11 most-wanted degrees in '11
Engineering, computer-related and "money" degrees like accounting perennially comprise the most job openings, and this year is no different. Below are four-year degrees in majors that businesses told the NACE they want most right now.
Degree Area Average salary offer
1. Computer science $63,000
2. Accounting $50,316
3. Finance $53,048
4. Electrical engineering $60,646
5. Mechanical engineering $60,739
6. Business administration and management $46,832
7. Information sciences and systems $56,868
8. Computer engineering $60,112
9. Management information systems $54,372
10. Logistics and materials management $50,602
11. Economics $54,634
Past performance is no guarantee of future results. However, the fact that these degrees have all remained in demand through several years of weak job growth should provide confidence that they'll still be in demand for the foreseeable future.
11 most-wanted degrees in '11
1. Computer science More than 56 percent of computer science majors in the class of 2011 who have applied for a job have already received an offer, the NACE reports. Computer software engineers who specialize in both applications and systems software are also expected to have plenty of opportunities. The law of supply and demand is in effect here, pushing average annual salary offers to just over $63,000, making computer science one of the best-paid majors in 2011.
2. Accounting New graduates are finding opportunities in public accounting, management accounting, government accounting and internal auditing. Average annual salary offer: $50,316
3. Finance Employment possibilities can be found in nearly every industry, but are plentiful in accounting, corporate accounting and banking. Average annual salary offer: $53,048
4. Electrical engineering Electrical engineering is the second-highest degree in demand (after MBA) at the master's degree level. Average annual salary offer: $60,646
5. Mechanical engineering New mechanical engineering grads enjoy some of the highest starting salaries of the class of 2011, but in some fields -- oil and gas extraction and software publishing -- mechanical engineers are seeing even higher pay, according the Bureau of Labor Statistics. Average annual salary offer: $60,739
6. Business administration and management Business administration is one of the broadest undergrad majors, preparing students for jobs as compensation and benefits managers, marketing consultants, management consultants, general managers, financial analysts, employee relations managers and more. For those who recently graduated with a master's degree in business administration, opportunities are even greater. MBAs are by far the most in-demand master's degree, according to the NACE. Average annual salary offer: $46,832 (for Bachelor's degree holders)
7. Information sciences and systems Graduates are finding openings with computer systems design establishments, software publishing firms, data processing and hosting companies, consulting services and health-care organizations. Annual salary offer: $56,868
8. Computer engineering In addition to typical jobs designing,constructing or operating computer systems, there are opportunities for new grads specializing in digital systems, operating systems, computer networks and software engineering. Average annual salary offer: $60,112
9. Management information systems New grads have found jobs in specialty fields such computer systems analysis, data processing, decision support systems and software engineering. Average annual salary offer: $54,372
10. Logistics and materials management Job openings can be found in any company where there is a need to manage and coordinate the day-to-day movement of raw materials and other resources. Average annual salary offer: $50,602
11. Economics Many economics majors do not go on to become practicing economists but rather find niches in accounting, general business, government, financial services, banking, education or journalism. Average annual salary offer: $54,634
As the saying goes, past performance is no guarantee of future results. However, the fact that these degrees have all remained in demand through several years of weak job growth should provide confidence that they'll still be in demand for the foreseeable future.