How UM-Flint prepares students for the nation’s fastest-growing careers

The job market is evolving at an unprecedented pace, driven by advancements in technology, shifting economic demands, and new ways of working. While these changes can seem daunting, they also create exciting opportunities for those with the appropriate preparation. The right college degree can position learners for a career that is not only financially rewarding but also deeply fulfilling on a personal level, whether a student's passion lies in health care, business, STEM or elsewhere.

The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics lists the nation's top 20 fastest-growing career pathways, ranging from actuary to nurse practitioner. Many of these in-demand careers are reflected directly in the University of Michigan-Flint's degree program offerings, as UM-Flint provides a broad education as well as targeted preparation for the positions employers are looking to fill. Still other careers represented on the list require further education–UM-Flint has a proven record of preparing scholars for admittance and success in veterinary school, for example.

The list below showcases the career pathways the BLS has highlighted as most promising in the years to come and the degrees that UM-Flint offers to help future professionals enter the industry.

Nurse Practitioner

Growth rate, 2023-33: 46%
Median pay, 2024: $129,210

As a nurse with a graduate-level education, nurse practitioners share many duties with physicians, including diagnosing diseases and conditions and prescribing medication. UM-Flint offers a variety of Doctor of Nursing Practice programs, including options for those continuing their education from the bachelor's level or master's level. These online programs offer five specialty tracks:

Adult Gerontology Acute Care
Adult Gerontology Primary Care
Family
Psychiatric Mental Health
Neonatal

Data Scientist

Growth rate, 2023-33: 36%
Median pay, 2024: $112,590

Data scientists use their technical skills to turn vast amounts of raw information into actionable insights for businesses and organizations. UM-Flint's data science programs are available at both the undergraduate and master's levels. Both degrees are offered in flexible formats–online and in-person–and students can take advantage of the joint BS/MS option, simultaneously earning undergraduate and graduate credits.

Information Security Analyst

Growth rate, 2023-33: 33%
Median pay, 2024: $124,910

With information quickly becoming the world's most valuable commodity, as evidenced by data scientists being so highly in demand, it follows that professionals competent in keeping that information safe will be equally valuable in today's marketplace. Offered by the College of Innovation & Technology, the cybersecurity curriculum is built with input from a panel of industry experts. The university offers both bachelor's and master's degrees in cybersecurity.

Medical and Health Services Manager

Growth rate, 2023-33: 29%
Median pay, 2024: $117,960

Professionals in this field plan, direct and coordinate the business activities of health care providers. The health care management program at UM-Flint is certified by the Association of University Programs in Health Administration, ensuring that the curriculum aligns with current standards and future health care system needs. Despite being offered totally online, the undergraduate degree offers an internship course, allowing students to gain real-world skills and build connections in the field. The master's degree is built for working professionals, with flexible learning modes and program lengths.

Physician Assistant

Growth rate, 2023-33: 28%
Median pay, 2024: $133,2600

Physician assistants are another critical piece of our nation's health care infrastructure. They are often the principal medical providers in rural or underserved areas. The UM-Flint physician assistant program offers clinical rotations throughout Michigan Medicine, U-M health affiliates, Genesee County hospital systems, Hamilton Community Health Center, and others, with options for specialty clinical rotations.

Computer and Information Research Scientist

Growth rate, 2023-33: 26%
Median pay, 2024: $140,910

According to the BLS, these research scientists design innovative uses for new and existing computing technology. The typical education requirement is at least a master's degree in computer science, which is one of the university's most popular graduate programs. The MS in Computer Science and Information Systems is unique in that it offers a pathway for students without technical experience to enter the field with two fast-track options that provide the technical knowledge to succeed both in the classroom and after graduation.

Operations Research Analyst

Growth rate, 2023-33: 23%
Median pay, 2024: $140,910

In this broad field, professionals utilize their mathematical and logical acumen to assist organizations in solving their most complex issues. The School of Management's operations and supply chain management program is a perfect fit for future analysts. While earning a Bachelor of Business Administration, students take specialized coursework in Six Sigma, sustainability and global logistics. For those looking to advance their education, the Master of Business Administration offers a similar concentration, and the MS in Supply Chain Management offers more tailored preparation for future success.

Actuary

Growth rate, 2023-33: 22%
Median pay, 2024: $125,770

Another career requiring advanced mathematical skills, actuaries are most often employed by insurance companies, though their ability to analyze the economic costs of risk and uncertainty makes them sought after in other industries as well. Students in the BS in Actuarial Mathematics program can get involved with the Student Union for Math and the Actuarial Club to find connections and support while completing this rigorous degree. There are also numerous opportunities to complete paid research and attend national conferences while completing this program.

Financial Examiner

Growth rate, 2023-33: 21%
Median pay, 2024: $90,400

Financial examiners ensure that financial institutions are in compliance with the law. When preparing for a career as a financial examiner, "coursework should include accounting, finance, or related subjects," according to the BLS. UM-Flint's BS in Accounting is an excellent first step in preparing to enter this growing field. Those seeking more advanced preparation can complete a master's in accounting or applied finance.

"Earning my degree from UM-Flint not only allowed me to advance my knowledge about business, accounting and finance, but it also opened up doors that helped define who I am," said Timothy McGlinchey, who earned his bachelor's degree in accounting and finance in 2021. "Getting involved with various clubs and councils such as Club Sports, Entrepreneurs Society, or Greek Life on campus allowed me to make new connections and advance myself in my career."

Logistician

Growth rate, 2023-33: 19%
Median pay, 2024: $80,880

Those seeking to become logisticians–professionals trained to analyze and coordinate an organization's supply chain–are another group that will benefit from UM-Flint's offerings in operations and supply chain management.

Veterinarian

Growth rate, 2023-33: 19%
Median pay, 2024: $125,510

While UM-Flint doesn't offer a Doctor of Veterinary Medicine degree, it does have dedicated pre-veterinary tracks in three undergraduate degree programs: biology, molecular biology and biotechnology, and wildlife biology. Those preparing for veterinary school can join the Pre-Vet Med Association to connect with like-minded students and find help in taking the next step.

Epidemiologist

Growth rate, 2023-33: 19%
Median pay, 2024: $83,980

Called to help others on a macro level? Epidemiologists "seek to reduce the risk and occurrence of negative health outcomes through research, community education and health policy," according to the BLS. A master's degree is generally required to enter this field and UM-Flint's Master of Public Health is a convenient, high-quality choice for those looking to work in epidemiology. The MPH degree emphasizes real-world experience, as students are required to complete both an internship and a capstone project in which they develop health-related projects to be used by local agencies to accomplish their mission.

Brittany Jones-Carter earned her MPH degree in 2023.

"I completed an internship with the U-M Prevention Research Center and was hired to work there after graduation. I am grateful for what the program gave me. The faculty and staff make the program a very supportive community. You know that they care about you and want you to succeed," she said.

Substance Abuse, Behavioral Disorder, and Mental Health Counselors

Growth rate, 2023-33: 19%
Median pay, 2024: $59,190

Requirements in these fields vary, but substance abuse and behavioral disorder counselors typically need at least a bachelor's degree, whereas mental health counselors typically need a master's degree and an internship. No matter where a student's particular passions for helping others lie, a bachelor's degree in psychology is an excellent foundation for entering the workplace or further study. All psychology majors take "PSY 300: Preparing for Careers in Psychology," which allows students to explore academic and career interests and goals and to plan and prepare for next steps.

While these fast-growing careers directly connect with a UM-Flint degree program, other careers illustrate the value of a UM-Flint education in their wider fields. The top two jobs represented on the BLS list are wind turbine service technicians and solar photovoltaic installers, trades that support the alternative energy sector. Students interested in this field can pursue a bachelor's degree in sustainable and renewable energy technology, for example.

No matter your true passion, UM-Flint can help you find a degree program that prepares you for a fulfilling and rewarding future. Take the next step today: