The 9 highest-paying college majors that result in fulfilling careers.
To secure a gratifying job, you may want to study music therapy for your degree.
According to a recent Payscale report, graduates in the medical and therapeutic fields are among the college majors that help individuals secure jobs that improve the world.
According to Payscale, 95% of alumni with bachelor's degrees in music therapy find their work fulfilling and believe it makes the world a better place. The American Music Therapy Association states that music therapy programs include coursework in music, music therapy, science, and psychology.
According to the organization's website, knowledge and skills in music therapy are acquired through coursework and clinical training that encompass both theoretical and practical aspects of treatment procedures and techniques.
Music therapists provide services to clients dealing with physical disabilities or mental health issues in traditional settings. Additionally, individuals in hospice care, substance abuse programs, and cancer treatment centers have experienced benefits from music therapist visits, as stated by the AMTA.
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While some positions in music therapy may not pay top dollar, the median income for degree-holders is $49,400 in the first five years of working and $64,900 with 10 or more years of experience.
According to Payscale, the nine majors and degrees that alumni are most likely to say led to meaningful careers are: other degrees.
1. Music therapy
- Percent of alumni who say their work makes a positive difference: 95%
- Early career median pay: $49,400
- Midcareer median pay: $64,900
2. Cardiopulmonary science
- Percent of alumni who say their work makes a positive difference: 92%
- Early career median pay: $58,200
- Midcareer median pay: $84,000
3. Radiation therapy
- Percent of alumni who say their work makes a positive difference: 91%
- Early career median pay: $78,100
- Midcareer median pay: $109,500
4. Alcohol and drug studies
- Percent of alumni who say their work makes a positive difference: 90%
- Early career median pay: $43,500
- Midcareer median pay: $59,200
5. Addictions counseling
- Percent of alumni who say their work makes a positive difference: 89%
- Early career median pay: $45,400
- Midcareer median pay: $51,800
6. Cardiovascular technology
- Percent of alumni who say their work makes a positive difference: 89%
- Early career median pay: $67,800
- Midcareer median pay: $77,900
7. Bachelor of science in nursing
- Percent of alumni who say their work makes a positive difference: 88%
- Early career median pay: $74,300
- Midcareer median pay: $92,900
8. Physical therapy
- Percent of alumni who say their work makes a positive difference: 88%
- Early career median pay: $57,500
- Midcareer median pay: $112,700
9. Applied behavior analysis
- Percent of alumni who say their work makes a positive difference: 88%
- Early career median pay: $44,700
- Midcareer median pay: $82,400
Radiation and physical therapies alumni demonstrate that it is possible to attain both a high salary and a sense of purpose in their careers. These professionals typically earn median midcareer salaries exceeding $100,000.
Those with a bachelor's degree in petroleum engineering can earn a median of $212,100 with 10 or more years of experience, but only 60% of workers feel their job contributes to making the world a better place, according to Payscale.
The choice between having more meaning or more money in your career is yours to make. Many jobs do not prioritize your major but rather your ability to acquire the necessary skills.
Christine Cruzvergara, chief education strategy officer at Handshake, stated that for most jobs, employers are not concerned with an individual's major.
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