Deciding on what College Degree to take is one of the hardest decisions you have to make. Not only does it affect your college life, but also define what comes after. So, in making this decision, you need to be extra careful, because it is what brings you personal success, an excellent income and job satisfaction
What is a college degree?
First and foremost, we need to define what a college degree is. According to Collins Dictionary, “a degree at a university or college is a course of study that you take there, or the qualification that you get when you have passed the course.”
In essence, it is what you get for passing and graduating in college and what you need in order to get a better job. In a research, the higher educational attainment you achieve, the better your job is and of course the better you get paid. So, the importance of having a college degree is very much recommended.
While it is best to have a higher educational attainment, it is also important to think of what college degree to enroll.
Comparing jobs here in the Philippines and in the US
As I said earlier, the better your job is, the better you get paid. Additionally, where you work at also defines what your salary gonna be. Here in the Philippines, compared to US, have very low salary rates. For example, teachers in the US earns an average of $60,477 a year, which is 2,943,143 in pesos, according to the National Education Association. While teachers here in our country only earns an everage of 23,877 pesos in a month, or 286,524 pesos a year. That is a ten times less than what teachers earn in the US.
Looking to download some teacher’s materials? CLICK HERE
In conclusion, deciding on what your college degree and what school you enroll it must be well researched must align to your personal preference, for you to not regret it later on.
Though, in my opinion, I don’t really encourage going in the US, or anywhere abroad, for work to help our country’s economic growth, but studying there is still more beneficial than studying locally. In the end of the day, it is up to you to decide.
So, what are the best college degrees to enroll in the US this year 2021?
Here is a top 10 list of the best college degrees to enroll in the US this year. Included are the projected jobs, which basically means available spots for the job, and the salary for each job, with a comparison between the United States of America and the Philippines.
1. Bachelor of Science in Software Engineering
Career: Software Developer
The Bachelor of Science in Software Engineering is a five-year degree program that trains students in applications of processes, methods, and tools for building and maintaining computer systems. It aims to prepare students for careers in the software engineering industry and research. It also provides knowledge and skills in designing and developing computing solutions. (www.finduniversity.ph)
Computers are here to stay and software developers have a solid future in front of them. There will always be a demand for software as computer hardware architecture advances and changes. Existing software needs to undergo changes to keep up with new hardware changes and new software will be in demand to utilize the new hardware. (www.collegeconsensus.com)
If you’re still in High School here in the Philippines and are wanting to have this course in college, it is recommended that you take Information and Communication Technology strand in Senior High.
Projected Jobs in the US: 316,000
Salary (US): $107,510 or ₱5,229,555 per year
Salary (PH): ₱504,000 per year
2. Doctor of Medicine (M.D.)
Career: Physician
The Doctor of Medicine (M.D.) degree is a five-year graduate program intended to teach students the essentials of being a Medical Doctor. The program consists of three years of academic instruction, one year of clinical clerkship and one year of post-graduate internship. (www.finduniversity.ph)
Physicians are in demand due to the fact there are currently three large generations who are or will be in need of health care at some point in their lives. The biggest demand comes from the aging populations who seek medical care to improve their quality of life as well as address age-related health conditions. However, the Association of American Medical Colleges is projecting a shortage of qualified physicians in primary and specialty care. Both of these issues are increasing the demand for students to enroll in M.D. programs and make it one of the most in-demand degrees. (www.collegeconsensus.com)
In the Philippines, if you wish to pursue the Doctor of Medicine program, you should have a pre-medicine undergraduate degree. Otherwise, you need to finish the preparatory medical course prepared by the Board of Medical Education.
Projected Jobs in the US: 18,500
Salary (US): $206,500 or ₱10,044,676 per year
Salary (PH): ₱1,260,000 per year
3. Doctor of Dental Surgery (DDS) or Doctor of Dental Medicine (DDM)
Career: Dentist
Generally, three or more years of undergraduate education plus four years of dental school is required to graduate and become a general dentist. Upon completion of their training, dentists must pass both a rigorous national written exam and a state or regional clinical licensing exam in order to practice. In order to keep their licenses, they must meet continuing education requirements for the remainder of their careers so that they may stay up to date on the latest scientific and clinical developments. (www.mouthhealthy.org)
What makes the DDM/DDS one of the most in demand degrees is the fact the field is in need of qualified dentists. People will always need dental care no matter how good at-home dental technology becomes. (www.collegeconsensus.com)
Projected Jobs in the US: 3,700
Salary (US): $155,600 or ₱7,568,773 per year
Salary (PH): ₱1,180,000 per year
Looking to download some teacher’s materials? CLICK HERE
4. Bachelor of Science, Health Care Administration
Career: Health Care Management
In this program, you’ll learn both conceptual and analytical skills needed to manage contemporary healthcare organizations. Whether you pursue a career in the public or private sector at a local, state, or federal level, you will be well equipped for the challenges presented in the modern healthcare organization. You will develop relevant problem-solving skills and learn how to keep staff performing at their best by applying the principles of accounting, law, financial analysis, human resource management, operations analysis management, information systems analysis, strategic planning, and marketing. (www.nu.edu)
Health care management is a broad category of employment. Graduates with their BSHA typically start at the lower end of the employment ladder, but have plenty of opportunities for upward mobility as the health care industry needs more qualified administrators. Aging populations drive the need for health care and increase the need for more people to work in the administrative side of medical facilities. (www.collegeconsensus.com)
The degree teaches students how to handle the business side of health care administration and the unique challenges faced by the health care industry.
Projected Jobs in the US: 133,200
Salary (US): $100,980 or ₱4,911,919 per year
Salary (PH): ₱687,600 per year
5. Master of Science in Nursing (MSN)
Career: Nurse Practitioner
MSN means Master of Science in Nursing. This type of degree allows Registered Nurses (RNs) or BSN (Bachelor of Science in Nursing) graduates to advance their careers. MSN programmes help students to specialise in various areas and further develop their knowledge and skills through intense practice and theoretical classes. An MSN degree is also necessary if you want to apply for doctorate studies in Nursing.
Most postgraduate Nursing degrees take between 1-2 years to complete. Some MSN courses will require 3 years to finish. These 3-year courses either allow you to study part-time or use the first academic year as an introduction to general Nursing concepts. (www.mastersportal.com)
Medical facilities are turning to nurse practitioners in order to fill positions that physicians traditionally occupy. A nurse practitioner can offer primary care and help patients with their medical complaints in the same fashion as a physician. The predicted shortage of qualified doctors has the medical industry seeking nurse practitioners to take care of patients and aid in other areas of health care. (www.collegeconsensus.com)
Projected Jobs in the US: 110,700
Salary (US): $109,820 or ₱5,341,919 per year
Salary (PH): ₱ 511,000 per year
6. Master of Science, Physician Assistant
Career: Physician Assistant
The Master of Science in Physician Assistant Studies program is designed to provide a comprehensive primary care training program that combines didactic coursework with clinical experiences to enable the graduate to work in a variety of practice settings. (www.pacificu.edu)
Qualified PAs are in demand due to the ongoing shortage of fully licensed MDs. The PA’s ability to perform a majority of a physician’s duties enables a medical facility to provide a high standard of medical care to patients and reserve the MD staff for work that can’t be done by a PA. The PA can also refer medical treatment to an MD when they encounter a medical issue they’re not qualified to handle. The Master of Science, Physician Assistant is one of the degrees most in demand. (www.collegeconsensus.com)
Projected Jobs in the US: 39,300
Salary (US): $112,260 or ₱5,460,607 per year
Salary (PH): ₱ 858,000 per year
Looking to download some teacher’s materials? CLICK HERE
7. Doctor of Veterinary Medicine (DVM or VMD)
Career: Veterinarian
The Doctor of Veterinary Medicine (DVM) is a six-year graduate degree program consisting of a two-year preparatory (pre-vet) and a four-year proper curriculum. The program provides theoretical knowledge and practical experience in animal production and diagnosis, as well as in the prevention, treatment, and control of clinical disorders and diseases in companion animals (pets), exotic animals (wild or zoo) and farm animals. It teaches students the anatomy and physiology of the animal body as well as the different common animal diseases. The program also focuses on training students in diagnostic procedures, radiology and imaging technology, animal pharmacology, physical examination procedures, preventive medicine techniques and skills for communicating with animal owners. (www.finduniversity.ph)
The demand for veterinarians has been strong for some time and the demand is predicted to increase as pet owners are spending more on health care for their pets. Adding to the demand is the fact there are only 28 veterinary programs in the US. This limits the amount of veterinary school graduates and makes it one of the most in-demand degrees. (www.collegeconsensus.com)
If you wish to pursue this college degree, you need to complete the pre-veterinary program before proceeding to the four-year veterinary proper. Otherwise, you are encouraged to take at least 18 units of courses in the relevant fields.
Projected Jobs in the US: 14,200
Salary (US): $95,460 or ₱4,643,413 per year
Salary (PH): ₱630,000 per year
8. Bachelor of Science, Data Science
Career: Data Scientist
Bachelor of Science in Data Science is a four-year program that aims to produce Data Scientists equipped with technical, leadership, business and human competencies necessary in the field; and able to solve real-world problems using perspectives from mathematics, statistics, information technology, and the humanities. The program includes study of machine learning algorithms, mathematical and statistical modeling and predictions, analytical and technological tools for making sense of data, the art of presenting the results of analysis to relevant stakeholders, and the use of data at the service of the human person. (www.uap.asia)
Data science in its current form is a relatively new field of employment that is still in a growth state due to the amount of information being collected by organizations. This data is used to determine trends and anticipate the actions of a specific population or demographic. Corporations hire data scientists to make sense out of information that isn’t easily uncovered through other means. (www.collegeconsensus.com)
Projected Jobs in the US: 10,300
Salary (US): $94,280 or ₱4,586,014 per year
Salary (PH): ₱828,000 per year
9. Master of Science in Statistics
Career: Statistician
The Master in Statistics focuses on data analysis, methodological problem-solving in a range of disciplines, and various types of statistics software, or mathematical statistics. The program is open to experts wishing to improve their theoretical skills in statistical research, but also to non-experts wishing to develop their data analysis skills in an area of specialization acquired at the Bachelor level. (www.unige.ch)
Statisticians are in demand from employers who have a need for data analysis and predictions. Corporations want to make sense of the amount of information generated by individuals and turn to statistics to help them make the information understandable. The insurance industry also seeks statisticians to help identify risk factors for the types of insurance coverage they offer. (www.collegeconsensus.com)
Projected Jobs in the US: 14,800
Salary (US): $91,160 or ₱4,434,250 per year
Salary (PH): ₱787,000 per year
10. MS Speech-Language Pathology
Career: Speech-Language Pathologist
Speech-language pathologists (SLPs) help everyone from infants to aging adults overcome communication disorders. Some SLPs work with children in schools to improve their articulation, language, fluency or voice. Others provide acute care in hospitals for patients with neurological conditions. Still others assist very young children recovering from cleft palates, feeding disorders or autism spectrum diagnoses. (www.shu.edu)
The need for speech-language pathologists is projected to grow due to the aging of the Baby Boom population. A large, elderly population means more people are likely to experience health conditions that result in speech or language impairments and need speech therapy as part of their recovery. (www.collegeconsensus.com)
Projected Jobs in the US: 40,500
Salary (US): $79,120 or ₱3,848,594 per year
Salary (PH): ₱839,000 per year
Disclaimer: I am not an expert of these many college degrees, so some here are just my own opinion while some other paragraphs are taken from different sources. Note that the conversion rate from the US dollar into peso is $1 to ₱48.64 as of this writing.
Source/Reference:
Top 10 List: www.collegeconsensus.com
Work Salary in the PH: www.salaryexplorer.com
Enclosed in an open and close parentheses are the source for each paragraph.