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Though almost every college student thinks about the earning ability a degree will produce, there are often other reasons that people choose to go into certain fields. Among the most common considerations outside of a pay rate is the amount of good a certain degree will allow people to do in the world.

If you want to make a positive impact with your studies and career, here are four degrees you should consider pursuing in college.

Diplomacy Degrees

The range of degrees surrounding the field of diplomacy, such as international studies and political science, can all be put to good use in promoting peace and understanding internationally. Public service in a diplomatic capacity can be incredibly fulfilling, especially for those who love to travel and learn about other nations and cultures.

Diplomatic careers can improve the world in both political and economic ways. A degree in a diplomatic field can also open the door for you to take part in UN peacekeeping missions in places such as Africa, the Caribbean and Southeast Asia.

Social Work

A degree in social work can equip you to help your fellow humans in a variety of different ways. Social workers often work with the poor, the homeless and other disadvantaged people to help them work their ways into better positions in life.

If you are passionate about helping individual people improve their lives, social services may well be the right path for you. Social work offers both public and private sector opportunities, making it a robust career path.

Education

There are few fields that will help you make as large a positive impact as education. Teachers are an integral part in shaping and improving the lives of young people. Great teachers can make all the difference in the classroom, especially in low-income or inner city schools.

A degree in education can give you the opportunity to help children improve their minds and carve out better futures for themselves year after year.

Medical Degrees

When it comes to saving lives, no career or field of study can equal medicine. Whether you go in for nursing, medical support or a full-fledged doctoral degree, healthcare will give you the opportunity to help people either at home or abroad.

Best of all, there are several online programs that can help you enter into the medical field on your own schedule. Many universities offer nurse practitioner programs, as well as master of science in nursing/family nurse practitioner degrees in an online format. With such degrees readily available online, it is easier than ever for students to start a career in medicine.

If your aim is to make the world a better place with your career, these fields of study will give you the chance to make it happen. If you’re already pursuing another field of study, however, don’t worry. With dedication, almost any career path will give you at least some opportunities to help others and improve the state of the world.

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