Introduction
Wondering what college degree to pursue? You're not alone. Whether you have a wide range of interests or you just don’t know what to do with your life, many students, particularly those in their senior year, are having problems deciding which program to enroll in. There are a lot of things to think about such as the cost of the school, income expectations, and job opportunity in that field. You should also consider your personal, professional goals and interests because committing to a major is not an easy decision. It is really hard to find an answer to the questions “What is the best?” and “What is the worst?”, but in today’s session we’ll try.
What College Degrees Are Becoming Worthless? Jan 13th
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Wondering what college degree to pursue? You're not alone. Whether you have a wide range of interests or you just don’t know what to do with your life, many students, particularly those in their senior year, are having problems deciding which program to enroll in. There are a lot of things to think about such as the cost of the school, income expectations, and job opportunity in that field. You should also consider your personal, professional goals and interests because committing to a major is not an easy decision. It is really hard to find an answer to the questions “What is the best?” and “What is the worst?”, but in today’s session we’ll try.
A 2020 survey by Best Colleges reveals how college graduates feel about their major. 82% said college was a "good financial investment," but 61% indicated they would change their undergraduate courses if they could go back in time. This may mean that most grads recognize the value of a college education in general, but their degree didn't satisfy all the boxes when it came to getting a fulfilling career. The top three reasons for wanting to change majors are 1.) They want to pursue their passion, 2.) They want to have better and more career opportunities, and 3.) They want to have a higher salary and benefits.
A recent study ranked the most valuable college majors in 2021 based on three factors: median income, unemployment rate, and the percentage of people with an advanced degree. They found that majors in science, technology, engineering or math (STEM) are the most valuable. Architectural Engineering, Construction Services, Computer Engineering, Aerospace Engineering, and Transportation Sciences & Technologies are at the top. While art majors such as Visual & Performing Arts, Miscellaneous Fine Arts, and Drama and Theater Arts are at the bottom.
STEM is promising as it offers many degree options across various interdisciplinary fields, and it owns most of the highest paying jobs. Innovation, problem-solving, critical thinking, and the curiosity in how the world works, how technology works, and how it might develop and affect human life, health, and well-being are all emphasized in these fields. Together, they make up a rich and quickly growing industry.
Sadly, some degrees are becoming useless nowadays. One example is Advertising and Public Relations. Traditional advertising platforms are failing as a result of the internet, technology, and social media. A Marketing degree, skills in online marketing channels such as social media, and being informed on media trends seems to be more helpful to impress company recruiters that you have the qualifications for a marketing role.
Next is Fashion Design. Many people succeed in this industry without a degree because it requires more of your natural abilities and artistic aptitude. Also, getting a job in this profession is difficult and opportunity in this field will decrease by 3% by 2022 According to Projections Central. Many people find Archaeology and Anthropology fascinating to study, but even if you get a Ph.D. in this discipline and devote a lot of time and money, it will not guarantee you a job as there are only a few options.
We can see that useless degrees do not fall in the STEM field. Assessing a degree's career and industrial prospects is the smartest way to choose it. Computer Science, Cybersecurity, Electrical Engineering, Petroleum Engineering, Nursing, and Pharmacology are some of the majors for the future to put you in high demand. However, don’t get discouraged because it is okay to pursue your passions as well.
Many people question the value of college for a variety of reasons. Some feel that it is a waste of time, money, and effort. But It's always best to trust the data. On average, college improves your chances of landing a job significantly. In 2019, 87% of adults between the ages of 25 and 34 with a bachelor's degree were employed. Furthermore college is like other investment with a measurable return, but it does not guarantee employment. We are not saying that everyone who attends college is successful because success depends on you.