According to the U.S. Census Bureau, those with a bachelor’s degree enjoy median annual salaries of $51,554 (as cited in Anas, 2006). Unfortunately, with a weakened economy, even bachelor’s degree holders can struggle to find lucrative work. Therefore, it is important to choose a college degree that will prepare you for a successful career. Read on to learn about bachelor’s degrees that have the potential to lead to high-paying, in-demand jobs, even in a recession.

Bachelor’s Degrees in Nursing

Despite the recession, the field of nursing is expected to continue to grow. According to the U.S. Department of Labor’s Bureau of Labor Statistics, the field of nursing is expected to expand by 23.5 percent through the next decade, with an estimated 233,499 yearly job openings for nurses.

Careers in Nursing: According to the Department of Labor, nurses enjoy median annual earnings of $60,010. They also engage in meaningful work, cooperating with physicians and other medical professionals to treat patients in healthcare settings. They may be required to maintain patients’ medical records and monitor patient symptoms and vital signs, such as temperature and blood pressure. Nurses collaborate with physicians to plan patient treatment, and they often counsel patients regarding disease prevention.

With considerable job growth and above-average earnings expected for nurses, a bachelor’s degree in nursing is valuable, even in a dubious economy.

Bachelor’s Degrees in Computer Science

Also a growing field, computer science provides an opportunity for success, despite the recession. A bachelor’s degree in computer science prepares students to work in the field of computer software engineering, which is expected to grow by 28.2 percent in the next ten years, according to the U.S. Department of Labor. 33,139 job openings are expected in the field each year, and computer software engineers boast median annual earnings of $89,070, as indicated by the U.S. Department of Labor.

Computer software engineers are often skilled in mathematics and science. They design and test software for usability, in addition to conducting research regarding new software. Computer software engineers are also often responsible for fixing malfunctioning software and installing new software systems. They may also assist customers with the running of software.

Bachelor’s Degrees in Psychology/Social Work

Obtaining a bachelor’s degree in either psychology or social work can also prepare students for successful careers.

With a bachelor’s degree in psychology or a related field, one can become employed as a substance abuse counselor and earn $35,580 a year, according to the U.S. Department of Labor. The department of Labor has also reported that substance abuse counseling is expected to grow by 34.3 percent during the next decade, with 20,821 yearly job openings in the field.

According to Michael Farr and Laurence Shatkin, authors of the 2009 Publican 50 Best Jobs for Your Personality, substance abuse counselors “counsel and advise individuals with alcohol; tobacco; drug; or other problems, such as gambling and eating disorders” in addition to working with the families of addicts and implementing programs aimed at prevention (p.332). Substance abuse counselors play a leading role in the treatment of addictions.

Similar to substance abuse counseling, the field of social service management is also growing, with the U.S Department of Labor estimating that 23,788 jobs will be available in the field each year. The median yearly salary is $54,530, according to the Department of Labor. To obtain a position in the field, one is typically required to have a bachelor’s degree in human services, social work, or a related field, as well as relevant job experience.

Social services managers enjoy fulfilling work, setting goals and creating policies for social service programs and organizations. They oversee the budget and activities of their agencies, often supervising social workers and other professionals.

Bachelor’s Degrees in Accounting

Accounting is a growing field within the area of business. The Department of Labor expects 134,463 jobs to become available in the field each year, with accountants earning median yearly salaries of $57,060.

Accountants prepare and maintain financial reports for businesses, ensuring that they are accurate. These reports include information regarding profits, loss, assets, and liabilities. Accountants may also be responsible for preparing and filing tax information for businesses.

Accounting, in addition to social service management, substance abuse counseling, computer software engineering, and nursing, is a growing field, even in a state of economic recession. By choosing the proper college degree, students can become employed in one of these fields and earn a comfortable living.