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Are Computer Science and Healthcare Majors Still the Most Coveted?

As the class of 2024 steps out into the job market, graduates with STEM degrees are eager to see if their chosen fields will fulfill the promise of stable careers and financial security.

Learner a personalized tutoring site, recently spotlighted two majors: computer sciences and healthcare.

STEM FIELDS ON THE RISE

Graduates with STEM degrees have historically earned significantly more than those with liberal arts degrees — around 30-40% more. Over the past ten years, there’s been a 40% increase in STEM degrees awarded, a reflection of the growing demand for high-paying tech jobs. At the same time, degrees in liberal arts and humanities decreased by 14%.

The growth in Computer Science and Healthcare majors is immense. Both fields significantly outpaced the overall employment growth of approximately 12%. Between 2013 and 2022, the number of healthcare workers increased by over 70% and those in computer and mathematics roles grew by 35%.

HEALTHCARE INCREASING RAPIDLY

Looking ahead, the Bureau of Labor Statistics forecasts ongoing growth in healthcare, with health care support roles expected to grow by 15.4% and health care practitioners by 8%. These sectors are projected to be the first and third fastest-growing job categories, driven by the retiring baby boomer generation and the increasing demand for healthcare workers.

SHIFTS IN COMPUTER SCIENCE RELATED FIELDS

The short-term outlook for entry-level computer science jobs is uncertain due to recent tech sector layoffs and the impact of AI. The Wall Street Journal reported that the tech sector added only 700 jobs on net in 2023 compared to 267,000 jobs added in 2022, suggesting that instead of hiring, firms are investing more with their existing workers.

Despite the decrease in job opportunities in computer science, there’s a growing demand for specialized AI skills. According to the WSJ, about 11% of tech job listings now focus on AI, and LinkedIn reported an overall 74% increase in AI specialist roles in general over the past four years.