school administrator. The median salary for Educators is approximately $63,000/year. Education is one of the most useful degrees because of stable employment, personal fulfillment, and opportunities for leadership.

7. Health Sciences

Health sciences encompass a wide range of disciplines including biology, chemistry, and human health. These disciplines prepare students for various roles in the growing healthcare sector. Possible career paths with a health sciences degree include public health specialist, bachelor’s degree in healthcare administration, and medical technologist. The median salary for those in health sciences is approximately $75,000/year. Degrees in health sciences are useful because of high demand and versatility across healthcare systems and are among the best bachelor degrees.

8. Supply Chain Management / Operations 

Global businesses depend on efficient supply chains to move goods and services. This degree teaches logistics, analytics, and management, each of which are skills that are in high demand. Possible career paths include operations manager, logistics analyst, and procurement specialist. The median salary for this field is approximately $82,000/year. This is one of the most useful college degrees because it’s integral to multiple industries within global trade networks.

9. Data Science and Analytics

Data drives decision-making across industries, and data scientists translate complex information into actionable insights. With the rise of AI and machine learning, this degree is rapidly becoming one of the most useful college degrees. Possible career paths with a data science and analytics degree include data scientist, business intelligence analyst, and machine learning engineer. The median salary for this degree is approximately $103,000/year, putting it among some of the highest paying degrees. Data science is one of the most useful degrees because of the high growth rate, wide applicability, and excellent earning potential.

10. Skilled Trades (Electrician, HVAC, Construction Management)

Trade programs are often overlooked but are among the most useful degrees for the future. These fields require hands-on expertise and offer strong pay with minimal student debt. Demand continues to grow due to infrastructure needs and an aging workforce. Possible career paths in skilled trades include electrician, construction manager, and HVAC technician. The median salary for skilled tradesmen is approximately $70,000/year. Skilled trades are useful because of essential workforce roles, steady demand, and quick entry into the job market.

Comparing the Best Degrees to Get Across Today’s Top Fields

The most useful degrees vary across industries, and current economic conditions. However, the common thread is career resilience, which is the ability to adapt as technology, economics, and global needs evolve. Let’s explore how the best degrees to get build long-term flexibility and value across three major fields: technology, healthcare, and business.

In tech, degrees emphasizing data, security, and innovation stand out as some of the best degrees to get for the future. The best bachelor degrees in the tech sector prepare graduates for careers at the forefront of digital transformation.

Healthcare remains one of the most reliable industries for long-term employment. The most useful degrees not only promise stability but also the chance to make a meaningful impact.

A bachelor’s degree in business is among the most versatile, offering opportunities in management, finance, and entrepreneurship. The best degrees to get emphasize leadership, communication, and analytical skills. These are qualities that remain in high demand.

Are Liberal Arts Degrees Considered Useful?

Yes! Liberal arts degrees are useful and are among some of the best degrees to get. The best bachelor degrees in liberal arts emphasize critical thinking, communication, and analytical skills, which are essential in nearly every field. Students learn how to evaluate information, solve complex problems, and express ideas clearly. These are skills that never go out of style.

When choosing the best college majors for the future, immediate job placement isn’t necessarily the most important consideration. The most useful degrees for you will deliver long-term value and adaptability, as well. Recipients of the best bachelor degrees in liberal arts are well-suited for roles in project coordination, content creation, research, and beyond.

The best degrees to get in liberal arts offer adaptability. Graduates with best bachelor degrees in liberal arts can apply their skills across multiple contexts rather than being tied to one specific job. By pairing a liberal arts education with technical skills like data analysis, students can stand out in a competitive job market. The best college majors for the future often combine liberal arts skills with emerging technical disciplines.

What Are the Best Degrees to Get for the Future?

The best bachelor degrees equip you for the top industries of today and the emerging ones of tomorrow. Here are three areas where the most useful degrees offer sustained relevance, plus how to assess the best college majors for the future. 

Technology and data

In the tech sector, the best bachelor degrees give you a skillset that is in demand across industries. Roles that involve analytics, security, or automation are expanding fast. For example, degrees in artificial intelligence, cybersecurity, and data science apply tech to every area of business. The best degrees to get will teach you analytical and technical skills such as programming, data modeling, threat analysis. These are among the best degrees to get in the tech sector.

Healthcare and life sciences

The demand for healthcare careers continues to rise thanks to aging populations and global health needs. The best degrees to get in this area offer both impact and longevity; consider programs like public health and health informatics. The best bachelor degrees help you work in roles that offer stability and meaningful impact. These are the best bachelor degrees for students interested in healthcare.

Sustainability and the environment

The world is shifting toward sustainability, renewable energy, and smarter environmental management. The best degrees to get will prepare you for these future industries. Some examples include majors like environmental engineering and earth sciences. These are the best college majors for the future for students passionate about sustainability. The best bachelor degrees in this field teach problem-solving, system thinking, and adaptability.

It’s important to remember that skills matter more than trends. It’s tempting to chase the most popular major, but the real power lies in skills, not just trending job titles. The best degrees to get help you develop critical thinking, communication, flexibility, and technological literacy that’ll serve you as industries shift.

5 Tips for Choosing Your Degree

Selecting the most useful degrees balances passion and practicality. The following tips on choosing the most useful degrees for you can help you make an informed decision that supports your goals.

5 Tips to Choose Your Degree

1. Research industries with steady or growing employment needs.

Explore sectors that consistently show strong job growth, like healthcare, technology, and renewable energy. Employment trends can highlight fields that offer both stability and opportunity, ensuring you pick one of the best degrees to get.

2. Look for programs that teach both technical and soft skills.

Employers value well-rounded graduates who can combine technical expertise with communication, teamwork, and problem-solving abilities. Programs that integrate these skills are often among the most useful college degrees. They also prepare you for changing industries, building core capabilities you can leverage in various roles.

3. Focus on degrees that lead to clear career paths or entry-level jobs.

Choose programs with defined outcomes, such as nursing, engineering, or accounting. These are fields where graduates can enter the workforce quickly. Asking yourself what is the best degree to get in your field can help clarify which programs align with your goals.

4. Check for hands-on experience, internships, or co-op opportunities.

Degrees that offer practical experience give you a competitive edge. Internships, labs, or clinical rotations build confidence and connections before you graduate, making them some of the best bachelor degrees.

5. Consider shorter, skills-focused programs.

Associate degrees and trade programs can provide quicker, cost-effective entry into high-demand roles. Fields like HVAC, construction management, and IT support offer great pay and career security. They are among the most useful bachelor degrees in practical terms.

Ultimately, the best degrees to get are those that blend interest and usefulness. When you pursue a field you are passionate about that also meets real-world needs, you will find long-term satisfaction and success. These tips help students evaluate what is the best degree to get while also considering the most in demand majors.

Most Useful Degrees – Final Takeaways

The most useful degrees prepare students for more than just their first job. Whether you’re drawn to healthcare, technology, business, or the skilled trades, your degree will be a stepping stone to the workforce. Choosing the best college majors for the future will combine your passions and open doors to steady, fulfilling careers.

Remember, the most useful degrees come with adaptability. The most useful college degrees teach you how to think critically and communicate effectively. When deciding on the best degrees to get, consider both your interests and the long-term career potential. Ask yourself what is the best degree to get for you and your goals, and align your choice accordingly. If you’re still wondering what is the best degree to get, focus on one that blends your strengths with market demand. This balance leads to both purpose and opportunity.

At CollegeAdvisor, we’re here to help you make informed decisions about your education. We offer a plethora of free resources, like guides on choosing your major and lists of the best majors. Need personalized help? From comparing programs for the most in demand majors to applying to top colleges, we can guide you every step of the way. Ready to find the most useful degrees and the best college majors for the future? Let’s start building your future together.

This article was written by Bailey Bennett. Looking for more admissions support? Click here to schedule a free meeting with one of our Admissions Specialists. During your meeting, our team will discuss your profile and help you find targeted ways to increase your admissions odds at top schools. We’ll also answer any questions and discuss how CollegeAdvisor.com can support you in the college application process.