If we go 30-40 years back in time, a bachelor’s degree was enough to differentiate students from the crowd. However, in 2020, there are some jobs where you can’t get ahead without a master’s degree.

Whether it’s a professional or theoretical area, it’s helpful to know if a graduate degree is going to make a difference in the course of your career. Given that a master’s degree may not make much of a difference in salaries within certain fields, we’ll give you a list of the highest paying majors in today’s market.

Healthcare

Having a master’s degree in healthcare is non-optional more times than not, and they usually come up on top of lists like this. Healthcare represents the highest paying jobs on the market, but they do sometimes come with hefty requirements, such as doctorate degrees.

Despite the fact that a number of them require Ph.D. credentials, there are some fields that promise more than decent incomes. The annual pay ranges from 70,000$ to 180,000$, depending on your program of choice and experience.

Master’s programs to look for

• Nurse Anesthesia
• Physician Assistant
• Occupational Therapy
• Healthcare Administration
• Physical Therapy

Jobs you can seek

Nurse anesthetist

Nurse anesthetists play a vital role in the success of various medical procedures. They are in charge of collaborating with anesthesiologists, dentists, surgeons, and other professionals in order to secure the safe administration of anesthesia.

Average salary:

Physician assistant

Physician assistants are professionals who collaborate with licensed physicians and work in physician offices, clinics and hospitals. These medical providers are in charge of diagnosing and treating illness, as well as prescribing medication.

Average salary: 98,400$

Physical therapist

Physical therapists are healthcare professionals who are responsible for treating individuals with medical conditions or other health problems that limit their ability to move or perform daily tasks. Additionally, they suggest cost-effective treatment to their patients.

Average salary:

Occupational therapist

Occupational therapists are the professionals who are in charge of helping people of all ages to entirely engage in their daily lives. That includes helping them with everything like work, recreational activities, getting dressed, eating, cooking, etc.

Average salary:

Acute care nurse practitioner

An acute care nurse practitioner is responsible for treating and diagnosing acute medical conditions. They also provide advanced nursing care to patients with severe but brief illnesses, this generally happens in emergency departments or ambulatory care clinics.

Average salary:

Healthcare administrator

Healthcare administrators are professionals who direct the operation of health systems and hospitals. They do not deal directly with patients on a daily basis. However, they are in charge of making changes and shaping policies in order to improve the healthcare system.

Average salary:

Engineering

It’s no secret that engineering has always been able to secure decent incomes for the people who studied it, and that continues to be the case to this day. Although old day engineering was much more limited, today, it’s a vast space where students can find many fields and subfields to pursue.

Engineering is a discipline that allows you to design, evaluate, develop, inspect, modify, test, install, and maintain an array of products and systems. It’s an attractive subject that demands high education but gives satisfactory compensation. With a master’s degree in one of the engineering fields, you can expect the annual salary to be somewhere from 90,000$ and up to 200,000$, depending on the position and specialized subject you choose. Here are some of its divided specialty areas and what you can work with them.

Master’s programs to look for

• Mechanical engineering
• Electrical Engineering
• Aerospace Engineering
• Nuclear Engineering
• Biomedical Engineering
• Chemical Engineering
• Computer Engineering
• Industrial Engineering
• Environmental Engineering

(These are only general engineering fields, you have many subfield options out there likewise.)

Jobs you can seek

Senior software engineer

Senior software engineers are in charge of developing information systems by studying operations, developing and installing software solutions. They are also responsible for a team of developers who support existing websites and build new ones.

Average salary:

Systems engineer

Some of a systems engineer’s responsibilities are to monitor and manage all installed systems and infrastructure, ensure the highest levels of the systems and infrastructure are available, and troubleshooting.

Average salary:

Vice president of engineering

A vice president of engineering is in charge of planning, implementing, and overseeing engineering procedures, strategies, and goals for their employer. In essence, they make sure that all long-term and daily engineering operations run smoothly.

Average salary:

Staff engineer

The role of a staff engineer is to design, develop, and inspect different kinds of products, structures, or equipment. However, that is a general description, because the daily duties of a staff engineer may change depending on the company where they’re employed.

Average salary:

Petroleum geologist

A petroleum geologist’s time is mostly spent at the office analyzing data and preparing reports. However, they also spend time in the field and the laboratory. Their duties generally include inspecting if a part of land or sea is viable for drilling and ensuring their workers’ safety.

Average salary:

Computer science

With technology’s progressive improvement and rapid development in this century, it’s impossible to ignore this exciting field. Additionally, jobs that require computer science degrees tend to have higher pay, even at the beginning of their careers.

The diversity in job opportunities and generally high prospects of finding a job are what make computer science the third most popular major in the world. It’s stimulating and secure, which is what drives most students to pursue it. Computer science master’s programs are very broad and numerous. Consequently, giving students the liberty to pick and choose not only what program suits them best but also what job they’d be comfortable doing in the future. Let’s dive into some of the options.

Master’s programs to look for:

• Technical Management
• Computer Science
• Cybersecurity
• Human-Computer Interaction
• Software Engineering
• Information Technology
• Digital Image/Sound
• Artificial Intelligence
• Microprogramming
• Mobile Development
• Computer Programming
• Robotics
• Web Development
• Data Management

Jobs you can seek:

Applications architect

An application architect is a professional in charge of the design of major aspects of an application’s architecture. In addition, they also perform code and design review, and provide technical leadership to the team.

Average salary:

Computer research scientist

Computer research scientists are responsible for finding new approaches to computing technology. They work at a more theoretical level than other computing professionals, and they improve and create computer software and hardware.

Average salary:

Mobile applications developer

Mobile applications developers work to create, maintain, and implement the code for developing mobile applications. They may also be in charge of designing prototype apps, supporting the application development team, and providing the unit structure.

Average salary: 145,000$

Vice president of product development

A VP of product development is a professional in charge of leading production teams and product development. They also guide pricing strategies and product placement; make sure that products meet brand standards; conduct analysis to identify potential products.

Average salary:

Chief information security officer

A chief information security officer is a senior-level manager in charge of directing strategies, operations, and the budget for the protection program for the company’s information. They usually oversee and direct security measures.

Average salary: ��154,000$

Web developer

Web developers are professionals who are in charge of turning a web design into a website. They are able to do this through writing code and using multiple computer languages while doing so. In essence, they translate a language that humans understand into one that the computer does.

Average salary:

Mathematics & Statistics

Many students love to hate math as a subject, or at least they used to as kids. It’s no secret that understanding mathematics can be tough on some; after all, it is considered to be the language of the universe. However, if you happen to understand math, you are likely to have luck with the numbers on your paycheck as well.

Mathematics and statistics jobs have salaries somewhere around 84,000$ and up to 129,000$ annually. This field is not simple, and it requires hard work. So, if you’re considering dealing with numbers for most of your life, there are interesting career pathways a mathematics-related master’s degree can place at your disposal.

Master’s programs to look for:

• Applied Mathematics
• Mathematics
• Mathematics and Statistics

Jobs you can seek:

Data Analyst

Data analysts’ jobs consist of giving guidance to individuals, businesses, or government entities on business and financial solutions and decisions. They do this by analyzing and collecting data on performance and coming up with a statistical report.

Average salary:

Data scientist

A data scientist is a professional who is in charge of interpreting and extracting meaning from data. Their duties mostly consist of collecting the data, and afterward cleaning and validating it so they can ensure uniformity, accuracy, and completeness.

Average salary:

Mathematician

A mathematician’s job is to conduct research so they can develop and understand mathematics principles for businesses, the government, sciences, and engineering. They can also be found analyzing data and applying mathematical techniques to do that.

Average salary:

Mathematics professor

This job title is partly self-explanatory. However, teaching is only a part of what a mathematics professor does. A lot of their time is spent doing research, administering grants for research, participating in conferences, supervising research projects by students, etc.

Average salary:

Statistician

Statisticians are in charge of gathering, analyzing, and interpreting data by using statistical methods and models. They do this for different fields so that they can improve the decision-making within a company, the government, healthcare systems, etc.

Average salary:

Finance & Economics

Even if you aren’t considering majors related to financing and economics, knowing their basics can prove beneficial in your day to day life. As long as money exists, these programs tend to be timeless. They’re just as relevant today, in 2020, as they were decades ago.

There’s a rich range of master’s degree programs to choose from, and the jobs within the field come with high salaries. The annual pay is somewhere between 70,000$ and 200,000$.

Master’s programs to look for:

• Economics
• Corporate Finance
• Accounting
• Business Administration
• Finance
• Management

Jobs you can seek:

Chief financial officer

Chief financial officers are senior executives responsible for managing and overseeing financial actions within a company. Their duties include financial planning, analyzing a company’s financial strengths and weaknesses, tracking cash flow, etc.

Average salary:

Financial analyst

A financial analyst is a professional who provides guidance to companies and individuals regarding their investment decisions. They usually work in pension funds, insurance companies, banks, and other businesses.

Average salary:

Business analyst

Business analysts are responsible for increasing the efficiency of a business operation by reviewing programs and processes. Another part of their job is keeping the management team up-to-date by analyzing and communicating data regarding business trends.

Average salary:

Market research analyst

A market research analyst is in charge of examining potential sales of a service or product by studying the market. They are professionals that help companies interpret the products that people want, what price they will buy them at, and who will buy them.

Average salary:

Economic consultant

Economic consultants offer advice to businesses in order to maximize their growth. They do this by conducting research and by analyzing the economic conditions of a certain business. These professionals often work for economic consulting agencies.

Average salary:

These are some of the highest paying jobs of 2020, if you want any extra information or don’t understand anything, don’t hesitate to reach out and contact us!

Factors to Consider Beyond Salaries

While salary is undeniably important when deciding on a career path, it’s not the only factor to weigh. Your interests, passions, and values should also significantly influence your decision-making process for both the master’s and the career it will lead you into.
That said, let’s see what else you need to consider:

Work-life countercheck

Achieving a healthy work-life balance is crucial for overall well-being and satisfaction in your career. Consider how much time and flexibility you desire outside work for personal pursuits, hobbies, family, and social activities.

Some careers may require long hours or irregular schedules, while others offer more flexibility and predictable hours. Assessing your priorities and finding a career that allows you to balance work and personal life will lead to greater happiness and fulfillment in the long run.

Passion and fulfillment

Seeking a career that aligns with your passions and interests will also lead to a more fulfilling and meaningful professional life. Reflect on the activities and subjects that excite you, and explore career paths that allow you to engage with those passions on a daily basis.
Whether it’s creativity, problem-solving, helping others, or making a difference in the world, finding a career that resonates with your values and interests leads to greater job satisfaction and motivation.

Personal growth and development

In addition to work-life balance, consider whether your chosen field offers opportunities for continuous learning, skill development, and career advancement. Look for employers or industries that invest in employee training and development programs, mentorship opportunities, and career progression pathways.

Embracing challenges, seeking new experiences, and expanding your knowledge and expertise can lead to personal and professional growth, enabling you to reach your full potential and achieve long-term career success.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs):

How do I determine if a master’s degree will increase my earning potential?

Researching salary trends within your desired industry and comparing the earnings of individuals with bachelor’s versus master’s degrees can provide insight into the potential financial benefits of further education. Additionally, networking with professionals in your field and seeking guidance from career counselors can help clarify expectations.

Are there alternative pathways to career advancement besides obtaining a master’s degree?

Yes, there are alternative routes to advancing in your career, such as gaining relevant work experience, obtaining industry certifications, or pursuing specialized training programs.

How can I finance a master’s degree program?

Financing options for graduate studies may include scholarships, fellowships, grants, student loans, employer tuition reimbursement programs, or part-time work opportunities.
What factors should I consider when choosing a master’s program?

Factors to consider when selecting a master’s program include reputation, accreditation status, faculty expertise, curriculum relevance, research or internship opportunities, networking opportunities, location, cost, and potential career outcomes. Conducting thorough research and speaking with current students or alumni will provide valuable insights into program suitability.

What Is a Finance Degree?

The finance and accounting disciplines both pertain to the business field and share the same basics, i.e., dealing with the financial aspect of a business. However, the key difference between the two is that finance is a more general discipline. Finance majors learn how to make use of past and current information provided by accounting in order to project business growth. Through analyzing this data, they are able to predict upcoming trends and create or suggest investment strategies for an individual or company.

Finance degree entry requirements

Entry requirements for a finance degree will depend on the level of education. To enter an undergraduate program, you will simply need to demonstrate your ability to deal with numbers through high school and A-level qualifications and extracurricular activities in STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, Mathematics) and FAME (Finance, Accounting, Management, Economics). To enter a postgraduate program, you have to complete an undergraduate program in the same field and gain relevant work experience.

Specialization paths for finance majors

There are quite a few areas you can specialize in on your journey to a finance degree, and they are taught at undergraduate and postgraduate levels. Here are some of them:

1. Corporate finance
2. Financial evaluation
3. Behavioral finance
4. Derivatives
5. Capital markets
6. Econometrics
7. Investment management, etc.

What can you do with a finance degree?

A degree in finance offers one opportunity to pursue various careers in the business world. A finance major helps you pursue various careers, starting from managerial to more advanced roles:

1. Financial advisor – use their expertise to offer financial advice to their clients in compliance with their financial state.
2. Financial trader – use their skills and knowledge to buy and sell financial instruments, e.g., cryptocurrencies, stocks, commodities, derivatives, etc.
3. Insurance adviser – is the middleman between insurance companies and policyholders. They sell insurance products for insurance companies.
4. Financial software developer – develops, modifies, and updates software for the finance industry.

Finance degree salary expectations & job outlook

According to data by the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), jobs in finance are expected to grow 7% by 2028. According to (National Association of Colleges and Employers), the starting salary for finance majors is $58,464 and $74,201 for finance postgraduates.

What Is an Accounting Degree?

Compared to finance, accounting is a narrower field. Accounting deals with the financial records, i.e., the cash flow of an organization. An accountant organizes and maintains financial data, analyzes said data, calculates taxes, and recommends ways to reduce costs and increase profits. The information and insight that accounting provides are then analyzed and interpreted by the financing to predict future trends in the organization.

Accounting degree entry requirements

Entry requirements for an undergraduate accounting program may differ according to university; however, all applicants must have a high school diploma or GED. Same as finance, accounting mostly works with numbers. You need to prove how good you are through high school and A-level qualifications and extracurricular activities in STEM and FAME. For the postgraduate accounting program, you need to complete the undergraduate level as well as gain work experience.

Specialization paths for accounting majors

Accounting majors have the possibility to choose from several specializations options which can be classified under these three categories:

1. Public accounting – keeping track of financial records. You need to be the type of person that pays attention to detail and is patient with keeping detailed records.
2. Auditing – checking financial records and ensuring they are correct. This position requires great attention to detail, as it will be your responsibility to uncover possible mistakes made by others.
3. Tax planning – dealing mainly with tax returns and perhaps offering tax planning and consulting services. This position requires a lot of patience and people skills as your job will mainly be helping others.

What can you do with an accounting degree?

There are several career paths accounting majors can choose from. Here are some of the most prominent ones:

1. Certified Public Accountant (CPA) – keeping track and analyzing financial records; compiling and analyzing reports on transactions.
2. Auditor – keep track of the accounts and cash flow within the company and make sure the records comply with laws and regulations.
3. Tax Examiner – usually work for the IRS (Internal Revenue System) and examine tax returns to ensure they are accurate and complete. They can also help people and organizations file their tax returns.

Accounting degree salary expectations & job outlook

According to NACE, accounting majors have an average starting salary of $57,511. This number increases to $69,605 for accounting postgraduates. The BLS projects a 7% growth rate of accountant and auditor employment by 2030.

Which Is Better, Finance or Accounting?

There is no one definite answer to this question. However, that doesn’t mean there is no right choice for you as an individual. Because finance and accounting have so many similarities, you will have to analyze and compare details of each major to find the right fit for you. You can do this by comparing their differences. As we have already mentioned, finance is a broader discipline, and this can allow you to make changes in your career if that is what you desire.

On the other hand, accounting is a more focused discipline and does not offer as many specialization choices. As for education requirements, they are basically the same for both. Finance majors have slightly higher median salaries, but remember to consider other aspects of the job as well. In the end, it all comes down to you as a person and your career goals.

Seek advice from industry experts

Considering the complexities of finance and accounting, seeking mentorship can be immensely beneficial. Identifying a mentor who has excelled in either finance or accounting can provide personalized guidance. 

Mentors can share their experiences, offer advice on career progression, and help you navigate the intricacies of each field. Utilize networking opportunities to find professionals willing to share their insights. 

Evaluate your skillset

Understanding your strengths and preferences is essential when choosing between finance and accounting. Evaluate your skills, such as attention to detail, analytical, and communication skills. Consider your affinity for working with numbers and interest in broader business concepts. 

Reflect on whether you enjoy detailed record-keeping and tax-related work or are more inclined towards analyzing financial trends and creating investment strategies. 

Recognizing your innate abilities and personal inclinations will help you clarify which discipline aligns better with your skill set, ultimately aiding in a more informed decision regarding your academic and professional path.

Stay informed

The business landscape is active, with constant changes driven by technological advancements and industry trends. Stay informed about the latest developments in both finance and accounting to anticipate how each field may evolve over time. 

Understanding how technology, such as artificial intelligence and blockchain, influences these sectors helps you make informed decisions about your future career. 

Research industry reports, attend webinars, and follow reputable sources to stay updated on job outlooks and other emerging trends. Being aware of the evolving demands in finance and accounting will equip you to make strategic decisions about your education, ensuring that your chosen field remains relevant and aligned with the future needs of the business world.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

What is the key difference between a finance and accounting degree?

Finance focuses on predicting business growth and investment strategies while accounting deals with organizing financial records, analyzing data, and ensuring compliance.

Can I switch between finance and accounting careers with either degree?

A finance degree offers broader career flexibility, while an accounting degree is more specialized, limiting options but providing depth in specific areas like auditing or tax planning.

Are internships essential when deciding between finance and accounting?

Yes, internships provide hands-on experience, helping you decide which field aligns better with your interests. Networking during internships is crucial for informed decision-making.

What role does technology play in the finance and accounting industries?

Technology, including AI and blockchain, is reshaping both fields. Staying informed about industry trends and technological advancements is vital to making strategic decisions for a future-proof career.

Making a career change to healthcare can be one of the best decisions you can make, as working in fields where you directly take care of and help others is one of the most gratifying things you can do.

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1. You Can Finish School In a Short-Time

Even though you can find numerous jobs in the healthcare industry without needing to get any qualifications, you have many academic opportunities to help you reach higher places in this field. You’ll find these opportunities presented in the form of certificates and degrees. It’s up to you to choose whichever qualification that suits best your career goals.

Certificate in Health Systems Management

Getting a Health System Management certificate is a great way to get introduced to many aspects of healthcare management. You’ll get familiar with data storage, transfer, and retrieval in healthcare environments. This certificate program focuses on the general structure of healthcare systems and the evolution of the healthcare model.

Healthcare Administration (MHA)

A Master’s degree in Healthcare Administration is a great way to get the education that will lead you to career enhancement. A master’s program will prepare managers for leadership positions in public and private healthcare sectors. Prospective healthcare administrators will have the knowledge and skills to address real-world healthcare challenges effectively.

MBA with a concentration in Healthcare Administration

An MBA with Healthcare Administration concentration will guide you to master the academic and professional knowledge and skills necessary for a career in healthcare administration. The program will train you in healthcare finance, management, health information technology, healthcare economics, and health law and ethics. An MBA in Healthcare Administration will get you familiar with the business aspect of healthcare. Through it, you’ll obtain the needed business skills applicable in both fields. Those skills will help you strive in leadership positions, and manage people, resources, and other services within a healthcare organization.

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2. Background in Healthcare Not Required

While having a medical background might increase your chances of being classified as a qualified candidate when competing for a position, it certainly isn’t a must. It all depends on the specific role you’re applying for. Healthcare administration offers job positions you can apply to regardless of your background. But if you see yourself in higher areas within the sector, you can always get a Master’s degree in Health Administration with no problem at all. The degree itself, combined with your experience in the field, can open you up to opportunities that never crossed your mind.

3. Great Job Prospects

According to the, 10 of the 20 fastest-growing jobs in America are in the healthcare sector. Healthcare occupations are expected to grow by 8.1 million jobs from 2018-2028. The tremendous growth is likely to happen because of the aging population that leads to a greater demand for healthcare services.

Luckily, this means that you’ll find employment way easier and have more career opportunities to choose from than job seekers of other industries. Some of the top healthcare jobs currently high in demand in the employment market are the following:

• Physicians
• Registered Nurse
• Clinical Administrator
• Licensed Practical Nurses
• Therapists
• Medical Research Assistant
• Psychiatrist
• Psychologist
• Geriatric Nurse
• Medical Social Worker

Also, the chances of you staying employed for a long time are higher than in other fields. This comes due to the high demand for health services by the aged population that continues to increase.

4. Competitive Earning Potential

Healthcare jobs are some of the most in-demand careers. Due to this excess demand, they’ve become some of the most lucrative job options there are. As expected, the more highly skilled and educated you are in the field, the higher your earnings will be. However, there are healthcare jobs available at any level of education that offer competitive salaries to other industries. Healthcare jobs continue to be some of the highest-paying jobs out there, with pharmacists, surgeons, and podiatrists at the forefront.

5. Great Job Satisfaction

No wonder that healthcare workers are some of the professionals most satisfied with their jobs. shows that the overall job satisfaction of healthcare workers in health centers is 79.88%. These levels of contentment come as a result of the freedom workers have to choose their working method, the level of job variety, and their responsibility.

Still, these factors aren’t the only ones that bring fulfillment in healthcare workers’ professional life. There aren’t many career paths through which you can touch other people’s lives as you can in healthcare. Working in this field allows you to nurture your desire to help people while also getting paid for it—a win-win situation. Regardless of your healthcare role, you’ll certainly play a part in helping people and affecting their lives as a result.

6. Healthcare Careers Are Available For All Educational Levels

You may have a GED or a Ph.D. in healthcare, but this poses little to no relevance in finding employment in this sector. Healthcare is full of job opportunities for individuals of all educational levels. While some roles may require many years of education and experience, there are hundreds of other healthcare roles available to high school graduates, college undergraduates, up to doctorate levels. Jobs like Pharmacy Technicians, Patient Care Coordinators, Ophthalmic Medical Assistants, and many others you can do without a degree in the field.

One other thing is that healthcare as a career field offers plenty of advancement opportunities. You can start off on a simple role in the industry and end up climbing the ladder with each year of experience you add to your resume.

7. Flexible Schedules

A huge benefit of working in healthcare is the flexible schedule it offers. Medical facilities require 24-hour care, resulting in the need for multiple shifts. In a multiple shift career, you can select the hours that suit you best in your family situation and lifestyle. Also, having the chance to choose a shift means you get to choose the shift that offers you a premium salary.

In the busy world that we’re living with its high demands, having a flexible schedule is truly a luxury that isn’t available to everyone.

8. Never a Dull Day at Work

The healthcare field is exciting, ever-changing, and dramatic, to say the least. This must be why there are so many successful TV shows out there portraying the lives of medical professionals. Not to exaggerate, but almost everything depicted in the shows is real. Being fast-paced, filled with challenges every day, and having the chance to work with new people from all walks of life, you can be guaranteed; you’ll never experience the same day twice.

9. Work In Different Environments

Healthcare is a very diverse field with a multitude of professions focusing on different aspects of medical care. Therefore, it is no surprise that there are also many settings where these professionals are needed.

Generally, when we think about doctors or nurses, we think of hospitals as the most common environment for people to practice healthcare. That is no surprise when considering statistics showing that almost 30% of healthcare professionals work in general medical, surgical, or specialty hospitals.

Career Change to Healthcare

If you are interested in all the benefits we have mentioned so far about changing careers and choosing healthcare, then all that is left is to find out more about how you should go about making such a switch.

To begin, you should assess the skills and knowledge you already have and see whether there is something similar to your current area of expertise in healthcare. For example, if you currently work in human resources, you can do a similar job by working for HR in a hospital. This way, you would need to do little training to fit into this new role.

However, more often than not, when people want to make a career change, they want to experience a more significant difference. If you are interested in completely changing the path of your career, then you might need to go back to school and get certifications in order to practice a different profession.

Therefore, the next step after deciding that you want to make a career change to healthcare is to find what new domain you wish to pursue. Then, it would be best if you thoroughly researched what education, skillset, and experience are needed to qualify for such a position and begin working toward reaching them.

There you go, the reasons why you should make a career change into healthcare. As a career path, healthcare provides all the elements that an individual at professional crossroads might be looking for, from excitement to fulfillment in the financial and moral aspects. Now, all you need to do is decide if you think you are cut out for a healthcare role.

If you want to make a career change into healthcare, consider UOTP’s medical assistant diploma or health systems management certificate!

At the end of the day, it’s through that salary that one brings food to the table. Seeing how important it’s for a degree to lead you to jobs that pay well, let’s see which are the ten highest paying degrees. The data were taken by the Bureau of Labor Statistics, Glassdoor, and Indeed.

1. Engineering

We’re going to be starting with the major of engineering. If you’re passionate about engineering, know that you have a broad range of studying opportunities, all those leading you to an abundance of job opportunities and high salaries after graduating. Compared to all other majors, engineering offers the highest average salary.

However, the salary in the field of engineering depends mostly on the engineering specialization you choose. Find below some of these engineering options that bring some of the highest earnings.

What can you do with an Engineering degree?

Graduating in Engineering has several benefits. One of them is that an engineering degree offers you a range of options to choose when it comes to your engineering career. The list of highest paying jobs you can get with an engineering degree includes: 

• Aerospace engineer
• Agricultural engineer
• Bioengineers
• Biomedical engineer
• Computer hardware engineer
• Chemical engineer
• Health and safety engineer
• Industrial engineer
• Environmental engineer
• Materials engineer
• Nuclear engineer
• Mining and geological engineer
• Petroleum engineer

Due to the demand in areas of infrastructure rebuilding, oil and gas extraction, renewable energy, and robotics, this industry is expected to .

2. Economics

To all students who are passionate about working with numbers and have math as their favorite subject in school, economics could be the right major for you. Not only will this degree fulfill your craving for numbers but also will enable you to understand businesses, job markets, and governments.

In the list of skills an economic student gains are critical thinking, problem-solving, analytical thinking skills, and many others. Yet, knowledge and skills aren’t the only elements that make economics major quite attractive to students. Upon graduation, students can expect to earn a quite high salary.

As for the economic jobs that are paid the highest, take a look for yourself at the highest paying economics degree jobs.

What can you do with an Economics degree?

With an Economics degree you will typically work in banks, organizations, or government agencies. An Economics degree will always be useful as it offers career opportunities in occupations such as:

• Economist 
• Statistician 
• Risk Manager
• Data Analyst
• Political Risk Analyst 
• Financial Risk Analyst
• Senior Market Analyst
• Quantitative Analyst

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3. Biochemistry and Molecular Biology

Biochemistry and molecular biology can be quite an attractive major for all science lovers. Biochemistry and molecular biology majors are quite prepared in the research and laboratory aspect, for teaching and service careers in the line of science. Find below the average annual salary of a Biochemistry and Molecular Biology major.

Like any degree out there, there are some jobs that are paid more in their line of work. Take a look at some of the highest paying Biochemistry and Molecular Biology jobs.

What can you do with a Biochemistry and Molecular Biology degree?

Biochemistry and Molecular Biology graduates commonly work in colleges, hospitals, or research organizations. The highest-paying jobs in this field include:

• Forensic scientist
• Forensic science technician
• Biochemist 
• Biochemistry Professor
• Medical Scientist
• Academic researcher
• Clinical scientist
• Biotechnologist 

4. Computer Science

For all those technophiles out there, rest assured that computer science major is the right one for you. Being a versatile degree, computer science is one of the most abundant degrees out there, with countless opportunities for students to choose from. Salary, on the other hand, isn’t bad itself. Actually, it’s one of the majors with the highest average salaries. And lucky for you, this program is offered by the University of the ̽����ѡwhich is one of the most affordable universities in the country.

Most of the computer science-related jobs are paid well. However, here are some jobs that are paid the most.

What can you do with a Computer Science degree?

With the development of technology, more and more career opportunities are being created for those interested in the field. A Computer Science degree will be very helpful if you want to pursue a career as a:

• Web developer
• Web designer
• Systems analyst
• Games designer and developer
• Software engineer
• Machine learning engineer
• Application analyst and developer

5. Information Technology

Information technology can be both a very exciting and rewarding major. Students will get introduced to computer hardware, software, and network technology. They will learn to apply the knowledge of mathematics and computing to IT disciplines as well as master a range of skills that will prove useful in the workplace. However, the knowledge and the skills aren’t the only benefits. IT professionals generally earn good money.

Despite the high annual income IT professionals might get, there are some jobs that are paid higher than the rest. Take a look at them.

What can you do with an Information Technology degree?

Information Technology graduates can choose from several fields based on their interests. This is the perfect degree if you plan to become a:

• Web developer 
• Digital designer
• Software developer
• Quality Assurance Analyst
• Computer Systems Analyst
• Information Security Analyst 
• Network and Computer Systems Administrator
• Computer Network Architect
• Computer and Information Research Scientist
• Computer Programmer
• Database Administrator and Architect

Moreover, Information Technology graduates can work in research-related fields and administration jobs, such as:

• IT support specialist
• IT consultant
• IT project manager
• Health IT
• Research scientist

6. Statistics

Choosing a major in statistics can be the right decision for those who are equipped with strong math skills and have an exceptional interest in research in different fields—biological, physical, and social sciences. Just like many majors in this list, statistics offers a plethora of job options to graduate students and decent annual wages.

Statistics majors have the chance to land jobs that pay as much as six figures. Here are three of them.

What can you do with a Statistics degree?

A statistics degree is essential if you are interested in one of the following careers:

• Statistician
• Market researcher
• Investment analyst
• Actuary
• Data scientist
• Data analyst
• Financial risk analyst
• Operational researcher 

7. Finance

Finance is a major where numbers have a central role in what is being learned. As such, this major can be the right choice for those that have fun working with numbers as well as see themselves part of the business field. Rest assured that your knowledge and skills gained in the finance program will certainly get compensated financially in the long run.

While finance majors that land finance jobs might earn good pay, there are some finance jobs that pay more than average. Find them below.

What can you do with a Finance degree?

Earning a Finance degree will open the doors to many jobs. Some of the highest paying jobs in the field include:

• Accountant
• Business development officer
• Vendor manager
• Tax associate
• Auditor
• Budget analyst
• Data analyst
• Chief financial officer

8. Accounting

Another major in our list of the highest paying degrees is accounting. Accounting majors learn to maintain and report the finances of an individual or an organization. While any type of degree that is involved with numbers is highly paid, those that major in accounting have countless high-paying career options to choose from. Do you believe that you’ve found your calling? Then the University of the Potomac and its accounting program might be your best option.

While the accounting deals with numbers, the figures these professionals earn are quite high. Find below three of the highest paying accounting jobs.

What can you do with an Accounting degree?

Majoring in Accounting qualifies you for many high paying jobs in the industry. Some of them include:

• Accounting clerk
• Accounting assistant
• Financial planner and adviser
• Accountant
• Business analyst
• Investment adviser
• Controller
• Actuary 

9. Physics

A Bachelor’s degree in Physics can be a great first step towards a professional career in science-related fields. However, on its own, this major can be a very lucrative four-year degree. Not only because of the job opportunities in varying industries but also because of the salaries physics majors can earn. Find below the average salary of a physics graduate.

The range of jobs you can do with a physics degree is wide. So, is the range of salaries a physics major can earn. Find below three of the highest paying physics jobs out there.

What can you do with a Physics degree?

A Physics degree can lead to opportunities in several industries, including teaching and researching. The following list includes just some of the jobs you can land with this degree:

• Lecturer
• Secondary school teacher
• Researcher
• Astronomer
• Geophysicist 
• Medical physicist
• Meteorologist
• Nanotechnologist

10. Human Resources

The last highest paying major in our list is the major of human resources. Students that choose this major will study the workplace and the people. By that we mean, HR employees will handle employment affairs from staffing, training, payments, health, and safety in the workspace.

Human resources can be rewarding both morally and financially. While you’re going to be the mediator between the employer and the employee, you’ll also get rewarded quite much financially. Here’s the annual income of a human resources professional.

Many HR jobs pay well. However the three we listed below are some of the highest paying HR professions out there.

However, one thing you should keep in mind is that you won’t get a six-figure salary immediately after you graduate. For each level of education you finish and for each additional year of experience on the job, you’ll earn extra.

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What can you do with a Human Resources degree?

With a Human Resources degree, you can pursue one of the following careers:

• Human resources assistant
• Recruiter
• Benefits manager
• Employee relations manager
• Compensation manager

Going to college certainly has . One of them happens to be the chance to choose majors that pay quite well after graduation. These are the highest paying college majors out there. We hope we helped you in making your mind about the major you’re going to study. The University of the Potomac offers many of these majors. The best thing is that we offer these programs at an affordable cost, which means that you can finish your dream major and find a job after finishing it without breaking the bank. A win-win situation for you. For any questions you might have, don’t hesitate to write to us.

• Is business administration a good major?
• How will such a degree benefit me?
• Is business administration the right choice for me?

To help you determine the answers to these questions, we have compiled information about the importance of business administration and the benefits you can expect from it. Lastly, we will help you answer the ultimate question of whether you should proceed with such a degree or not.

What Is a Business Administration Degree?

Business administration as a concept relates to the processes of monitoring and managing all angles of a business to help the company operate, expand over time, and succeed. For business administrators to complete their duties, they need specific knowledge related to running a business and skills set they can get from a business administration degree.

Briefly put, a business administration degree is a qualification you get after studying a higher education study program that teaches business principles and practices. Such degree programs prepare you for the business world through various modules in finance, operations management, mathematics of finance, business ethics, marketing, and many others.

Types of BA degrees

The time it takes to earn a degree in business administration depends on your dedication and the mode of study you pursue — full-time, part-time, or accelerated. If you are interested in only gathering some basic knowledge and skills, then an associate’s degree does the job, and you can complete it in two to three years.

On the other hand, a bachelor’s degree in business administration generally takes four years to complete; meanwhile, a master’s in business administration takes one to two years. Lastly, acquiring a doctorate will take roughly three years, providing an even deeper understanding of the business administration world.

Is Business Administration a Good Major?

If you are thinking of pursuing a degree in business administration but are unsure whether it is worth it, it is best to know some information before deciding. After all, you do not want to end up like one of the who, upon earning their degree, say they are doubtful of the value their degree holds.

So, is business administration a good major? To put it simply, yes! Business administration is in the top 5 , according to statistics. A degree in business administration prepares you for lucrative careers by equipping you with several excellent career skills. You will become proficient at communication, decision making, organization, teamwork, and more.

This major will help you become a capable leader in the business world and attain a detailed view of organizational structures and their importance in today’s world.

6 Benefits of a Business Degree

Business is a highly challenging and competitive field. So, if you are interested in it, pursuing a business administration degree will be worth the investment. To further understand how such college programs will aid you throughout your business journey, let’s look at some of the many benefits of a business degree.

Provides a Competitive Edge

A business administration degree is one of the best ways to make you stand out from your competitors in the job market. Pursuing business administration will equip you with a variety of skills that enable you to function more effectively in the world of business. These skills include:

• Strategic thinking
• Communication
• Problem-solving
• Decision making
• Leadership
• Project management
• Networking
• Delegation
• Organization
• Teamwork, and more.

Except for having an advantage over other people when applying for a job, possessing these skills will also help you further enhance your career in the future.

Plenty of in-demand career opportunities

When deciding on a major, you must consider the career opportunities. With the business industry constantly on the rise, getting a business administration degree will be your way to numerous job possibilities.

The skills we mentioned above and the knowledge you gain through this degree will prepare you for a wide range of such as marketing, human resources, supply chain management, and many more.

If you are a numbers person, you can go for a career in finance; meanwhile, if you enjoy working with people from all over the world, you can pick international business.

A business administration degree opens your doors in the healthcare industry by offering jobs in the healthcare management department. Furthermore, if you are interested in leadership, supervisory and managerial roles are available in all the above fields. In addition, there are many more fields you can have a job in. All you have to do is take your pick.

The business industry accounts for high-paying careers

The business industry offers lucrative careers in different areas like marketing, management, finance, business administration, human resources, and more. So, apart from numerous job opportunities, another benefit of studying business administration is that it also prepares you for high-paying professions.

Some of the most paying careers with a business administration degree include:

• Market Research Analyst,
• Sales Managers,
• Human Resources Director,
• International Sales Manager,
• International Marketing Manager,
• Business Consultant,
• Marketing Manager,
• Mental health administrator,
• Healthcare manager,
• Business operations manager,
• Management consultant,
• Computer and information systems manager,

It is always beneficial to pursue a degree that offers you many options, even more so if they are well-paid, as is the case with business administration.

Prepares you to be an entrepreneur

Sometimes people who study business administration are not looking to employ their skills in existing organizations but are aspiring entrepreneurs who want to start and run their businesses. Through the program’s classes, you will learn about all aspects of running a business, including

• How to develop a business plan
• How to get the company started
• How to increase the probability of the plan succeeding
• How to keep everything thriving and running smoothly once your business has been launched.

Learn about multiple disciplines

Considering how pursuing a business administration degree offers a variety of jobs available, it must also equip students with knowledge and skills in numerous areas. Through a business administration degree, you will learn about multiple disciplines and educational material related to:

• Administration
• Business research
• Marketing
• Economics
• HR
• Financing
• Accounting
• Global business strategies
• Logistical operations
• Organizational leadership
• Law and ethics
• Business-oriented computer applications, and more.

Every business administration degree program designs its course work to cover administration principles and practices combined with many other fields so that each student can perform their job accordingly.

Grow your network and networking skills

You may have heard the saying that who you know is more important than what you know, and it is valid to some extent. Networking as one of the most valuable resources for professional success is an overlooked benefit of business administration programs.

While pursuing a business administration degree, you will be interacting with professionals of the field, such as your professors and alumni of the university, as well as with other students who may become professionals soon. With each new networking link you create, you will further develop the networking skills that help put you at a significant advantage in the business world.

The Bottom Line: Is Business Administration the Right Choice for Me?

The answer to this question depends on your interest, goals, and dreams for the future. If the skills and careers we mentioned above excite you, go for it! In that case, a business administration might be the degree for you.

However, if you think these skills are boring and don’t inspire you to do innovative things in life, then a business administration degree is not what you need. Keep searching for a career you see yourself in the future.

That said, let’s dive into the first section, where we’ll go over what exactly a Doctor of Business Administration (DBA) entails.

What Is a Doctor of Business Administration?

A DBA prepares college students for managerial roles in non-profit organizations, government agencies, or a senior-level occupation, such as CEO. In addition, upon graduation, students can pursue being a development director or specialize in specific areas of the business, like accounting, HR, or project management.

Research

A DBA is versatile, and this door opens to many career paths after years of hands-on training and gathering knowledge in a variety of areas. People who have a DBA might be considering running a business, furthering their profession, or instructing the next generation. With a DBA, you’re presented with a wide range of possibilities.

Here are some general facts about the DBA program:

• Online and part-time options are available
• A typical DBA program includes the course requirements, electives, a research component, and a final project
• A Master’s degree is required before you apply

Candidate profile

In the program, the student would read and study theories about, for example, employee motivation and engagement. They would then identify resources from articles or literature and create a program that addresses the issue they studied. If it wasn’t solved, they would make changes, provide additional research, and try again.

They would need to have good research skills when addressing issues in the workplace. Furthermore, they’d have to communicate clearly while asking questions, apply what they’ve learned, and use research to help solve real-world problems.

DBA costs

The cost is dependent on what state you reside in and technology fees (especially for the online program). You can expect to pay between $27,000 to $60,000 in total.

Career outcomes

Once you have a DBA, the median annual salary is about $100,000, and you can choose from various job opportunities, ranging in interest and rigor:

• Corporate executive – CEO
• Consultant – helps businesses solve problems and maximize profits
• Economist – collaborates with policy-makers and business leaders; helps them understand through research evidence
• Logician – informs the company of the lifecycle of their product; sells and campaigns
• Professor, entrepreneur, HR director, and more.

DBA benefits

You learn more about finance, leadership, economics, international business, decision-making, contemporary issues, and business ethics. In addition, the program teaches you about international companies, data mining, predictive analysis, generating capital, and managing innovation for a well-rounded educational experience in business administration.

How long does it take to earn a DBA?

The , meaning that it takes 3-5 years to complete.

What Is a Doctor of Philosophy in Business Administration?

So, what is a Ph.D. in business? This program revolves more around research and academia. These degrees are tailored for those who want to get extensive research experience and then teach at universities or colleges.

They research their area of expertise and pass their knowledge to equally enthusiastic students who want to learn more about business concepts that interest them. Having a Ph.D. is beneficial when applying yourself in the workplace and starting a company, but a DBA would suit you better if those are your specific goals.

Research

Graduates with a Ph.D. in business learn a lot about customer behavior, how businesses operate regularly, and how certain business practices work in the real world. A Ph.D. in business administration is ideal if you’re looking to help managers or executives make good decisions that positively impact their company.

Candidate profile

Students have solid skills in economics and math to assist governments or corporations. They analyze the information they’re presented with and come up with their theories. Candidates pursuing a Ph.D. apply what they’ve learned to situations they encounter and help identify problems, making changes to ensure more profit and efficiency.

Ph.D. costs

The for a doctorate of philosophy is about $112,000, but that price range depends on what type of school you intend, whether it’s public or private, and where it’s located. Additionally, the type of doctorate alongside the length of the program can make it costly. Regardless, financial assistance is available.

Career outcomes

Having a Ph.D. is just as versatile as its cousin, the DBA, and many career opportunities open up once you graduate. Here are a few examples of some areas of interest:

• Management analysts
• Top executives
• Budget analysts
• Postsecondary business teachers
• Financial managers

Ph.D. benefits

With a Ph.D., you’re able to collect data and rank highly in a business, making a direct impact on future operations. Developing new goals, procedures, and policies becomes easier, thus lowering costs overall. You’re able to explore a wide variety of jobs and collaborate with ease.

Your research skills help uncover new ways to solve problems within the business world, and you can teach the same skills to future generations. Overall, a Ph.D. helps you and your company become more effective while analyzing trends and profits.

How long does it take to earn a Ph.D.?

A Ph.D. takes , in addition to obtaining a Bachelor’s degree. The first two years include core courses, such as organizational theory and microeconomics. Then, the remainder of your education includes finance, marketing, strategic management, and more. Your final year includes a teaching assignment or dissertation to present to your professors and fellow students.

What Is the Difference Between DBA and Ph.D.?

There are subtle differences between DBA and Ph.D.

The easiest way to think about this would be to remember that a DBA is more application-oriented while a Ph.D. is more research-oriented. For example, a Ph.D. would have students develop a theory that answers questions in a larger picture. In contrast, a DBA would have you solve practical problems in a company currently. A Ph.D. develops the theories, and a DBA applies them.

You’re given the title of doctor no matter what program fits you better, and that conveys an advanced understanding of the business field that would undoubtedly impress any employer or customer.

What Is a DBA Degree?

The acronym DBA stands for ‘Doctor of Business Administration. A DBA degree is a higher education degree or a professional doctorate in business administration. A DBA is one level higher than a Master’s degree in chronological order. Though both doctoral-level degrees, a DBA and a Ph.D. in business administration, are two different qualifications one can get, students usually go for one or the other. Students that have decided to pursue a DBA have to meet certain requirements to enroll in a DBA university program.

DBA degree entry requirements

Because a DBA is a doctorate-level degree, the quality and quantity of entry requirements differ from those of a master’s degree. The entry requirements differ based on the university; however, to enter a DBA program, students generally must:

1.  Hold an MBA (Master of Business Administration) or a master’s degree related to the field.
2. Have notable professional experience—preferably in a management or leadership position (usually a minimum of three years depending on the university).
3. Provide a promising research proposal that appeals to the university you are applying to.

Concentrations in a DBA program

There are several career paths that people with a DBA degree can pursue. Students enrolled in a DBA program can choose to minor or major in a field that interests them. There are five DBA degree concentrations:

1. Business management

This concentration is sort of a given. Most of the people who pursue a DBA degree intend to apply their specialized knowledge and skills to the business field. Students interested in business administration can further specialize in a variety of subfields such as human resources, international relations, tourism, sports, etc. Those more interested in business processes can focus on learning more about strategic management.

2. Finance

Another field that students enrolled in a DBA program can specialize in is finance. A specialization in finance opens doors for careers in accounting, economics, and international banking. The ability to apply research to solve present-day financial problems is what makes DBA candidates specializing in finance so sought after by government agencies, investment firms, and Fortune 500 companies.

3. Marketing

This specialization appeals to those interested in perfecting skills that can be applied in marketing, including branding, product development, and public relations. During a DBA program, students learn about marketing theories and strategies and how to put them into practice to solve marketing issues and overcome challenges.

4. Computer information systems (CIS)

DBA candidates specializing in computer information systems will not be your run-of-the-mill IT guy. They are equipped with specialized knowledge to ensure all the processes within an organization run smoothly on the IT front.

5. Customized professional concentration

Due to the nature of the business field, customized professional concentrations are possible in many universities. This is a concentration where students can choose what they want to specialize in based on their career goals. Students combine learning about basic business concepts with developing their original research in a program like this.

What to Expect in a DBA Program?

Students who pursue a DBA degree are in for an exceptional learning experience. A DBA program incorporates all the best learning methods such as advanced teaching, training, practical work, and research.

How is a DBA program organized?

Generally, there are two stages to a DBA program:

1. First, during this stage, students learn about specific subjects. The learning methods applied during this stage include advanced teaching techniques, training, and practical work.
2. Second, during this stage, students get to put the knowledge and skills they gained during the first stage into practice for their independent research, a.k.a doctoral thesis.

Most DBA programs offer classes in:

• Business and management theory
• Research principles and philosophies
• Research methods and design
• Contemporary issues and concerns

Skills you get in a DBA program

Enrolling in a DBA program is an excellent way to gain specialized knowledge and develop advanced skills applicable to the field of business administration, such as problem-solving and research skills.

Is a DBA Worth It?

Pursuing a doctoral degree, whether a DBA or a Ph.D., is a choice one makes based on personal preferences and circumstances. A DBA degree requires time, effort, and money, and that is why not everyone has the means to pursue it. However, a dedication this great is bound to produce a sweet reward. In the case of a DBA, the reward presents itself professionally and financially.

What Is the Difference Between DBA and Ph.D.?

A DBA and a Ph.D. are the same in the sense that both are doctorates, so the one who obtains either degree is referred to by the title “Dr.” However, a DBA and a Ph.D. are significantly different in terms of course content and manner of study. A DBA and a Ph.D. differ in:

1. Subject- one can obtain a DBA in the business management field only. At the same time, a Ph.D. is a doctoral degree offered in many other fields in addition to that of business management.
2. Research topics- a DBA focuses more on how research can be used in regard to business issues, whereas Ph.D. candidates usually propose an original research topic.
3. Tuition fees- a Ph.D. is more affordable than a DBA.
4. Entry requirements- students who apply for a Ph.D. must hold an undergraduate and postgraduate degree, whereas those who apply for a DBA must hold an MBA and relevant work experience.

People choose to pursue a DBA degree for many reasons. A DBA program can be just what you need to broaden your knowledge of the field, provide opportunities for different career paths, and set you apart from others when you decide to join the workforce for good.

Well, it was thanks to Excel first and other tools that come over the years that we even got this wonderful tool available to use, and that has made most jobs out there easier to handle. When talking about jobs, people working in fields where numbers are an inevitable part of it can greatly benefit from this tool.

Why Use Excel Formulas & Functions?

Among the many features of Excel, the formulas and functions are some of the most useful. While function and formulas might sound like they are the same thing, they have a slight difference. Formulas are a set of expressions one can use to calculate the value of the cells. In the example below, the used formula can do the calculation for you; just write down the formula.

In a way, functions are formulas too. The difference is that they are pre-set, and as such, they are built into Excel. They sort of have the function of a shortcut as by using them you choose a short road to finishing the task, which results in you being able to save time. In the example below, the used SUM function performs the same calculation we did above but with the distinction that it takes less time.

Essential Excel Functions & Formulas to Use

Now that we got it out of the way why one should use Excel formulas, we’re going to focus on the actual formulas that could be convenient for anyone that uses excel on a daily basis regardless of the field they work on (not only the business field).

F4 Key

The F4 key in Excel is used to repeat an action. If you’re in a situation where you need to repeat the last action you did in a cell multiple times in other cells, the F4 key can help you do just that but save you quite a lot of time. To activate this key, you press and hold the Fn key in your keyboard, and then you press and release the F4 key (which is located in the first row of the keys in the keyboard). You’re going to need to press and release this combination as many times as you want to repeat that action. Some keyboards don’t feature the Fn key, but no need to worry as the F4 key can work even by itself. The F4, in some instances, is used to decrease the screen brightness, and that’s why the combination Fn+F4 is used.

Freeze Panes

We’ve all been there, had a sheet with hundreds of rows filled with data, and were getting confused when scrolling down. If we have a certain row that can make it easier for us to work, then we can make it visible at all times while scrolling. How do we achieve this? Well, it’s not that hard. You just select the row you want to freeze, and then on the View tab, you click Freeze Panes. By following the same procedure, you can unfreeze the row. This time, you’re going to have to choose the Unfreeze Panes option.

Sum

This function is used to sum up the values of rows and columns in a certain sheet and bring you the results in a heartbeat. Not to underrate the other functions, but this one can easily be one of the most required functions for those working with data.

Excel offers many ways through which this function can be used. The first one is the one where you select a cell, and there you type =SUM(, and then you select the cells that you want to add and type) and you press enter and voila it’s done, the result is shown in the cell you previously selected.

However, if you need to sum a large row or column, you can always turn to Excel for help. All you need to do is select the cell you want to be summed up and go over to the AutoSum on the Home tab and finally press enter.

CTRL Z/CTRL Y

When it comes to increasing efficiency, using keyboard shortcuts might be the best option. There are some actions that you don’t need to reach for the mouse at all but instead, press and hold two keys. Two of the most used shortcuts in excel are CTRL+Z and CTRL+Y.

Now, we know we’re not the only ones that we’ve deleted something we shouldn’t have or did something that could jeopardize our task in any way. Well, the first combination, CTRL+Z is just the solution to this problem. This combination is used to undo what was just done, hence saving you and your task.

As for the CTRL+Y, this keyboard shortcut is used to redo the actions we previously undid.

Removing Duplicate

While at times, duplicate data can come in handy, there are times when they just make it more difficult to understand the data. However, one can always remove them and continue the work. If you happen to not be sure where they are situated in your sheet, you first have to locate them. For this reason, you start by selecting the cells you want to check, then you go to the Home tab and choose Conditional Formatting, and then in the Highlight Cells Rules, you choose Duplicate Values. A window opens where you’re going to be picking the formatting you want to apply to the duplicate values and click OK.

Once you locate them in the sheet and decide to remove them for sure, you head over to the Data and choose Remove Duplicate. In the window that opens, you check or uncheck the columns where you want to remove the duplicates.

Flash Fill

Flash Fill function is there to spare us hours of tedious work and finish it in a matter of seconds. This function is able to identify a pattern based on the data you’re filling and continue the rest of the task for you. You can activate it through the keyboard shortcut Ctrl+E or you can find it in the Data tab. For the Flash Fill to start working, you need to only provide a pattern. So, you insert a new column next to the one with your data. In the first cell of the new column, you type the desired value, and then you press Ctrl+E and enter, and it’s done.

Paste Special

Paste special is this Excel function that gives you more control in how the content looks when pasted from the clipboard. While we’re used to the simple way of copying and pasting by just using the keyboard shortcuts Ctrl+C followed by Ctrl+V, the paste special uses a different keyboard shortcut to paste, Ctrl+Alt+V or Alt+E+S. Initially, you start by selecting the cells you want to copy, press Ctrl+C and then press  Ctrl+Alt+V. When these keys are pressed, a dialog window opens where many paste options are provided. You choose the option that you want to.

Add Multiple Row

Even when you have filled enough rows with data, you might realize that you need to insert some more. While you can do so with the right click of the mouse, Excel has thought of an easier and more convenient way and has created a built-in feature that allows you to insert multiple rows. You start by selecting the rows below where you want to appear the rows. You select as many rows as you want to add. Then with the right click of the mouse inside the selected cells, you click Insert and the rows will appear.

Table Formatting

Excel offers plentiful predefined table styles that you can use to format a table. If you want to format data range into a table, you can select a table style. You start by selecting the cells or a range of cells you want to format as a table. Then, on the Home tab, you click Format as Table, and you choose the table style you want.

COUNTIFS

The COUNTIFS function is there to count the number of cells in a single range and multiple ranges with a single condition or multiple conditions. Then, it counts only the cells that meet all the criteria specified. The countifs syntax is like this COUNTIFS(range1, “criteria 1”,…).

CONCATENATE

The CONCATENATE function is used to join up to 30 text items together and put them in the cell of your choice in the form of the text. The CONCATENATE syntax goes like this =CONCATENATE (text1, text2, text3…).

VLOOKUP

The VLOOKUP function is used when one needs to find something in a table full of data. So, how can you use this function., You start by selecting a cell, and there you type =VLOOKUP(). Inside the parentheses, enter the value of the cell that will hold a value followed by a comma and continue to enter the range of cells which you want to be searched, then followed by a comma. For instance, =VLOOKUP(E3,C4:F30,. The final values you add will be the column index number and the lookup value of either TRUE or FALSE. Our finished formula looks like this =VLOOKUP(E3,C4:F30, 5,FALSE).

There you go, guys, all of you who wanted to know about the Excel features for business, we put together 12 of the most used functions and formulas that you as a business major will get to use in the future. All of them are easy to understand and use and can make your job more efficient and increase your productivity level.