The following list shows 25 careers that require a college degree, complete with a job description and education requirements.
Careers Requiring a Degree by Industry
Healthcare Jobs
Healthcare jobs are careers in which professionals help people with medical problems. Here are some healthcare jobs with their degree requirement and a brief job description.
Nurse Practitioner
Nurse practitioner educational requirement: A minimum of a Bachelor of Science in nursing and a Master of Science in nursing are required to become a nurse practitioner.
In a career as a nurse practitioner, you will provide patients with excellent medical care by following and overseeing treatment plans and researching new healthcare developments.
Physician Assistant
Physician assistant educational requirement: A Physician Assistant must receive a minimum of a master's degree from a physician assistant school and get certified.
Physician assistants help provide care by examining, treating, and diagnosing the patient with guidance from the leading physician.
Medical Assistant
Medical assistant educational requirement: There are not technically any degree requirements to become a medical assistant. However, most employers would like to see at least a medical assistant associate degree.
In a medical assistant position you will help physicians, doctors' offices, and hospitals with administrative, technological, and clinical tasks needing to be done.
Occupational Therapist
Occupational therapist educational requirement: To become an occupational therapist, a minimum of a Master of occupational therapy and becoming certified are needed.
Occupational therapy master's graduates work with patients with physical and cognitive disabilities to learn skills by creating treatment plans specific to the patient.
Pharmacist
Pharmacist educational requirement: A Pharmacist will need a Pharm.D. degree, and certification is required to practice.
Licensed pharmacists dispense prescription medications to patients. They also provide information to patients about prescriptions, can give immunizations, do health screenings, and more.
Education Jobs
Education jobs are careers where teaching others or providing guidance is a priority. The following are several different educational jobs with degree requirements and job descriptions.
Teacher
Teacher educational requirement: A minimum of a bachelor's degree is required to become a teacher, and the teacher must be certified. Though state requirements may vary.
Certified teachers are professionals that help others learn new things and skills in a classroom or online setting.
Principal
Principal educational requirement: A minimum of a master's degree in a relevant field is required, as is a school administrator license which may vary by state.
"A principal guides a school's operations, developing and maintaining an educational environment that allows students to thrive."
Librarian
Librarian educational requirement: A master's degree in library science is preferred, but state requirements may vary.
Librarians wear many hats, but their main focus is to connect people with information to help them learn.
School Counselor
School counselor educational requirement: A school counselor must have a master's degree in a relevant field and get their school counselor certification.
School counselor graduates help students reach their full potential by providing guidance with non-cognitive elements regarding school performance and life challenges.
Teacher Assistant
Teacher assistant educational requirement: A minimum of an associate degree in a relevant field and a teacher's assistant certification is recommended, but requirements vary by state.
Teacher assistants help the head teacher with clerical and instructional duties. Sometimes the teacher's assistant may even lead the class if the head teacher cannot attend.
Business Jobs
Business jobs require professionals to carry out tasks in specialized areas. The following are some specialist areas of business, including degree requirements and a brief job description.
Human Resources Specialist
Human resources educational requirement: A bachelor's degree in a relevant field is preferred for a human resources specialist.
A human resources specialist job helps with the hiring process of new employees. They may help train new employees, assist with compensation and benefits, and help employees when needed.
Marketing Manager
Marketing manager educational requirement: A marketing manager may have a bachelor's degree in marketing, but this may not be required if they have the skills and hands-on experience.
A marketing manager position includes analyzing trends, creating and implementing marketing strategies, and identifying, assessing, and connecting with potential clients to get a business's products in front of the right market.
Project Manager
Project manager educational requirement: At least a bachelor's degree is preferred to become a project manager.
Project managers oversee every aspect of large projects for a business. They need to be good multitaskers with excellent communication skills to make sure projects are completed on time.
Business Analyst
Business analyst educational requirement: To become a business analyst, a bachelor's degree is preferred. A business analyst certificate may also be accepted.
"Depending on the industry, business analyst responsibilities might include pricing, financial forecasts, budget modeling, marketing analysis and assessing the efficiency of business operations."
Executive Assistant
Executive assistant educational requirement: Depending on the industry, an executive assistant may need anywhere from a high school diploma to a bachelor's degree.
Executive assistants help top-level executives within a business with administrative and communication tasks.
Technology Jobs
A technology sector professional will usually work with machines in some way. The following are a few technology jobs, along with degree requirements and job descriptions.
Software Developer
Software developer educational requirement: A minimum of a bachelor's degree in computer science is preferred. However, some employers may take an associate degree if the employee has job experience.
A software developer's job includes building and managing computer and application software that meets consumer needs.
Web Developer
Web developer educational requirement: The degree requirements for web developers often depend on the business. However, a minimum of an associate degree is recommended.
A web developer's responsibilities require developing a website with the user's and business's needs in mind. They make sure content, images, and the underlying structure of websites meet these needs.
Engineer
Computer science engineer educational requirement: A bachelor's degree is the minimum requirement to become an engineer, but a master's degree or higher may be required depending on the type of engineering.
An engineer is a professional that designs and builds products for consumer use. There are many types of engineering, and each type has its own focus.
Information Security Analyst
Information security analyst educational requirement: A minimum of a bachelor's degree in a relevant field is required to become an information security analyst.
An information security analyst gathers information, creates, and implements policies regarding the security needs of a business.
Data Scientist
Data scientist educational requirement: A minimum of a bachelor's degree in a relevant field is required. However, for career advancement, a master's degree or higher is recommended.
A data scientist deeply explores data to help businesses make important decisions. They need skills in mathematics, computers, and business to be successful.
Finance Jobs
When it comes to finance jobs, an advanced understanding of money and how to use it is a must. The following are several finance jobs, including degree requirements and job descriptions.
Finance Manager
Finance manager educational requirement: A minimum of a bachelor's degree in a relevant field is required, but at least a master's degree is highly recommended.
A finance manager oversees a business's financial areas to ensure the company is financially stable. They work with all departments in a business to see that financial investments benefit the company.
Financial Adviser
Financial advisor educational requirement: A bachelor's degree in a relevant field like finance, accounting, or business is required.
"Financial advisors help individuals and businesses make decisions regarding their money" by gaining knowledge of their goals and needs.
Accountant
Accountant educational requirement: A minimum of a bachelor's degree in accounting is required. Some businesses may prefer a master's degree. There may also be licensing requirements.
An accountant's job deals with the finances of a business. Depending on the business size, this may include bookkeeping, being a strategic advisor, or any other finance-related role.
Budget Analyst
Budget analyst educational requirement: A budget analyst should have a minimum of a bachelor's degree in business management, accounting, or finance.
A budget analyst helps a business with organizing and allocating its monetary assets. They advocate for the financial success of the company.
Loan Officer
Loan officer educational requirement: A minimum of a bachelor's degree in a relevant field is highly recommended. Being licensed is required.
A loan officer helps people and businesses get financing for purchases. There are many different types of loan officers, each with its own focus.
