What are the best courses to study for the future? Many career paths accorded great recognition a decade ago have lost prominence these days. If you were one of those who followed the trend and dived deep into those career paths, today, it has become evident that your choice wasn’t so great and that you either find a path with more prospects or remain redundant.
Some of the best courses to study for the future include (but are not limited to) the following:
- Machine Learning
- Artificial Intelligence
- Nursing
- Physical therapy
- Pharmacology
- Industrial and Organizational Psychology
- Business Analytics
- Biomedical engineering
- Cyber Security
- Computer game designing
- Aeronautics and Aviation Technology
- Management Information systems
- Computer Science and engineering
- Finance and Economics
- Sustainability and Renewable Energy
Read on, and I will give details on each of these courses and how they can shape your future.
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Data Science
You may be a high school student seeking out options or currently doing a course and want some assurance on its future relevance. It is okay to consider your current field of study prospects. With the rise of AI and machine learning, there is an increased risk of machines taking over jobs with repeatable patterns that can be automated. Find yourself on that path? Then, this article is for you!
In the coming paragraphs, I will highlight the best courses to study for the future and discuss their growth rate, job opportunities, average annual income, and prerequisites. In line with The National Bureau of Labour Statistics’ “fastest-growing occupations,” below are courses that will set you on the right track to be part of the future jobs.
Top Data Science Universities:
Bellevue University
University of North Dakota
Average Data Scientist Salary: $137,604 – $250,571 Per Annum
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Machine Learning
To study Machine learning. You will need a first degree in Computer Science, statistics, and Mathematics related field. In 2019, Indeed reported that Machine Learning Engineering is a top job in general demand, growth of postings, and salary. There was a 344% increase in the number of postings for Machine Learning Engineers between 2015 to 2018, with the base salary reaching up to $146,085
This is a great field to exploit if you have a passion for algorithms, data, and automation. There are many opportunities to grab in this course path. They include Business Intelligence Developer, Data scientists, Machine learning engineers, etc.
Top Machine Learning Universities:
Stanford University
University of Rochester
Average Machine Learning Salary: $87,000 – $200,000 Per Annum
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Artificial Intelligence
This well-rounded discipline is guaranteed future relevance as machines are continually improved to carry out a certain level of interaction with humans. You will be studying mathematics, Engineering, and Computer science courses to earn a degree here. This will allow you to create machines and systems capable of solving problems with limited.
Top Artificial Intelligence Universities:
Carnegie Mellon University
University of Colorado Boulder
Average Salary: $100,000 – $250,000 Per Annum
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Nursing
There is a projected growth of 52% in the demand of nurses over the next eight years by BLS. This is because of the projected increase in the elderly and newborns in various climes. With as many as 114,900 new roles to be created, nurses will be earning as much as $111,680 on average per annum. You will need a bachelor’s or associate degree in nursing to garb this opportunity.
Top Nursing Universities:
Baker University
Simmons University
Average Salary: $70,000 – $180,000 Per Annum
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Physical therapy
A Bachelors or Masters degree in Physical Therapy is quite challenging to obtain, but it is worth it. Your degree program will require study in Biology, Anatomy, and other health sciences. With a low rate of 2 to 5% unemployment in this field, Physical therapists are well sort after. There is a projected growth rate of 21% in demand for Physical Therapist between 2020 to 2030
Top Physical Therapy Universities:
University of Southern California
Washington University in St. Louis
Average Physical Therapist Salary: $80,000 – $180,000
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Pharmacology
This is the study of drug and drugs interaction. A degree in Pharmacology will put you on the right path to work in pharmaceutical companies, pharmaceutical laboratories, pharmacies, clinics, or hospitals. The average annual salary of Pharmacists is around $114,904. Job opportunities in this field include researchers, military pharmacists, community pharmacists, etc.
Top pharmacology Universities:
University Of California Berkeley
University Of Southern California
Average Pharmacology Salary: $110,000 – $160,000
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Industrial and Organizational Psychology
This degree is becoming increasingly important, especially as mental health gains public and private attention worldwide. This course path teaches the human person’s cognitive, behavioural, and attitudinal components. Employers are placing more premium on workers’ mental health, which means you will be relevant in many industries. Industrial and Organizational Psychologists earn an annual average salary of $103,000
Top Industrial and Organizational Psychology Universities:
Average Salary: $100,000 – $190,000
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Business Analytics
With a Bachelor’s or Master’s degree in Business Administration, you could land your dream job in industries such as Information Technology, Finance/Insurance, business, professional consulting, healthcare, and social services. Business Analysts are responsible for the flow of information around business and translate this into real ROI
Top Business Analytics Universities:
Massachusetts Institute of Technology
Carnegie Mellon University (Tepper)
University of Pennsylvania (Wharton)
Average Salary: $120,000 – $250,000
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Biomedical engineering
This field of study teaches the correlation between the life that exists on the planet and frontline engineering techniques, equipment, and technologies. You get to study living organisms and see how they can enhance some of the principles behind their movement and existence through technology. You could be in the frontline of life-saving technologies such as the artificial kidney. Career opportunities available to Biomedical Engineers include Biomaterials developers, Biomedical researchers, Medical Technology developers, etc. The BLS also anticipates that there will be a growth rate of 4% by 2028.
Top Biomedical Engineering Universities:
Johns Hopkins University (Whiting)
Emory University-Georgia Institute of Technology
Average Salary: $1100,000 – $200,000
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Cyber Security
Government and large companies are increasingly looking for ways to strengthen their online securities with the growing trend in cybercrimes. As a cyber security expert, you become indispensable as online structures grow exponentially daily. You will be required to have a degree in Computer Science or Information Technology. This will land you job opportunities such as ethical hacking, cryptography, etc. According to Forbes, a masters degree in Cyber Security could land you an average of $240,000 annually. The BLS predicts a 31% growth rate through 2029
Top Cyber Security Universities:
Carnegie Mellon University (Tepper)
The George Washington University
Massachusetts Institute of Technology
Average Salary: $120,000 – $210,000
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Computer game designing
It is estimated that by 2023, the video game market will reach $200.8 billion worldwide. This is the right time for you to set yourself in a vantage position to enjoy the benefits of being a gamer. With a degree in Computer Science, object-oriented programming, game development, the stage is set.
Top Computer Game Designing Universities:
Lindenwood University
Rochester Institute of Technology
The University of Arizona
Average Salary: $150,000 – $280,000
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Aeronautics and Aviation Technology
This field has posed challenges to earning a degree, but there are great opportunities for those who can complete one. Many universities around the world offer degrees in aeronautics that can be exploited. You can specialize in becoming a pilot or focus on aerodynamics and mechanics. Yahoo Finance projects a 7.7% growth rate in the aviation industry in 2025. It is projected to grow from $298.0 billion to $430.9 billion between 2020 and 2025.
Top Aeronautics Universities:
Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University
Kent State University
Average Salary: $150,000 – $280,000
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Management Information systems
Courses of study for Management and Information Systems include Business theory, data analytics, management, computer security, networks, and databases. A degree in Management and Information systems allows you to be relevant in various technological fields and remain relevant for a long time. The average annual salary for jobs in this field is $83,335.
Top MIS Universities:
Arizona State University
Purdue University Global
Average Salary: $110,000 – $200,000
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Computer Science and mathematics
This combination affords you relevance in various jobs such as Analytics, Technical Instruction, Systems and database administration, computer software engineer, computer technician, and many other roles. This annual average salary for jobs in this field is $96,907. Remuneration here is based on experience and specialty.
Top Computer Science Universities:
Massachusetts Institute of Technology
Stanford University
University of Rochester
Arizona State University
Purdue University Global
Average Salary: $150,000 – $300,000
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Finance and Economics
A combination of finance and economics gives you an edge as it exposes you to an understanding of world trade, marketing, management, economic models, etc. Graduates in this field earn an average of $84,078 and are well sort after in the banking and insurance sectors.
Top Finance and Economics Universities:
Average Salary: $120,000 – $250,000
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Sustainability and Renewable Energy
There are more and more concerns about building green environments and clean energy. A degree in Sustainability and Renewable Energy can make you very important as you will be involved in pollution reduction, energy-saving techniques in building and recycling, alternate energy sources, energy conservation, and sustainability.
A degree in this field will qualify you for job roles such as Turbine Technician, Renewable project engineer, etc. You will be earning an average of $85,000 per year.
Top Sustainability and Renewable Energy Universities:
SUNY College of Environmental Science and Forestry
Average Salary: $100,000 – $200,000
FAQs
Which courses will be in demand in the future?
Data Science will be in high demand in the future due to rising technologies and more people getting an identity online. Every industry makes use of data in one form or the other. This will need you to be passionate about statistics, mathematics, and data analysis.
Which courses get high paying jobs
According to graduatesonline.com, the top 5 paying jobs include systems security engineer, cloud engineer, jobs that require IT certifications, Court Reporting, Website designing. 4 out of these jobs require certification in a computer-related discipline.
Conclusion
It’s essential to consider the future outlook of a career path when you’re deciding on a course to major in. This will give you the confidence for job security, innovation, and the potential for high income. Having a clear idea of this allows you to plan adequately, making all the preparations to increase your chances and land you the future you desire.
So what’s your take? Which of the best courses to study for the future would you choose?
