Overview of Highest-Paying Technology Degrees
The technology industry is full of high-paying jobs that are expected to experience favorable job growth in the next decade. Individuals who are interested in pursuing these jobs will need to make sure they are qualified by obtaining the appropriate bachelor's degrees. Some of these degrees are general in that they will qualify students for a number of different technology-related careers, while others are designed to prepare students for a specific career. Below, we will look at five different technology-related degrees that can lead individuals to high-paying careers.
Bachelor of Science in Computer Science
A bachelor's degree in computer science will expose students to a wide variety of topics in the technology field. Students will learn about software engineering, data science, artificial intelligence, and computer networks. With a bachelor's degree in computer science, you would be qualified for a number of different careers, such as computer network architect. Computer network architects earned an annual median salary of $120,520 in 2021, and the field is expected to grow by 5% between 2020 and 2030.
Bachelor of Science in Computer Engineering
Individuals who are interested in the overall design of both computer hardware and software may want to consider enrolling in a program in computer engineering. In this program, students will likely take courses that expose them to topics in engineering electronics, data communication systems, circuit analysis, computer networks, and power systems. A bachelor's degree in computer engineering will prepare individuals for a career as a computer hardware engineer. These professionals made a median annual salary of $128,170 in 2021, and the field is expected to grow by 2% between 2020 and 2030.
Bachelor of Science in Aerospace Engineering
A bachelor's degree in aerospace engineering combines concepts in engineering with aeronautical principles. In this program, students will take courses in areas like physics, mathematics, aerodynamics, and aerospace technology. To gain admission into these programs, students will typically need to have a background in calculus. These degrees will prepare students for careers as aerospace engineers, a field that is expected to grow by 8% between 2020 and 2030. Professionals working in this field earned a median salary of $122,270 in 2021, though it is possible to earn significantly more as the top ten percent of professionals in this field earned more than $168,370.
Bachelor of Science in Software Engineering
Another option for students who are interested in a technology degree that will lead to a high-paying job is a bachelor's degree in software engineering. In these programs, students will learn how to develop different types of software and how to maintain software systems. These programs will focus on topics like operating systems, software validation and testing, and software architecture. A bachelor's degree in software engineering could prepare students for a number of different technology careers, most obviously as a software developer. Software developers made a median annual salary of $120,730 in 2021 and the field is expected to grow by 22% between 2020 and 2030.
Bachelor of Science in Information Systems
This degree focuses on computer science, mathematics, and information systems and gives students an overview of a variety of technology-related topics. Common courses in this program could include database design, systems analysis, and network design. A bachelor's degree in information systems could prepare students for a variety of different technology careers, like a job as an information security analyst. These professionals made a median annual salary of $102,600 in 2021, and the field is projected to experience 33% job growth between 2020 and 2030. Once you've gained some experience, you could also qualify for a job as a computer and information systems manager, a field that is expected to grow by 11% over the next decade. Professionals in this field earned a median annual salary of $159,010 in 2021.
How to Choose a High-Paying Technology Degree
Selecting among these degree options may be a challenge for students. When making a choice, consider what aspect of the technology field you are most interested in and what kind of projects you'd like to work on as a professional. A software engineering degree would be appropriate for designing mobile applications, for example, while an information systems degree may suit those who are more interested in protecting company computer systems from cyber attacks.
Other factors that may influence your decision include whether the prospective program offers internship opportunities, which can help in your job search after graduation. These majors are common across nationwide institutions, so you will likely also want to consider the geographical location of the school when making a choice.
