Most employable college degrees

It may be too early to decide what course the graduating high school students should take, but it is always an advantage to have a mind set.  To guide them in choosing, the Commission on Higher Education (CHED) Chief Secretary Patricia Licuanan during the PIA press release conducted on May 31, 2011, advised would-be college students to take the hard to fill but otherwise most employable college degrees and avail of the scholarships that CHED is now offering.  She mentioned courses like mining, aeronautics, geology, and software engineering.  CHED is currently providing its Student Financial Assistance Programs (StuFAPs) for these courses.  This program is open to bright Filipino students who got the highest score in the NCAE and must belong to the top ten of the graduating class.  Their parents' combined Annual Income Tax Return must also not to exceed P300,000.00.  More good news is that, scholars under this program can enroll in any government or private college/university Higher Education Institutes (HEIs).  Interested applicants are advised to visit CHED regional offices or go to the agency's official website at http://www.ched.gov.ph.

Let us expand our information further.  A survey conducted by the National Association of Colleges and Employers in USA revealed the top ten areas of study from which to hire this year.

10.  Management Information Systems/Business Data Processing

The job involves different ways that technology can propel a business with an average starting salary of $47,407.

9.  Computer Engineering

Companies need people who know how to design and develop software and systems for a computer network. Employers, who on average, were offering a $55,920 starting salary in 2007, range from software engineering to telecommunications firms.

8.  Marketing/Marketing Management

Major in this field study to build a successful image or campaign for a business or product and can be employed by any number of companies in a variety of capacities.  Marketing graduates average a starting salary of $39,269.

7.  Information Sciences & Systems

Students majoring in this area learn the ins and outs of creating computer systems or a web site.  Information Sciences & Systems graduates were offered a starting salary of $49,966.

6.   Economics/Finance

With the state of the economy, who doesn't need an economist to put it all in perspective?  Finance and economics majors are expected to rank sixth on the hiring list.  When it comes to starting salaries, economics majors had a slight edge with an average of $47,782 and $46,442 for finance majors.

5.  Business Administration/Management

Majors in this area, who earned an average starting salary of $47,407, are trained to successfully lead a team and complete a business' plans and goals efficiently.

4.  Computer Science

Computer Science majors graduate knowing how to develop computer programs and how the machines work.  Their skills earned 2007 graduates an average salary of $53,051.

3.  Electrical Engineering

At an average starting salary of $55,333, electrical engineer majors are able to design and oversee the electrical aspects of everything from a car to the electrical wiring in a building.

2.   Mechanical Engineering

Majors in this field can become mechanical engineers where they design and manufacture mechanical devices like an elevator or a generator.  Their first salary out of college averages $54,057.

1.  Accounting

Take out your calculators.  Employers said they expect to hire accounting majors more than any other group from the class of 2008.  Accountants averaged a starting salary of $46,292 in 2007.

Keep checking the internet for any current listing of the most employable college degrees, but I doubt if there is a change of the above list within the next two years.