10 Fast Growing Professions That Require a Graduate School Degree

In-Demand Master's and Doctoral-Level Jobs

The US Bureau of Labor Statistics predicts that these ten professions, all of which require a graduate degree, will grow faster than others that have similar educational requirements. If you choose any of these careers, plan to be in school for a minimum of six years, but for as many as eight years, after graduating from high school. Generally, you will have to earn a bachelor's degree at a four-year college before going on to graduate school.

Never choose an occupation just because it appears on this or any other best careers list. You will not be successful in a profession, even one with the most promising future, if it is not suitable for you. While you want to look at ​labor market information to find out whether an occupation has a strong future, you must also make sure that it is a good match for you. Learn everything you can about any career you are considering by exploring it thoroughly. Read a job description first and then conduct informational interviews with people who work in that field. Make sure an occupation matches well with your interests, personality type, aptitude, and values.

01
of 10

Industrial-Organizational Psychologists

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Industrial-organizational (I-O) psychologists solve workplace problems by applying psychological principles to them. One must earn a master's degree from a program that specializes in this field of study to work as an I-O psychologist. Employment is expected to grow by 53% through 2022. Median annual earnings of industrial-organizational psychologists were $80,330 in 2013.

02
of 10

Genetic Counselor

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Genetic counselors analyze the risk an individual or couple has of conceiving a child who has a genetic disorder or birth defect. To work in this field, one needs at least a master's degree in genetics or genetic counseling. Many genetic counselors have a Ph.D. Employment is expected to grow by 41% through 2022. Genetic counselors earned a median annual salary of $63,590 in 2013.

03
of 10

Physician Assistant

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Physician assistants, under physicians' supervision, perform examinations and treat injuries and illnesses. To practice, they need a master's degree from a physician assistant training program. Employment of physician assistants is expected to grow by 38% through 2022. Median annual earnings were $92,970 in 2013.

04
of 10

Postsecondary Health Specialties Teacher

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Postsecondary health specialties teachers instruct high school graduates in a variety of health-related courses, including laboratory technology, therapy, dentistry, and veterinary science. One typically needs a doctorate to work in this occupation, but at some institutions, a master's degree will suffice. Employment in this field is expected to grow by 36% through 2022. Median annual earnings were $85,030 in 2013.

05
of 10

Marriage and Family Therapists

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Marriage and family therapists work with clients who have psychiatric disorders including anxiety, low self-esteem, obsessive-compulsive disorder, depression, and substance abuse. They work with families, couples, and individuals, taking into consideration the effect of relationships on these disorders and vice versa. One needs a master's degree in marriage and family therapy to practice this profession. Employment in this field is expected to grow by 29% through 2022. The median annual salary was $48,160 in 2013.

06
of 10

Orthotist and Prosthetist

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Orthotists and prosthetists, commonly called O & P professionals, design and fit patients for medical supportive devices including artificial limbs. They must earn a master's degree and complete a one-year residency program before they can practice. O & P professionals are expected to experience job growth of 36% through 2022. Annual median earnings were $62,970 in 2013.

07
of 10

Postsecondary Nursing Instructors

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Postsecondary nursing instructors teach patient care to nursing students. They work in the classroom and clinical settings. To do this, one needs at least a master's degree in nursing. This occupation is expected to grow by 35% through 2022. In 2013 median annual earnings were $65,940.

08
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Nurse Practitioner

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Nurse practitioners provide primary healthcare to patients. One must earn a master's degree after first getting a degree in nursing. Employment in this field is expected to grow by 34% through 2022. Nurse practitioners earned a median annual salary of $92,670 in 2013.

09
of 10

Physical Therapists

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Physical therapists (PTs) work with people who have disabling conditions or who have been in accidents. They provide treatment that restores their patients' functions, improves their mobility, relieves pain, and prevents or limits permanent physical disabilities. Their training includes earning a Doctor of Physical Therapy (DPT) degree. Employment in this field is expected to grow by 36% through 2022. Median annual earnings were $81,030 in 2012.

10
of 10

Audiologists

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Audiologists diagnose hearing problems and balance disorders. They then treat these issues after determining their causes and their impact on the patients. To become an audiologist, one must earn a Doctor of Audiology degree (AuD). We can expect to see a 34% growth in employment through 2022. Audiologists earned a median annual salary of $71,170 in 2012.