10 Best Degrees to Graduate With in 2017

2016 is finally over (a year that, historically, took Leonard Cohen, David Bowie and Prince from us), and it's time to leave the past where it is and build an action plan for the future. So, in the brave new world of 2017, which degrees offer the best salary potential and job satisfaction at graduation? Read on for 10 of the best degrees for a happy and rewarding career.

1. Biomedical Engineering Combining engineering science with biomedical and clinical practice, biomedical engineering is a rapidly growing field. On top of healthy salaries ranging from US$62,700 to US$104,000, a high proportion (75%) of professionals in this field report finding great meaning in their careers. And that's not all. According to the US Bureau of Labor Statistics, jobs in this area are projected to grow by 72% by 2018! That's not surprising, given the astonishing research under way in the field and the growing number of patents and commercial applications.

2. Occupational Therapy Want to help others? Occupational therapy is undoubtedly one of the best degrees for doing so. Occupational therapists ("OTs") help patients who are ill, injured or disabled move back into the workplace and other aspects of daily life. A major part of the role is assessing patients' workplaces and homes to identify health needs and possible improvements. According to the US Bureau of Labor Statistics, employment of occupational therapists will grow 27% from 2014 to 2024, as the population continues to age and baby boomers seek to maintain independence later in life. In the US, salaries range from US$49,532 to US$84,970.

3. Structural Engineering Many of the best degrees with strong salary prospects are in engineering, including structural engineering. A branch of civil engineering, structural engineering involves the design and installation of large buildings and structures, and is a field in high demand. In this field, 71% of professionals say their work has great meaning, and salaries typically range from US$58,700 to US$104,000.

4. Translation and/or Interpretation According to this 2016 study, translation and interpretation services in the US are projected to grow 28% by 2021, as businesses continue to expand overseas. Location, skills and experience can dramatically affect your earnings, which range from US$24,000 to US$72,000. Skills that boost earning potential include localisation (the process of adapting vocabulary or content to a particular region or market) and fluency in an in-demand language.

5. Physician Assistant Studies A physician assistant is a mid-level practitioner who works under the supervision of an MD or DO. Duties include physical exams, lab tests and follow-up treatment. With strong physician assistant salaries between US$85,200 and US$103,000, and 86% of PAs reporting their work has great meaning, physician assistant studies is a fulfilling major with impressive earning potential in PayScale's ranking of highest-earning bachelor's degrees.

6. Environmental Engineering Environmental engineering is the branch of science concerned with protecting humans from the effects of climate change, and it involves improving recycling, waste disposal, health and the reduction of air, soil and water pollution. The Bureau of Labor Statistics predicts a 15% increase in environmental engineers in the US from 2012 to 2022. Environmental engineers earn between US$53,900 and US$92,800, and 66% report finding great meaning in their work.

7. Web Development It's no surprise that in today's digital world, web development and related fields are among the best degrees for secure career prospects. Depending on location, employer and experience, web developers earn between US$37,800 and US$84,900, and they report high job satisfaction on PayScale, with an average rating of five stars for their work. With mobile and e-commerce continuing to grow, the number of jobs in this field in the US is projected to rise 27% from 2014 to 2024.

8. Aerospace Engineering Aerospace engineers use cutting-edge technology in the design, construction and maintenance of aircraft, earning between US$63,000 and US$113,000, and 61% of professionals in the field say they find great meaning in their work. Like many engineering disciplines, it's one of the best degrees for strong salary potential, career development and continued evolution alongside industry growth.

9. Computer Science and Mathematics In today's economy, STEM students have plenty of opportunities. For example, graduates with a bachelor's degree in computer science and mathematics typically go into tech and data careers such as software engineering, robotics programming, numerical analysis, bank credit management, application programming — the list goes on. Employees with a bachelor's in computer science and mathematics earn between US$63,500 and US$111,000 on average. However, only 36% say they find great meaning in their work, so make sure this path is really right for you before choosing the major!

10. Nurse Practitioner Earning between US$71,728 and US$113,050, nurse practitioners are registered nurses who also perform duties typically carried out by doctors, such as prescribing medication and making diagnoses. According to the US Bureau of Labor Statistics, employment is projected to grow by about 30% from 2014 to 2024.

How optimistic are you about the career prospects in your field? Comment below and share your story!

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