Please Note: This article was published in 2017.
Not sure about your major? No sweat! 20 to 50 percent of students are undecided when they start college, and up to 75 percent end up changing their major. But while it's perfectly OK not knowing where you see yourself post-graduation just yet, it's also important to start weighing your interests and career options now.
JJC offers more than 180 degree and certificate programs (click here to see them all). If you're looking for a job you know will be relevant after you graduate, take a look at our list of up-and-coming fields and the careers you can land with a degree in each field.
Not enrolled at JJC? Apply here.
Health and Public Services
JJC Department Chair: Duane Stonich, dstonich@jjc.edu
Website: jjc.edu/academics/health-and-public-services and jjc.edu/emergency-services
Transfer programs available
WHY IT'S UP-AND-COMING:
It's no secret that the healthcare industry has a need for qualified, medical professionals. Health care support jobs are particularly on the rise, with many seeing increases of more than 20 percent from 2014 to 2024, according to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics. The reason for this increase is that more people are seeking care because they have health insurance and the U.S. population (as a whole) is getting older.
- Phlebotomist
Degree needed: Associate
Average Salary: $32,710 per year
Job Outlook: 25 percent projected increase from 2016-2026
Learn about JJC's program - Veterinary Medical Technician
Degree needed: Associate
Average Salary: $32,490 per year
Job Outlook: 20 percent projected increase from 2016-2026
Learn about JJC's program - Diagnostic Medical Sonographer
Degree needed: Associate
Average Salary: $64,280 per year
Job Outlook: 17 percent projected increase from 2016-2026
Learn about JJC's program - EMT/Paramedic
Degree needed: Associate
Average Salary: $32,670 per year
Job Outlook: 15 percent projected increase from 2016-2026
Learn about JJC's program
- Radiologic Technologist
Degree needed: Associate
Average Salary: $58,960 per year
Job Outlook: 13 percent projected increase from 2016-2026
Learn about JJC's program - Certified Nursing Assistant
Degree needed: Associate
Average Salary: $26,590 per year
Job Outlook: 11 percent projected increase from 2016-2026
Learn about JJC's program
2. Nursing
JJC Department Chair: Mary Beth Luna, mluna@jjc.edu
Website: jjc.edu/nursing
Transfer programs available
WHY IT'S UP-AND-COMING:
News of the nation's nursing shortage has been abuzz for the past ten years, and it was reported in 2016 that it was the most in-demand job in the U.S. The occupation will continue to grow as nurses gain more responsibilities within hospitals.
- Registered Nurse
Degree needed: Bachelor's (some hospitals will hire RNs with associate degrees)
Average Salary: $68,450 per year
Job Outlook: 15 percent projected increase from 2016-2026
Learn about JJC's program - Licensed Practical Nurse
Degree needed: Associate
Average Salary: $44,090 per year
Job Outlook: 12 percent projected increase from 2016-2026
Learn about JJC's program
3. Information Technology
JJC Contact: Pamela Dunn, padunn@jjc.edu
Website: jjc.edu/choose-your-path/business-finance-information-technology
Transfer programs available
WHY IT'S UP-AND-COMING:
With new developments in technology each year, it's no wonder that computer jobs are on the rise. In almost every sector of Information Technology, jobs have a very healthy projected growth rate.
- Information Security Analyst
Degree needed: Bachelor's
Average Salary: $92,600 per year
Job Outlook: 28 percent projected increase from 2016-2026
Learn about JJC's program - Software Developer
Degree needed: Bachelor's
Average Salary: $102,280 per year
Job Outlook: 24 percent projected increase from 2016-2026
Learn about JJC's program - Web Developer
Degree needed: Associate
Average Salary: $66,130 per year
Job Outlook: 15 percent projected increase from 2016-2026
Learn about JJC's program
- Health Information Technician
Degree needed: Associate
Average Salary: $38,040 per year
Job Outlook: 13 percent projected increase from 2016-2026
Learn about JJC's program
- Computer Support Specialist
Degree needed: Associate (some positions require a bachelor's degree)
Average Salary: $52,160 per year
Job Outlook: 11 percent projected increase from 2016-2026
Learn about JJC's program - Computer Systems Analyst
Degree needed: Bachelor's
Average Salary: $87,220 per year
Job Outlook: 9 percent projected increase from 2016-2026
Learn about JJC's program
4. Social and Behavioral Sciences (Human Services)
JJC Program Coordinator: Patricia Katralis, pkatrali@jjc.edu
Website: jjc.edu/academics/human-services
Transfer programs available
WHY IT'S UP-AND-COMING:
Flying somewhat under the radar, the human services industry is seeing an increase in positions by an average of 10 percent across the board from 2014 to 2024, according to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics. According to BestValueSchools, this is attributed to the aging U.S. population, more people who have insurance, U.S. poverty rates and more.
- Substance Abuse Counselor
Degree needed: Associate
Average Salary: $41,070 per year
Job Outlook: 23 percent projected increase from 2016-2026
Learn about JJC's program - Behavioral Disorder Counselor
Degree needed: Bachelor's
Average Salary: $41,070 per year
Job Outlook: 23 percent projected increase from 2016-2026
Learn about JJC's program
- Marriage/Family Therapist
Degree needed: Master's
Average Salary: $44,170 a year per year
Job Outlook: 23 percent projected increase from 2016-2026
Learn about JJC's program - Social Worker
Degree needed: Bachelor's
Average Salary: $46,890 per year
Job Outlook: 16 percent projected increase from 2016-2026
Learn about JJC's program - Social/Human Services Assistant
Degree needed: Associate
Average Salary: $31,810 per year
Job Outlook: 16 percent projected increase from 2016-2026
Learn about JJC's program
Need Help Choosing a Major?
Set up an appointment with a career adviser (Career Services Center) or with a counselor (Counseling and Advising Office).
Career Services Center
Phone: (815) 280-2756
Location: A-1175, Main Campus
Website: jjc.edu/careers
Student Advising Center
Phone: (815) 280-2673
Location: A-1154, Main Campus
Website: jjc.edu/advising
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