Degrees for Long-Term Relevance: Majors That Will Be in High Demand Over the Next 50 Years

In the coming decades, the global job landscape will continue evolving, shaped by AI, climate change, demographic shifts, and the green transition. According to the World Economic Forum’s Future of Jobs Report 2025, 170 million new jobs will emerge by 2030, contrasted by 92 million displacements—resulting in a net gain of 78 million roles. Many of these high-growth sectors will require specialized university degrees or technical training. This comprehensive exploration delves into the degree programs and fields of study that will remain crucial for the next half-century, supported by international research, statistics, and expert quotations.

1. Technology & Computer Science

📌 Why It Matters

AI, big data, cybersecurity, and software development are becoming increasingly central. Businesses anticipate 86% of companies will be transformed by AI and information processing by 2030. Additionally, AI and big data top the fastest-growing skills list.

🔍 Core Degree Options

• Computer Science / Software Engineering

  • Roles: Software developer, DevOps engineer, systems architect

  • WEF ranks software and application developers among fastest-growing jobs.

• Artificial Intelligence & Machine Learning

  • Roles: AI specialist, ML engineer, data scientist

  • AI & ML specialists are among the highest-growing professions.

• Cybersecurity

  • Roles: Security engineer, ethical hacker, CISOs

  • Demand surging due to rising cyber threats.

👥 Expert Commentary

“Technology-related roles are the fastest-growing jobs in percentage terms, with demand for AI and big data specialists, cybersecurity experts, and software developers accelerating.”
— Future of Jobs Report 2025, World Economic Forum

2. Data Science & Analytics

📌 Why It Matters

Data informs decisions across industries. McKinsey’s 2023 State of AI Report forecasted continued rising demand for data professionals. WEF identifies Big Data Specialists and Data Analysts as top growth roles .

🔍 Core Degree Options

• Data Science / Business Analytics

  • Roles: Data scientist, BI analyst, quantitative analyst, predictive modeller.

• Statistics / Applied Mathematics

  • Provides foundation for predictive modeling and research roles.

📈 Job Trends

• Data scientist roles are projected to grow >30% between 2019-2029.

• Data analysts rank among top 15 fastest-growing roles to 2030.

3. Healthcare & Biomedical Sciences

📌 Why It Matters

Ageing populations and global health demands require skilled professionals. WHO predicts a global shortage of 10 million healthcare workers by 2030. The WEF highlights growth in nursing, social work, counselling, and care aide professions.

🔍 Core Degree Options

• Medicine & Nursing

  • Roles: Doctors, nurses, advanced practice clinicians.

  • Australia alone needs 80,000 more nurses by 2035.

• Biomedical Sciences / Biotechnology

  • Roles: Medical researcher, biotechnologist, geneticist.

• Pharmacy / Healthcare Administration

  • Pharmaceutical care and clinical operations remain essential.

• Public Health / Epidemiology

  • Vital for global health policy and disease outbreak management.

4. Renewable Energy & Environmental Engineering

📌 Why It Matters

Carbon reduction initiatives drive demand for clean energy professionals. WEF and CNBC identify environmental and renewable energy engineers among fastest-growing occupations. Globally, green jobs have grown ~8% annually.

🔍 Core Degree Options

• Environmental Engineering / Environmental Science

  • Roles: Environmental engineer, scientist, urban grower.

• Renewable Energy Engineering

  • Roles: Solar PV installer, wind energy technician, EV specialist.

• Energy Engineering

  • Manageing efficient power systems and infrastructure.

5. Robotics & Automation Engineering

📌 Why It Matters

As automation penetrates manufacturing and services, robotics experts become essential. WEF identifies robotics & automation engineers among top emerging roles . Quantum engineering is also emerging as a vital future discipline.

🔍 Core Degree Options

• Robotics / Mechatronics Engineering

  • Roles: System designer, field technician, control engineer.

• Quantum Engineering

  • Roles: Quantum engineer in computing, sensing, communication.

6. Blockchain & FinTech Engineering

📌 Why It Matters

Blockchain drives trust, transparency, and digital finance. PwC expects blockchain tech to enhance 40 million jobs by 2030.

🔍 Core Degree Options

• Computer Science with Blockchain Focus

  • Roles: Blockchain developer, smart contract developer, FinTech engineer.

7. Education & Human Services

📌 Why It Matters

Demographic shifts demand educators and care professionals. WEF reports rising need for teachers and personal care aides. Aging populations also highlight care economy roles.

🔍 Core Degree Options

• Education / Special Education

  • Roles: Primary, secondary teachers, special needs instructors.

• Social Work / Counselling Psychology

  • Fosters mental health and community well-being.

8. Built Environment & Construction

📌 Why It Matters

Infrastructure expansion and sustainable urban planning drive demand. Delivery drivers and construction workers remain top growth roles. TAFE and trade shortages (e.g., electricians) projected to persist through 2050.

🔍 Core Degree Options

• Civil / Structural Engineering

  • Roles: Civil engineer, project manager, urban planner.

• Construction Management / Architecture

  • Roles: Sustainable building specialist, green architect.

9. Emerging Interdisciplinary Fields

Quantum Engineering

• Combining physics and engineering to meet quantum tech demands.

ESG & Sustainability Management

• Overseeing corporate sustainability aligning with global ESG mandates.

IoT & Cloud Computing

• Connecting devices and cloud infrastructure are essential for smart systems .

10. Broad Skill Sets & Lifelong Learning

The Future of Jobs Report stresses that 39% of skills will become obsolete by 2030, making lifelong learning and adaptability essential.

🧭 Key Skills Employers Seek

• Analytical thinking & problem solving

• Technological literacy: AI, cybersecurity, big data.

• Resilience, flexibility & leadership.

• Environmental stewardship & social influence.

🎓 Education Strategies

• Universities should embed interdisciplinary, project-based learning, soft skills, and AI readiness in curricula.

Over the next 50 years, several degree pathways stand out as enduringly valuable:

• Core STEM fields: Computer science, AI/ML, data science, cybersecurity.

• Green and healthcare: Renewable energy, environment, medicine, nursing.

• Engineering specialties: Quantum, robotics, infrastructure.

• Human services: Education, counselling, social work.

• Emerging interdisciplinary: ESG management, IoT, blockchain.

Students and professionals aiming for long-term career resilience should pair specialized degrees with lifelong learning in emerging technologies, sustainability, and human-centered leadership. This dual approach ensures adaptability and relevance in an evolving global economy.

11. Case Studies: Universities Preparing Students for the Future

a. Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT), USA

MIT is a global leader in interdisciplinary education, particularly in AI, robotics, and renewable energy. Its Computer Science and Artificial Intelligence Laboratory (CSAIL) leads research that directly feeds into industry applications. MIT’s emphasis on entrepreneurship and innovation also prepares graduates to create new job sectors rather than just fill existing ones.

b. National University of Singapore (NUS)

NUS offers specialized degrees in data science, cybersecurity, and sustainable urban planning—key fields for the rapidly developing Asia-Pacific region. NUS’s programs integrate global tech trends with regional environmental and economic challenges, positioning graduates as regional leaders in sustainability and technology.

c. Bandung Institute of Technology (ITB), Indonesia

ITB provides strong programs in environmental engineering, renewable energy technology, and urban infrastructure. As Indonesia’s economy grows, ITB graduates are increasingly in demand for projects ranging from smart city development to green energy installations, reflecting national priorities outlined in Indonesia’s Mid-term Development Plan (RPJMN) 2020–2024.

12. Regional Trends: Indonesia & Asia-Pacific

• Indonesia is experiencing rapid digital transformation, with a forecasted digital economy growth reaching USD 146 billion by 2025 (Google-Temasek e-Conomy SEA 2023 report). This growth is creating high demand for tech graduates, especially in software development, cybersecurity, and data analytics.

• The ASEAN region shows a surge in renewable energy investments, with solar and wind projects expected to expand exponentially. According to the International Renewable Energy Agency (IRENA), Southeast Asia could create over 20 million green jobs by 2050.

• In healthcare, Indonesia faces a shortage of doctors and nurses, especially in rural areas, highlighting the ongoing importance of medical and nursing education. The Ministry of Health’s “Healthy Indonesia 2025” program underscores investments in healthcare workforce development.

13. Suggested Infographics and Visual Data

1. Projected Job Growth by Sector (2020–2070)
   Bar chart showing technology, healthcare, renewable energy, education, and trades, highlighting their growth percentages.

2. Top 10 Degrees for Future-Proof Careers
   Visual list with icons, including computer science, nursing, environmental engineering, etc.

3. Regional Digital Economy Growth (Asia-Pacific Focus)
   Map visualization with digital economy size and growth rates.

4. University Leaders in Future Careers Education
   World map pinpointing top universities with notable future-focused programs.

5. Skills Demand Over Time
   Line graph showing skills like AI literacy, sustainability knowledge, and soft skills projected to increase.