With the recession still going strong and unemployment at 8.6% in the United States, many look towards continuing their education in hopes that a master’s degree will broaden their chances of snagging a decent job after they graduate.  The most important decision is what kind of master’s degree a person should return for, and it is important to take into consideration whether that degree will, in fact, help in gaining a well-paying job after graduation.  Below are the top three highest paying jobs needing master’s: crucial information in today’s world of scant jobs and rampant unemployment, especially since anyone going back to graduate school will have to take out loans to pay for their degree.  Acquiring $30,000 in student loans (or more) without a good job to pay for it afterward is undoubtedly frightening.

According to Forbes.com, a physician’s assistant degree is the number one degree to obtain in this economy, with the job growth at 57% and the mid-career median salary at $98,900. The demand is high for this type of job, and many programs are only two years, making this even more appealing for those who want a degree to get a job, not necessarily to study a particular subject for the sake of academia.  Physician’s assistants practice medicine under the supervision of licensed physicians, and do much of what someone with an M.D. will do: take medical histories, do patient exams, take X-rays, and treat minor injuries.  For anyone with an interest in medicine and science, but is not necessarily interested in going through the rigors of actual medical school (a lengthy and expensive process), should consider a physician’s assistant program near them.

The next fastest-growing degree is computer science, with the job growth at 39% and the mid-career median salary at $111,000.  Computer scientists, in a nutshell, create new technology, ranging from computer hardware to robotics to virtual reality-type technology.  Many also work in universities researching new computer technologies and can focus more on scientific theory than actual hardware creation.  With new gadgets being released every day (how many iPhones have been released already?), it’s no wonder that this field is an expanding and lucrative one.  It should be noted, however, that many employers require not just a master’s but also a Ph.D. for this type of job.

The third best degree is civil engineering, with the job growth at 41% and the mid-career median salary at $98,700.  Civil engineers design and manage those who build roads, buildings, bridges, sewage systems, and anything that a city could possibly need constructed.  Although many American cities are struggling with budget cuts, roads and bridges will still need to be repaired, especially as the population continues to grow.  With cities expanding, the field of civil engineering expands in kind.  If you have any interest in design or architecture, this field might be a good choice for you.

All three of these fields have great job prospects for those graduating with a master’s, but ultimately you should follow what interests you the most.  If technical or scientific pursuits aren’t your cup of tea, don’t do it.  But if any of these three fields excites you, get into grad school and get your degree.  A great job is more than likely waiting for you at the end.

Thanks to Emily Matthews for this great post:

Emily Matthews is currently applying to masters degree programs across the U.S., and loves to read about new research into health care, gender issues, and literature. She lives and writes in Seattle, Washington

Are you smarter than a 5th grader? I think most have watched this TV show and even as adults we are not always 100% sure on our answers. They offer questions in math that will range from grades 1 through 5 and I like to watch the adults struggle in this category. They have categories from geography to first grade math. It is funny to see older people messing up on 5th grade math or a lower grade, but maybe we should be crying when we see this. I know it’s no fun for the kids in elementary school that have trouble with math. It will only get worse in their high school years; if we don’t correct the problems now. My son who is in 5th grade is learning how to add fractions while using various methods. As I am trying to help him understand adding fractions I find myself having to research various problems to help him understand the best way to tackle his homework.

It isn’t easy for me or other Moms and Dads who want to help. It will take some level of desire and dedication, if you hope to bring help to a student, who is currently starting out with first grade math where some parents may have quit school and have a child who has surpassed them in educational levels. Parents with the the younger age kids in school, they should start learning the math lessons their child gets each day. By taking the time to learn it now and progress from one math lesson to the next, you will have a much easier time of assisting your little math star.Make no mistakes about it, math can be a very tough subject to handle at any grade or at any age. Having a solid math education earlier for your kids will help make their life easier as they enter middle school and high school. A lot of the parents do a real good job with providing their kids with some of their free time each evening. Most of the time our kids can learn a lot better from Mom or Dad and it’s because there is less pressure with them and they also probably have the time to be more patient; compared to a teacher who is trying to keep 25 or 30 students on a fast pace, one hour a day, so the class as a whole can reach a certain level of accomplishment.