What are the best degrees to study in the USA?

I'm trying to figure out which degrees are the most valuable or respected in the United States. Are there any fields of study that are particularly in demand or have great job prospects after graduation?

The "best" degree to study really depends on your personal interests, skills, and career goals. That being said, there are certain degree fields that are currently in high demand or are projected to grow in the future.

STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics) degrees are typically very highly valued in the US job market. Particularly, degrees in fields like Computer Science, Engineering, and Data Science are in high demand due to the booming tech industry. A degree in these fields can open up opportunities for high-paying jobs in many different sectors, from software development to data analysis.

Healthcare is another field that is growing rapidly, especially in the wake of recent global health challenges. Degrees in fields like Nursing, Medicine, and Public Health are also therefore quite valuable.

Business degrees, particularly in Finance, Accounting, Marketing and Management, remain highly respected and can lead to many opportunities in various sectors. Graduates with these degrees often find roles in management, finance, consulting, or as entrepreneurs.

Economics and Political Science degrees are also respected, particularly if you're considering a career in research, policy analysis or think tanks. Law school and MBA programs often look favorably on these majors as well.

However, it's important to note that these are just broad trends. "Value" is a deeply personal decision and what you should study also depends on what you enjoy and what type of work you see yourself doing in the future. It's best to pursue a field that aligns with your interests and strengths. For instance, if you are passionate about literature, you might find a degree in English very valuable even though it is not typically listed in "most lucrative degrees" lists.

Finally, keep in mind that having a degree in a high-demand field is not a guarantee of job success; employers often look for a variety of skills and experiences beyond just your chosen major. So it's beneficial to pursue internships, gain practical experience in your field, build a network, and develop a range of cross-disciplinary skills, such as communication and critical thinking, alongside your major coursework.