What are Popular New College Degree Programs that have Emerged?

<p>It's no surprise that many of the popular new college degree programs deal with technology. As new technologies develop, colleges and universities create programs to train the next generation of workers. </p> <h3 id="section---ImportantFactsAboutTheseFieldsOfStudy">Important Facts about These Fields of Study</h3> <p /> <table border="1"><tr><td> Common Courses</td><td> Statistics, data analysis, digital media</td></tr> <tr><td>Degree/Certificate Levels</td><td> Bachelor's and master's degrees available in biometrics and social media; primarily master's and doctorate degrees available in data science</td></tr> <tr><td> Online Availability</td><td> Online programs available in biometrics, data science, and social media</td></tr> <tr><td> Possible Careers</td><td> Criminal justice or forensic sciences for biometrics graduates; data scientist, web developer, and program analyst for data science graduates; Media promoter or content creator for social media graduates.</td></tr> <tr><td> Median Salary (2021) </td><td> $61,930 (<i>for forensic science technicians</i>) <br /> $77,030 (<i>for web developers</i>) <br /> $127,150 (<i>for advertising and promotions managers</i>)</td></tr> <tr><td> Job Outlook (2021-2031) </td><td> 11% growth (<i>for forensic science technicians</i>) <br /> 30% growth (<i>for web developers</i>) <br /> 10% growth (<i>for advertising and promotions managers</i>)</td></tr> </table><p><i>Source: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics</i> </p> <h3 id="section---BiometricsDegree">Biometrics Degree</h3> <p>Biometrics is an emerging technology that is used in security, business, and banking, among other industries. Biometrics systems can be used to identify a person through things like fingerprints, eye scans or voice recognition. </p> <p>Students interested in this field will find that programs combine engineering, math and statistics training with the focus on this new technology. Both bachelor's and master's programs are available in biometrics, and you might find the following courses in one of these programs: </p> <ul><li>Biometrics in business </li><li>Bioengineering </li><li>Microprocessor Systems </li><li>Statistics </li></ul><h3 id="section---DataScienceDegree">Data Science Degree</h3> <p>Digital data is everywhere, and many companies are seeking professionals who can analyze this data using algorithms, statistical modeling and other forms of analysis. To study data science, you'll need to consider graduate school, since data science programs are more commonly available at the master's level. These programs generally require that you have a background in math, engineering or computer science in order to be admitted. A bachelor's degree in a quantitative science may also be acceptable. </p> <p>Data science degree programs typically include a capstone course and focus heavily on statistical analysis and mathematical modeling while also featuring courses in computer science concepts. Courses you might take in a master's program in data science include: </p> <ul><li>Regression analysis </li><li>Big data management and analysis </li><li>Data Mining </li><li>Database systems </li></ul><h3 id="section---SocialMediaDegree">Social Media Degree</h3> <p>Degree programs in social media combine training in graphic design, business, and statistics with marketing, advertising and journalism strategies. These programs are offered at both the undergraduate and graduate levels. </p> <p>Students examine how social media can be used in the workplace and how this data can be tracked and analyzed. Methods for creating marketing strategies using this communication channel are also covered in these programs. Some courses you can take include: </p> <ul><li>Web analytics </li><li>Social media strategies </li><li>Digital media </li><li>Search engine optimization</li></ul>