College majors where the most students go on to graduate degrees
Stacker compiled a list of college majors where students were most likely to continue their education through the pursuit of graduate degrees, licensures, and professional certificates using data from the Federal Reserve Bank of New York and information from the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics.
#73. Construction services
- Share with graduate degrees: 10.3%
- Median wage early career: $60,000
- Median wage mid-career: $90,000
- Unemployment rate: 2.7%
- Underemployment rate: 28.9%
The broad field of construction services encompasses a range of skilled jobs. While apprenticeship programs are one avenue to gaining knowledge of the trades, there are more technical schools and traditional college programs offering bachelor’s and graduate degrees in the field. The top 25% of workers in management are paid over $120,000 per year.
#72. Commercial art & graphic design
- Share with graduate degrees: 11.1%
- Median wage early career: $40,000
- Median wage mid-career: $62,000
- Unemployment rate: 4.5%
- Underemployment rate: 35.8%
More of our lives are spent in digital worlds than ever before. Those who create designs to market products, sell services, and tell the branded stories of companies are well paid and highly employed overall. Some individuals take online courses, or pursue internships, while others go the academic route. Only 1.6% of graphic designers are unemployed, and there is room for job growth within the field.
#70. Miscellaneous technologies
- Share with graduate degrees: 18.0%
- Median wage early career: $44,000
- Median wage mid-career: $75,000
- Unemployment rate: 6.4%
- Underemployment rate: 55.3%
The tech field is always growing and evolving. The average age for mid-career earnings is $75,000, but top-end earners can earn substantially more. Graduate degrees offer an opportunity to explore program management or executive-level positions. Jobs in software development have an average pay of $103,620, and the need for tech workers continues to grow.
#67. Agriculture
- Share with graduate degrees: 20.8%
- Median wage early career: $38,000
- Median wage mid-career: $70,000
- Unemployment rate: 2.5%
- Underemployment rate: 58.7%
Agriculture jobs include taking care of day-to-day farm operations, as well as working with global food systems, and everything in between. Graduate degrees in agriculture can offer further information on food and the systems that produce it. Focuses for graduate programs can include economics, engineering, nutrition, and manufacturing. A degree in agriculture can be the start of a much more expensive education in science and economics.
#66. Criminal justice
- Share with graduate degrees: 22.6%
- Median wage early career: $37,000
- Median wage mid-career: $60,000
- Unemployment rate: 4.3%
- Underemployment rate: 73.2%
Criminal justice degrees are often required for careers in law enforcement. The median pay of police officers and detectives is $65,170, and the job market is set to expand substantially over the next decade. Graduate degrees offer individuals the opportunity to specialize in fields like forensic psychology, criminology, and emergency management.
#65. Communications
- Share with graduate degrees: 22.8%
- Median wage early career: $40,000
- Median wage mid-career: $72,000
- Unemployment rate: 3.6%
- Underemployment rate: 54.1%
Studying communications is important for anyone interested in working with teams, or someone who is trying to produce content for a specific audience. Students will get an education in topics like research, effective group management, and public speaking, among others. Graduate degrees are often an important step when pursuing managerial or executive-level positions, though a strong base is important before choosing a specialty.
#64. Fine arts
- Share with graduate degrees: 23.2%
- Median wage early career: $35,000
- Median wage mid-career: $56,000
- Unemployment rate: 5.1%
- Underemployment rate: 56.5%
A graduate degree in fine arts can lead to opportunities to lead a creative performance company, or be the director of a museum, or a curator of a collection. An understanding of the art world can also lead into production for television and film. Mid-career earners in the field make an average of $56,000, though pay can go substantially higher depending on the position.
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#62. General business
- Share with graduate degrees: 23.7%
- Median wage early career: $45,000
- Median wage mid-career: $70,000
- Unemployment rate: 4.2%
- Underemployment rate: 55.0%
Learning the functions of business is important in multiple fields, even if there’s not a goal to pursue executive level jobs. While master's in business administration degrees offer opportunities to specialize for anyone interested in the field, subjects like economics, commerce, and finance are other avenues of possible study. Salaries have a wide range, and business jobs can be competitive.
#61. Information systems & management
- Share with graduate degrees: 24.7%
- Median wage early career: $50,000
- Median wage mid-career: $80,000
- Unemployment rate: 4.9%
- Underemployment rate: 37.1%
Studying management and information systems allows easy access to the areas where business and technology meet. In the growing field of data management, graduate studies can lead to top-level positions in government or the corporate world. Positions like project manager, or information analyst, are open to those with the right skills and education. Average wages for mid-career earners are $80,000.
#60. Business analytics
- Share with graduate degrees: 24.7%
- Median wage early career: $58,000
- Median wage mid-career: $90,000
- Unemployment rate: 2.9%
- Underemployment rate: 38.3%
Those who can analyze data, create sales metrics, and develop profit models are an important part of any industry. This education can lead to consulting work, and work in the broader STEM field. The ability to manage and understand data is important for any career. Salaries for management analysts have been steadily rising and opportunities in the field are projected to expand.
#58. Medical technicians
- Share with graduate degrees: 25.6%
- Median wage early career: $45,000
- Median wage mid-career: $68,000
- Unemployment rate: 1.1%
- Underemployment rate: 52.0%
Medical technologists work everywhere from laboratories to emergency medicine to surgical operating theaters. Becoming a medical record technician, also known as a “coder,” is another way to get into the medical field in a way that is more data driven, and less patient focused. Studies in this field are an ideal primer for pursuing graduate medical training. Med techs earn an average of $68,000 halfway through their career.
#57. Journalism
- Share with graduate degrees: 26.5%
- Median wage early career: $40,000
- Median wage mid-career: $65,000
- Unemployment rate: 3.7%
- Underemployment rate: 39.7%
Journalists work in a number of varied spaces, including reporting for local newspapers, creating stories for national or international outlets, and working in radio or television broadcasting. Degrees in journalism help students learn how to focus, research, and refine information, as well as the importance of ethical, factual presentation. Mid-career earnings can vary, and broadcast journalist salaries raise substantially after four to five years of experience.
#56. Nursing
- Share with graduate degrees: 27.1%
- Median wage early career: $50,000
- Median wage mid-career: $70,000
- Unemployment rate: 1.8%
- Underemployment rate: 12.1%
The field of nursing is expanding and hiring. Those with a bachelor’s in science in nursing (BSN) earn an average of $85,584, while those with a master’s level degree earn $95,166. The job outlook in the nursing field is good and the need for trained, skilled professionals is growing at an above-average rate. Graduate programs allow for specialization in subjects like psychiatric or geriatric nursing.
#55. Liberal arts
- Share with graduate degrees: 28.4%
- Median wage early career: $35,000
- Median wage mid-career: $60,000
- Unemployment rate: 4.3%
- Underemployment rate: 59.5%
Liberal arts degrees offer a chance to study subjects like history, literature, philosophy, and psychology. Recipients of these degrees work in marketing, human resources, or executive roles, among other assorted fields. Due to the expansive, generalized education one can receive, many students find it beneficial for their education, and employment prospects, to continue on for a higher-level degree.
#54. Accounting
- Share with graduate degrees: 29.6%
- Median wage early career: $50,000
- Median wage mid-career: $75,000
- Unemployment rate: 2.4%
- Underemployment rate: 24.1%
The need for qualified accountants is growing at a steady rate. The field includes tax preparers, positions in finance, and auditors for private businesses or government agencies. While the salary range for bachelor’s level accountants is reasonable, pursuing further certifications, such as becoming a certified financial planner, or working through a graduate program, often leads to higher lifetime wages.
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#53. Finance
- Share with graduate degrees: 30.8%
- Median wage early career: $55,000
- Median wage mid-career: $90,000
- Unemployment rate: 3.5%
- Underemployment rate: 37.6%
Studying finance is a good way to pursue various avenues in business and economics. Working in insurance, fundraising, accounting, or as a loan officer are just some of the possible career paths. Graduate degrees in finance can lead to higher salaried leadership and consulting positions, including C-suite executive-level jobs.
#52. Environmental studies
- Share with graduate degrees: 31.8%
- Median wage early career: $38,000
- Median wage mid-career: $65,000
- Unemployment rate: 4.3%
- Underemployment rate: 50.2%
The field of environmental sciences is growing and so is the job outlook. As an interdisciplinary degree, individuals study many different topics, like biology, chemistry, geology, and marine sciences. After receiving a bachelor's degree, the amount of different avenues for specialized study are plentiful. Graduate programs can be competitive, but hard science master’s and doctoral programs often cover the student’s tuition.
#50. Family and consumer sciences
- Share with graduate degrees: 32.5%
- Median wage early career: $32,300
- Median wage mid-career: $50,000
- Unemployment rate: 4.1%
- Underemployment rate: 40.6%
Many people who go on to work in family dynamics, social work, or human resources will benefit from studying family and consumer sciences. This education offers a chance to learn life and leadership skills, as well as how to teach and implement those in various situations. Opportunities to work in community leadership, project administration, and management positions are all available and easier to access with experience or a graduate education.
#48. Geography
- Share with graduate degrees: 33.7%
- Median wage early career: $43,000
- Median wage mid-career: $65,000
- Unemployment rate: 5.0%
- Underemployment rate: 36.0%
Geographers with a four-year degree are often able to find work within government agencies, but graduate degrees are sought for higher-paying positions in private industry. Critical thinking, communication, and technical writing skills are all important for geographers working in the field. Being that it’s a specialized field, jobs are not always easy to find and growth prospects aren’t great.
#47. General engineering
- Share with graduate degrees: 36.4%
- Median wage early career: $60,000
- Median wage mid-career: $86,000
- Unemployment rate: 4.9%
- Underemployment rate: 30.3%
Engineering degrees offer an entrance into many careers. Specialties include mechanical, environmental, industrial, and petrochemicals. Many entry-level engineers make a substantial income, but those with graduate degrees take home an average of $17,000 more per year. There are many opportunities for growth within each specialized field.
#46. Animal and plant sciences
- Share with graduate degrees: 36.6%
- Median wage early career: $36,500
- Median wage mid-career: $61,000
- Unemployment rate: 2.3%
- Underemployment rate: 56.8%
A degree in animal and plant sciences is the perfect way to get into the food production, agriculture, and food sciences. Employees within this field will likely see consistent job growth, and higher salaries coinciding with higher levels of academic education. Individuals with graduate degrees are also able to teach the subject at a post-secondary level.
#45. Sociology
- Share with graduate degrees: 36.8%
- Median wage early career: $36,000
- Median wage mid-career: $60,000
- Unemployment rate: 5.1%
- Underemployment rate: 53.5%
Studying sociology at a bachelor’s level is a great way to get an idea of the working functions of people in groups, which can lead to any number of positions in human services or communications. Higher salaried, more specified positions in the field often require a graduate level education. Overall, opportunities in the field are expected to progress with an average level growth rate of 4% through 2029.
#43. General social sciences
- Share with graduate degrees: 37.3%
- Median wage early career: $34,800
- Median wage mid-career: $55,000
- Unemployment rate: 2.7%
- Underemployment rate: 50.0%
Studying the broad field of social sciences allows for entrance into fields like marketing, research, and human services work. Master’s level programs for those with a base education in social sciences include economics and sociology, as well as social work and criminal justice. With this education, working in government, politics, law, finance, and public service are all possible.
#40. Civil engineering
- Share with graduate degrees: 38.7%
- Median wage early career: $60,000
- Median wage mid-career: $90,000
- Unemployment rate: 1.5%
- Underemployment rate: 19.2%
In order to become a civil engineer, most students must earn a bachelor’s degree and seek licensure from a recognized program. Experienced and trained civil engineers can work on bridge building, town planning, water systems, and more. Some civil engineers choose to pursue an MBA in order to better their chance at attaining an administrative position, or to enhance their skills in communication or finance.
#39. Architecture
- Share with graduate degrees: 39.2%
- Median wage early career: $47,000
- Median wage mid-career: $75,000
- Unemployment rate: 5.0%
- Underemployment rate: 29.4%
Architects develop plans, work with engineers, and consult on construction projects of all levels. Projected job growth from 2019–2029 is below average, though average wages are high compared to some of the other entry-level positions on this list. Pursuing further education in the field allows for greater job prospects, and higher pay. Continuing education is often required in order to maintain state licenses.
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#37. Computer engineering
- Share with graduate degrees: 40.6%
- Median wage early career: $66,000
- Median wage mid-career: $109,000
- Unemployment rate: 2.5%
- Underemployment rate: 21.3%
Computer engineers often split into two fields, hardware and software. Creating programs and applications is important work, yet those are only possible when coupled with advanced hardware systems that can handle the growing needs of information processing. The median pay for hardware engineers in 2019 was $117,220, and the field is expected to have some job growth in the next 10 years.
#36. Mechanical engineering
- Share with graduate degrees: 41.1%
- Median wage early career: $65,000
- Median wage mid-career: $100,000
- Unemployment rate: 3.7%
- Underemployment rate: 21.3%
Mechanical engineers deal with complex systems that handle huge tasks. Salaries start relatively high with a bachelor's degree, and grow substantially when one specializes and pursues a graduate education. Petroleum engineers and principal mechanical engineers make an average of $132,280 and $116,342 respectively, though those holding a degree beyond a bachelor’s are often preferred.
#35. Art history
- Share with graduate degrees: 41.3%
- Median wage early career: $43,000
- Median wage mid-career: $56,000
- Unemployment rate: 3.1%
- Underemployment rate: 56.2%
Many jobs in the field of art history, like teaching, prefer or require applicants to have graduate degrees or state certificates. Pursuing a Ph.D. is a common path in art history with varied opportunities, such as being a museum director or a university professor. Historians and curators are expected to see some of the largest opportunities for job growth among all positions in the art history field.
#31. Public policy and law
- Share with graduate degrees: 43.1%
- Median wage early career: $38,000
- Median wage mid-career: $60,000
- Unemployment rate: 4.3%
- Underemployment rate: 57.6%
Pursuing an education in public policy and law opens up a variety of career paths. Graduate degrees in law, along with passing state required tests, allow individuals to practice as a lawyer, or work in many other administrative and corporate roles. Public policy management graduate programs allow access into analyst and research positions in government and private industry.
#30. English language
- Share with graduate degrees: 45.0%
- Median wage early career: $35,000
- Median wage mid-career: $60,000
- Unemployment rate: 4.5%
- Underemployment rate: 52.5%
English studies can lead to a number of careers and is a common pathway to pursue work in the field of education. Bachelor’s level employees can achieve licensure and work in teaching jobs throughout various school systems. Graduate degrees are often required for post-secondary education positions, and those involved in curriculum development and student assessment. Many jobs in education offer higher pay in direct correlation to the amount of school completed.
#28. Electrical engineering
- Share with graduate degrees: 46.4%
- Median wage early career: $68,000
- Median wage mid-career: $100,000
- Unemployment rate: 3.3%
- Underemployment rate: 21.2%
There are many specialities available for those who study electrical engineering. Working with lasers, light, and fiber optics is what photonics involves. Machine learning engineers focus on algorithms which are used in areas like commerce, public safety, and entertainment. This specialty offers some of the highest salaries and many of the positions require a graduate level education.
#27. Treatment therapy
- Share with graduate degrees: 46.6%
- Median wage early career: $40,000
- Median wage mid-career: $65,000
- Unemployment rate: 3.3%
- Underemployment rate: 29.6%
Treatment therapies are wide ranging, and include occupational therapy, respiratory therapy, physical therapy, and more. With so many possible career avenues to pursue treatment-based therapies, there are a wide range of qualifications one can pursue. Occupational therapy requires graduate school, and comes with a higher-than-average salary. Psychotherapy requires graduate studies and state licensure.
#26. Earth sciences
- Share with graduate degrees: 46.9%
- Median wage early career: $47,000
- Median wage mid-career: $66,000
- Unemployment rate: 4.7%
- Underemployment rate: 40.1%
Many careers in earth sciences require graduate degrees, thus the reason that nearly half of students pursue a more specialized education. Earth science careers include geologist, geophysicist, hydrologists, and atmospheric scientists, among others. Doctoral level geophysicists can specialize in subjects around some of the natural world’s most volatile subjects, like researching volcanoes and the movement of tectonic plates.
#25. Elementary education
- Share with graduate degrees: 47.6%
- Median wage early career: $36,000
- Median wage mid-career: $44,000
- Unemployment rate: 1.7%
- Underemployment rate: 15.4%
A bachelor’s in elementary education, along with licensure, is required for most teaching jobs. Pursuing a master’s degree creates more opportunity for administrative, policy, and curriculum positions. Many teachers pursue higher degrees as the salary rises correspond directly with the education of the employee. While a teacher with a bachelor's degree earns an average of $59,420, master’s level positions earn an average of $66,290.
#23. Anthropology
- Share with graduate degrees: 48.0%
- Median wage early career: $33,600
- Median wage mid-career: $59,000
- Unemployment rate: 6.0%
- Underemployment rate: 54.2%
Anthropologists research human history, geography, and the earth. Typical paths include research, work in academia, or work for private organizations. While not always possible, outdoor site work in the field is available, and often a beneficial experience when pursuing graduate school. Most archaeology positions require an education beyond a standard four-year degree.
#21. Chemical engineering
- Share with graduate degrees: 48.4%
- Median wage early career: $68,000
- Median wage mid-career: $110,000
- Unemployment rate: 3.8%
- Underemployment rate: 22.7%
Chemical engineering is one of many specialties in the overall engineering field. Many jobs don’t require graduate degrees, and come with above average starting salaries. Salaries rise substantially with further specialization in the field. Work focuses can include air pollution, biotechnology, and health and safety. Many specialties have higher than average job growth prospects.
#20. Social services
- Share with graduate degrees: 48.4%
- Median wage early career: $34,000
- Median wage mid-career: $45,200
- Unemployment rate: 3.1%
- Underemployment rate: 31.9%
Social service studies can include psychology, sociology, group, and policy classes. Jobs in the human services field have varied requirements, though, as is with education, salaries rise with the amount of schooling the employee undergoes. Social workers have graduate degrees, and can pursue licensure. The field is predicted to have higher than average job growth in the coming years.
#18. Secondary education
- Share with graduate degrees: 49.4%
- Median wage early career: $40,000
- Median wage mid-career: $50,000
- Unemployment rate: 1.7%
- Underemployment rate: 22.7%
Teachers who pursue work in the field of secondary education work primarily with young people in the developmental teenage years. While most positions require a bachelor’s degree and licensure, some high school teaching jobs require a master’s degree. Graduate school education in this field also makes it easier to access higher paying administrator, policy, and coordinator roles.
#17. History
- Share with graduate degrees: 49.5%
- Median wage early career: $38,000
- Median wage mid-career: $65,000
- Unemployment rate: 3.8%
- Underemployment rate: 54.0%
A degree in history can lead to any number of career pursuits, from directing documentaries, to working as a museum conservator. Some of the higher paying positions in the field include being a professor, an archaeologist, or a historian. Historians can work in academia, government, and private organizations and they research, analyze, and collect documents and data. Master’s degrees are usually required for these positions, which offer an average overall salary of $63,680 per year.
#16. Psychology
- Share with graduate degrees: 50.6%
- Median wage early career: $35,000
- Median wage mid-career: $58,000
- Unemployment rate: 3.9%
- Underemployment rate: 50.0%
The field of psychology revolves around the study of human behavior. While there are many positions available after earning a four-year degree, many of the higher paying jobs require advanced schooling. In order to become a practicing psychologist, bachelor’s, master’s, and—depending on the state—doctoral level education is required, as well as experience in the field. Salaries can vary greatly depending on what specialty is pursued, and projected job growth is above average.
#15. Foreign language
- Share with graduate degrees: 50.8%
- Median wage early career: $36,000
- Median wage mid-career: $63,000
- Unemployment rate: 3.3%
- Underemployment rate: 47.4%
Foreign language degrees offer opportunities to teach, translate, or work in foreign business or political affairs, among other career pursuits. Graduate school is not needed for many positions, but having a mastery of the language, or multiple languages, is an extremely important part of the work. Pursuing work as a consultant, or as a post-secondary education level teacher may require a graduate degree. Translators and interpreters of foreign language will likely see substantial job growth over the next decade.
#14. Mathematics
- Share with graduate degrees: 51.2%
- Median wage early career: $50,000
- Median wage mid-career: $80,000
- Unemployment rate: 4.9%
- Underemployment rate: 27.6%
Foundational studies in mathematics are important for anyone seeking work as a statistician, a business analyst, or computer scientist. Math teachers at almost any level are required to have a degree and a state teaching certificate. Mathematicians most often require higher level degrees, and can command strong salaries. Work is available in government, private industry, and academia.
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#13. Aerospace engineering
- Share with graduate degrees: 51.8%
- Median wage early career: $65,000
- Median wage mid-career: $102,000
- Unemployment rate: 3.8%
- Underemployment rate: 21.7%
Working with airplanes and spaceships requires a lot of school, and most students pursue graduate education because of this. Entry-level positions offer above average pay, but more specialized tasks often require a master's degree. Anyone pursuing this career should have a good understanding of subjects like natural sciences, mathematics, and physics. Projected job growth in the field is average, and the mid-career earnings are substantial.
#12. Health services
- Share with graduate degrees: 52.1%
- Median wage early career: $38,000
- Median wage mid-career: $56,000
- Unemployment rate: 3.9%
- Underemployment rate: 44.4%
Health service studies include ample opportunities for specializing in particular aspects of the field. Whether it’s studying epidemiology, public health policy, or medical billing, there is room for growth in education and pay. Individuals with a bachelor's degree in health services administration can work in public health, or long-term care coordination. Master’s level employees work in specialized areas like disease prevention, and with reimbursement systems.
#11. Political science
- Share with graduate degrees: 52.6%
- Median wage early career: $42,000
- Median wage mid-career: $78,000
- Unemployment rate: 5.2%
- Underemployment rate: 49.7%
A four-year degree in political science can lead to a number of careers. Many pursue graduate programs to become lawyers, lobbyists, journalists, or teachers. A graduate degree is required to become a political scientist. Those jobs offer a median annual pay of $122,220 and the field is growing faster than average. Salaries for lawyers in private or corporate law are higher, though the cost of law school can be substantial.
#10. Miscellaneous education
- Share with graduate degrees: 55.4%
- Median wage early career: $36,000
- Median wage mid-career: $50,000
- Unemployment rate: 0.4%
- Underemployment rate: 21.6%
A degree in education offers numerous career paths. Positions in teaching, research, and administration are just a few of the possible pursuits. This can be a stepping stone to doctoral leadership programs in the field. Opportunities at that level can involve law, policy, finance, and development, along with positions as a school principal or district superintendent.
#9. Miscellaneous physical sciences
- Share with graduate degrees: 56.0%
- Median wage early career: $50,000
- Median wage mid-career: $76,000
- Unemployment rate: 2.5%
- Underemployment rate: 35.2%
Many physical science programs offer the opportunity to specialize in a particular field of study, like geology, chemistry, or physics. Bachelor's degrees can prepare one for research and consulting roles. Graduate degrees are often a requirement when working as a chemist, forensic scientist, or pharmacist. Physicists with master's degrees are expected to see higher than average job growth, and the last recorded median annual salary was $122,850.
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#8. Philosophy
- Share with graduate degrees: 57.9%
- Median wage early career: $39,000
- Median wage mid-career: $62,000
- Unemployment rate: 4.3%
- Underemployment rate: 53.6%
Philosophy majors can achieve a basic understanding of the subject through studies and analysis of the works of major philosophers. Logic, ethics, metaphysics, and epistemology are all covered in the first four years. Master’s degrees in the field offer more specific avenues of study, and most require a final thesis, much like doctoral students have to complete a dissertation at the end of their studies. Philosophy students pursue careers as technical writers, critics, lawyers, and professors.
#7. Miscellaneous biological science
- Share with graduate degrees: 60.1%
- Median wage early career: $36,000
- Median wage mid-career: $60,000
- Unemployment rate: 2.7%
- Underemployment rate: 45.7%
Biological sciences jobs include zoologist, botanist, toxicologist, and aquatic scientist, among others. Most entry-level positions require a four-year degree, and research and teaching positions usually seek graduates of master’s programs, or those who have completed a doctoral degree. Avenues for work include positions in government, research, and medical development.
#6. Pharmacy
- Share with graduate degrees: 60.5%
- Median wage early career: $40,000
- Median wage mid-career: $105,000
- Unemployment rate: 2.0%
- Underemployment rate: 25.6%
In order to become a pharmacist, a PharmD degree is required from an accredited school. The degree is a four-year doctorate that is typically followed by a residency and testing for licensure. To gain entry to the pharmacy programs, a substantial amount of prerequisites in varying sciences must be completed. Currently, job openings are sparse, with a 3% decline projected in the field from 2019–2029.
#5. Special education
- Share with graduate degrees: 62.3%
- Median wage early career: $40,000
- Median wage mid-career: $46,000
- Unemployment rate: 1.9%
- Underemployment rate: 11.2%
Special education careers require a basic four-year education, and many states require specific licenses as well. Moving beyond a bachelor’s degree is common for individuals who want to specialize in the field, or pursue organizational or administrative roles. Professionals in the field can pursue art therapy, school psychology, speech-language pathology, or music therapy as well. Both bachelor’s and master’s level special education positions have above average job growth predictions.
#4. Biology
- Share with graduate degrees: 63.4%
- Median wage early career: $37,000
- Median wage mid-career: $66,000
- Unemployment rate: 4.2%
- Underemployment rate: 46.1%
Biologists study life and the organisms that comprise living systems. Working in the lab, or out in the field, natural biologists work in zoology, microbiology, and soil science. Positions like science writer or researcher are also available without an advanced degree, whereas a veterinarian would need to attend graduate school. Biostatisticians, biomedical engineers, and many environmental scientists also need advanced degrees.
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#3. Chemistry
- Share with graduate degrees: 65.3%
- Median wage early career: $42,000
- Median wage mid-career: $75,000
- Unemployment rate: 4.0%
- Underemployment rate: 37.9%
Careers in the field of chemistry vary and can come with some high salaries if graduate degrees are pursued. Chemists can work in fields like pharmaceutical and chemical manufacturing, among others. Biochemists have a median annual salary of $93,280 and a projection of 6% job growth. Chemistry can also be a starting point for teachers from middle school to high school. Postsecondary educators in the field need a graduate degree.
#2. Physics
- Share with graduate degrees: 69.1%
- Median wage early career: $49,000
- Median wage mid-career: $95,000
- Unemployment rate: 7.7%
- Underemployment rate: 34.3%
Studying physics is a great place to start for those seeking careers as a forensic scientist, biochemist, or chemical engineer. Most research and teaching positions require a doctorate. Physicists are well positioned for above average job growth and high salaries. Some of the top positions in the field require a postdoctoral position in order to further develop their research abilities.
#1. Biochemistry
- Share with graduate degrees: 73.0%
- Median wage early career: $40,000
- Median wage mid-career: $80,000
- Unemployment rate: 1.8%
- Underemployment rate: 35.0%
Careers that begin with the study of biochemistry include becoming a medical doctor, researcher, or university professor. In order to become a biochemist, a doctorate degree is required. With predictions for average job growth and a median annual salary of $94,490, pursuing a biochemistry education beyond a four-year degree includes a steady path for one’s career.
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