Despite recent and wide-spread economic downturn, many industries continue to enjoy relevance—and in some cases, even growth—on an international scale. This is great news for students hoping to earn a two-year degree from the United States. The hardy career opportunities often associated with America’s community and technical colleges can help ensure stable employment without committing the time and money it takes to go to a four-year school. If you’re thinking about a two-year education, consider any of these exciting and time-tested degree paths.

1. Computer technology

Advances in technology continue to create a seemingly endless demand for qualified software and computer specialists. Thousands of computer jobs—in industries as diverse as engineering, programming, and design—call for two-year degree holders. For international students, community colleges and two-year schools across the United States offer quicker access into exciting and lucrative positions.

2. Health care

The world’s wealth may peak and dip, but its sick and injured populations don’t change much—which means there will always be a need for health professionals. Nursing and other two-year health care degrees are in demand now more than ever, and U.S. community and technical colleges have responded ably to that demand by streamlining their health care programs for accessibility by students of every background.

3. Education

At the turn of the 21st century, the United States experienced a downshift in the number of students pursuing careers in education. Faced with dire possibilities and an ever-growing population, the American government took action, implementing federal incentive plans and increasing funding for educators at every level of academia. As a result, earning a degree in education from an accredited U.S. institution is now easier and, in many ways, more satisfying than before. Two-year associate certification permits students to teach in a variety of disciplines and locales all over the world—and if you decide later to pursue a bachelor’s or master’s degree, many two-year schools have agreements with their four-year counterparts to facilitate the transition.

4. Environment/energy

With the energy crisis at the forefront of almost every agenda these days, the need for environmental expertise has never been greater. In coming years, job opportunities will abound for graduates of two-year programs in environmental studies, a degree path that comes with no small amount of personal satisfaction; whether students are protecting the habitats of indigenous wildlife, mapping possible sources of natural energy, or analyzing the quality of residential water supplies, they can experience boundless fulfillment in working to benefit humanity.

5. International business

As the world’s nations become more connected, individuals with knowledge of another culture or language will be vital at every level of business in facilitating interaction between corporations and individuals. In coming years, multicultural and bilingual students will have an advantage over their classmates as they pursue careers in international business.