In today's rapidly changing job market, a bachelor's degree has become increasingly important for many careers across a wide range of industries. A bachelor's degree not only provides a strong foundation in your chosen field but also opens up a world of opportunities for personal and professional growth.
What Jobs Can You Get with a Bachelor's Degree?
A bachelor's degree is typically enough to help you qualify for a variety of entry-level and mid-level positions across many fields, including business, finance, social services, psychology, computer science, healthcare, and more. The types of bachelor's degree jobs you can get will depend on the field you study and your real-world experience. Before exploring bachelor's degree jobs of interest to you, it's important you understand the benefits of earning a 4-year degree.
Potential Career Benefits of Earning a Bachelor's Degree
A bachelor's degree is increasingly important when looking to start or change careers. As a result, the desire to earn a bachelor's degrees is more common than ever before. From 2011 to 2022, the percentage of people aged 25 and older with at least a bachelor's degree jumped from 30.5% to 37.7%, according to the U.S. Census Bureau.
The value of earning a bachelor's degree stems from more than their popularity or demand among employers. Bachelor's degree holders could see more earning potential and job security over their lifetime than those without a 4-year degree. In 2023, bachelor's degree holders earned more than workers without a four-year degree, bringing home a median weekly income of $1,493 compared to $1,058 for associate degree holders and $899 for workers with a high school diploma, according to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS).
Bachelor's degree holders also experience lower unemployment rates. The unemployment rate for bachelor’s degree holders was 2.2% in 2023, compared to 2.7% for associate degree holders and 3.9% for workers with a high school diploma, according to BLS.
If you're wondering which bachelor's degrees pay the most, there's no simple answer. The specific salary and career potential you’ll have with a bachelor’s degree will depend on the specific degree program you choose and the career path you follow after graduation.
What Are Some of the Best Bachelor’s Degree Jobs?
When you earn a bachelor's degree, you’ll have a key credential that can help you get started across a wide variety of fields. While some careers do require specific degree programs, for many entry-level bachelor’s degree jobs just having a 4-year degree is enough to get started.
Here are some of the best bachelor’s degree jobs across many fields:
- Business Administration Bachelor's Degree Jobs: Business administration careers include administrative services managers and management analysts.
- Finance and Accounting Bachelor’s Degree Jobs: Finance bachelor’s careers include financial analysts and accountants or auditors.
- Marketing Bachelor’s Degree Jobs: Marketing bachelor’s careers include marketing managers and market research analysts.
- Liberal Arts Bachelor’s Degree Jobs: Communication bachelor’s degrees can lead to careers in public relations and technical writing.
- History Bachelor’s Degree Jobs: History careers include high school teachers and museum technicians.
- Science and Technology Bachelor's Degree Jobs: Science and technology bachelor’s degrees can lead to careers in computer science and healthcare.
How Do I Choose the Right Bachelor’s Degree Program?
Choosing the right bachelor’s degree program can seem daunting, especially with so many options available. Here are some tips to help you make the best decision:
- Identify Your Career Goals: Begin by thinking about what you want to do after you graduate. Consider your interests, skills, and values to help narrow down your options. If you know you want to work in a particular field, research the associated bachelor's degree programs.
- Evaluate Program Quality: Look for programs with strong reputations and excellent faculty. Check if the program is accredited by relevant bodies, such as the Northwest Commission on Colleges and Universities (NWCCU) for regional schools or the Middle States Commission on Higher Education (MSCHE) for more prestigious institutions.
- Consider Your Interests and aptitudes: Select a program that aligns with your interests and aptitudes. If you're passionate about a particular subject, you're more likely to excel in it. Also, consider your analytical abilities and communication skills, as they are crucial for success in many fields.
- Think About Job Market Needs: Research the job market trends and demand for different degree programs. Popular degrees like computer science, finance, and healthcare may have high job prospects, but keep in mind that there are also many viable options in less competitive fields.
- Cost: Budgeting for tuition, fees, books, and living expenses is an important consideration. Some schools offer financial aid or scholarships, so it's worth exploring your financial aid options.
- Internships and Work Experience: Look for programs that offer internships or co-op opportunities. Internships can provide valuable hands-on experience and networking opportunities, which are increasingly important in the job market.
##, a bachelor's degree is a valuable investment in your future. ByChoosing the right program and developing relevant skills, you can lay the foundation for a fulfilling and successful career in a wide range of fields. Whether you aim to work in business, finance, technology, or another industry, a bachelor's degree can open doors to endless possibilities and opportunities for personal and professional growth.