Skip to main content
What are your chances of acceptance?
Your chance of acceptance
Duke University
Loading…
UCLA
Loading…
+ add school
Your chancing factors
Unweighted GPA: 3.7
1.0
4.0
SAT: 720 math
200
800
| 800 verbal
200
800

Extracurriculars

Low accuracy (4 of 18 factors)

Can someone shed light on the most useless college degrees?

Honestly, I'm feeling a bit overwhelmed with all the degree options out there. It's got me thinking, are there certain degrees considered 'useless'? By 'useless' I mean less profitable or have fewer job opportunities post-graduation.

9 months ago

I understand how the array of options can be overwhelming. However, it's essential to approach this question carefully. Classifying any degree as 'useless' is often unfair and too simplistic. The utility of a degree can be very subjective, depending on individual interests, talents, career plans, and the evolving job market over time.

That being said, it might be helpful to focus on degrees that have traditionally had higher unemployment rates or lower median incomes. For instance, according to a few studies, the following majors might often lead towards these circumstances: Anthropology, Fine Arts, Philosophy, History, and some specific language studies. But bear in mind, this doesn't mean these majors are inherently useless or can't lead to enriching and successful careers.

In Art History, for example, although there might not be a high demand for museum curators, the major can provide a foundation for careers in areas such as advertising, museum administration, art dealing, and education. These are areas that value a comprehensive understanding of cultural trends and visual communication.

Yet, one of the most effective ways to ensure that a degree is useful for you personally is to combine it with practical skills and real-world experiences. It's increasingly important not just what you study, but how you supplement that study, either with internships, part-time work, or even volunteer work in your desired field.

Lastly, remember, a degree does not fully define your career path or your future earnings. There are numerous examples of successful people in various fields who majored in something considered less traditionally profitable. Your passion, determination, and willingness to adapt to changing circumstances often matter more.

9 months ago

About CollegeVine’s Expert FAQ

CollegeVine’s Q&A seeks to offer informed perspectives on commonly asked admissions questions. Every answer is refined and validated by our team of admissions experts to ensure it resonates with trusted knowledge in the field.