10 Fastest-Growing Jobs That Require a Master's Degree

When choosing a career, it's vital to consider the job growth outlook. In other words, will the role you're interested in still be needed in the future? Will there be opportunities for growth and advancement?

The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics uses data to estimate the fastest-growing jobs in the country. The rankings are based on the job growth rate expected from 2019 to 2029.

Depending upon the career you want to pursue, you may need a graduate degree. This article looks at the 10 fastest-growing jobs that require a master's degree.

10 Fastest-Growing Jobs

A majority of the fastest-growing jobs that require a master's degree are in the fields of healthcare, data management, and therapy.

10. Economist

Job Growth Outlook: 14% | Projected Employment Additions by 2029: 2,900

Economists study the production, distribution, and consumption of goods and services for a specific society (e.g., city, state, nation). They can specialize in a specific industry or evaluate multiple fields.

Research skills and data analysis are two essential skills economists must possess. They use the data they glean through research to analyze, monitor trends, and develop economic forecasts that help individuals and public and private entities make decisions about business, policies, and more.

While a bachelor's degree in economics qualifies you for entry-level positions, you need a master's degree in economics to advance within the field.

9. Computer and Information Research Scientist

Job Growth Outlook: 15% | Projected Employment Additions by 2029: 5,000

Computer and information research scientists are all about technology, working to improve existing technology, finding new uses for existing technology, and inventing new computing technologies, all to achieve the ultimate goal of solving problems across industries.

Most computer and information research scientists specialize in one of the following fields:

• Data Science
• Programming
• Robotics

Typically, you need to earn a master's degree in computer science or a similar field to enter the industry.

8. Occupational Therapist

Job Growth Outlook: 16% | Projected Employment Additions by 2029: 22,700

Occupational therapists help people of all ages develop or regain the ability to perform daily tasks and activities that they've been unable to do because of injuries, illnesses, or disabilities.

After evaluating their patients and coordinating with the patients' families and doctors, occupational therapists develop treatment plans with goals. They guide patients through tasks to achieve the established goals. And if patients require adaptive equipment (like a wheelchair), occupational therapists work with their patients to learn how to use the equipment.

Make sure to choose a master's program in occupational therapy that is accredited by the Accreditation Council for Occupational Therapy Education.

7. Orthotist/Prosthetist

Job Growth Outlook: 17% | Projected Employment Additions by 2029: 1,700

Orthotists and prosthetists develop medical support devices for patients with injuries and other physical disabilities. They work closely with their patients to take measurements, prepare casts, and fit the finished medical devices on their patients.

While the roles are similar in many ways, they have different areas of specialization. Orthotists produce medical support devices, like leg braces, while prosthetists produce prosthetic implants, such as an artificial arm.

In addition to a master's degree, you must obtain certification from the American Board for Certification in Orthotics and Prosthetics, a requirement for both orthotists and prosthetists.

6. Genetic Counselor

Job Growth Outlook: 21% | Projected Employment Additions by 2029: 600

Genetic counselors work with individuals and families to assess their risks for a range of inherited medical conditions. They conduct extensive research to identify any genetic diseases and disorders by evaluating DNA and family medical history.

Once they calculate the potential risk posed to individuals or families for developing a genetic disease or disorder, genetic counselors educate them about the conditions, discuss their testing options, and provide recommendations for further action.

The American Board of Genetic Counseling will issue you certification when you successfully complete an accredited master's degree and pass an exam.

5. Marriage and Family Therapist

Job Growth Outlook: 22% | Projected Employment Additions by 2029: 14,800

Marriage and family therapists treat emotional and mental disorders with a family-centered approach, whether they're working with individuals, couples, or families.

They are trained to diagnose and treat a range of clinical problems, including anxiety, child-parent problems, depression, individual problems, and marital problems, all within the context of familial relationships.

To become a qualified marriage and family therapist, you have to complete a master's degree and earn state licensure.

4. Speech-Language Pathologist

Job Growth Outlook: 25% | Projected Employment Additions by 2029: 40,500

Speech-Language Pathologists (SLPs) work with people of all ages to treat speech, language, social communication, cognitive-communication, and swallowing disorders.

A speech or swallowing disorder can result from a variety of causes, such as an injury, illness, physical deformity, or mental condition, like autism.

If you seek to become a professional SLP, you'll need a graduate degree along with the Certificate of Clinical Competence in Speech-Language Pathology (CCC-SLP).

3. Physician Assistant

Job Growth Outlook: 31% | Projected Employment Additions by 2029: 39,900

Physician assistants (PAs) are licensed medical professionals who can diagnose and treat patients under the supervision of a doctor. In most states, PAs can prescribe medications.

In contrast to doctors who often specialize in a medical field, PAs develop knowledge in multiple fields. While their knowledge in a certain field may not be as deep as a doctor's, they possess a comprehensive understanding, allowing them to treat the same patient for a wider range of medical issues.

To obtain a medical license and serve as a PA, you'll have to earn a master's degree and participate in clinical rotations to gain hands-on medical experience.

2. Statistician

Job Growth Outlook: 33% | Projected Employment Additions by 2029: 14,900

Statisticians collect data, identify trends and patterns in the data, and analyze their findings to generate reports that help organizations solve problems and make well-informed decisions.

Applying mathematical and statistical theories, statisticians develop and conduct surveys, use software to analyze findings, and present the results. They work in all sorts of industries, from market research to healthcare.

A master's degree will provide you with the comprehensive knowledge and skills required of statisticians.

1. Nurse Practitioner

Job Growth Outlook: 45% | Projected Employment Additions by 2029: 117,000

Nurse practitioners (NPs) are licensed clinicians who can diagnose and treat patients, prescribe medicine, and educate patients on their care.

Unlike PAs, who take a disease-centered approach, NPs use the patient-centered approach that's standard for nurses and specialize in treating a specific population (e.g., geriatric care).

NPs must earn a master's degree from an accredited nursing program and board certification.

Concordia Helps Prepare You For Fast-Growing Jobs That Require A Master's Degree

Before you can earn your master's degree, you have to earn a bachelor's degree. Enter Concordia University Texas.

A bachelor's degree from Concordia will equip you with a foundation of knowledge across disciplines and skills that are relevant to all vocations, such as critical thinking and leadership.

You can choose from more than 20 majors and further personalize your education with concentrations, minors, and pre-professional tracks.

Check out the potential majors for the top 10 fastest-growing careers that require a master's degree.

Job	Potential CTX Undergraduate Degree
Economist	Business Administration, Mathematics
Computer & Information Research Scientist	Computer Science
Occupational Therapist	Biology, Kinesiology
Orthotist/Prosthetist	Biology, Kinesiology
Genetic Counselor	Biology, Mathematics
Marriage & Family Therapist	Behavioral Sciences, Psychology
Speech-Language Pathologist	Communication
Physician Assistant	Biology
Statistician	Business Administration, Mathematics
Nurse Practitioner	Nursing

Prepare for a fast-growing career with a bachelor's degree from Cocnordia University Texas. View the undergraduate majors and programs.