Selecting the right degree is essential for landing a top career, and the University of Missouri-Kansas City offers programs that align with many of the best jobs of 2025. With programs spanning healthcare, technology, business and data science, UMKC’s wide range of academic offerings help students turn their ambitions into successful careers.
Each year, U.S. News & World Report ranks the top jobs based on salary potential, opportunities for growth, work-life balance and job security. UMKC provides degree pathways for nine of the top 10 careers on this prestigious list, equipping students with the skills, knowledge and hands-on experience needed to thrive in high-demand fields.
Nurse Practitioner
Median Salary: $126,260
Projected Jobs: 135,500
Unemployment Rate: 0.6%
Education Needed: Master’s
UMKC Degree: Post-MSN Nurse Practitioner Certificate, School of Nursing and Health Studies
The School of Nursing and Health Studies offers numerous undergraduate and graduate programs, including post-MSN Nurse Practitioner Certificates. The School of Nursing and Health Studies consistently receives national recognition, including the DNP program ranked in the top 5% across the country, the BSN ranked in the top 15%, and the online graduate program ranked No. 33 in the nation.
Information Technology Manager
Median Salary: $169,510
Projected Jobs: 106,900
Unemployment Rate: 1.4%
Education Needed: Bachelor’s
UMKC Degree: Bachelor of Information Technology, School of Science and Engineering
IT managers help companies meet their technology needs, overseeing the installation and maintenance of computer information systems. These skills can be gained with a bachelor’s degree in Information Technology from the School of Science and Engineering. Additionally, students can further develop their management skills by pursuing an MBA from the Henry W. Bloch School of Management.
Physician Assistant
Median Salary: $130,020
Projected Jobs: 43,700
Unemployment Rate: 1.6%
Education Needed: Master’s
UMKC Degree: Master of Medical Science Physician Assistant, School of Medicine
Physician assistants apply their medical expertise to examine, diagnose and treat patients, collaborating with other health care professionals to deliver comprehensive patient care. The Physician Assistant program at UMKC prepares students to practice medicine in as little as 29 months. Offered through the UMKC School of Medicine, the program fosters interdisciplinary learning, allowing future physicians and physician assistants to train together.
Financial Manager
Median Salary: $156,100
Projected Jobs: 138,300
Unemployment Rate: 1.4%
Education Needed: Bachelor's
UMKC Degree: Bachelor of Business Administration – Finance, Henry W. Bloch School of Management
Financial managers play a key role in guiding organizations' financial health, overseeing budgeting, investment strategies and long-term financial planning. At UMKC, students can develop these critical skills through the Bachelor of Business Administration with a Finance Emphasis. Students seeking graduate opportunities may also pursue the BBA-MSF Business Administration-Finance accelerated program to earn both a bachelor’s and master’s degree in less time. Graduates are well-equipped for careers in corporate finance, investment banking and financial consulting.
Software Developer
Median Salary: $132,270
Projected Jobs: 303,700
Unemployment Rate: 2.4%
Education Needed: Bachelor's
UMKC Degree: Bachelor of Computer Science, School of Science and Engineering
Software developers design, test and optimize applications and systems that drive today’s technology-driven world. UMKC’s Bachelor of Science in Computer Science program, offered through the School of Science and Engineering, prepares students with expertise in programming, software engineering and problem-solving. Students interested in accelerating their education can opt for the BS-MS in Computer Science, an integrated program that allows them to complete both undergraduate and graduate degrees in a streamlined pathway.
Information Security Analyst
Median Salary: $120,360
Projected Jobs: 59,100
Unemployment Rate: 0.5%
Education Needed: Bachelor's
UMKC Degree: Bachelor of Information Technology – Cybersecurity Emphasis or Bachelor of Science in Computer Science – Cybersecurity Emphasis, School of Science and Engineering
As cybersecurity threats continue to rise, UMKC’s Bachelor of Information Technology – Cybersecurity Emphasis and Bachelor of Science in Computer Science – Cybersecurity Emphasis degree offerings provide the skills needed to excel as an Information Security Analyst. These programs equip students with expertise in network security, encryption and risk assessment, preparing them to protect organizations from cyber threats.
Medical and Health Services Manager
Median Salary: $110,680
Projected Jobs: 160,600
Unemployment Rate: 1.5%
Education Needed: Bachelor's
UMKC Degree: Bachelor of Business Administration: Health Administration Emphasis, Henry W. Bloch School of Management
UMKC’s Bachelor of Business Administration – Health Administration Emphasis and Graduate Certificate in Health Leadership equip students with the skills needed to excel as medical and health services managers. With coursework in healthcare management, policy and leadership, students develop the analytical, problem-solving and technical expertise essential for overseeing healthcare facilities.
Data Scientist
Median Salary: $108,020
Projected Jobs: 73,100
Unemployment Rate: N/A
Education Needed: Bachelor's
UMKC Degree: BS-MS in Data Science, School of Science and Engineering | MBA in Business Analytics, Henry W. Bloch School of Management
Data scientists analyze complex data using statistics, programming and machine learning to uncover insights. At UMKC, students can prepare for this in-demand career through the Master of Science in Data Science and Analytics or fast-track their education with the BS-MS in Data Science, earning both a bachelor’s and master’s degree in just five years. Students could also pursue a Master of Business Administration in Business Analytics at the Henry W. Bloch School of Management. Graduates are prepared for roles in data analytics, artificial intelligence and business intelligence.
Actuary
Median Salary: $120,000
Projected Jobs: 6,600
Unemployment Rate: N/A
Education Needed: Bachelor's
UMKC Degree: Bachelor of Arts or Science in Mathematics and Statistics + Actuarial Science Minor, School of Science and Engineering.
Actuaries use mathematics, statistics and financial theory to assess and manage risk, making them essential in industries like insurance, finance and beyond. At UMKC, students can build a strong foundation for this career through the Bachelor of Arts or Bachelor of Science in Mathematics and Statistics or accelerate their education with the dual-degree program in Mathematics and Statistics (BS) and Statistics (MS). Additionally, the Actuarial Science minor provides specialized coursework to help students prepare for actuarial exams and develop the analytical skills needed for success in this high-demand field.