The year is 2035. Your AI companion’s name is Martha. She’s sweet and mostly answers your questions. That is, until her brain can’t compute and she responds, “I’m sorry, I don’t understand.”
OK, maybe we’re overthinking the future, but there’s no doubt that the world is changing. From tech to climate change to shifts in labor trends, it’s no surprise people are asking: “Will my degree matter in 10-15 years?”
Some will. Others won’t. However, certain degrees are built on timeless human needs, evolving industries, and future-forward thinking.
If you’re choosing a degree today, these six are worth serious consideration.
1. Social Work
As long as there are people, there is a demand for professionals who understand and advocate for them.
Social workers are trained to support individuals and communities through mental health issues, poverty, addiction, and systemic inequality.
With the growing focus on diversity, trauma-informed care, and social justice, social workers will be essential in schools, healthcare, and policymaking settings.
MSW programs are already producing future-ready social workers qualified to address personal struggles and broader social and economic injustices. Hybrid MSW programs are opportune learning spaces for students who prefer online, hybrid, and in-person classes.
A Master of Social Work degree helps you reach your goal as a social worker in 16 months. All you need is a bachelor’s degree in any field, among other admission requirements.
The University of the Pacific advises enrolling in a hybrid program that teaches advanced competencies and ensures you have field experience hours.
2. Computer Science and AI
This one’s a no-brainer.
Technology is only becoming more integrated into our lives. From artificial intelligence (AI) to automation, the demand for computer science graduates is expected to skyrocket.
Computer science and data analysis are among the top degrees for the future. And this isn’t just about writing code.
The future needs ethical programmers, AI trainers, machine learning engineers, and cybersecurity experts who understand the societal impacts of what they build.
3. Health Sciences and Nursing
Aging populations, global health crises, and advances in medical tech are reshaping healthcare.
The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics consistently projects faster-than-average growth for healthcare jobs, especially nursing and allied health roles.
Health science degrees are becoming more interdisciplinary, combining clinical care with data, public health, and tech.
By 2035, we’ll need health professionals who can treat patients, interpret data, use AI diagnostic tools, and champion accessible care systems.
4. Environmental Science and Sustainability
The climate crisis isn’t going away. It’s only getting louder.
Degrees in environmental science, climate policy, and sustainable engineering are expected to become even more critical.
Times Higher Education reports that environmental education will be central to universities’ missions heading into the 2030s.
From renewable energy engineers to urban planners and conservation scientists, grads in this field will shape how we adapt and survive on a climate-changing planet.
5. Mathematics and Data Science
Surprise! Math is far from boring, and it’s not going anywhere.
Fast Company makes a strong case that math skills will be crucial in an automated, data-heavy future. Why? Behind every algorithm, financial forecast, and climate model is a person fluent in math and logic.
Degrees in math and data science open doors to careers in finance, health analytics, AI, logistics, and scientific research.
The real power comes in combining analytical thinking with ethical decision-making – something computers alone can’t do.
6. Education and Learning Design
As technology evolves, so must how we teach. The world needs K-12 teachers, instructional designers, and edtech developers.
Inside Higher Ed notes that by 2031, most “good” jobs will require at least a bachelor’s degree. That means we’ll need educators not to teach, but to redesign learning systems entirely.
Education degrees will stay relevant by focusing on critical thinking, adaptability, and digital fluency. Lifelong learning won’t be a buzzword; it will be the norm.
The Future Isn’t Degree-Free
There’s discord surrounding whether degrees are even worth it anymore.
Nevertheless, college graduates still earn more and have more job stability over time.
The key is choosing a degree that evolves with the world, not against it.
Whether it’s human services, healthcare, data, or the environment, these fields will be instrumental in shaping our future. Soon, these professionals will be key players in building more equitable systems.
By investing in them, you’re not chasing a job. You’re preparing to thrive in 2035 and beyond.
In the meantime, start by enrolling in online programs or online courses at a graduate school to gain an advanced standing degree.
