Best College Degrees For The Real World:
Learn which college degrees offer real-world value.
Looking to earn your degree? Look into options that can offer real-world, work-relevant value.
"Work based learning appears to be the best way for the majority of young people to prepare for the world of work," according to a 2011 study by analysts at the Harvard Graduate School of Education.
According to the report, a career-based approach to higher education works for aspiring doctors, lawyers, and architects. The "Pathways to Prosperity" report notes this approach can work for others too.
Wondering which degrees can help you build work-based skills that you can put to use in the real world?
Check out our list of best degrees for the real world...
#1 Degree - Bachelor's in Business Administration
Potential career paths: Opportunities for business degree grads span across many industries. According to a 2011 report from Georgetown University's Center on Education and the Workforce, "of people who received an undergraduate major in business, 25 percent work in management occupations, 18 percent work in sales occupations, 18 percent work in finance occupations, 12 percent work in office occupations, and 6 percent work in business occupations."#2 Degree - Associate's in Paralegal Studies
When looking for a law degree that offers relevant, real-world education, don't rule out associate's degrees.
An associate's degree in paralegal studies, for example, can help you develop the skills and knowledge needed to assist lawyers in research as a paralegal. And according to the U.S. Department of Labor, this degree is the most common path to pursuing a career as a paralegal.
Forget about academic theory. Paralegal programs usually include courses in legal research and how computers and software can help you on the job, according to the Department of Labor.
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Potential career paths: The legal industry offers paralegals many different avenues to pursue, and you may be able to sample one or two while still in school. According to the Department of Labor, many - but not all - paralegal programs offer internships to students in a wide variety of office settings. Career opportunities can range from a private law firm to the office of a public defender or attorney general, a corporate legal department, a legal aid organization, a bank, or a government agency.
#3 Degree - Bachelor's in Information Technology (IT) & Information Systems
Technology is transforming our world by improving efficiency and solving business problems. If you want in on the action, you should consider earning a bachelor's degree in IT and information systems.
In this real-world degree program, you'll likely study practical topics like operating systems, network solutions, and internet applications, which could help you moving forward.
According to Harvard's 2011 Pathways to Prosperity report, business leaders are worried about a coming shortage of qualified IT workers.
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Potential career paths: Technology is a thriving industry with many opportunities for IT grads. Among those who majored in computers and information systems, 48 percent work in computers, 17 percent in management, 8 percent in office, 5 percent in business, and 4 percent in sales careers, according to 2011 report from Georgetown's Center on Education and the Workforce.
#4 Degree - Bachelor's in Marketing/Communications
studying marketing/communications could have you covered. Earning your degree in marketing/communications could be great prep for a career in marketing, public relations, advertising, or sales.
