As the job market becomes increasingly saturated, it is more vital than ever for school graduates to select the proper subjects. With debt to repay, graduates need to be sure that they will be able to get a good return on their investment. It is no longer enough simply to have any degree – in order to stand out from others and showcase your intelligence, you must choose wisely among the many educational options available today.
As a result, it is critical to avoid irrelevant degrees – a menu that will be subjective; for instance, many people would think golf management is a useless choice. Nevertheless, if you’re looking to work in golf resort management as a profession, it is an absolute must! Instead, this comprehensive list focuses mainly on courses where consequent work and salary rates are sub-optimal, or a degree is unlikely to differentiate you from those that haven’t graduated.
Here are the 20 most useless degrees in the world.
1. Fashion design
A degree in fashion design can benefit those looking to enter the fashion industry. The ability to network and build relationships with people in the industry can help secure a job or advance one’s career. Furthermore, studying fashion design can give individuals an understanding of the creative process and technical skills needed to design clothing.
There is no refusing that artistic talent and creativity are essential for success in fashion design. However, it is crucial to remember that competition for jobs in the fashion industry is extremely fierce. Therefore, investing time and energy into creating a robust portfolio and personality may be more beneficial than relying solely on innate ability.
2. Culinary arts
In recent years, culinary arts programs have become increasingly expensive, making them less attractive for budding chefs. Statistics show that graduates of culinary programs make just 2-11 percent more than those who do not attend college, investing in a degree less worthwhile. Additionally, many employers are now hiring qualified candidates without a formal education, making attending culinary school less of a necessity. Although some restaurant owners think culinary school is a necessary professional step, most believe that academic qualifications are less important than raw ability and experience. As a result, you may spend your time and money more effectively in the kitchen than in class.
3. Music
There is no one-size-fits-all answer to becoming a successful musician, as success in the music industry depends on various factors. However, many musicians attribute their success to hard work and extensive practice – not an expensive music degree. So if you’re passionate about music and are willing to put in the hours, you may not need a degree to achieve your musical dreams.
There are, of course, exceptions to every rule. For example, classical musicians usually require more practice and theory-heavy tuition than other musicians. However, unless you have been given a place at a reputed performance school such as Thornton, Berklee, or Juilliard, you might teach music instead of performing it for a living. You can use your money for things like equipment or unique student experiences.
4. Art history
Often seen as a complicated or unimportant subject, art history is a very niche field with few job opportunities. Those who do pursue careers in art history often find themselves in insecure or transient positions.
However, when you’re paying the due of $50,000 for your Money from your Manet to distinguish them, you require some verifiable return. However, this frequently boils down to doing random jobs to return those loans or starting fresh in a new field – with additional debt as a consequence.
5. Communications
A communications degree provides you with skills applied to most forms of media. However, the degree is not focused much on offering you specialized skills. The Use of social media has replaced various traditional forms of media. Hence, a communications degree might not be that helpful.
In today’s workplace, communication is frequently regarded as a popular choice for those unsure about their professional goals. While this may be considered a facetious generalization, becoming an effective communicator does not need four extensive years of study, and your time would certainly be better spent.
6. Biology
Biology is a critical subject for medical and pharmaceutical science students. However, biology majors are frequently theoretical rather than research and practice. The knowledge and skills learned from a biology undergraduate degree will prepare students for many high-level careers. However, those with only a biology degree may have limited options with a less optimistic career outlook.
A degree in biology can provide a strong foundation for further studies in related fields and open up opportunities for a prosperous career. However, without pursuing postgraduate education or additional training, there may be limited options available within this field. Therefore, it is essential to consider what you hope to achieve with your biology degree before making any decisions about your future.
Employers often prefer to hire graduates majoring in more specific areas like biochemistry, biotechnology, and computational biology. Therefore, if you’re passionate about these subjects, focusing on specialization is essential to make yourself more marketable. By honing your skills in a particular area, you are better equipped to pursue the career path you’re passionate about.
7. Studio arts and fine art
Studying studio arts is not inherently foolish, as many successful artists have not entered the world anticipating getting wealthy. The term starving artist is often used to describe those who dedicate their lives to passion projects with little chance of financial gain. However, what is unwise is spending large amounts of money to study something that can be done everywhere, with success solely based on the opinion of others.
Perhaps a more intelligent solution would be to freelance your creative skills on top of a steadier income source. If photography is what you’re passionate about, for example, shooting weddings commercially could help cover the bills while you also work on building up a more artistic portfolio concurrently. Later down the line, with enough dedication, you might even turn your natural talents into an economically successful business venture.
8. Liberal arts
It is often said that liberal arts degrees are the “dumbest” one can get. However, this may be unfair. Liberal arts degrees encourage increasing critical thinking and various other soft skills essential for success in any field. With a liberal arts degree, you will be prepared to think critically and communicate effectively, two skills that are invaluable in any career.
The problem with a liberal arts degree is that it doesn’t always offer the same job prospects as a STEM-powered degree. In today’s economy, employers are unwilling to employ liberal arts graduates because of their lack of work experience or vocational skills. Unless you’re okay with racking up even more debt chasing extra qualifications, you may not get much of a return on your investment. Every college degree enhances cognitive abilities, but you should at least pick one with positive job prospects.
9. Anthropology and archaeology
Both anthropology and archaeology are appealing options at first sight. They help to develop essential cognitive and analytical abilities while also being genuinely intriguing topics, and who is not willing to be Indiana Jones?
The disadvantage of both career paths is that they do not resemble reality. To succeed in either profession, a Ph.D. is required. This investment of time, money, and effort often does not result in a successful career. Unless your only goal in studying the subject is to satisfy your interest, you would unlikely find a practical use for your degree.
You only know of fictional archaeologists because they are too few and far between in the real world. Their numbers are so low that it makes it difficult for people to get into the profession.
10. Performing arts
There is no one specific path to becoming a successful performer. Many aspiring actors attend drama school; however, natural talent is critical to success in this field. Although many well-known actors have gone on this path, and many haven’t — The only requirement for people who want to dance, act, or sing is not an expensive college degree.
Instead, the easiest method to break into a ruthless business is to go to auditions and form a thick skin after being rejected hundreds of times. The 1% may make huge money; however, the harsh truth is that acting is a low-paying, unrewarding profession; on top of that, it comes with debilitating debt.
11. Journalism
The print newspaper industry is in decline as online publications are increasingly competing for readership. It can make it difficult to break into journalism, as there are more graduates than available positions. However, it is still possible to build a successful career in this field with determination and perseverance.
To be successful as a journalist, it is advisable to learn how to write well and obtain a degree in a relevant field such as economics, law, or political science. It will enable you to report on your chosen subject or niche with greater insight and understanding.
12. Ethnic studies
Ethnic studies are often thought of as a way to learn about different cultures and sensitivities to be more successful in the corporate world. However, experts report that while a degree in ethnic studies can be beneficial, it will be hard to lead a productive career on its own.
It is the reason career counselors advise double majoring in a different field to increase your chances of finding employment.
13. Travel and tourism
Getting a degree in travel and tourism would be the best choice if your goal is to see the world. And while that life sounds nice, the unfortunate reality is that it’s hard to find a job in this field that pays well.
Of course, Becoming a popular vlogger or Instagram wanderer is possible, but this is by no means a guarantee.
14. Philosophy
Philosophy is one fascinating subject that can occupy your thoughts for hours. You can spend time talking about the works of renowned philosophers such as Aristotle, Arthur Schopenhauer, Ludwig Wittgenstein, and Friedrich Nietzsche; however, choosing philosophy as a career may not be the wisest decision, as it can be challenging to find a job or income in this field.
While a philosophy degree may have some standalone value, it is not the best decision to make as a solo degree because of the absence of career prospects. A better option would be to double major or choose another liberal arts degree with more job options available.
15. International studies
Many students are drawn to international studies programs to learn more about the world around them. These programs usually take a global perspective on regional issues, emphasizing language and public affairs. However, while such programs can provide students with a better understanding of current events, they may not lead to high-paying jobs unless the student is employed by the UN or works in a foreign policy position in government or academia.
16. Advertising
Advertising has changed dramatically in recent years due to the rise of digital marketing technology. Augmented, SEO, big data, and virtual reality have all played a role in making advertising more complex and sophisticated. As a result, many traditional advertising methods are no longer as effective as they once were.
Advertising may be a desirable addition to your curriculum, but it isn’t enough on its own to help you reach your professional goals. Although advertising as a course might be an exciting option, it does not guarantee a promising career with just a degree. Data analysis is a viable alternative to obtaining an advertising degree.
17. Criminal justice
Some experts may consider a criminal justice degree useless due to the high cost of education and the lack of decent employment chances. Law enforcement, on the other hand, is simply a career alternative. While this is true at all times, it’s advised that students take a more comprehensive training course like political science or law school. As a result, you’ll be able to discover many jobs in this field and won’t be restricted to just a few professions.
18. Film-video production
The advancement of today’s cameras has raised many questions about the need for film-video production programs. The high-quality images produced by professional cameras and even smartphone cameras can rival those of broadcast news videos or box office films.
Nowadays, you don’t need to be a film video expert to get started in the field. With the advent of affordable and easy-to-use digital cameras, journalists can independently produce professional-quality videos. As far as you know how cameras work, you can start learning film production without spending lots of money on tuition.
19. Child and family studies
Although family studies might not be the most famous degree program, it can still give students with exciting and complex knowledge about families. The subject can benefit anyone interested in working as a social worker, psychologist, or counselor. Students might also find that studying family dynamics better prepares them to work with children in psychology-related fields.
20. Computer science
Computer science has recently become one of the most popular college majors, but it has overflowed with graduates holding this degree. It can make it challenging to find a job after graduation.
Many in the computer science industry argue that the textbooks used in colleges and universities are outdated soon after being published. It is because of the rapidly changing field nature. With new advancements and technologies emerging constantly, computer science textbooks can quickly become dated and obsolete.
In conclusion
Even though graduate salaries and unemployment rates are some degrees that aren’t great, that doesn’t mean you should be discouraged from pursuing them. Like in all other areas of life, your experience, aptitude, and motivation will always impress employers more than a degree.
FAQs
Do I need a degree to get a job in advertising?
No, you do not need a degree to get a job in advertising. Nevertheless, having a degree may give you an upper hand over other contenders who do not have one.
Is a criminal justice degree worth it?
It totally relies on your career goals. A criminal justice degree may be worth it if you want to work in law enforcement. However, if you are interested in working in a different field, such as social work or psychology, you may want to consider studying something else.
Do I need a film video production degree to make videos?
No, you do not need a film video production degree to make videos. With the advance of digital cameras and video editing software, anyone can produce professional-quality videos.
What can I do with a family studies degree?
You can pursue many careers with a family studies degree, such as social work, psychology, or counseling. Studying family dynamics can also prepare you to work with children in psychology-related fields.
What are some degrees that lead to low-paying jobs?
Again, there is no definitive answer, but some degrees that typically lead to low-paying jobs include child and family studies, advertising, and film production.
Is it worth getting a degree if it doesn’t lead to a high-paying job?
It is a hard question to answer, as it relies on various factors, such as the cost of tuition, the job market in your area, and your own goals and preferences. However, in general, degrees can still be beneficial even if they don’t lead to high-paying jobs; they can provide you with knowledge and skills that are applied in various ways.
