Visiting a typical information technology department, you wouldn't know 6 million jobs have been lost in the U.S. Cubicles remain full and pocketbooks fat. In fact, with the growing need of companies to have websites and databases that track and streamline their businesses, IT careers will remain one of the fastest growing careers on the planet. Luckily, you can start a career in IT after only a few years of school.

According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, IT careers are growing at twice the rate of most other careers.

Computer software engineer careers will grow by 38 percent through 2016, equaling 324,000 new jobs. These jobs will make $79,000 on average per year. The top 10 percent of software engineers make over $120,000 per year.

Computer science and database administration careers will grow by 37 percent, equaling 200,000 new positions which make $94,000 per year on average. The top 10 percent make well over $145,000 annually.

Computer and information systems managers will increase by 16 percent, equaling 43,000 new jobs that make $101,000 average annually.

Those wishing to start a career in IT can earn a degree in a matter of years with classes built around their schedule. Kaplan University’s online Bachelor of Science in IT requires 180 credit hours. These classes can be taken at the students’ convenience from their own home computer. Similar degrees at University of Phoenix require 120 minimum credit hours.
 

If there were a list of glamorous careers, teaching in a public middle school would be pretty low on the totem pole. Few jobs are less glamorous or coveted than teaching. Teaching can be stressful. You won't make six figures. You're usually underappreciated. But teaching has a few really good things going for it.

Education is easily one of the most secure industries in the U.S. When other industries fall flat, children still need to be taught and the government is still obliged to pay for it.  In fact, historical statistics show that growth has been constant in teaching even through recent recessions. Ironically, in the wake of the financial meltdown, a number of financial professionals have switched to careers in teaching.

"Teachers may not have the sports cars or private jets, but they generally know that they will always have a job," says Janet Hill, a career analyst at Classes and Careers.com. Hill points out other benefits, such as long summer breaks, great health benefits, and the satisfaction of helping kids grow.

According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, public education job growth will continue at an even 12 percent through 2016.

Public school teachers average $47,000 per year with some making as much as $76,000. Teachers' pay typically increases according to their experience.

Says Hill, "Especially in this economy, teaching careers are a great way to keep a steady income coming in."

People interested in earning a teaching degree can get their degree quicker through online education programs. By filling out a simple form, future teachers can start working on their degree in days.

Kids with a knack for the visual arts or graphic design used to settle for low salaries and irregular work. Not anymore. According to recent studies, salaries and opportunities for designers are skyrocketing. Companies need websites, logos, and brochures, estimated to increase demand for designers by 15 percent in the next 7 years, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics. And these designers will be well paid.

"The myth of the starving artist is dead," says Stephen Rawlins, a leading industry observer. "More and more companies are realizing that they need great designers to stand out in today's economy. The kids who used to doodle on their notebooks instead of working on math in high school are going to rule the world."

Rising design salaries confirm this. According to Salary.com, the middle 50 percent of Web design jobs pay between $54,140 and $71,722. The lowest 10 percent make $46,989 or less while the top 10 percent earn $80,580 or more. The middle 50 percent of graphic design specialists make between $50,234 and $64,844. For more skilled designers, these salaries can quickly rise above $100,000.

Thanks to flexible education options, anyone with the desire to become a designer can earn a degree in just a few years and move into full-time professional work. Three years ago, Jacob Bills was a construction worker earning extra money painting storefront windows in Tallahassee, Fl. "I knew I enjoyed being creative," Bills says."I decided to get a design degree to make a career out of it."

Today, Bills works as a web designer for a leading online magazine. "I get paid $70,000 a year to do work that is fun, challenging, and, best of all, creative,” he says.

People who are interested in getting a design degree can learn more at Classes and Careers.com. After filling out a form and picking a school about which to learn more, they will be contacted by an education advisor to find the degree program that is best for them.