Home » Blog » Prepare for the Nation’s Best Jobs at Shenandoah

Prepare for the Nation’s Best Jobs at Shenandoah

SU degrees are a perfect fit for many of the positions on 100 best jobs list

Shenandoah University offers a host of programs that prepare students for what U.S. News & World Report calls the top 100 jobs in the country

With more than 200 areas of study, Shenandoah makes it easy for students to enter exciting fields with a great deal of future potential. Shenandoah has at least one program (and usually many more than that) related to the top jobs in each of its schools: College of Arts & Sciences, including the Division of Applied Technology and Division of Education and Leadership; School of Business; Eleanor Wade Custer School of Nursing; School of Health Professions; Bernard J. Dunn School of Pharmacy; and Shenandoah Conservatory. We’ve made it easy to see which Shenandoah programs provide a solid foundation for many of the careers on the list, based on some of the information shared by U.S. News. (Note: all salary figures are from the U.S. News & World Report list.)

  1. Information Security Analyst/$103,590 Median Salary

Suggested programs include bachelor’s degrees in computer and information technology, math, or information systems. Shenandoah also offers a dedicated cybersecurity bachelor’s degree, as well as a Master of Science in Applied Cybersecurity and a Master of Business Administration in Cybersecurity Management. 

  1. Nurse Practitioner/$111,680 Median Salary

Required degree: master’s degree in nursing. Shenandoah’s Psychiatric-Mental Health Nurse Practitioner program has a 100% professional exam pass rate. 

  1. Physician Assistant/$115,390 Median Salary

Required degree: master’s in Physician Assistant Studies. Shenandoah has the top PA program in Virginia, according to the U.S. News & World Report rankings.   

  1. Medical and Health Services Manager/$104,280 Median Salary

Suggested undergraduate degree: bachelor’s degree in health administration. Suggested graduate degree: a master’s in business administration or public health

  1. Software Developer/$110,140 Median Salary

An undergraduate degree in computer science is common. Veli Services offers software development internships. For more information, please contact Gia Janashvili, the founder of Veli.

  1. Data Scientist/$98,230 Median Salary

A variety of bachelor’s degrees are suggested, including math, computer science, business, and natural or social sciences. Shenandoah also offers a separate data science bachelor’s degree.

  1. Financial Manager/$134,180 Median Salary

Suggested undergraduate degrees include bachelor’s degrees in finance, accounting, economics or business administration. A master’s degree is also suggested, including a master’s in business administration

  1. Registered Nurse/$75,330 Median Salary

Suggested degree: Bachelor of Science in Nursing – traditional or accelerated second degree BSN.

  1. IT Manager/$151,150 Median Salary

A bachelor’s degree in computer or information science is recommended. A graduate degree, such as a Master of Business Administration, is also often suggested. 

  1. Market Research Analyst/$65,810 Median Salary

Appropriate for a variety of bachelor’s degrees, but people pursuing the field must be adept with statistics and data analysis. 

  1. Operations Research Analyst/$86,200 Median Salary

Bachelor’s degrees in math and business work well for this degree. Graduate study is often desired. 

  1. Management Analyst/$87,660 Median Salary

The preferred degree for many employers is a master’s degree in business administration.

  1. Logistician/$76,270 Median Salary

Business is one of the many entry-level degrees for this field. Specialty certifications and/or a Master of Business Administration are common for those who rise to higher ranks.

  1. Marketing Manager/$142,170 Median Salary

Shenandoah’s bachelor’s degrees in marketing and communications would work well for this position. 

  1. Business Operations Manager/$103,650 Median Salary

Many of these managers have a bachelor’s in business administration and/or master’s degree in business administration.

  1. Computer Systems Analyst/$93,730 Median Salary

A bachelor’s degree in computer science is recommended.

  1. Physical Therapist/$91,010 Median Salary

Doctor of Physical Therapy is the most common degree. 

  1. Occupational Therapist/$86,280 Median Salary

A master’s or doctoral degree in occupational therapy required. 

  1. Web Developer/$77,200 Median Salary

Experience is essential, as is education. Shenandoah offers a bachelor’s degree in computer science.

  1. Public Relations Specialist/$62,810 Median Salary

Bachelor’s degrees in several fields are appropriate, including communications and marketing, which are offered at Shenandoah. 

  1. Database Administrator/$98,860 Median Salary

Shenandoah offers a bachelor’s degree in computer science, which is appropriate for this position. Some employers also seek applicants with a master’s degree in business administration with certain related specialities. 

  1. Epidemiologist/Medical Scientist/$74,560 Median Salary

The typical degree held by someone in this role is a master’s in public health.

  1. Accountant/$73,560 Median Salary

The Shenandoah University School of Business offers a BBA with an accounting concentration that prepares students to take the Certified Public Accountant exam. 

  1. High School Teacher/$62,870 Median Salary

A variety of Bachelor of Education degrees can be earned at Shenandoah. 

  1. Computer Network Architect/$116,780 Median Salary

A bachelor’s degree in computer science is available through Shenandoah’s Division of Applied Technology. 

  1. Computer Systems Administrator/$84,810 Median Salary

A bachelor’s degree is typical for this career, often in computer or information science.

  1. Sales Manager/$132,290 Median Salary

Preferred candidates often have a bachelor’s or master’s degree in business administration with a focus in marketing.

  1. Financial Analyst/$83,660 Median Salary

A bachelor’s degree, usually in a finance-related field, is needed. Also, a master’s degree is often desired, including a master’s in business administration

  1. Pharmacist/$128,710 Median Salary

Doctor of Pharmacy degree is required.

  1. Actor/$43,760 Median Salary

Shenandoah Conservatory offers a Bachelor of Fine Arts in Acting.

  1. Loan Officer/$63,960 Median Salary

Common bachelor’s degrees are in finance or business

  1. Human Resources Specialist/$62,700 Median Salary

A bachelor’s degree is needed. While in a variety of fields can lead to this job, Shenandoah has degrees in related subjects, such as communications and business.

  1. Elementary School Teacher/$60,940 Median Salary

Shenandoah offers Bachelor of Education degrees with a number of endorsements. 

  1. Nurse Midwife/$111,130 Median Salary

Shenandoah has the top Nurse-Midwifery program in Virginia, according to U.S. News rankings

Categories: ,

Recent News

Headshot of J. Robert "Bobby" Spencer

Shenandoah University To Hold Special Performance To Benefit SSMT Living Legacy Endowment Fund

Original ‘Jersey Boy’ J. Robert Spencer headlines ensemble cast of Shenandoah Summer Music Theatre alumni

Shenandoah OT Programs Recognize Students & Educators of Distinction

2024-25 Awardees Hail From Four Occupational Therapy Programs

Students walk on campus with Sarah's Glen in the background.

Shenandoah University Participating In 2025 Virginia Private College Week

Prospective students who visit from July 21-26 will be entered to win an Amazon gift card and are eligible for an application fee waiver

2025 Shenandoah Guitar Festival featured artists

Internationally Acclaimed Guitarists Perform at Shenandoah Guitar Festival

Sharon Isbin • Colin Davin • Jocelyn Gould • Rafael Padrón • ArcoStrum

Monthly Archives