When deciding to pursue higher education in 2023, multiple variables should be considered. Not only do you need to keep in mind the merits of different universities and colleges, you should also decide what degree path will suit your skills and interests and lead you into a stable career.
At University of Bridgeport, we take a comprehensive approach to your education, focusing on the knowledge and skills to make you an expert in your field while also exposing you to diverse disciplines and perspectives that will make you a well-rounded person. Moreover, our undergraduate and graduate-level programs are designed to help you secure a well-paying and fulfilling career.
Here are seven promising career paths for 2023 — and the UB programs that will help you get there.
#7: Dental Hygienist
In recent years, a growing number of Americans have gained access to affordable dental care. As a result, people are taking more trips to the dentist than ever before. Across the country, the overall quality of long-term oral hygiene has improved — adults and senior citizens are maintaining their natural teeth for much longer than previous generations. Add to that the growing US population, and it becomes easy to see why skilled and dedicated dental hygienists are in-demand. The Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) estimates that employment rates for dental hygienists are expected to grow by 9% over the next 8 years.
When you earn a degree in Dental Hygiene, you’ll begin a fulfilling career promoting oral health in your community. Dental hygienists play a vital role in patients’ care teams — they perform exams, x-rays, and minor procedures. They also provide preventative care and educate patients about oral hygiene.
#6: IT Manager
Successful companies, corporations, and businesses all rely on information technology and the professionals that support IT networks. IT systems store, receive, and send data to help professional operations run smoothly. Skilled technicians analyze and optimize the use of this information. They are supervised by IT managers, who organize, direct, and oversee these operations. Without the expertise of IT specialists, businesses and companies would struggle to thrive in a 21st-century market. According to the BLS, the demand for IT managers is expected to grow by 16%.
Earning your Master’s degree in Data Analytics will provide you with the knowledge and skills needed for a successful career in information technology. As you work towards this degree, you will hone your ability to combine complex information and business value into useful data.
“I graduated with a Master’s in Analytics in 2018 and since then I have had so many opportunities to advance my professional career. During my master’s I learned in-demand technical skills as well as important soft skills required to get a job in the data field.”
– Abhik Arora, MS Analytics
#5: Financial Manager
Most companies are only as effective as their budget allows. That’s why financial experts are always in demand. In both the public and private sectors, companies seek professionals who can maintain and improve the fiscal health of their organizations.
Financial managers are responsible for analyzing and overseeing expenditures. They consider the long-term economic health of their companies and use these analyses to help make growth-oriented decisions. Earning a degree in Finance is a surefire way to begin your path toward a stable career supporting the financial health of private, nonprofit, or government organizations. Employment rates for financial managers are expected to grow by 17%.
#4: Mental Health Counselor
There is little arguing that the COVID-19 pandemic took a significant toll on the mental health of Americans. Aside from anxiety and depression, the pandemic led many people to experience unprecedented loss, poverty, isolation, and more.
The silver lining of this phenomenon is that mental healthcare has become more accessible than ever. Telehealth is now widely available, bringing care to communities that are underserved. This field is actively growing — in fact, many mental health professionals are having difficulty accommodating their increasing client base. Consequently, there is a demand for mental health specialists in both the public and private spheres. Employment rates for addiction, behavioral, and mental health counselors are expected to increase by 22% over the next 8 years.
Earning a master’s degree in Clinical Mental Health Counseling is a point of entry into this rewarding profession. Counselors take a patient-centered, holistic approach to provide patients with plans, action steps, and goals for the improvement of their mental health. In the long term, counselors help their clients achieve happiness and self-fulfillment.
“So far my experience at UB and in the MS in Counseling program has been very pleasant. I love the cultural diversity of the program, because being of a Hispanic background, I want to feel welcomed in any community, and I feel welcomed and valued here. I have great professors, who are understanding and empathetic, while at the same time making sure that we graduate knowing everything we need to know and taking advantage of opportunities that are available here. I am grateful.”
– Stacey Ilona Tapia, MS Clinical Mental Health Counseling
#3: Web Software Developer
Over the past thirty years, the internet has taken on a life of its own. Cyberspace is constantly progressing and there are always new frontiers to be explored and established. After all, hybrid and online learning would have seemed outrageous in 1990 — now, it is considered commonplace. Due to the evolving landscape of the internet, web software developers are sought after by countless companies and organizations. According to the BLS, the demand for software developers is growing by 25%.
These professionals are responsible for creating user-friendly websites and applications. While some developers handle layouts, graphics, and aesthetics, others handle web structure and coding. Considering the flexibility and job security available, earning your degree in Computer Science or Engineering has never been a better investment.
At UB, our Computer Science and Engineering programs can be customized to fit your strengths and interests. When you graduate from UB, you will be prepared for a creative and rewarding career as a web software developer.
“As a UB Student, I had the freedom to explore my passions through the different electives available in the master’s in Computer Science program. I worked on projects that reflected real-world scenarios using different technologies. UB gave me a path to a career where I contribute to my community using my skills and understanding of the software development life cycle.”
– Apson Shrestha, MS Computer Science, 2018
#2: Physician Assistant (PA)
In the sphere of healthcare, physician assistants are often the unsung heroes. PAs work alongside doctors to perform intakes, conduct exams, diagnose, and treat patients. PAs help guarantee that care is prompt and attentive — in turn, this increases patient satisfaction. This also means that medical care can be provided to more people over a shorter frame of time. The demand for these medical professionals is growing at a rapid rate of 26%.
Earning a Physician Assistant master’s degree opens the door to a stable career on the frontline of health care. This career path is especially well-suited to individuals who want to help patients one-on-one but do not wish to pursue the extensive education needed to become a doctor.
“During my time at UB I was a student working hard, but also a husband and father. I received a quality education and the support from the UB faculty and staff, which enabled me to be successful in my career and a great provider for my family.”
– Matt Petersen, PA-C, Physician Assistant MS 2016
#1: Medical and Health Services Manager
As the healthcare field grows, so does the need for expert supervision. In fact, employment rates for medical and health service managers are projected to grow by 28%.
Medical and health service managers handle big-picture operations for hospitals and other medical centers. These professionals may oversee individual departments or entire facilities. Their duties generally include creating large-scale goals, supervising medical staff, and recruiting and hiring personnel.
The best way to secure a position in health management is to earn your master’s degree in Public Health. When you earn your MPH, you’ll learn how to tackle public health dilemmas while also developing the skills necessary to be an expert administrator.
Prepare for a Successful Career at UB
At University of Bridgeport, our career-based programs of study will prepare you for future success. Learn more about UB’s undergraduate and graduate programs today!