What Is the Best Degree To Get In Your 30s?
Find out about some of the best degrees to pursue if you're considering a career change in your 30s. Learn about the benefits of returning to college at 30.
Thinking of going back to school at age 30? If so, you may be wondering about the different degrees and career paths you could pursue.
What are the best degrees for when you're 30?
There are many good degree programs you can pursue as a nontraditional adult student in your 30s. Some of the best options are in healthcare, technology, and business.
Read on for answers to common questions you may have and to find out more about some of the top degree programs for 30-year-olds.
Should You Go Back to College at 30?
The idea of going back to school in your 30s may seem overwhelming.
You probably have a full-time job and family commitments, so you're wondering if you'll be able to devote enough time and focus to the coursework.
These are factors that you will need to take into consideration, and only you can decide whether going back to college right now makes sense for you.
That said, generally speaking, there are many good reasons to go back to college at this point in your life.
You are still young, but you have more work and life experience behind you than you did a decade ago.
You probably have a better idea of your career goals and aspirations.
If you are contemplating a career change, then making that change sooner rather than later will give you more years to work in your new profession and prepare for retirement.
If you're planning to stay in the same industry but are hoping for a salary increase, then getting your bachelor's degree may help you start earning more as soon as you graduate.
In short, you are not too old to go to college at 30, and many schools even offer flexible online or part-time programs that are designed for older, nontraditional students.
If you are considering getting a bachelor's degree, then right now is a great time to start.
Discover Accredited Online Programs
Find the program that works best for you and apply today.
Southern New Hampshire University
You have goals. Southern New Hampshire University can help you reach them. Whether you need a bachelor's degree to get into a career or want a master's degree to move up in your current career, SNHU has an online program for you.
University of Maryland Global Campus
University of Maryland Global Campus provides affordable, achievable, and flexible pathways to a college degree for adult learners. With over 90 degrees and certificates, UMGC is built to fit your schedule and goals.
University of North Carolina
The University of North Carolina offers a wide range of online programs designed for working adults. Earn your degree from a nationally recognized institution with flexible scheduling and strong academic support.
Arizona State University
Arizona State University offers more than 300 online degree programs, certificates and courses. ASU Online delivers the same rigorous academic programs as on campus, with the flexibility you need to succeed.
Best Degrees to Pursue in Your 30s
So, you've decided to go back to school, but you're wondering what degree you should pursue.
Let's take a look at some of the top options for people planning to change or advance their careers at age 30.
1. Nursing
There are many pathways to enter the field of nursing.
You can get started with as little as an associate's degree in nursing, though many employers prefer candidates holding bachelor's degrees.
If you are already a registered nurse, you may consider going back to school to get a bachelor's degree and pursue a pay increase as well as a wider variety of career options.
On the other hand, if you're looking to become a nurse for the first time in your 30s, this is an excellent field to enter; nurses are always in demand.
2. Computer Science
Computer science is a versatile degree with a variety of high-paying, in-demand career options.
You could work in information technology, computer programming, or software development.
While you don't necessarily need a degree to break into the technology field, having an associate's or bachelor's degree in computer science can make you a more desirable candidate and qualify you for a variety of positions.
This is an excellent field to transition into if you are in your 30s and looking to change careers.
Getting your degree in computer science is also a great idea if you already work in technology and are looking to move up in your career.
3. Communications
Communications is one of the most versatile degrees available, as those holding this degree can pursue careers in almost any industry.
A degree in communications is a great option for those interested in writing, editing, marketing, advertising, politics, media, and much more.
Many communications degrees can be completed entirely online, giving busy nontraditional students more flexibility in how they obtain their degree.
4. Accounting
Getting a degree in accounting allows you to pursue a career as an accountant.
If you are good with numbers and have an interest in tax laws, becoming an accountant could be a good move for you.
Accountants typically work for businesses, creating financial documents, making financial decisions, and helping their companies with filing taxes.
A bachelor's degree in accounting is sufficient to get started as an accountant; however, if you decide to become a certified public accountant (CPA), you may need to go on to obtain your master's degree.
5. Finance
A finance degree is relatively versatile, allowing you to pursue several different careers.
Some of the options include a financial advisor and a financial analyst.
A bachelor's degree in finance will help you pursue many of these positions, though in some cases you may need to obtain a master's degree as well.
If you already have some entry-level experience in finances, such as working in a bank, completing a degree in finance will allow you to further your career and potentially become eligible for a pay increase.
6. Business
There are various types of business majors, such as business administration, business management, business analytics, and entrepreneurship.
Some of the many careers you can pursue as a business major include project management, business administration, and human resources.
Business administration is one of the most common degrees available and can often be completed entirely online.
Depending on your career aspirations, you may want to obtain a master's degree after finishing your bachelor's.
7. Marketing
Marketing is another versatile major leading to a variety of positions in advertising and sales.
You could become a sales manager, digital marketer, or SEO specialist, to name a few.
You could pursue a generic marketing degree or something more specific, such as marketing analytics or digital marketing.
Marketing is a great degree program for someone in their 30s who is looking for a career change or looking to advance within their company.
8. Health Information Management
The field of health informatics involves documenting, organizing, and filing patient health records, using them for insurance claims, and making sure they are kept confidential.
If you already work as a registered health information technician (RHIT) and you want to advance to a management position, pursuing a degree in health information management can help you attain that goal.
This is a great degree option for 30-year-olds looking to continue in their current career path but be eligible for a promotion and pay raise.
9. Counseling
There are various types of counseling degrees, but a generic degree in counseling can take you down a variety of rewarding career paths.
Potential career paths include working as a substance abuse counselor, a school counselor, a marriage counselor, or a family counselor.
Depending on your career goals, you may need to go on to get your master's degree, but for some career paths, a bachelor's degree will be sufficient.
10. Education
Finally, it's not too late to start a career in education in your 30s.
Whether you've always dreamed of becoming a teacher or are interested in another position, consider getting an education degree.
A general education degree can lead to various opportunities, but you could also pursue a more specific degree in elementary or secondary education, early childhood education, or another field.
In addition to a teaching position, other potential education careers to consider include education specialist and professor.
Start Your New Degree Path Today
There are lots of good degrees to choose from when you go back to school at 30. Some of the best options are nursing, education, computer science, and accounting.
