Is there such a thing as a 'useless' degree?

Hey everyone, quite a bit confused here. Often, I hear some degrees are called 'useless'. So, is there a degree that is truly 'useless', or is it just dependent on individual career goals? What should I bear in mind when choosing my major?

This is a valid question and a concern for many students when choosing a major, but the short answer is, "no". The value of a degree can greatly vary based on several factors, including but not limited to your individual career goals, the skills and knowledge you gain during your course, and how you apply those skills and learnings in the real world, but no individual degree is inherently useless.

Some degrees are termed 'useless' due to a perceived lack of direct career paths or high salaried jobs. However, keep in mind that skills and knowledge can be flexible and transferable to various fields. A philosophy degree, for example, may not lead directly to a specific job like a nursing degree might, but the skills of critical thinking and argument analysis are highly valued in many fields such as law, consulting, or human resources.

Choosing a major is a significant decision and here are a few things you should consider:

1. Your interests: It is important you enjoy what you're learning. Studying should be rewarding, not feel like a chore, both for your own growth and because you're more likely to do well if you like the topics being discussed.

2. Your career goals: Consider if this major will help you reach your career goals. Does this field have viable job opportunities, or does the major teach you skills that apply to the things you're interested in? Could it lead to a profession you would be happy in?

3. The skills you will learn: Look at the major curriculum and consider the skills you will gain. Are they relevant to your goals? How transferable are they to other fields?

Remember, college is not just about the specific job you'll get right out of graduation. It is about learning how to think critically, problem solve, and adapt to changing environments. The knowledge you gain from your major can prove useful in unique and unexpected ways, so stay open-minded about different departments, speak to professors and current students, and don't be afraid to do some exploring before locking in a major - most schools don't require you to fully commit to anything until the end of your freshman year at the earliest.

Good luck with your studies!