Majors with Low Value?

Hi folks, college decision woes here. I know passion should drive my major decision—but realistically, are there any majors that people generally see as not worth it or less valuable? Just trying to get all the perspectives.

I completely understand where you're coming from—college is a huge investment and it's important to consider all factors. The value of a major can be subjective and is highly dependent on an individual's career goals and aspirations.

That said, there is some research indicating that certain majors have lower return on investment, especially when considering factors like salary potential and job opportunities post-graduation. According to a study by Georgetown University's Center on Education and the Workforce, majors such as studio arts, drama and theater arts, and social work have less favorable median wage earnings. Similarly, these majors also may have higher unemployment rates compared to others.

However, it's crucial to note that major isn't everything. Many employers in today's workforce are looking for transferable skills like communication, leadership, and critical thinking that can be gained from any field of study. Plenty of successful individuals have pursued these "lower value" majors and turned them into rewarding careers.

Moreover, pairing a "less practical" major with a more "practical" minor (or vice versa) can also be an effective strategy. For instance, if you love theater but also have a knack for business, you can consider majoring in drama and minoring in business or management. This could open up potential career paths in arts management or professional theater production that offer more stability and compensation than acting.

Finally, you also have the option of pursuing graduate studies to specialize or shift your career focus after your undergraduate years.

Remember, it's most important to find a course of study that you're passionate about. It's typically easier to excel in a subject matter you love and your enthusiasm for your major can also demonstrate your dedication and commitment to prospective employers. Don't shy away from something you love out of fear it won't be "worth it". With drive and a solid plan, you can make it worthwhile.