You go through different cycles of emotions when you leave the military. At first, your excited and can’t believe it’s really happening. Then you get to the phase where you’re like okay so now what? Should I go to school? Will I get a job right away? What do I even want to do with my life now? Some people seem to have it all figured out, but it’s not a smooth transition for everyone.
You need to figure out your career path and what it will take to make that dream a reality.
While there’s no one size fits all solution, there is a logic you can apply to figure it out. Once you decide your career goal, you can reverse engineer and map your post-military career path.
To help apply that logic, we publish Military Friendly’s® annual list of Hot Degrees for Veterans. The Military Friendly® team asks each Designated Employer to list the degrees, credentials, and certifications they most often require for candidates seeking the top jobs they recruit military and veterans for (see the Top 25 Hot Jobs for Veterans in 2022 list.)
Choosing the Best Program for Your Career
Deciding what school you want to attend is important, and you can use the Military Friendly® Schools list as a resource in that decision. However, choosing the right program for your career is of the utmost importance. Research by Georgetown University’s Center on Education and the Workforce (CEW) reinforces the importance of choosing the right program. “What students study is more important than where they study it. That’s why some workers with less education earn more than those with a bachelor’s degree,” said Anthony Carnevale, CEW founder and director.
If your dream is to get one of the Hot Jobs in 2022, you’re in luck. All of the degrees, certifications, and professional credentials listed in this article help your path to the hottest jobs the Military Friendly® Employers are recruiting veterans for in 2022. Many of those careers come with attractive salaries and solid job growth projections. Computer-related education, for example, is well represented on the list, as well as business and human resources.
The Hot Degrees for Veterans list, which includes credentials and certifications for those whose career goals don’t require a four-year or advanced degree, is organized into four categories: bachelor’s degrees, advanced degrees, professional credentials and certificates. Each category includes 10 degrees, certificates or licenses with a description of the program from the National Center for Education Statistics.
Use the 2022 Hot Degrees for Veterans to help map your course and get the job you want.
Reverse Engineering
Figure out what you want to do, then create a map to do what it takes to get there.
- Ask yourself what you love doing, how much money you want to make, and what your life willl look like in 5 – 10 years.
- Decide what your dream job is based on that information.
- Do some recon. What do the job descriptions list as education/skills listed? What kind of experience do people have who are in the job you want? What are the top degrees that Military Friendly® companies are highlighting for the hot jobs?
- Create your roadmap. List what credentials you need and outline your timeline.
As a service member, you have access to tuition assistance to help pay for advanced degrees, certifications, or credentials. Making the most of your benefits can help you get a career you love.
Finding your passion is the first step. Determining what education or training you need to get there is the next critical step. Use the 2022 Hot Degrees for Veterans to help chart your course.
How We Determine the Hot Degrees for Veterans
Each year the Military Friendly® team asks the Military Friendly® Employers to identify the top 10 jobs they are recruiting veterans for. That data is used to compile the annual Top 25 Hot Jobs for Veterans list. Then they ask employers to identify the top degrees and other credentials they look for when recruiting veterans for their top jobs. The results are used to compile the Hot Degrees for Veterans.
The Military Friendly® Employers ratings are determined through the evaluation of public and proprietary data gathered through the annual Military Friendly® survey process. Scoring is fully automated. For details, visit militaryfriendly.com/methodology.
Bachelor’s Degrees
Deciding if you want to spend time and money on a four-year education is a big decision. You need to critically think about your career goals and decide if spending your GI Bill on Bachelor’s Degree is the best decision for you. If the career you want requires a four-year education, then consider the hottest degrees listed by the 2022 Military Friendly® Employers.
Accounting
What you’ll learn*
Program prepares individuals to practice accounting and perform related business functions. Includes instruction in accounting principles and theory, budget control, tax accounting, legal aspects of accounting, auditing, reporting procedures, statement analysis, planning and consulting, business information systems, accounting research methods, professional standards and ethics.
Related Hot Jobs
Business Administration and Management, General
What you’ll learn*
Program prepares individuals to plan, organize, direct and control the functions and processes of a firm or organization.
Related Hot Jobs
Human Resources Management/Personnel Administration, General
What you’ll learn*
A program that prepares individuals to manage the development of human capital in organizations, and to provide related services to individuals and groups. Includes instruction in personnel and organization policy, human resource dynamics and flows, labor relations, sex roles, civil rights, human resources law and regulations, motivation and compensation systems, work systems, career management, employee testing and assessment, recruitment and selection, managing employee and job training programs, and the management of human resources programs and operations.
Related Hot Jobs
Finance, General
What you’ll learn*
A program that generally prepares individuals to plan, manage, and analyze the financial and monetary aspects and performance of business enterprises, banking institutions, or other organizations. Includes instruction in principles of accounting, financial instruments, capital planning, funds acquisition, asset and debt management, budgeting, financial analysis, and investments and portfolio management.
Related Hot Jobs
Computer and Information Systems Security/Information Assurance
What you’ll learn*
A program that prepares individuals to assess the security needs of computer and network systems, recommend safeguard solutions, and manage the implementation and maintenance of security devices, systems, and procedures. Includes instruction in computer architecture, programming, and systems analysis; networking; telecommunications; cryptography; security system design; applicable law and regulations; risk assessment and policy analysis; contingency planning; user access issues; investigation techniques; and troubleshooting.
Related Hot Jobs
Computer Software Engineering
What you’ll learn*
Program prepares individuals to apply scientific and mathematical principles to the design, analysis, verification, validation, implementation, and maintenance of computer software systems using a variety of computer languages.
Related Hot Jobs
Operations Management and Supervision
What you’ll learn*
Program prepares individuals to manage and direct the physical and/or technical functions of a firm or organization, particularly those relating to development, production and manufacturing.
Related Hot Jobs
Computer Science
What you’ll learn*
Program focuses on computer theory, computing problems and solutions, and the design of computer systems and user interfaces from a scientific perspective. Includes instruction in the principles of computational science, computer development and programming, and applications to a variety of end-use situations.
Related Hot Jobs
Information Technology (IT) Manager, Technical Services Manager, Information Systems Director, Information Systems Manager, IT Director, Chief Technology Officer, Computer Analyst, Business Systems Analyst, Applications Analyst, Computer Systems Consultant, Systems Analyst, Systems Engineer, Information Systems Analyst (ISA)
Computer Systems Analysis/Analyst
What you’ll learn*
Program prepares individuals to apply programming and systems analysis principles to the selection, implementation and troubleshooting of customized computer and software installations across the life cycle.
Related Hot Jobs
Computer Hardware Engineering
What you’ll learn*
Program prepares individuals to design, develop and evaluate computer hardware and related peripheral equipment.
Related Hot Jobs
Advanced Degrees
If you’re pursuing a career in the medical, legal, or similar fields, you may want or need to get an advanced degree. For some careers, having an advanced degree will help to boost your salary or give you an edge in the hiring process. For other careers, an advanced degree is a requirement.
Here are the advanced degrees that are most in-demand with the 2022 Military Friendly® Employers.
Accounting
What you’ll learn*
Program prepares individuals to practice accounting and perform related business functions. Includes instruction in accounting principles and theory, budget control, tax accounting, legal aspects of accounting, auditing, reporting procedures, statement analysis, planning and consulting, business information systems, accounting research methods, professional standards and ethics.
Related Hot Jobs
Business Administration and Management, General
What you’ll learn*
Program prepares individuals to plan, organize, direct and control the functions and processes of a firm or organization.
Related Hot Jobs
Law
What you’ll learn*
Program prepares individuals for the independent professional practice of law, for taking state and national bar examinations, and for advanced research in jurisprudence.
Related Hot Jobs
Human Resources Management/Personnel Administration, General
What you’ll learn*
Program prepares individuals to manage the development of human capital in organizations and to provide related services to individuals and groups.
Related Hot Jobs
Finance, General
What you’ll learn*
Program prepares individuals to plan, manage and analyze the financial and monetary aspects and performance of business enterprises, banking institutions or other organizations.
Related Hot Jobs
Computer Science
What you’ll learn*
Program focuses on computer theory, computing problems and solutions, and the design of computer systems and user interfaces from a scientific perspective. Includes instruction in the principles of computational science, computer development and programming, and applications to a variety of end-use situations.
Related Hot Jobs
Information Technology (IT) Manager, Technical Services Manager, Information Systems Director, Information Systems Manager, IT Director, Chief Technology Officer, Computer Analyst, Business Systems Analyst, Applications Analyst, Computer Systems Consultant, Systems Analyst, Systems Engineer, Information Systems Analyst (ISA)
Computer Software Engineering
What you’ll learn*
Program prepares individuals to apply scientific and mathematical principles to the design, analysis, verification, validation, implementation, and maintenance of computer software systems using a variety of computer languages.
Related Hot Jobs
Operations Management and Supervision
What you’ll learn*
Program prepares individuals to manage and direct the physical and/or technical functions of a firm or organization, particularly those relating to development, production and manufacturing.
Related Hot Jobs
Computer Systems Analysis/Analyst
What you’ll learn*
Program prepares individuals to apply programming and systems analysis principles to the selection, implementation and troubleshooting of customized computer and software installations across the life cycle.
Related Hot Jobs
Professional Credentials
Professional credentials help boost the qualifications section of your resume. It’s proof that you are competent in a particular subject. Credentials are issued by a third party and usually require an exam. The subjects range from an electrician’s or a commercial driver’s license to high-end software development.
Take a look at the top professional certifications for the top jobs in 2022.
Computer and Information Systems Security/Information Assurance
What you’ll learn*
Program prepares individuals to assess the security needs of computer and network systems, recommend safeguard solutions, and manage the implementation and maintenance of security devices, systems and procedures.
Related Hot Jobs
Accounting
What you’ll learn*
Program prepares individuals to practice accounting and perform related business functions. Includes instruction in accounting principles and theory, budget control, tax accounting, legal aspects of accounting, auditing, reporting procedures, statement analysis, planning and consulting, business information systems, accounting research methods, professional standards and ethics.
Related Hot Jobs
Business Administration and Management, General
What you’ll learn*
Program prepares individuals to plan, organize, direct and control the functions and processes of a firm or organization.
Related Hot Jobs
Computer Software Engineering
What you’ll learn*
Program prepares individuals to apply scientific and mathematical principles to the design, analysis, verification, validation, implementation, and maintenance of computer software systems using a variety of computer languages.
Related Hot Jobs
Customer Service Support/Call Center/Teleservice Operation
What you’ll learn*
This program prepares individuals to assist customers with inquiries and problems in frontline call centers, help desks, teleservice centers, and online.
Related Hot Jobs
Computer Science
What you’ll learn*
Program focuses on computer theory, computing problems and solutions, and the design of computer systems and user interfaces from a scientific perspective.
Related Hot Jobs
Information Technology (IT) Manager, Technical Services Manager, Information Systems Director, Information Systems Manager, IT Director, Chief Technology Officer, Computer Analyst, Business Systems Analyst, Applications Analyst, Computer Systems Consultant, Systems Analyst, Systems Engineer, Information Systems Analyst (ISA)
Computer Systems Analysis/Analyst
What you’ll learn*
Program prepares individuals to apply programming and systems analysis principles to the selection, implementation and troubleshooting of customized computer and software installations across the life cycle.
Related Hot Jobs
Human Resources Management/Personnel Administration, General
What you’ll learn*
Program prepares individuals to manage the development of human capital in organizations and to provide related services to individuals and groups.
Related Hot Jobs
Operations Management and Supervision
What you’ll learn*
Program prepares individuals to manage and direct the physical and/or technical functions of a firm or organization, particularly those relating to development, production and manufacturing.
Related Hot Jobs
Electrician
What you’ll learn*
Program prepares individuals to apply technical knowledge and skills to install, operate, maintain and repair electric apparatus and systems such as residential, commercial and industrial electric-power wiring; and DC and AC motors, controls and electrical distribution panels.
Related Hot Jobs
Certifications
Certifications are similar to professional credentials in that they’re another way to verify your qualifications. Typically, certifications are less advanced than credentials such as licenses. You can actually get started in some careers with certifications. Microsoft Certifications, for example, are well recognized and show that you’re keeping up with today’s technical roles.
Computer and Information Systems Security/Information Assurance
What you’ll learn*
Program prepares individuals to assess the security needs of computer and network systems, recommend safeguard solutions, and manage the implementation and maintenance of security devices, systems and procedures.
Related Hot Jobs
Computer Systems Analysis/Analyst
What you’ll learn*
Program prepares individuals to apply programming and systems analysis principles to the selection, implementation and troubleshooting of customized computer and software installations across the life cycle.
Related Hot Jobs
Human Resources Management/Personnel Administration, General
What you’ll learn*
Program prepares individuals to manage the development of human capital in organizations, and to provide related services to individuals and groups.
Related Hot Jobs
Computer Science
What you’ll learn*
Program focuses on computer theory, computing problems and solutions, and the design of computer systems and user interfaces from a scientific perspective.
Related Hot Jobs
Information Technology (IT) Manager, Technical Services Manager, Information Systems Director, Information Systems Manager, IT Director, Chief Technology Officer, Computer Analyst, Business Systems Analyst, Applications Analyst, Computer Systems Consultant, Systems Analyst, Systems Engineer, Information Systems Analyst (ISA)
Computer Software Engineering
What you’ll learn*
Program prepares individuals to apply scientific and mathematical principles to the design, analysis, verification, validation, implementation, and maintenance of computer software systems using a variety of computer languages.
Related Hot Jobs
Business Administration and Management, General
What you’ll learn*
A program that generally prepares individuals to plan, organize, direct, and control the functions and processes of a firm or organization. Includes instruction in management theory, human resources management and behavior, accounting and other quantitative methods, purchasing and logistics, organization and production, marketing, and business decision-making.
Related Hot Jobs
Electrician
What you’ll learn*
Program prepares individuals to apply technical knowledge and skills to install, operate, maintain and repair electric apparatus and systems such as residential, commercial and industrial electric-power wiring; and DC and AC motors, controls and electrical distribution panels.
Related Hot Jobs
Customer Service Support/Call Center/Teleservice Operation
What you’ll learn*
This program prepares individuals to assist customers with inquiries and problems in frontline call centers, help desks, teleservice centers, and online.
Related Hot Jobs
Accounting
What you’ll learn*
Program prepares individuals to practice accounting and perform related business functions. Includes instruction in accounting principles and theory, budget control, tax accounting, legal aspects of accounting, auditing, reporting procedures, statement analysis, planning and consulting, business information systems, accounting research methods, professional standards and ethics.
Related Hot Jobs
Operations Management and Supervision
What you’ll learn*
Program prepares individuals to manage and direct the physical and/or technical functions of a firm or organization, particularly those relating to development, production and manufacturing.
Related Hot Jobs
Associate Degrees
Associate degrees are usually 2-year degrees that can help you pursue your goal at a lower cost than a 4-year institution. There are many nursing programs, trade school programs, and computer science related programs that can give you a great foundation to pursue your dream career.
Business Administration and Management, General
What you’ll learn*
A program that generally prepares individuals to plan, organize, direct, and control the functions and processes of a firm or organization. Includes instruction in management theory, human resources management and behavior, accounting and other quantitative methods, purchasing and logistics, organization and production, marketing, and business decision-making.
Related Hot Jobs
Accounting
What you’ll learn*
Program prepares individuals to practice accounting and perform related business functions. Includes instruction in accounting principles and theory, budget control, tax accounting, legal aspects of accounting, auditing, reporting procedures, statement analysis, planning and consulting, business information systems, accounting research methods, professional standards and ethics.
Related Hot Jobs
Computer and Information Systems Security/Information Assurance
What you’ll learn*
Program prepares individuals to assess the security needs of computer and network systems, recommend safeguard solutions, and manage the implementation and maintenance of security devices, systems and procedures.
Related Hot Jobs
Human Resources Management/Personnel Administration, General
What you’ll learn*
Program prepares individuals to manage the development of human capital in organizations and to provide related services to individuals and groups.
Related Hot Jobs
Computer Science
What you’ll learn*
Program focuses on computer theory, computing problems and solutions, and the design of computer systems and user interfaces from a scientific perspective. Includes instruction in the principles of computational science, computer development and programming, and applications to a variety of end-use situations.
Related Hot Jobs
Information Technology (IT) Manager, Technical Services Manager, Information Systems Director, Information Systems Manager, IT Director, Chief Technology Officer, Computer Analyst, Business Systems Analyst, Applications Analyst, Computer Systems Consultant, Systems Analyst, Systems Engineer, Information Systems Analyst (ISA)
Finance, General
What you’ll learn*
A program that generally prepares individuals to plan, manage, and analyze the financial and monetary aspects and performance of business enterprises, banking institutions, or other organizations. Includes instruction in principles of accounting, financial instruments, capital planning, funds acquisition, asset and debt management, budgeting, financial analysis, and investments and portfolio management.
Related Hot Jobs
Computer Systems Analysis/Analyst
What you’ll learn*
Program prepares individuals to apply programming and systems analysis principles to the selection, implementation and troubleshooting of customized computer and software installations across the life cycle.
Related Hot Jobs
Operations Management and Supervision
What you’ll learn*
Program prepares individuals to manage and direct the physical and/or technical functions of a firm or organization, particularly those relating to development, production and manufacturing.
Related Hot Jobs
Computer Software Engineering
What you’ll learn*
Program prepares individuals to apply scientific and mathematical principles to the design, analysis, verification, validation, implementation, and maintenance of computer software systems using a variety of computer languages.
Related Hot Jobs
Customer Service Support/Call Center/Teleservice Operation
What you’ll learn*
This program prepares individuals to assist customers with inquiries and problems in frontline call centers, help desks, teleservice centers, and online.
