20 Highest Paying Degrees in 2022

Having a degree can boost your chances of landing a fulfilling and well-paying job. Nevertheless, not all degrees are created equal. On this basis, it can be a bit challenging to choose the one that offers financial stability and security after graduating. So, in this article, we’ve listed the top 20 highest-paying degrees* you can consider when making a decision.

1. Computer Science

A degree in Computer Science prepares learners for a variety of careers within the technology sector. It involves studying methodical processes, such as programming languages, database management, network architecture, software development, and computer networking. Students will learn to use complex algorithms to develop solutions to real-life challenges. To thrive in this field, you will need excellent math skills, analytical skills, critical thinking, resilience, and creativity.

Jobs for Computer Science degree graduates: 

2. Electrical Engineering

An Electrical Engineering degree typically takes four or five years and involves studying electronics, electromagnetism, and the application of electricity. It aims to equip students with the required engineering skills to design, evaluate, and enhance electrical systems. This degree covers a broad range of sub-fields, including digital computers, telecommunications, control systems, and signal processing. To be an electrical engineering major, you need to have a strong background in science and mathematics subjects. 

Jobs for Electrical Engineering degree graduates:

3. Mechanical Engineering

Mechanical Engineering degree covers a wide range of disciplines, including but not limited to robotics, automotive, biotechnology, aerospace, and energy. Teaching may consist of seminars and lectures about key mechanical engineering topics, such as statics and dynamics, fluid dynamics, thermodynamics, mechanical design, and technical drawing. Learners will have a knack for designing, manufacturing, and operating various mechanical devices, from hand-operated tools to complex machinery. Some of the entry requirements for this degree include a strong educational background in mathematics, physics, and other sciences like chemistry.

Jobs for Mechanical Engineering degree graduates:

4. Chemical Engineering

A Chemical engineering degree is a study that combines natural and experimental sciences to design industrial processes that transform raw materials into valuable products. It allows students to learn chemistry, physics, biology, and kinetics in depth through a mix of lectures, seminars, laboratory work, and fieldwork placement. Having an academic background in math, statistics, and science subjects are some of the entry requirements for this degree. Demonstrating talents in research, analysis, calculation, and experimentation can also give an advantage during application.

Jobs for Chemical Engineering degree graduates:

5. Industrial Engineering

A degree in Industrial Engineering combines engineering coursework and business classes. It is designed to prepare learners for professional work in designing products that work and improving processes for efficiency, quality, safety, and savings. Some of the degree’s coursework include production and operations planning, materials handling, and logistics and operations scheduling. To study this degree, you’ll need to have strong critical thinking, problem-solving, and communication skills, in addition to having a firm understanding of physics and advanced mathematics.

Jobs for Industrial Engineering degree graduates:

6. Information Technology

An Information Technology (IT) degree teaches how to secure, retrieve, send, and store data and information. While it covers various disciplines, students will study computer science, communications, and business-related courses regardless of their focus. It also involves learning the process of installing, administering, maintaining, and improving computer networks and systems. Having the desire and ability to work with computers and diverse systems is one factor students should consider if they want to pursue an IT degree. 

Jobs for Information Technology degree graduates:

7. Civil Engineering

A Civil Engineering degree encompasses anything to do with building and is typically three to five years in length. It features a combination of lectures and lab work that allows students to learn how to design, plan, and manage large building projects, such as bridges, roads, and dams. To be a prime candidate for this degree, students should have a strong background in mathematics and physics and demonstrate a genuine interest in design.

Jobs for Civil Engineering degree graduates:

8. Statistics

A degree in Statistics covers various topics, including but not limited to probability and introductory statistical methods, experimental design, computational inference, sampling and databases, and financial statistics. Students will learn to use specialised software to collect, analyse, and interpret a large volume of data. Graduates from this degree will be well qualified for employment in diverse fields like medicine, chemistry, or engineering to design experiments and conduct surveys. Applicants for this degree are required to have a strong background and excellent grades in mathematics. Furthermore, having good knowledge of using different computer software can be an advantage.

Jobs for Statistics degree graduates:

9. Nursing

Nursing is typically a four-year degree that covers topics like anatomy, biology, and chemistry. With a combination of academic classes and on-site clinical training, students will learn specific duties related to patient care, developing treatment plans, conducting laboratory tests, and assisting in surgeries. Aspiring nurses need to have good high/secondary school grades that include at least one science subject to gain a place in this degree. It can also be an advantage to have relevant background in providing care, for instance, through voluntary or part-time work.

Jobs for Nursing degree graduates:

10. Management Information Systems

A degree in Management Information Systems teaches students how to use or integrate information technology into business processes to solve problems and create opportunities. It typically focuses on data analysis, project management, and various business-related concepts and theories. This degree may be right for you if you have excellent problem-solving skills and the ability to think strategically about technology. While a background in technology is not essentially required, having any computer-oriented high school curriculum would be excellent preparation for this major.

Jobs for Management Information Systems degree graduates:

11. Finance

A Finance degree is a study of how to effectively manage money and investments. It includes coursework in statistics, accounting, economics, and business law. These subjects give students a broad understanding of the business world today and open doors to lucrative and exciting career opportunities. To qualify for a Finance degree, applicants should have a strong academic record and an aptitude in mathematics, communications, and accounting subjects.

Jobs for Finance degree graduates:

12. Mathematics

Mathematics is critical to a wide range of fields and disciplines, including engineering, medicine, and technology. This degree is typically a combination of pure and applied mathematics. It involves theory, abstract, and its practical application, such as making quantitative predictions, analysing data, and solving complex mathematical problems. Students interested in this field must have an in-depth academic background in mathematics that may include pure mathematics, further mathematics, mechanics, complex numbers, and some relevant science subjects. 

Jobs for Mathematics degree graduates:

13. Biomedical Engineering

Biomedical Engineering is a degree focusing on advancing health care at all levels. It teaches how to apply engineering principles and problem-solving techniques to biology and medicine. This also covers various disciplines to improve human health, including mechanical, electrical, and chemical engineering, computer science, and mathematics. If you have a keen interest in making a positive impact on the healthcare industry, this degree might be the right one for you. One of its entry requirements is having an in-depth academic background in biology, mathematics, and other science subjects.

Jobs for Biomedical Engineering degree graduates:

14. Accounting

Studying Accounting allows students to gain advanced theoretical and practical knowledge of finance and accounting. This encompasses the process of recording, classifying, summarising, interpreting, and communicating financial information. To qualify for this degree it takes more than strong maths skills. Students who are applying must also have the ability to think critically and a relevant academic background in statistics or business-related subjects.

Jobs for Accounting degree graduates:

15. Economics

A degree in Economics tackles economic issues impacting financial situations and decisions. It encompasses studying areas of sociology, politics, law, history, and geography at both local and international levels. Students will learn to use statistical techniques in combination with economic theory and empirical investigation to gain a deeper knowledge of public policy and business/financial fields. Applicants for this degree should have an enthusiasm for understanding current affairs, an aptitude for numbers, and an ability to analyse problems.

Jobs for Economics degree graduates:

16. Physics

A degree in Physics is a study of the laws of nature and the relationship between matter and energy. It involves broad topics, including but not limited to electricity and magnetism, space and time, geophysics, quantum physics, fluid dynamics, astronomy, and geology. So, if you want to satisfy your curiosity about how nature works, this degree is for you. To study Physics, applicants are required to have A-levels in both physics and mathematics.

Jobs for Physics degree graduates:

17. Biotechnology

A Biotechnology degree teaches how to use biological organisms and processes to develop new products or technologies. This field of study contributes significantly to the development of various areas, such as agriculture, medicine, energy, and food production and security. Students who want to pursue a degree and career in Biotechnology are expected to have high grades in biology, chemistry, physics, and mathematics.

Jobs for Biotechnology degree graduates:

18. Architecture

An Architecture degree is about designing and engineering structures suitable, safe, and reliable for human use. It involves courses in various concentrations, including architectural design history and theory, building design, physical sciences, liberal arts, and graphic design. Students will also learn to use different computer programs relevant for drawing and design work. This degree is ideal for creative and analytical individuals. If interested, you’ll be required to have GCSEs with grade C or above, particularly in maths, arts, or design-related subjects.

Jobs for Architecture degree graduates:

19. Fashion Design

A fashion design degree covers the full fundamentals of fashion design, allowing students to learn how to search, design, and create new products, particularly clothes, accessories, or footwear. Students will develop their technical knowledge and practical skills in drawing, fabric technology, pattern cutting, computer-aided design, sewing, and more. In addition to creativity, students pursuing this degree should have a strong knowledge of and proven enthusiasm for fashion and design.

Jobs for Fashion Design degree graduates:

20. Business

A Business degree covers a wide range of specialisation with courses related to finance, accounting, management, economics, and entrepreneurship. It provides deep academic knowledge of core business principles and specific business areas. The teaching methods involve case studies where students will analyse an actual business situation to discuss and evaluate business strategies and theories. Having good GCSEs with A-level results is one of the entry requirements of this degree. To gain a greater advantage, you must also demonstrate leadership skills and interest in business.

Jobs for Business degree graduates:

Methodology: List based on our US article on the 50 Highest Paying College Majors which analysed nearly 500,000 resumes.