-- Kentucky Governor Paul Patton
The experts all agree, college degrees are a hot item in a world of highly technical fields. Although employment is predicted to grow at a rate of 15% within the next six years, the overwhelming majority of these jobs will require a degree after high school; most will require Associate’s degrees (see table 1). For example, the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) revealed that eight of the ten fastest growing jobs are in healthcare and technology (see table 2); jobs in both of these fields will generally require degrees.
TABLE 1. EDUCATION and JOB GROWTH, EARNINGS, UNEMPLOYMENT RATES
DEGREE | DEGREE JOB GROWTH (thru 2008) | MEDIAN WEEKLY EARNINGS | UNEMPLOYMENT RATE |
| High School | 11.5% | $506 | 3.5% |
| Associate | 31.2% | $598 | 2.7% |
| Bachelor's | 21.9% | $956 | 1.7% |
| Master's | 18.6% | $1,174 | Unavailable |
| Doctoral | 23.3% | $1,538 | Unavailable |
TABLE 2. 2000-2010 FASTEST GROWING OCCUPATIONS and EDUCATIONAL REQUIREMENTS
INDUSTRY | OCCUPATION | % GROWTH | EDUCATION EXPECTATION |
| Computer | Software engineer-applications | 100 | Bachelor's |
| Computer | Support specialist | 97 | Associate |
| Computer | Database administrator | 66 | Bachelor's |
| Healthcare | Physician assistants | 53 | Bachelor's |
| Healthcare | Audiologists | 45 | Master's |
| Healthcare | Speech-language pathologist | 39 | Master's |
| Healthcare | Dental hygienists | 37 | Associate |
| Social | Teachers - post-secondary | 23 | Doctoral |
| Healthcare | Teachers - elementary | 13 | Bachelor's |
| Other | Accountants and auditors | 19 | Bachelor's |
What options are there?, you might ask. Fortunately, degrees for all of the fastest growing jobs can be undertaken online, through distance learning, or can be tailored to your daily needs. Some degrees can even be earned while you’re working or supporting a family.
The economy is now being driven by demand for national security improvements and wireless technology. Healthcare will grow dramatically as the large population of Baby Boomers begins to require medical services. In order to evolve with the times, these demands will need college-educated, skilled workers.
By 2010, two-thirds of the American workforce will hold advanced degrees. Degrees are sure to be a valuable asset in obtaining promotions, increasing your salary, and avoiding layoffs.
Even outside of healthcare and technology, employers will demand more technology skills from their workers. Workforce Economics, a business publication, says that workers will be expected to process information, respond quickly to changing environments, work in teams, and manage complex projects. Basic knowledge of vital computer software will be required for most jobs.
Maneuvering within the current economic sea is a challenge, but if you are equipped with an appropriate degree you can be more certain of navigating a successful career.
