While today’s economy is almost as bad as the politicians and investors that ruined it, take solace in the fact that some industries are still hiring. Based on a recent survey of nonprofits, things are actually looking up; in total, 43% of them plan to hire new employees in 2012. Interested? Out of the eight sectors contributing to this growth, here are the top five, and some tips on how you can become qualified for each:

1. Health. While sporting scrubs and latex gloves is a good look for any health-providing hopeful, you can do more to prepare for a career in wellness than just dressing right. With 49% of health nonprofits expecting to hire, you can prepare by going pre-med or by majoring in biology, chemistry, or even psychology. If science isn’t your thing you could get more creative. For instance, you could study topics such as international relations, public policy, or healthcare administration in order to understand how nonprofit healthcare functions both at home and abroad—which could land you a job in the policy world.

2. Human Services. This is a fancy term that means you get to interact directly with people. Chances are you’re already familiar with these kinds of organizations, as they tend to have a big public presence: Big Brothers Big Sisters, United Way, etc. These organizations need a lot of help, which is probably why 48% of them are looking to make new additions to their professional families. If interested, try studying either sociology or anthropology, both of which will qualify you for most kinds of social work.

3. Environment and Animals.  Save the earth! Go green! Go hug a tree! Environmentalists have some of the best catchphrases around, and their collective quest for a cleaner world is pretty admirable. Luckily, now’s your chance to join the ranks of these wildlife defenders, as 41% of environmental and animal rights nonprofits need your help. Try out environmental studies or marine biology to see if this field (or forest) is for you.

4. Education. Education is more important than ever. Besides grassroots organizations concerned with matters of policy and funding, one of the biggest employers of recent graduates includes Teach for America , a nonprofit that aims to provide an education to those who need it most. In all, 41% of educational employers want you to join them and drop some knowledge. And you can, by studying English, math, or—you guessed it—education.

5. Arts, Culture, and Humanities. If you’re a theatre junkie, a frequent museum visitor, or a fan of performance, then this kind of work is for you. The arts are making a comeback, though you might argue it never left. 41% of nonprofit arts groups are trying to expand, so become well-versed in theatre, music, or English and get involved.

To get more information, and to read up on which other kinds of nonprofits are hiring, check out the rest of the report here.