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A Look at the Numbers: Where the Jobs are (or will be) for Graduate Students

The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) released some groundbreaking data for those considering earning a graduate degree in the 2008-2009 edition of its Occupational Outlook Handbook; it explored the future of employment in the United States to determine which industries and occupations will have the greatest need for professionals by 2016.

What the BLS reported underscores the benefits of earning a graduate degree, as many of the industries and occupations that will experience an increase in demand require an advanced degree. In addition, as time progresses and expectations of job candidates rise, many of the occupations that will see the most growth will also begin to command workers with education beyond a bachelors degree. Thus, graduate degrees are likely to become the industry standard for many of tomorrow’s fastest-growing occupations.

 

Percent of Change in Fastest-Growing Occupations with a Graduate Degree 2006-2016

  • Network systems and data communications analysts: 53.4%
  • Computer software engineers, applications: 44.6%
  • Personal financial advisors: 41%
  • Substance abuse and behavioral disorder counselors: 34.3%
  • Financial analysts: 33.8%
  • Mental health counselors: 30%
  • Mental health and substance abuse social workers: 29.9%
  • Marriage and family therapists: 29.8%
  • Computer systems analysts: 29%
  • Computer software engineers, systems software: 28.2%
  • Physical therapists: 27.1%
  • Physician assistants: 27%

The BLS also shed light on the top five occupations that will experience the fastest growth through 2016, in terms of the degrees required for those occupations. The Bureau made a distinction between the top five occupations that would grow the fastest and those that would increase the most in actual number of jobs. We invite you to click on the occupation that piques your interest to find more about graduate program choices in that area.

 

First-Professional Degree

Fastest-Growing Occupations Occupations with Largest Numerical Growth
Veterinarians Physicians and surgeons
Pharmacists Lawyers
Chiropractors Pharmacists
Physicians and surgeons

 

 Veterinarians
Optometrists Dentists

 

Doctoral Degree

Fastest-Growing Occupations Occupations with Largest Numerical Growth
Postsecondary teachers Postsecondary teachers
Computer and information specialists, research Clinical, counseling and school psychologists
Medical scientists, except epidemiologists Medical scientists, except epidemiologists
Biochemists and biophysicists Computer and information specialists, research
Clinical, counseling and school psychologists Biochemists and biophysicists

 

Masters Degree

Fastest-Growing Occupations Occupations with Largest Numerical Growth
Mental health counselors Clergy
Mental health/substance abuse social workers Physical therapists
Marriage and family counselors Mental health/substance abuse social workers
Physical therapists Educational, vocational and school counselors
Physician assistants Rehabilitation counselors

 

Bachelors or Higher Degree, plus work experience

Fastest-Growing Occupations Occupations with Largest Numerical Growth
Actuaries Management analysts
Education admin, preschool and child care Financial managers
Management analysts Computer and information systems managers
Training and development specialists Medical and health services managers
Public relations managers Training and development specialists

 

As you can see, there are plenty of lucrative jobs out there for those who earn a masters or PhD degree in one of these promising fields. While some may find careers in these areas with only a four-year degree, those with an advanced degree will enter the field in superior positions and in higher salary brackets. In fact, as the country continues its quest for a highly-skilled workforce, many of these positions will most certainly end up requiring a graduate degree, and even now, those with an advanced degree will have a better shot at being hired.

Another benefit of earning a graduate degree is that the country is desperate to improve its prowess in the fields of science, technology, engineering and mathematics - fields into which many of these growing occupations and industries fall – so a great number of fellowships, grants and various research positions are available in these areas of study. 

 

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