Thriving in Today’s Job Market with a Two Year Degree

nursingWhile a college education is expensive, most students would agree it’s worth the cost if it helps you get – and thrive in – an interesting and lucrative position. But, say career development professionals, there are plenty of good-paying jobs available for those who have only a two-year associate’s degree.

If you can’t afford the time or money for a four-year degree, consider pursuing one of these five areas:

Information science – If tinkering with technology is your bag, an associate’s degree in information science is all you need to land a lucrative job in the support, repair and maintenance of computer equipment and software.  According the U.S. Department of Labor, the median annual salary for a computer support specialist is $46,420.

Paralegal studies – If you are interested in the field of law, a two-year degree in this area can prepare you to organize case files, conduct legal research, and draft documents for attorneys – an interesting job with an average median salary of $46,990, the Department says.

Nursing – If you have a passion for the medical field, you may find great satisfaction as a nurse. Registered nurses earn annual pay of around $65,000, and an associate’s degree is one of three pathways to employment in this growing field. (The others are a bachelor’s degree in nursing or a diploma from an approved nursing program.)

Industrial engineering technology – If you are analytical and detail-oriented, a two-year degree in industrial engineering will prepare you to manage personnel, materials and machines in factories, stores, health care organizations, and other areas. As assistants to industrial engineers, you can earn a median of $50,980 annually.

Dental hygiene – Earning a two-year degree in this field is a win-win situation for people interested in dentistry. You can clean teeth, examine patients, and provide other preventive dental care while receiving a median salary that exceeds $70,000 a year.

By Barbara Pronin

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