A&M-Commerce: A Gateway to the Fastest-Growing Careers

A recent U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics report reveals remarkable growth in the U.S. job market in the fields of health, math and computer science. In fact, 15 of the top 20 fastest-growing careers land in these three fields. As you explore expanding career opportunities in these sectors, consider how A&M-Commerce can be a gateway to your career success!

Fastest-Growing Health Careers

The U.S. Bureau of Labor report indicates that eight of the top 20 fastest-growing careers are in health fields. The U.S. Department of Labor attributes this increase to an aging population and a growing number of people with chronic diseases. The labor department predicts around two million new jobs in health fields over the next decade.

Denise Neill, head of the Department of Nursing at A&M-Commerce, also pointed out that many healthcare workers are reaching retirement age, and new workers are needed to fill the vacancies.

The fastest-growing health careers include:

Nurse Practitioner

What you will do: You will provide healthcare to patients. You may make diagnoses, prescribe medications and coordinate patient care.

Job growth (2022-32): 38% growth rate (much faster than average)

Median pay (2022): $125,900 per year

Education: You must earn at least a master's degree in one of the Advanced Practice Registered Nurses (APRN) roles, obtain a state license and pass a national certification exam.

Check out the Family Nurse Practitioner (MSN) program at A&M-Commerce.

Medical and Health Services Manager

What you will do: You will keep healthcare facilities running efficiently by planning, directing and coordinating business activities in a healthcare facility. Dr. Kim Rahebi, assistant professor of Public Health at A&M-Commerce, explained that as a key player in this dynamic field, your role will extend beyond business coordination; it will directly influence the quality of patient care. By planning, directing and coordinating business activities, you will facilitate an environment for exceptional patient care.

Job growth (2022-32): 28% growth rate (much faster than average)

Median pay (2022): $104,830 per year

Education: You'll need a bachelor's degree, but education requirements may depend on your specific job. You may also need work experience as an administrator or clinician in a medical setting.

Check out the Public Health (BSPH), Public Health (MPH) and Health Services Administration (BAAS) programs at A&M-Commerce.

Epidemiologist

What you will do: As a public health worker, you will investigate patterns and causes of disease and injury. Like a detective, you will search for clues that help determine how and why people get sick. You will also work to prevent and control disease outbreaks, relying on statistics to analyze data and uncover patterns.

Job growth (2022-32): 27% growth rate (much faster than average)

Median pay (2022): $78,520 per year

Education: You will need at least a master's degree in public health (MPH) or a related field.

Check out the Public Health (BSPH) or Public Health (MPH) programs at A&M-Commerce.

Dr. Elizabeth Wachira, program director for Graduate Public Health at A&M-Commerce, said the university’s public health programs stand out because they not only equip students with essential skills, but they foster collaboration in small, interdisciplinary classrooms, helping prepare graduates to apply their knowledge across varied professional landscapes.

Fastest-Growing Computer Science Careers

The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics also reports that computer science fields represent four of the top 20 fastest-growing careers. Dr. Abdullah Arslan, interim department head for Computer Science at A&M-Commerce, said computer science careers are on the rise because most new technologies involve computing.

“Computer science stands out as one of the most promising and impactful paths for anyone who is eager to actively shape and contribute to a dynamic global landscape,” Arslan said.

The fastest-growing computer science careers include:

Data Scientist

What you will do: As a data scientist, you will use analytical tools and techniques, math skills and statistical skills to analyze computer data and find answers to complex business and policy questions. You may help organizations gain new insights by extracting information from large data sets and translating that information into usable formats.

Job growth (2022-32): 35% (much faster than average)

Median pay (2022): $103,500 per year

Education: You will need at least a bachelor's degree in mathematics, statistics, computer science or a related field. Depending on the job, you may also need a graduate degree.

Check out the Mathematics (BS), Mathematics (MS), Computer Science (BS), Computer Science (MS), Business Analytics (BBA), Business Analytics (MS), and Business Analytics (Graduate Certificate) programs at A&M-Commerce.

Information Security Analyst

What you will do: As an information security analyst, you may monitor your organization's computer system for security breaches. You may also design and implement security measures to protect your organization's computer systems, keep up with new security technology, and employ preventative methods to help protect your company's computer data.

Job growth (2022-32): 32% (much faster than average)

Median pay (2022): $112,000 per year

Education: You will typically need a bachelor's degree in a computer science field and related work experience.

Check out the Cybersecurity (BS), Computer Science (BS), and Computer Science (MS) programs at A&M-Commerce.

Software Developer

What you will do: As a software developer, you will use your creative mind to design computer applications or programs to meet users' needs.

Job Growth (2022-32): 25% (much faster than average)

Median Pay (2022): $124,200 per year

Education: You will typically need a bachelor's degree in computer and information technology or a related field. Some employers prefer to hire developers with a master's degree.

Check out the Computer Information Systems (BSCIS), Computer Science (BS), and Computer Science (MS) programs at A&M-Commerce.

Fastest-Growing Math and Statistics Careers

Three of the fast-growing careers are in math and statistics. Dr. Tingxiu Wang, head of the Department of Mathematics at A&M-Commerce, explained that mathematicians are in high demand largely because technology industries desperately need professionals with strong math skills. Artificial intelligence (AI) is shaping the landscape of computer-related industries, and mathematics supports AI.

Wang touted A&M-Commerce as a great place to pursue a math degree because the university keeps current with the ever-changing industrial needs and emphasizes student career readiness.

The fastest-growing math and statistics careers include:

Mathematician and Statistician

What you will do: You will turn computer data into useful information for your company, analyzing data and solving complex problems using computational techniques. For example, you might design surveys to gather information and then analyze the data to identify trends and patterns.

Job growth (2022-32): 30% (much faster than average)

Median pay (2022): $99,960 per year

Education: You will likely need at least a master's degree in mathematics or statistics; however, some jobs only require a bachelor's degree.

Check out the Mathematics (BS) and Mathematics (MS) programs at A&M-Commerce.

Actuary

What you will do: Actuaries often work for insurance companies, using statistics to calculate how likely an accident, illness or other incident is to occur so they can help insurance companies set appropriate insurance rates.

Job growth (2022-32): 23% (Much faster than average)

Median pay (2022): $113,990 per year

Education: You will probably need a bachelor's degree to enter the occupation and must pass a series of exams to become certified. You will need a strong background in mathematics, statistics and business.

Check out the Mathematics (BS) and Business Administration (BS) programs at A&M-Commerce.

Operations Research Analyst

What you will do: You will use mathematics and logic to help solve complex issues. In business settings, you may help organizations make better decisions by weighing the costs and benefits of various solutions. Using computer programs, you may help companies allocate resources, develop production schedules, manage the supply chain and much more.

Job growth (2022-32): 23% (much faster than average)

Median pay (2022): $85,720 per year

Education: Typically, operations research analysts need at least a bachelor's degree to enter the occupation. Some employers require a master's degree. You may need a degree in operations research, applied mathematics, business analytics or a related field.

Check out the Mathematics (BS), Mathematics (MS), Computer Science (BS), Computer Science (MS), Business Analytics (BBA), Business Analytics (MS), and Business Analytics (Graduate Certificate) programs at A&M-Commerce.

As you explore your career options, it pays to consider the growing demand for professionals in health, computer science and mathematics. Now may be the perfect time to discover how A&M-Commerce can help guide you to a fulfilling career in one of these expanding fields. The university’s programs are designed to equip you with the skills and knowledge necessary to thrive in these high-demand industries.

Read the full U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics report.