6 High-Demand Degrees & Degrees of the Future

The world is evolving—and so is today’s job market. From the effects of the pandemic to an increasingly global economy, there are a multitude of factors that determine what degrees are in high demand today.

At Tompkins Cortland Community College, we are committed to offering the latest in-demand programs that lead to a positive job outlook. Read on for just some of the high-demand degrees that we offer at TC3.

High-demand Degrees:

1. Paralegal

When it comes to degrees in high demand, a paralegal degree is a solid choice. According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, employment growth for paralegals is projected to be 12 percent between 2020 and 2030.
The paralegal program at TC3 will prepare you for employment as a paralegal or legal assistant. It’s a powerful pipeline for direct employment in the field, with an average of five candidate requests for every one graduate. In fact, most students receive job offers during their final semester internships, leaving even fewer candidates to meet the remaining demand.

2. Sport Management

Next on our list of degrees of the future is Sport Management. Today’s public and not-for-profit organizations are building and expanding sports facilities, creating new opportunities for trained professionals in the sport management field. 
The A.S. degree in sport management at TC3 provides an overview of the sports industry with an emphasis on business, preparing students for a job in sports marketing or a related role.

3.  Chemical Dependency Counseling

When looking at what degrees are in high demand, chemical dependency counseling is a good bet. As we learn more about the frequency and severity of alcoholism and other substance abuse, qualified chemical dependency counselors are in demand. In fact, the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics reported that the overall employment growth for substance abuse, behavioral disorder and mental health counselors is expected to be 25 percent from 2019-2029. 
The Chemical Dependency Counseling degree program as TC3 prepares students to work as addiction specialists in rehabilitation centers, educational settings, community organizations, inpatient/outpatient programs, residential settings, correctional facilities, hospitals, and related public agencies. Many graduates go on to transfer to four-year universities to pursue a career in social work or psychology.

4.  International Business

A fully global economy represents the future. High-demand degrees are emerging to address this reality, such as TC3’s A.S. degree in International Business.
The program is designed to help students understand the importance of international business to the U.S. economy, the differences in the economic systems that exist in the global economy, the complexities of international marketing and sales, and the principles and requirements of exporting. In an increasingly global marketplace, it’s no wonder this program is on our list of degrees in high demand.

5.  Engineering Science

The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics estimates a large need for engineers and computer-related employees over the next 10 years. Engineers consistently command the highest starting salaries of all bachelor’s degree graduates, and this is expected to continue in the future. high-demand degrees such as engineering are a smart choice for those interested in both job security and a strong financial outlook.
The Engineering Science program at TC3 is designed for transfer into the junior class at a four-year college or university. After earning an associate degree at TC3, many students go on to major in chemical engineering, civil engineering, electrical engineering, or mechanical engineering.

6. Healthcare Microcredentials

The job outlook for the healthcare field is consistently positive.TC3 offers quality healthcare-related microcredential programs, including a Clinical Medical Assistant credential and a Medical Office Administrative Assistant credential. These programs will provide graduates with the skills and resources needed to begin a professional career in as little as one semester.