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Top 10 Degrees for Emerging

Industries

Emerging industries are based on an innovative product, idea, or service that is in its

early stages of development. Economists and finance wizards track emerging

industries because they are good indicators of where the marketplace is headed in

the near future. There are currently a number of emerging industries in the US that

are gaining steam, as the recent economic downturn has helped us identify

businesses that are poised to fill the gap for jobs that used to be the cornerstones of

global commerce. Whether in engineering, science, healthcare, or education – now

is an exciting time to be picking a college major and future career track. Here are the

top ten degrees for emerging industries.

1. Biotechnology

When it comes to healthcare, the future is being created as we speak.

Biotechnology has moved out of the research lab and into the marketplace. As the

products and services developed by biotechnologists begin to prove valuable, the

industry will only continue to grow. The field at this point is so open that a

remarkable variety of skills will fit. Do not think that this brand of science is limited to

the traditional engineering-minded student.

How to get on board: 

Biotechnology is becoming an increasingly popular degree program for students that

are interested in combining interests in biology, engineering, and computer science.

Many universities are opening degree programs in this field to fill demand for this

very technical career track.

2. Environmental Engineering

Our economy is turning toward new ideas about how we can conserve and create

energy. New sources of fuel will prove to create markets that previously didn’t exist.

Wind energy, solar panels, biofuels, safer atomic fission – these are all ideas that

once seemed a bit science fiction, but they are starting to become more attractive

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alternatives to current options. Environmental engineering is also becoming a key to

creating more effective living and working spaces.

Featured Degree Programs 

1.  Ashford University - BA - Social Science/Environmental Science 

2.  Ashford University - MBA - Environmental Management 

3. Nowrich University - Master of Civil Engineering - Environmental/Water

Resources Engineering 

How to get on board: 

Degrees in Environmental Engineering will provide students opportunity to focus on

a wide array of potential career skills. It is smart to look at schools that may

specialize in a field that interests you, such as alternative energy sources, atomic

engineering, or sustainable architecture.3. Health Information Technology

Health Information Technology is the IT side of the recent boom in Biotechnology.

We have become better at healthcare in recent years in part because we are

developing systems that help doctors diagnose and assess their patients more

effectively. With advances in computer science, we are also able to build databases

that are better at predicting what type of healthcare issues are important for different

locations and age groups.

Featured Degree Programs 

1.  Ashford University - BA - Health Informatics 

2. Grand Canyon University - MS - Healthcare Informatics 

3. Walden University - MS - Health Informatics 

How to get on board: 

Health IT management programs can be found at both the undergraduate and

graduate levels. They are certainly geared toward someone interested in IT, but

these programs can also train you to support scientists that need help tracking data,

constructing healthcare models, and a variety of tasks pretty fundamental to the

practice of medicine.

4. Aerospace Engineering

One engineering specialty that is trending in demand involves supporting advances

in the transportation industry. As air travel and international commerce grow in

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steam, engineers that can create and maintain aircraft will be an important part of

future economic growth.

How to get on board: 

 An Aerospace Engineering degree program is the best way to get your foot into the

door of this industry. A good program will provide internships and opportunities to

begin claiming your spot in the job market.

5. Pharmaceutical Sciences

Big Pharma has never failed to post big annual returns, but that only means that

drug manufacturing will continue to prove itself as constantly emerging industry. The

amount of work it takes to take a drug from an experiment to the marketplace is

staggering, and this is why effective researchers will always be in high demand.

How to get on board: 

 A Pharmaceutical Sciences degree is now where the undergrad begins working

toward a research position in the drug manufacturing business. And hey, if you find

out that you are not a fan of managing clinical research, there is always

pharmaceutical sales to fall back on.

6. Physician’s Assistant 

Doctors are becoming increasingly reliant on Physician’s Assistants to keep up with

growing demands for care. A Physician’s Assistant is qualified to do a number ofthings that MD’s used to do themselves, such as performing tests and procedures,

talking with patients, and even prescribing medication. This is an excellent option for

someone not interested in committing to a full MD program, but still wants to be a

part of the action.

How to get on board: 

There are Physician’s Assistant programs at the undergraduate and graduate level.

These programs can get you into the hospital or doctor’s office in a matter of years. 

7. Financial Engineering

The financial engineer, sometimes called a “quant,” is becoming a key part of the

finance world. Armed with a background in computer science, finance, and

economics, a financial engineer is skilled at assessing market risks and predicting

future sources of revenue.

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issues all at once. Traditional higher education administration jobs are going to start

looking much different in the near future.

How to get on board: 

Currently, your best bet at the undergraduate level is to get a degree in Curriculum

and Instruction or Adult Education. At the graduate level, options for degrees in

Higher Ed Administration are an excellent way to market yourself for these jobs.