These days, earning a bachelor’s degree isn’t just a way to get ahead – it’s table stakes for many career opportunities. But that doesn’t mean it’s a meaningless grind. In fact, getting your bachelor’s degree is a great way to turn your passion into a career opportunity.
Careers That Require a Bachelor’s Degree
What jobs can you get with a bachelor’s degree? We’ve gone through data from the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) to compile a list of some of the best opportunities, organized alphabetically, along with position summaries and median wage data. For some roles, you may need a license or certification in addition to your degree.
Where Can I Apply for a Bachelor’s Degree?
You can earn a bachelor’s degree from any accredited university or college. The application process varies by institution, but generally, you’ll need to:
- Research programs and institutions to identify those that offer the best value for your goals, budget, and life situation. Consider the following:
- Does the institution offer scholarships?
- Are you willing to take out a loan if needed?
- How customizable is the degree path?
- If you’ve earned credits elsewhere, will they transfer?
- Review admission requirements for your finalists.
- Gather your application materials, including transcripts, SAT/ACT scores, relevant work experience, and any letters of recommendation.
- Complete the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA).
- Submit your application.
Biomedical Engineers
Median Wage: Approximately $97,400
This is a great option if you’d like a job that’s healthcare-adjacent but still focused primarily on engineering. What do biomedical engineers do, exactly? The answer is multi-faceted, but broadly, they are responsible for designing equipment, devices, software, and even new drug therapies for use in the medical field.
Business Analysts
Median Wage: Approximately $93,000
In this role, you’ll focus on helping organizations improve their efficiency. You’ll analyze data, interview personnel, and recommend solutions or new ways to approach challenges. Many business analysts work on a contractual basis – ideal for those who don’t want to be tied to a single company.
Career and College Counselors
Median Wage: Approximately $60,500
This is one of the more impactful jobs you can get with a bachelor’s degree, as you’ll be focused on helping students or clients figure out the next step in their education or career. You’ll also help identify the skills they already have (or need to develop) to make it a reality.
Child, Family, and School Social Workers
Median Wage: Approximately $50,400
Broadly, your focus in this role will be helping children and families cope with change and challenges in their lives. Social workers may work in schools or in healthcare settings. You may also need to work with clients suffering from mental health issues and substance abuse.
Creative Directors
Median Wage: Approximately $100,900
Creative directors need to be able to communicate abstract concepts in a visual way. Many are responsible for managing artists and designers to ensure their work helps advance the vision and tell the story, no matter the medium. This is a great role to consider if you can enthusiastically support and inspire your art staff.
Elementary Teachers
Median Wage: Approximately $61,400
What jobs can you get with a bachelor’s degree that give you a real chance to impact the future? Elementary school teachers work in public and private institutions to prepare students for middle school and beyond. It’s no secret this is a challenging position: be ready to grade assignments, ensure students are ready for state proficiency tests, communicate with parents and caregivers, and much more. But once you complete your teacher certification, you’ll also have the opportunity to positively impact students’ learning and lives each day.
Financial Managers
Median Wage: Approximately $131,700
Often working as part of a team, you’ll analyze data and build reports that help organizations identify opportunities for increased profit, such as increased efficiency or investments. While researching how to become a financial manager, take special notice of the certifications available. These are not typically required to be considered for roles, but they can help demonstrate your proficiency in certain specializations.
History Teachers
Median Wage: Approximately $61,800
As a history teacher, you’ll help students understand the historical context of major events as well as their role in shaping our modern world. Be ready for a challenging career: besides grading assignments, planning lessons, and getting students ready for state tests, you may also be required to prepare students for advanced placement exams, communicate with parents about learning difficulties, and identify students who are ready for more challenging material. You’ll need a teaching certification in addition to your bachelor’s degree for this role.
Multimedia Artists and Animators
Median Wage: Approximately $78,800
What jobs can you get with a bachelor’s degree in fine arts or animation? Multimedia artists and animators typically complete their degree and then go on to build experience through contract opportunities and continued self-study. If you’re looking for a full-time role, make sure to sharpen your technical skills and develop a strong portfolio.
Nurses
Median Wage: Approximately $77,600
Responsibilities for registered nurses vary widely, but in general, you can expect to document patients’ symptoms, administer medicine, help with testing, and help answer patients’ questions. If you’re wondering how to become a nurse, you’ll need to be licensed in addition to your bachelor’s degree in nursing. Be ready for a role that’s as challenging as it is rewarding: nursing jobs can be physically demanding and often involve long shifts, including nights and weekends.
Real Estate Agents
Median Wage: Approximately $48,800
There’s more to real estate than buying and selling property. In addition to your bachelor’s degree, you’ll take a special licensure course to learn how to be a real estate agent. Top agents benefit their clients by staying informed on loan rates, zoning, and the broader financial ecosystem.
So, what jobs can you get with a bachelor’s degree? Chances are there’s a career that will fit your your passion.
Sources
- https://www.bls.gov/ooh/arts-and-design/art-directors.htm
- https://www.bls.gov/ooh/architecture-and-engineering/biomedical-engineers.htm
- https://www.bls.gov/ooh/management/financial-managers.htm
- https://www.bls.gov/ooh/education-training-and-library/kindergarten-and-elementary-school-teachers.htm#tab-2
- https://www.bls.gov/ooh/education-training-and-library/high-school-teachers.htm
- https://www.bls.gov/ooh/business-and-financial/management-analysts.htm#tab-1
- https://www.bls.gov/ooh/arts-and-design/multimedia-artists-and-animators.htm#tab-1
- https://www.bls.gov/ooh/sales/real-estate-brokers-and-sales-agents.htm
- https://www.bls.gov/ooh/healthcare/registered-nurses.htm#tab-1
- https://www.bls.gov/ooh/community-and-social-service/school-and-career-counselors.htm
- https://www.bls.gov/ooh/community-and-social-service/social-workers.htm